black or chrome?

[back alley]

so, i'm reading a thread over at photo.net about choosing a black or chrome body (leica, of course) and being somewhat smug in my thinking.
i mean, really, what difference does it make?

but...then...i started to think about my canon ltm lenses and how some of them come in both chrome and black paint, about how the black paint ones look more like modern slr lenses than the chrome ones do.
and that i much prefer the chrome ones even if they are heavier.

does this make me shallow?

[rover]

Ok, black...but for new cameras only.

Is there anything more classy looking than a M3 or any classic chrome rangefinder camera? No.

But they don't make-um like they used to. The MP is as close as it gets, but I actually would rather have a worn brassed black body than a pristine chrome one (because the finish won't wear) in 10 years.

[Huck Finn]

Yes, Joe, it does make you shallow. ;)

By the way, I like chrome too . . . today. . . Tomorrow I'll like black . . . No, chrome. . . No, black. . . No, chrome. . . . :bang:

[peter_n]

In Leicaland, with the camera body, who cares? But with Leica lenses, the chrome ones are heavier than the black ones so it makes sense to get black.

[sfaust]

Black of course. I mean, my collection of RF's are all black. From the Kiev 4a, R2, R3a (when they ship it to me), QL17, 35CC, S3, etc, all black! Maybe I'm just morbid. Who knows.

But, I am buying a 50/2 Summicron in chrome! A departure I know, but it looks slick. Don't know whats gotten into me :)

[peter_n]

Yes but you're probably a weight-lifter or something, right? ;) Is it the current version and are you getting it from a local dealer or on the 'net?

[Honu-Hugger]

I prefer the original Contax in black, but favor the II and IIa in chrome....of course those preferences might change if I only had a choice;) ...Zeiss reminds me of Henry Ford and the Model T.

I actually don't think much about black or chrome -- my preference seems to change frequently. If I were to buy an M6 it would probably be black, they look really nice. I've had chrome and black Nikons and enjoyed them all. Now have both black and chrome Alpas, so once again don't have to choose -- I kind of like it that way!

D2

[Honu-Hugger]

Here is a contrast I like. The two lenses are similar: the chrome finish is a 24mm f/3.5 Angenieux and the black one is a 28/3.5. Of course, I'm not opposed to switching lenses -- it's not really about appearance:D I really miss the way they use to finish cameras and lenses back in the "golden age."

D2 (enjoying this evening's "coffee")

[nwcanonman]

Like car designs, it depends on the camera.
Most all SLR's look better in black (to me). The Yashica GT is way sexy with it's black sultry looks. But the Zorki 4K looks much better with it's silver J-12 lens, than with the black J-8 , JMHO.

[Doug]

I agree that it depends on the camera. Some look good either way, some one or the other. I chose to get a silver Bessa-T, as the retro looks just seemed to call for silver, and I prefer silver for Leica too. But all my MF cameras are black. Black really looks sharp on some cameras.

[Brian Sweeney]

Tough choice. The brushed chrome finish of the Summarit is superb. The chrome finish on the Nikkors and Canons come close. A mint to EX+ black finish looks good, but quickly goes downhill. Chrome finish lenses wear better; its got to be UGLY before it looks bad.

[Pherdinand]

In the dark, it's easier to lose a black camera. :)

[Stu :)]

I now own both chrome and black Bessa Rs.
Even though they are the same camera, the black body looks slightly smaller than chrome version. I guess black IS a slimming colour.

Personally I prefer chrome, looks better, wears better, but most important of all... with screw mount lenses, the lenses come in both chrome and black finishes, more often or not the only option is chrome or the black version is too much $$$, so you go with chrome. The chrome body looks good with both shades, but soon as I put the silver Nikkor 5cm/2 on Rover's camera... it ends up looking WRONG. And I mean WRONG in a really really bad way.

Same applies to Hasselblads, an old chrome lens on black body looks wierd and a black back on a chrome body (or vice versa) doesn't seem right either.

The two worst factory finishes I've seen are the browns used by Linhof on their Technikas and brown finish on the Polaiod SX-70. URRGGHH!!! My Technika IV got it's brown leatherette replaced with a nice smooth finish matt black. Looks more 'German' now.

