Chrome vs Black lenses : why the different weight?

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I noticed that current black lenses are significantly lighter than black ones? Where does this difference in weight come from? What are the pros and cons of each?

-- Angelique (abischop@earthlink.com), September 02, 2001

Answers

The barrels of the black lenses are anodized alumin(i)um. Chrome won't stick to aluminum, so the barrels of the chrome lenses are brass which is denser, therefore heavier. There is no performance advantage to either, so the choice is purely one of cosmetics.

-- Paul Chefurka (chefurka@home.com), September 02, 2001.

Actually you can make chrome stick to aluminium. eg. If you see a small internal combustion engine with AAC in the description, it means Al. piston Al. cylinder, Chrome plated. Maybe Leica doesn't know this. Tim Gee.

-- Tim Gee (twg@optushome.com.au), September 03, 2001.

I thought the brass was longer wearing. Or is the brass not even related to the helicoid, and not a moving part?

-- Phil Stiles (Stiles@metrocast.net), September 03, 2001.

Chrome lenses are better for taking color and bright high-key B&W pictures - Black lenses are better for taking dark moody B&W pictures. 8^)

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), September 04, 2001.

Except on Fridays andy.

-- Tim Gee (twg@optushome.com.au), September 05, 2001.


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