JLV Posted May 9, 2009 Share #1 Posted May 9, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Do you care or not? How many of you use different cosmetic lenses on their bodies. I have a black M8 and am very tempted over a chrome cron 50. Are chrome lenses of better quality? (not the glass of course) Thanks for your inputs. Jean-Luc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 Hi JLV, Take a look here Chrome lenses on black bodies. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jacksparrow Posted May 9, 2009 Share #2 Posted May 9, 2009 People tend to stick with same finnish for both lens and camera, but sometimes that's almost impossible, i.e. if you want to use a Noctilux and have a chrome body. I think chrome lenses are heavier than black ones (different materials) but other than that, just the same optics, specs, etc. You might find this link interesting: Leica FAQ - The Great Dilema - chrome or black body? very nice website in general for all Leica-related stuff. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLV Posted May 9, 2009 Author Share #3 Posted May 9, 2009 Thanks Jack you are right. All the best, Jean-Luc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted May 9, 2009 Share #4 Posted May 9, 2009 There's a bloke here who tells you off if you have a different colored lens to the body. Personally I couldn't care less but I have bought brass lenses when I've had the choice. They are heavier but they feel better to use; difficult to articulate but focusing seems to be smoother with the brass lenses - maybe they are more damped or something. What this means in terms of color is either silver chrome or black paint. The black anodized lenses are all made of an aluminum alloy and are lighter than the brass lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted May 9, 2009 Share #5 Posted May 9, 2009 Black or chrome look fine - don't worry about it - I have a mix. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted May 9, 2009 Share #6 Posted May 9, 2009 It's a perennial question. Lens mount works with both! Chrome is definitely a lot heavier; both are well built. There are a few pics around of original black Leica IIs and IIIs sporting chrome or nickel lenses -- so fashion is evidently fickle. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest darkstar2004 Posted May 9, 2009 Share #7 Posted May 9, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I like to stay with all black, but it doesn't really matter - the glass is thing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsh Posted May 10, 2009 Share #8 Posted May 10, 2009 I prefer Chrome and Black bodies with Black lenses, but hell, everyone has their preferences. As the saying goes, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
antistatic Posted May 10, 2009 Share #9 Posted May 10, 2009 "I am not an animal. I am a chrome on black Leica" 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/84409-chrome-lenses-on-black-bodies/?do=findComment&comment=894888'>More sharing options...
giordano Posted May 10, 2009 Share #10 Posted May 10, 2009 I'm buying a new set of lenses and having them dismantled so the mounts can be enamelled white to go with the white M8. And another set for the Safari M8. Not to mention the lens-hoods. And the caps. And the rims of the filters. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lars_bergquist Posted May 10, 2009 Share #11 Posted May 10, 2009 The original Leica I had a nickel lens on a black paint body--and so had every damn Leica until the chrome option for the body came in with the Leica II in 1932. Black lenses were not available until around 1958 or -59 I think, originally in small batches. These black lenses were in paint, of course. Black anodizing ("black chrome") did not start until around 1974. I remember that this finish made quite some splash at that time. It is true that formerly, Leica lenses in chrome were heavier because aluminium did not take bright chromium plating well, so external parts too had to be made out of brass. (Please note that this did never affect focusing helicals which were brass-on-brass or brass-on-aluminum depending on engineering considerations. So the idea that silver chrome lenses have smoother focusing is likely pious self-deception.) Now it seems that late silver chrome lenses are the same weight as black anodized ones. I presume plating techniques have improved. The old man from the Brass Age Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest flatfour Posted May 10, 2009 Share #12 Posted May 10, 2009 It doesn't matter a jot to me. Since Leica brought out the 9cm Elmar in black to fit on the then chrome Leica III I have asumed it's expected and assumed - pick and mix. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland L. Posted May 10, 2009 Share #13 Posted May 10, 2009 I prefer black paint bodies and chrome lenses because the black paint lenses from the sixties are to expensive. 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/84409-chrome-lenses-on-black-bodies/?do=findComment&comment=895141'>More sharing options...
Philippe D. Posted May 10, 2009 Share #14 Posted May 10, 2009 I like them all, no preference. I have black chrome bodies with black and chrome lenses. With the chrome one, you know the lens is on, it's heavier to carry and somewhat nicer to handle. However, I did succumb for a black paint Summicron 35 Asph to put on the black painted MP, that for the aesthetic point of view. It's looks great. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philippe D. Posted May 10, 2009 Share #15 Posted May 10, 2009 Now it seems that late silver chrome lenses are the same weight as black anodized ones. I presume plating techniques have improved. Not really in that way. The new (light) silver lens, like the Summicron 28 Asph silver, are made of aluminium too, and silver anodized. All other, like Summicron 35 Asph, Summicron 50, are made of brass and silver chromed. Therefore quite heavier as the black ones. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystic Posted May 10, 2009 Share #16 Posted May 10, 2009 I like to stay with all black, but it doesn't really matter - the glass is thing. yep, I think so too. My preference is to have everything in black, but if theres a good lens for a good price in chrome.....why not? The result counts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted May 13, 2009 Share #17 Posted May 13, 2009 I do- big deal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBA Posted May 14, 2009 Share #18 Posted May 14, 2009 Why some people have an issue with this is beyond me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeicaMSeattle Posted May 14, 2009 Share #19 Posted May 14, 2009 Why some people have an issue with this is beyond me. Boredom? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leicalover#1 Posted June 10, 2009 Share #20 Posted June 10, 2009 Leica decorum indicates black lenses on black or chrome bodies. It is not aesthetically acceptable to put chrome lenses on black bodies if you accept the Leica advertising ideals. Those who say they don't care just don't understand. This is a zero tolerance issue...lol Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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