stephan_w Posted June 28, 2011 Share #21  Posted June 28, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have yet to see a silver anodized lens to judge the yuck factor, but I might surmise it is high  be assured, it isn't.  I have some "real" chrome lenses and bought a 28 Summicron in silver finish (=anodised aluminium) and it was not apealing at all (I sold it it for a black version!).  The earlier variants, for example the 196x Summicron, are also in anodised aluminium (I may be wrong), but it is of better quality than the actual ones.  Except of weight, aluminium has no benefits for making lenses, so IMHO it is mandatory for Leica to make "real chrome" versions, at least for the most polpular lenses (new Summilux 35 and 24, for example). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 28, 2011 Posted June 28, 2011 Hi stephan_w, Take a look here Leica Chrome Lenses. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
luigi bertolotti Posted June 28, 2011 Share #22  Posted June 28, 2011 be assured, it isn't. I have some "real" chrome lenses and bought a 28 Summicron in silver finish (=anodised aluminium) and it was not apealing at all (I sold it it for a black version!).  The earlier variants, for example the 196x Summicron, are also in anodised aluminium (I may be wrong), but it is of better quality than the actual ones.  Except of weight, aluminium has no benefits for making lenses, so IMHO it is mandatory for Leica to make "real chrome" versions, at least for the most polpular lenses (new Summilux 35 and 24, for example).  New Summiluxes aren't exactly "popular"... ...not in price, at least... but you're right (even if the weight of a Lux24 in real chrome could result no small...) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager Posted June 28, 2011 Share #23 Â Posted June 28, 2011 Given a choice I will always choose a chrome lens over a black one. Just personal preference - and, yes, I'm fully aware of the weight disadvantage. Â Alas, there aren't many chrome options these days. The anodized silver doesn't do it for me. Â Let's hope high sales of the chrome version of the M9-P may prompt our friends in Solms to offer more of their glass in that lovely finish. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenPatterson Posted July 1, 2011 Author Share #24 Â Posted July 1, 2011 I was disappointed that the new 21/3.4 Super Elmar was only introduced in black, as I think there are many people who would enjoy having a 21-35-50 range of lenses in chrome. Â In the final analysis it is just aesthetics, but given that Leica seem to put a high value on appearance (given the recent M9-P refresh) I would not be surprised to see more lenses offered in chrome as production capacity expands over the next few years. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephan_w Posted July 1, 2011 Share #25  Posted July 1, 2011 I would not be surprised to see more lenses offered in chrome as production capacity expands over the next few years.  it would be nice, but I fear this is wishful thinking. Maybe we see another anodised version (like the nocti 0,95 in a special series), but real chrome? I doubt.  many people who would enjoy having a 21-35-50 range of lenses in chrome  In this range there is a rich choice of used lenses, including asphericals. Well, maybe not as rich as that  Even a tri-Elmar in chrome was produced ;-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted June 19, 2014 Share #26 Â Posted June 19, 2014 I'm grave digging this old thread because it bugs me. Â I really like chrome lenses but it seems the only designation these days is for limited editions. Ridiculous. Â There should be an option to buy each lens in chrome, that is my opinion. Especially something like a Noctilux or APO-Summicron which is already expensive enough. I don't care that they are heavier, I just like them and given the choice I will always choose chrome over black. I want to buy an APO-Summicron and would love one in chrome, sort it out Leica! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted June 19, 2014 Share #27 Â Posted June 19, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) It is not as simple as that, Paul. Leica has narrowed tolerances considerably nowadays. As materials differ between chrome and black lenses the different versions will have to be machined differently, significantly increasing manufacturing costs. Â For instance the black-lens helicoid is brass against aluminium, which has a self-lubricating effect which brass to brass has not, different temperature expansion coefficients need different tolerances etc. Â There have been anodized silver lenses for this reason, but somehow Leica was not happy there either. At any rate it does not look as nice. Â Â On the upside, the quantum leap in machining precision has enabled lenses like the Summiluxes 21 and 24, the Apo Summicron and the new Noctilux. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted June 19, 2014 Share #28 Â Posted June 19, 2014 Thanks Jaap, yes that makes sense. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTM Posted July 12, 2014 Share #29 Â Posted July 12, 2014 For instance the black-lens helicoid is brass against aluminium, which has a self-lubricating effect which brass to brass has not, different temperature expansion coefficients need different tolerances etc. Â Could you explain a little more what the self-lubricating effect is? Not sure I understand this. Â The difference in thermal expansion between aluminum and brass is .0000019 in/in degF which comes out to .0001 in/in for a 30F to 100F temperature change. This should be well within machining capabilities. Â I don't have much experience with brass, but I did spend 38 years in aluminum metallurgy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted July 13, 2014 Share #30 Â Posted July 13, 2014 Brass can be infused with a lubricant, and such is often found in load-bearing bushings. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTM Posted July 13, 2014 Share #31 Â Posted July 13, 2014 Some brass yes, but not all types. Needs to be specially made with high porosity. Not sure what Leica uses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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