Black Chrome or Silver Chrome?

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I am picking up my first Leica M next week after 10 years of SLR's, medium format rangefinders, Blad's etc. I cant wait. I must say though that I can't decide between black or silver and it really is bugging me - I've always liked the silver chrome look, but people I respect at my local store (leica users) are pushing me more toward black.

Any thoughts ?

-- tony menz (leica66@optusnet.com.au), December 31, 2001

Answers

The Chrome style seems to age better.

Have you seen the new Titanium? It's only about $1000.00 more.

:^0

-- Steve Hoffman (shoffman2@socal.rr.con), January 01, 2002.


Black lenses look at home on either the silver chrome or black bodies. Silver chrome lenses only look good (to me) on silver bodies.

-- Frank Horn (owlhoot45@hotmail.com), January 01, 2002.

Black is usually less conspicuous, but silver has a disarming "amateur camera" look - so IMHO it's a wash for people photography.

As mentioned, if you're contemplating (heavy and/or old) silver lenses, they match best with silver bodies, while black lenses look good on either.

Personally, I like the "industrial chic" look of my worn M4-2/Ps, but silver chrome does show less wear than black chrome OR black paint. Sadly, the current silver seems, to me, more paint-like than the old chrome of the M-3/2 - maybe it's just the blank expanse of top plate where the engraving used to be.

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), January 01, 2002.


I also like the classic chrome look, which matches both chrome & black lenses. Following up on Andy Piper's post, I think the "camouflage" reputation of black for street photography, etc. is greatly exaggerated. Black is really only less conspicuous if you wear black or dark clothing all the time (like folks in London or NYC). Obviously, a black camera is not going to exude an invisibility field--if you're a conspicuous photographer (& most are even if they don't realize it), you'll be noticed regardless of the color of your camera. In addition, in my experience, black cameras definitely heat up a more in sunlight, which could be a problem in warmer climes. Besides, most camera models nowadays, whether amateur or professional, seem to come in black as the standard finish so I seriously doubt it appears inherently more professional if that's the look you're going for (& what about those big white Canon lenses the pros use?).

-- Chris Chen (furcafe@cris.com), January 01, 2002.

There's always the M6 Panda (chrome body with black knobs). KEH has one advertised for a meer $4,119. ;-)

Seriously, Tony, you might consider whether you might eventually use two bodies (B&W in one, color in the other, for example), and, if so, which body and finish you might select for the second. Then, select the opposite for the first one.

-- Ralph Barker (rbarker@pacbell.net), January 01, 2002.



I cast my vote for the silver as well. Ive found it wears better, and people react to it as a curiosity. "Is that an old camera?" And, in all honesty I just like the look of the smooth silver top plate.

-- Marke Gilbert (Bohdi137@aol.com), January 01, 2002.

I have both, but prefer silver chrome. It just looks a LOT nicer, once you get used to the cameras. And it is less professional looking these days, plus it goes with all the lenses.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), January 01, 2002.

if you like silver bodies get one. the bodies really are the same except for the look and you should use the one you like more. lenses on the other hand have differences. black lenses tend to be much lighter then silver ones. thus, i recommend black lenses for any body (i also happen to think this looks the best).

-- Matthew Geddert (geddert@yahoo.com), January 01, 2002.

Hi Tony! I've always loved the look of silver-chrome, although I agree with the above that the current version seems almost too bright. A couple of years ago, I owned a chrome M-6 which, with its chrome M-Grip and 35 'Luxe-Asph, was stunning in both looks and performance. I also felt a bit self-conscious, as if the camera was almost too "thing unto itself" beautiful. In my work, I like the option of having my cameras "disappear" from time to time, even when I'm wearing them. One of my two current (black) M-6's is a black paint, which is stunning in its own right, but actually "disappears" more easily than my "Classic," due to its lack of faceplate logo and red Leica disc. I wish Leica would offer this finish on a regular basis, so they could shave the price a bit. By your letter it looks like you're new to Leica-M. I have a feeling that, once you are "on-board," you'll get hooked, but your own feelings about black vs. chrome will evolve over time and with use. What I'm implying is that you'll own both, no matter what, so just go with your initial gut instinct for now - and enjoy the journey!

-- John Layton (john.layton@valley.net), January 01, 2002.

Interesting to hear what everybody said above. My first TTL is black for the simple reason that black is less likely to be seen, especially of course, where your'e not supposed to shoot in the first place. Like at the Opera or in the Philharmonie here. Or at the border between Greek and Turkish Nicosia. Most of the best tripods are black too (no, black pods aren't going to help me much at those aforementioned places). OTOH, silver is going to be the finish on my next M (whatever that turns out to be) for the simple reason that I need that nostagia. Also -- again my own feeling -- I think it is also practical to be able to separate my seeing who's got b/w and who's got colour film inside.

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), January 01, 2002.


As an M3 shooter, I'd have to have a chrome one if I was to get an M6. The black finish just isn't as attractive, and I think the "stealth" benefits are mostly in people's imagination. I have a rule in general with salespeople: Don't let anyone talk you out of something you want.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), January 01, 2002.

Someone in an earlier discussion of this topic said it best:

"If you buy Silver you'll wish you had bought Black, and if you buy Black you'll wish you had bought Silver."

Whoever you are, thanks for this wisdom.

I bought Black and love the camera. I wish it had come without the red dot and the LEICA M6 name on the front. Maybe they could have put the name in black on a black camera and silver on a silver camera.

I'm waiting for the day they make a PINK Leica. Then these discussions will really get esoteric. Black vs. Silver is too easy. A third color would get things going.

Another point to note is that black cameras get hot in the sunlight. Conversely, yellow (or white) markings on a black camera are easier to read than black (or red) markings on a silver body or lens.