Stu :)

[GeneW]

To parody the lyrics of an ancient folk song:

"Black is the colour of my true love's flare..."

Gene

[back alley]

gene, i love nina simone's version of that song.

joe

[jdos2]

I prefer the Smother's Brothers "Black is the color of my love's true hair," but that would be hijacking the thread...

[justins7]

One thing you guys are forgetting is that black cameras attract less attention on "the street". So if you are actually taking your equipment into the public, tucked under your hand, in your coat, no one really notices it. A chrome camera looks pricier, possibly, and stands out. This is the very reason black is considered "professional", and for years photojournalists pressed Leitz to issue black paint Leicas.

[Honu-Hugger]

I like both, but am always a little concerned about the duability of black paint. Is Leica painting the bodies on the new black "M" models or are they using black chrome? If it is black chrome how is the quality of the finish? I assume that it would be superb but wonder if any of the members have had firsthand experience with it? Not that I'm considering switching sides...(I'd have a lot of "Humble Pie" to eat if I did :D )

D2

[Pherdinand]

"black chrome"??? Is there such thing? [sorry if it's a dumb question]

[Scarpia]

Originally posted by justins7
One thing you guys are forgetting is that black cameras attract less attention on "the street". So if you are actually taking your equipment into the public, tucked under your hand, in your coat, no one really notices it. A chrome camera looks pricier, possibly, and stands out. This is the very reason black is considered "professional", and for years photojournalists pressed Leitz to issue black paint Leicas.

I agree with Justins7. I have both black and chrome cameras not to mention a Canon Rebel TI (titanium???) and I find that for street photography a small all black camera works best, at least for me. Earlier this month at an outdoor rummage sale in NYC I took some photos with a small black Canon P&S and was hardly noticed. An hour later I discovered an Indian festival celebrating the start of Diwali (a Hindu holiday period) three blocks away and shot a whole roll of film with my newly aquired Olympus Stylus Epic (original model with 35mm f3.5) also all black and again was only noticed when the flash went off. This happened because it was a dark day and the sliding door of the camera keeps sliding shut when I pocket it and that resets it to full auto, a nuisance.
When I roam around with my Leica or chrome Bessa L, I get stares and the small metal colored Rebel TI gets somewhat hostile stares. I have also noticed that my digital Olympus 2040 attracts little attention, perhaps because digicams are so common today.

Kurt M. :rolleyes:

[justins7]

Kurt,
I too am in NYC. Although I haven't been shooting much on the street lately, when I do I just wrap the strap around my hand and hold my M6 like brick. People never notice it.

I really wonder what a pontential thief would think of an old chrome camera, if it looks valuable. I think the flash of chrome directs attention.

As a joke I used to glue cheap brand name logos on my Leica, like RiteAid or RadioShack. It made me laugh, despite the lack of funnyness.

[Honu-Hugger]

Originally posted by Pherdinand
"black chrome"??? Is there such thing? [sorry if it's a dumb question]

I just Googled "Leica Black Chrome" and this is what I found on KB Camera's site:

"Black Chrome - Called Black Chrome, but is really a black anodized finish. It was Leica's way to offer a black finsih camera with the professional look with a more durable finish. This finish will look good for a long time, much like the chrome version. When it 'brasses' it shows the silver colored zinc underneath. It does not brass very easily. Only black lenses look good on this finish. the standard black anodized lenses are a perfect match. This choice also makes for the lightest kit possible since Zinc is used for the top and bottom plates of the camera and aluminum is used on the lens barrels. Many people prefer this choice for these distinct advantages."

Maybe I just have weird taste, but I disagree with their "Only black lenses look good on this finish..." assertion -- I often like the contrast of silver lenses/black bodies and vice versa.

D2

[sfaust]

Originally posted by Scarpia
I have also noticed that my digital Olympus 2040 attracts little attention, perhaps because digicams are so common today

My very small Sony Cybershot DSC-P100 is absolutely the best street camera I have!! I only wish it had more speed than ISO 400, so its a day/early evening camera.

Its very small, fits in my front pants pocket, and no one even gives it a second thought. "Tourist" is what it yells loudly, and no seems to notice. When shooting with my SLR or RF, I notice people will try to get out of the picture if they happen to notice me. Some will shoot a look of bewilderment as to why I would want a shot of them.

