"CL" CLA or Not? + Use of 40/1.4 Nokton

<p>I acquired a used CL with a pretty cloudy Summ. 40. The meter and shutter seem to be working okay. But I'm sure the camera hasn't ever been maintained (CLA'd). Should I automatically assume that it needs servicing? (I live near Sherry K, and I've used her in the past.)<br /> Also used Summ. 40's cost as much as a new Nokton 40. Is the Nokton CL usable? Will it protrude into the VF too far? I've read only good things about the Nokton. Thanks.</p>

<p>The CL/Nokton combo is a match made in Heaven. Have one myself and am thrilled with the sharp results.</p>

<p>When you acquire a used camera you really can't even guess at it's history, so I always just bite the bullet and have a full service. Cameras that I have bought looked great and sounded fine, shutters reasonably timed, but on inspection by Harry, Sherry, Ken etc, all had some issues that needed to be resolved. You could get lucky and buy one that was recently serviced, but then the seller would mention that at sale time, wouldn't he/she?</p>

<p>Hurts to spend money when you're not positive it needs it, but I always feel service is just cheap insurance in the long haul. Sorry, no knowledge of Nokton compatibility on CL.</p>

<p>PS</p>

 

<p>The 40mm Nokton is a terrifc lens with the CL. You will not be disappointed. I'm very sorry to have sold mine. I still have the 40 'cron and like it more, but the CV is still a great lens.</p>

<p>I would assume a CLA is good for a camera 30 years old needs a CLA if it is to be put into regular use. The CL is a bit different from other Leica rangefinders so the general advice only send it to a repair person eager to work on it. However, in your case you live by Sherry K so stick with her. I never CLA my CL when I got in in 2000 but it was clearly serviced and cleaned prior to sale.<br>

I really like the Summicron -- sorry Im not cool enough to abbreviate it -- it is good and half the cost of a comparable 35mm Summicron. I have been tempted by the Nokton for a bit now. However, I felt that that lens is best used on a Bessa R3A with a 37mm ERB versus 18.9mm for the CL. The Summicron uses Series 5.5 filters that can't be found these days and need to be hacked from a oring and glass from a 39mm filter etc.<br>

These days I am glad I bought a CL and Summicron and used it for so long. If buying a new camera now I would get a Bessa and a Nokton. </p>