Either choice, I guarantee you'll love the camera. I just like the solid feel of the action. The accuracy of the viewfinder. Etc...

Oh yeah, the pictures are terrific too, but that's besides the point!

Best wishes, Sikaan

-- Sikaan (Sikaan4@aol.com), January 01, 2002.


Another point to consider about stealth is:

If you are getting a 0.58 or 0.72 as a first camera, get black because with wide angle lenses you'll be closer to the subject matter. If you're getting a second camera, possibly a 0.85 for 75mm, 90mm or 135mm, get silver because with telephoto lenses you'll be further from the subject matter.

Oh yeah, what color is your clothing? The camera color should match the clothing. What is considered stealth clothing for camera shooters.

Sorry to confuse you further.

-- Sikaan (Sikaan4@aol.com), January 01, 2002.


Amen, Andrew!

-- Marke Gilbert (Bohdi137@aol.com), January 01, 2002.

PINK Leica...mmmmm....

-- Dexter Legaspi (dalegaspi@hotmail.com), January 01, 2002.


For you stealth lovers, How about a flesh colored Leica (available in all nationalities)with an eyeball painted on it so it will blend in with your face. I don't see how a black camera is going to be more stealthy than a chrome one, especially held up in front of a light skinned caucasion like myself. I mean the chrome on the Leica isn't like the super shiny chrome on my old Alfa spyder. There must be more important things to worry about than this!

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), January 01, 2002.

Tony, you said you like the silver chrome look. Follow your instincts, listen to your inner promptings, and get what you want-- not what "they" are pushing you to get.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), January 01, 2002.

I have black and silver for functional reasons. A black 0.72 so that I know its 0.72 and a silver 0.85 so I know its 0.85. I use to use this for knowing what film was in what body... till I lost track of the film I was shooting with. Enter Lutz's slide.

-- John Chan (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), January 01, 2002.

Amen Bob!!

-- Patrick Earnest (Ephotopat@aol.com), January 01, 2002.

This has been posted before, but since someone mentioned a PINK LEICA...!

Also some people have complained that the buffalo hide on the new Titanium body looks pink - but I think that's just the web rendition of the color. A local Denver store has one (complete with cotton gloves for handling the sucker) and it IS a beautiful object!

But it won't take better pictures than a black or chrome....8^).

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), January 01, 2002.


"How about a flesh colored Leica (available in all nationalities)with an eyeball painted on it."

Actually, the link above ALSO answers Andrew's cry...

RE: black not being more stealthy - well, this could be - but then why do commadoes darken their faces with shoe polish instead of lightening them with cold cream? Why do you use a mirror to signal for help, and not a sheet of black cardboard? Why do black camera bodies get hotter in sunny climates than chrome?

Because chrome and other light colors reflect more light energy. It's probably a small effect, though, since even the "silver" bodies are 50% black anyway (all that pseudo leather and those black windows.)

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), January 01, 2002.


"why do commadoes darken their faces with shoe polish instead of lightening them with cold cream?"

Uhh, because they're not trying to blend in with a cream-colored background? I guess if you're really into stealth photography, you should put black gaffers tape on the shiny parts of your camera (except the lens of course--but then, who notices the reflections off the lens and finder windows) and paint your face black to match (unless you already have black skin).

Count me among those who think that choosing a camera based on which color is more "stealthy" is rather silly. I think how you behave when photographing people has a far greater effect on how conspicuous you are than the color of your camera.

To answer the initial question: it's your money, it's your camera, it's your choice. If you like chrome, get chrome. (Besides, it looks a lot better!)

-- Mike Dixon (mike@mikedixonphotography.com), January 02, 2002.


Well Mike,

These days it just a matter of taste, which finish you prefer. But as far as the "stealth" issue, the only reason Leica issued black paint M2 and M3 cameras in the olden days was the preference of photojournalists for the black finish. Later, Leica decided to go to a black chrome finish for all of their cameras and lenses, because of the preference of most photographers for black. Then in the 1990s, Leica decided to re-introduce chrome cameras and lenses. I guess people desire whichever finish is less common.

At least Leica offers a choice of finishes for the M6. Just try to order a Nikon or Canon Eos in a silver finish. What's more, if black and silver chrome aren't to your liking, Leica has other options: black paint (LHSA, Millenium), titanium (gray), safari green paint, etc, And you can even buy matching lenses for these finishes.

Seriously, I prefer the regular black finish camera mainly because the silver chrome, black paint, and titanium M lenses are considerably heavier than the regular black lenses that are aesthetically matched to the black chrome camera.

-- Eliot (erosen@lij.edu), January 02, 2002.


Thanks for the spirited response you guys! I think I will stick with my choice of silver because I just like it better.............

Cheers

-- tony menz (leica66@optusnet.com.au), January 02, 2002.


I went for Silver, yeah I know the camera is just a tool for making photographs but what the hell Silver looks much cooler than black!

Enjoy it what ever finish you decide!

Jason

-- Jason (jason@futurafish.com), January 02, 2002.


Here's a Jerry Garcia Purple Haze Leica (towards the bottom of the page) for yet another perspective on camera color choice:

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

-- Sikaan (Sikaan4@aol.com), January 02, 2002.


Whew!!! Sure am glad this isn't a Hasselblad forum!

-- Frank Horn (owlhoot45@hotmail.com), January 02, 2002.

Did Jerry Garcia have a Leica? J.

-- Jürgen Schliehe (juergen.schliehe@t-online.de), January 03, 2002.

Tony,

If you haven't committed to the silver yet, please keep in mind that black M6s take better pictures than silver ones.

-- Eric Reid (eric_reid@lkshore.com), January 04, 2002.


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