With the Cybershot they never react in the same way and just continue to go about their business as if they didn't notice. Rarely do I need to shot that camera looking through the viewfinder, or by looking at the back LCD. Holding the camera around mid chest height, I can clearly see the framing in the LCD at that angle. So, it just appears that I am fiddling with the camera rather than actually taking a photo since its neither at my eye or held in front of me using the LCD in the traditional manner. Also in that position, its easier to hold such that my thumb is on the shutter release, and not the typical shutter finger, which enhances the illusion. And the shutter is totally silent! Makes a Leica seem very loud :)

[Russ]

BLACK! It's common knowledge that black bodies always make better & sharper images. ALWAYS !!!

I suppose that's why my Viv ES, is considerably sharper than the Canon GIII QL-17, and every bit as sahrp or sharper than the Oly RC......

Russ

[Oldprof]

Chrome cameras have better thermal properties, especially when one is working in sunny tropical conditions. Black cameras absorb more solar radiation. This can lead to heat buildup which may affect some films. On occasion, black cameras have been known to burst into flames. :D

[kuvvy]

Following this black v chrome thread.

Has anyone tried to 'paint' their camera in order to disguise it? Is it possible to 'paint' one? Imagine a black Oly 35RC or RD. Would this be too tricky to acheive? Would the finish be good and what kind of paint? Maybe the sort used for touching up die-cast models etc. Or must we stick to using tape to cover those shiny bits?

As I write this it sounds a little daft to me but is it possible?

Paul

[Pherdinand]

"Black cameras absorb more solar radiation." Actually, as a sidenote, Canon's (and others) very big lenses are white not (only) for the distinct look, but for exactly the same heat-absorption concerns. Not that they would burst into flames:) but they get their special lens elements extend and mess up the performance; and the surface gets very hot if black, which makes handling harder for the photographer. And they are not too handy lenses from start.

As to anidozation, i see now, that's what "black chrome" is. It's indeed more durable than black paint; we use anodized aluminum components in our labs here instead of paint - it just seems impossible to see some wear on them, unless you file them or something:) And it's matte too, unlike most black painted surfaces.

Maybe that's why silver lenses "don't look good" on these cameras, Doug. Because they are not shiny black painted but matte rough surface.

[Pherdinand]

Kuvvy: i've seen once a website about (re)painting cameras. I guess you can google it. It demonstrated how one should do it: taking the camera apart, types of paint to use, painting methods, time to leave it dry etc. Nice website overall.

[sfaust]

I've seen a couple examples of cameras that were re-painted. It works well, and the finish looks factory done. But from what I understand, its a labor of love, since its somewhat time consuming and usually will degrade the camera value since its no longer original.

I have a Kiev that was painted, and it really looks great. I haven't had it long, so I can't comment on durability.

I think your idea for a Oly in black would be great. But then again, I'm the one that has somehow started collecting black 70's RFs.

[Gabriel M.A.]

does this make me shallow?
Let's not go there, Joe. :angel:

Black. Of course, chrome is classic. Black is cool and will go on either black or chrome (or olive or titanium) bodies.

Canon was wishy-washy with their black/chrome design.

[back alley]

talk about resurrecting a thread!!

[Germanica]

so, i'm reading a thread over at photo.net about choosing a black or chrome body (leica, of course) and being somewhat smug in my thinking.
i mean, really, what difference does it make?

but...then...i started to think about my canon ltm lenses and how some of them come in both chrome and black paint, about how the black paint ones look more like modern slr lenses than the chrome ones do.
and that i much prefer the chrome ones even if they are heavier.

does this make me shallow?


You are the same guy that re-leathered a Nikon rangefinder in bright red no ? .... in which case it surprises me you didn't add pink to the choices .....

[back alley]

pink isn't a real colour...

see what 3 years on this forum does to a guy!

[Mean Panda]

I used to only buy black M, and always thought black body looks more professional, draws less attention, and brasses beautifully. But since shooting with Leica for more than 5 years regularly, I realize that people could easily tell you have a Leica regardless black or chrome. So if not for professional look, I actually like chrome little more. Really like the clean and classic look of the chrome body. Here is a picture of my chrome M3 and Black chrome M4.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2042781682_a58ee7a39a.jpg?v=0