What is the "traditional" colour of Leicas...black or silver?

[chengmento]

Hi Everyone,

I had made an earlier post to ask if anyone knew when or if the C-LUX 2 will be replaced.

In case I don't want to wait until a success is available, and I choose to buy the C-LUX 2, I am torn between the two available colours: black and silver. I like both. I am torn between the seemingly "traditional" black version and the seemingly "unique" and clean lines of the silver colour.

So, it might come down to asking myself: What is the "traditional" colour of Leica cameras? Is it black? I have never owned a Leica and have only just begun appreciating the history behind the brand.

My thinking goes that if I wanted a Leica compact digital camera, I'd at least want it to age nicely and be a keepsake even if technology advances later. To that end, what colour would traditionalists consider to be the better choice?...black or silver?

Thanks again for helping me out, a complete novice to the brand. Your views are appreciated.

Cheng

[elgenper]

Well, this is the kind of post that usually draws flaming...so brace yourself!

FWIW, the "Ur-Leica" from 1914 was all black, while the majority of commercially available models were chrome (several could be had in black, too; this is a HUGE subject...). Whether or not this is important today when buying a digital compact is up to you.

I predict you would have a hard time distinguishing between black or silver cameras by looking at the images they produce. And, somehow, that´s the important thing.

Then, of course, how you feel about your new acquisition when handling it and looking at it isn´t unimportant either. But only you can decide. Historical considerations somehow don´t seem very important: nobody with any Leica knowledge will mistake a C-LUX for the Ur-Leica in any case....

[Thomas Edwards]

...a black c-lux2 body with a silver lens makes for a refreshing reverse of the traditional m black on silver look...

[enboe]

A couple of thoughts when choosing color.

If you wish to be less obtrusive, black is reported to hide better.

If you wear the camera out in the open, silver reflects away heat better, and thus could result to slightly lower noise due to lower camera body and sensor temperatures. Of course if the camera is to be hidden or shaded from sunlight, black radiates away heat faster.

I usually use silver as it catches people's eyes, no hidden motive on my part, and the retro look of Leicas has initiated conversation on more than one occasion. Silver also wears better on the M series cameras. I don't know about the silver finish on the C-Lux.

Thanks.

Eric

[chengmento]

Dear elgenper, Thomas and Eric,

Thank you all for giving your comments. You have all given me some things to think about.

Thanks for not "flaming" me for this post too. I am new to this forum, but I appreciate the honesty and sincerity in which everybody advises and helps each other. This is one of the reasons why I'm considering buying a Leica.

Have a nice summer, everyone!

Cheng

[offshore]

Originally Posted by chengmento

Hi Everyone,

I had made an earlier post to ask if anyone knew when or if the C-LUX 2 will be replaced.

In case I don't want to wait until a success is available, and I choose to buy the C-LUX 2, I am torn between the two available colours: black and silver. I like both. I am torn between the seemingly "traditional" black version and the seemingly "unique" and clean lines of the silver colour.

So, it might come down to asking myself: What is the "traditional" colour of Leica cameras? Is it black? I have never owned a Leica and have only just begun appreciating the history behind the brand.

My thinking goes that if I wanted a Leica compact digital camera, I'd at least want it to age nicely and be a keepsake even if technology advances later. To that end, what colour would traditionalists consider to be the better choice?...black or silver?

Thanks again for helping me out, a complete novice to the brand. Your views are appreciated.

Cheng

If you want "traditional" traditional the original Leica's were black, I don't think chrome came along until 1936. You can verify this by going to Stephen Gandy's Classic Camera Profiles site and view the serial numbers and finish by date. Hope this helps.

[spydrxx]

I personally think the color is irrelevant. The definition of "Traditional" will vary depending on what period you are taking into consideration, and what country you live in. For instance, in the USA, during the 1950s-1990s it was more "traditional" to see Leicas in chrome with black vulcanite. Over the years, black has gained in popularity as purchasers associated the black colored ones with professional usage. So, it really boils down to whatever fashion trend you want to pursue. I have both black and chrome and no particular preference, either in body or lens colors.

[offshore]

Originally Posted by spydrxx

I personally think the color is irrelevant. The definition of "Traditional" will vary depending on what period you are taking into consideration, and what country you live in. For instance, in the USA, during the 1950s-1990s it was more "traditional" to see Leicas in chrome with black vulcanite. Over the years, black has gained in popularity as purchasers associated the black colored ones with professional usage. So, it really boils down to whatever fashion trend you want to pursue. I have both black and chrome and no particular preference, either in body or lens colors.

Technically traditional color was black on the ur and Leica 1's. Technically that was the original color if specifics matter.

[ptomsu]

I would say silver, although all my Leica's are black because I do not want to be noticed while taking pictures.

[bill]

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-...tml#post516593

#1

Regards (and tongue firmly in cheek)

Bill

[chengmento]

Dear offshore, spydrxx, ptomsu and bill,

Thank you all for your comments. They are much appreciated. I am learning a lot from you guys about the brand.

Cheng

[chengmento]

I have decided to buy the silver colour. Thanks, everyone!

[earleygallery]

In this case I actually think the all silver version is the more discrete, the black version with the silver lens is somehow more noticeable - if any of that's important to you.

Of course gold is the traditional Leica colour

[Chiefey]

Bill,

Some of your answers are interesting, makes me wonder what were the questions for the interesting answers.

BTW, I started with an M5 in '78, traded it in on an R3 MOT in '80, & just bought an R8 on ebay, all black.

I remember the photo mags referring to the black models of all cameras as the "pro" version.

[chengmento]

Originally Posted by earleygallery

In this case I actually think the all silver version is the more discrete, the black version with the silver lens is somehow more noticeable - if any of that's important to you.

Of course gold is the traditional Leica colour

Dear Earl,

I agree that the black version with silver lens looks a bit weird. The all silver does indeed look more discreet. And a bit cool too, I might add.

I'll get the silver one if I can't hold off until the possible arrival of the future C-LUX 3 in Sep.