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Lenny Kravitz Edition - cool, pretentious, or hoax?


Winedemonium

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This offering can't be much worse than what we buy into when we get a black paint Leica. [... snip what made me laugh ...]

 

I got my first black paint Leica M4 with 50mm Summilux when I was a Chicago area news photographer (1968 or so) and black paint was all that was available other than chrome, which I do not like.

 

I unboxed it at the store counter, throwing away the box and all the crap inside, strapped it up, left and within six months of professional use it was brassed from sweaty hands. None of my peers considered the wear anything but the cost of use.

 

That's the way it should be.

 

...but the truth is I bought two and one is still in the box... Such is the fate of a a one-time stoner.

.

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This offering can't be much worse than what we buy into when we get a black paint Leica.

 

My local rep who has been with Leica for over 20 years told me the other day that that Leica uses black paint rather than black chrome because, they feel their customers want their camera to wear and brass.

 

A Leica man doesn't want his M to stay pristine. When a Leica man takes his camera out of the cabinet to shoot Kitty, he wants it to look like he has actually used it.

 

The beautiful flat black finish on, say the M4, holds up much too well for the Leica man that puts gaffers tape on his M and deliberately polishes off the edges... and then posts pictures on this forum.

 

So, you get from Leica what you ask for. Don't completely blame Leica.

 

Rick

 

Paint, because it has real thickness, can cover up little errors in finishing, errors that would never be hidden by chrome; colored or otherwise. Paint makes finishing quicker, 'prettier' and cheaper. Sounds pretty pragmatic to me. Why does your local rep feel the need to blame his customer? The images I've seen of very early Leicas (before they even had very many customers) are cameras that were painted black. Black is beautiful, scientific, serious, rigid. Black is always proper, just ask Chanel. Paint is dry wetness, liquid. Perfect, perfect, for curves. Just ask the Italians.

 

This is not to say there aren't those who think a brassy Leica automatically means they've cycled from Greenwich to Machu Picchu (and they have the sandpaper to prove it), but it can mean a brassy Leica is, at least, a Leica that has been used for its purpose; something Leica & Co. appears to refute with this particular "special" edition, their other appeals to their history not withstanding.

 

BP MP ALC,

s-a

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Paint, because it has real thickness, can cover up little errors in finishing, errors that would never be hidden by chrome; colored or otherwise. Paint makes finishing quicker, 'prettier' and cheaper. Sounds pretty pragmatic to me.

 

Why does your local rep feel the need to blame his customer? The images I've seen of very early Leicas (before they even had very many customers) are cameras that were painted black. Black is beautiful, scientific, serious, rigid. Black is always proper, ust ask Chanel. Paint is dry wetness, liquid. Perfect, perfect, for curves. Just ask the Italians.

 

This is not to say there aren't those who think a brassy Leica automatically means they've cycled from Greenwich to Machu Picchu (and they have the sandpaper to prove it), but it can mean a brassy Leica is, at least, a Leica that has been used for its purpose; something Leica & Co. appears to refute with this particular "special" edition, their other appeals to their history not withstanding.

 

BP MP ALC,

s-a

 

I'm not sure if you really know what a chrome black M4 looks like. It is none of those things you are describing or imagining. Black chrome on the M4 is thick and even and has a wonderful satin look. It is not tacky-shiny or thin or any of the things you mention. Oh, it is very difficult to damage. If, your post was tongue in cheek, please ignore.

 

 

Anyway, this is what black should look like on my M4 and it wears like you wouldn't believe:

 

 

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The flat-black of my M9 was wearing down to brass on the edge where my thumb rested. As an experiment I applied an almost invisible layer protective film to the M9 and it works but I cannot recommend it because it was too difficult to apply. I'm all thumbs - rather one-thumbed.

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I always say that dealers should offer this for cars. As a service you get your first key scratch and ding in your brand new Mercedes before you drive off the lot. It will save you the heartache when it happens a month later.

 

As far as the Leica goes though: thanks, I can brass my camera on my own.

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I'm not sure if you really know what a chrome black M4 looks like. It is none of those things you are describing or imagining. Black chrome on the M4 is thick and even and has a wonderful satin look. It is not tacky-shiny or thin or any of the things you mention. Oh, it is very difficult to damage. If, your post was tongue in cheek, please ignore.

 

 

Anyway, this is what black should look like on my M4 and it wears like you wouldn't believe:

 

 

[ATTACH]484713[/ATTACH]

 

Use it much?

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That's a beautiful looking camera.

 

What a lovely thing to own:)

 

And use. I'm headed of to the Pike Place market with my wife, picking out something fresh for tonight's dinner we'll cook together... and I'll take the M4 (circa 1964), a roll of Ilford HP5 plus 400, and a silver 35 Summaron 2.8. Does it get any more romantic than that? :p

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

I'd take this old Leica over that L. Kravitz poser, just me... got to go.

 

Rick

 

ps. James I'll post the pictures over in the film or photo section from today. You know what you say, "pictures?" I can develop but, I can't scan right now so there will be a delay. Welcome back. I did miss your wit, really. :)

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  • 2 weeks later...
Seems it was not a joke! Limited edition of 125 sets of pre-brassed body & lenses...

 

Ah, but it is nothing compared to Pico's Photographer in a Box set! Not only do you receive a guaranteed unique surface worn black paint lens and body with lustrous fresh brassing, but a unique pair of pre-washed khaki pants with deeply worn knees, a reporter's vest, an instant skin tan applique with sunburn highlights, fake finger callouses, an Indiana Jones Safari hat with brim bent to fit the unique Leica rangefinder style, and a strap with leather faux film cans for your SD cards. All this is delivered in a faded wooden crate with wax seal, and two spare seals to enhance display.

 

To add some genuine hardship - battery not included.

 

Price? If you have to ask ...

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