Let's say I have a black TTL and want a second one (or an M3 or 4) too, but in chrome for historical/nostalgic reasons. I know that all M-lenses today come in black, but not all in chrome, and I sometimes feel it'd be a pity to refuse to buy a good used lens (especially real vintage stuff) even as a good deal just because it has the "wrong finish".

Of course, X-finish lens on X-finish body is worth striving for, as is Y on Y. But I seem to remember some of you saying something to the effect that X on Y is, well, not all that unaesthetic, whereas Y on X is pretty perverse. How do you feel here? Your own personal opinion, style and taste are more important to me than those of the people I shoot. Thanks!

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), November 06, 2001

Answers

I like Chrome and Black Lenses on Chrome bodies... I actually think the best looking leica is probably a Chrome body with a Black lens with 46mm diameter front (28, 35lux, 50lux). However, i do not like Chrome lenses on Black bodies (aesthetically at least).

-- Matthew Geddert (geddert@yahoo.com), November 06, 2001.

It's only a matter of personal taste of course.
My taste is: Titanium body with black lenses, especially the 50mm Summicron with tab + hood
:o)


-- Jordan Koussis (jordan@koussis.com), November 06, 2001.

Another vote for the 'black lens on chrome body': It looks really good. The black vulcanite (in my case) looks fine with the black lens. Though small lens like a 3.5/50 Elmar or even a 3.5/35 is too small for a Leica M in any color.

On the other hand I cannot imagine chrome or even titanium finished (I guess noone uses the golden ones) on black bodies.

Kai

-- Kai Blanke (kai.blanke@iname.com), November 06, 2001.

I'll be the odd man out and vote for chrome lenses on black bodies. There were two black paint M2's at Tamarkin about six months ago with chrome Summicron and Summaron 35mm lenses. Definitely tempting!! And remember, early Leicas were painted black with nickel-plated lenses...I think the aesthetic still holds. Then again, I'm not a huge fan of black chrome (sorry).

-- Carlin Mayer (carlinm@abac.com), November 06, 2001.

Michael,

I like the looks of black lenses on my chrome R8. Actually I do not care for the looks of chrome lenses at all. I do like both chrome and black bodies and think the black lenses look good on both body colors. Good luck. LB

-- Luther Berry (lberrytx@aol.com), November 06, 2001.

I have black bodies and black lenses except for my Heliar 15. They were out of stock in black when I got the Heliar, and I was in a hurry.

Makes no real difference to me although I prefer black photographic gear in general. Don't tell my Rollei 35 Classic Platinum, though.

Godfrey

-- Godfrey (ramarren@bayarea.net), November 06, 2001.

A small chrome lens like the 35mm 'Cron or Summaron looks acceptable to me on a black body if the lens is wearing a black hood. That way the effect is black-on-black with a little chrome trim in between.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), November 06, 2001.

I've had a chrome 50 Summicron on a black M6 for two years now. The look is still just plain all wrong somehow.

-- Mani SItaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), November 06, 2001.

Dues to Vulcanite/leatherette, ALL bodies are black near the lens mount: hence black lenses look good on anything - chrome lenses only look their best on chrome bodies.

(We won't mention Mike Dixon's bodies - on which ANYTHING looks good.)

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), November 06, 2001.

Chrome on black is coooool !

Even those genial copycats at Voigtsina agree: voigtlander.de

-- Jacques (jacquesbalthazar@hotmail.com), November 06, 2001.

My black lacguered III with chrome fittings accepts any lens, while the rest SM’ & M’, seems, are only bearing the contrast color of a lens :?)

-- Victor Randin (ved@enran.com.ua), November 07, 2001.

Sorry to burst all your bubbles, but I prefer a multicoated Leica M body :) For example,

http://www.cameraquest.com/lm4ap.htm

No doubt. I prefer Leica to go the route like iMacs and offer up some solid choice of colors. Black and chrome are boring to me... at least, some nice bright colors can compliment my shooting abilities.

Alfie

-- Albert Wang (albert.wang@ibx.com), November 07, 2001.