Leicaflex SL black lens mount

[Steed2]

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Hello all

I recently acquired a Leicaflex SL (to go with my Standard) from a reputable seller. The camera is beautiful, but came with a black lens mount. It works fine, but i have never in my fairly extensive Leica travels seen a black lens mount. Is this a FrankenLeicaflex, or did the factory issue black lens mounts at some point. Once again, the camera works just fine,but i am curious.....

Steed

[TomB_tx]

I have SLs with both silver and black mounts. The silver is on the v1 SL (2 position on-off switch on the wind lever) that I bought in 1969, and the black is on a later one with the 3 position switch, where the meter turns on with a slight movement of the wind lever to a first detent slightly away from the body. This was added for left-eyed shooters, as the original had the lever straight back to turn on the meter.

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[gbealnz]

My SL is the black mount version as well, and I was always under the impression the black mount was somewhat of a rarity.

 

Wasn't aware of the 2 position/three position meter on and off though, should check (how Tom?).

 

Beautiful cameras though, just the same. And I am on a renaissance, having stumbled on a cost effective R8 recently, loving it.

 

Gary

 

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[tobey bilek]

I think black was a cost savings aluminum anodized black.   Stainless steel is a difficult material to machine.

[TomB_tx]

Wasn't aware of the 2 position/three position meter on and off though, should check (how Tom?).

 

Gary

The version 2 SL looks like the v1, but where both turn the meter off when the lever is returned to the "Off" position below, the v2 added a detent position to turn the meter on at the "On" position below, which was a boon to left-eyed shooters, as the v1 only turned the meter on with the lever in the "Ouch" position below:

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The disadvantage of the v2 is that it is easier to leave the switch in the On position when you forget to push it all the way in, thus wearing the battery.

[gbealnz]

Thanks Tom.

I suspect I have the ouch version, it certainly sticks out like you picture shows.

Gary

[TomB_tx]

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Thanks Tom.

I suspect I have the ouch version, it certainly sticks out like you picture shows.

Gary

Gary,

The version 2 also goes to the Ouch position to advance the film, and stays there after winding. The other On position is just a detent on the way, so after winding you can move the lever back to the close-in On position and still meter while using your left eye on the finder (if so inclined).

Tom

[gbealnz]

Tom,

You piqued my curiosity, so I just checked.

 

I have the Ouch version. Indeed, there are three positions, but my meter will not work unless in the completely out (Ouch) position.

 

Fortunately, I am right-eyed, that is when I am not one-eyed.

 

You learn something every day. Thanks for the lesson.

Gary

[Steed2]

Thanks to all. Loving the SL even more now that i know it is exactly what it is supposed to be.