erik_asgeirsson Posted August 24, 2003 Share Posted August 24, 2003 Let's say, some time down the road I can get a silver MP with three lenses. I'm aiming to get the 35/f2 Summicron, 50/f2 Summicron and 90/f2.8 Elmarit. The 35 and 50 I'd like to get in silver. The Elmarit's a tough choice though. I know the weight and wear differences, but which finish would you pick on that lens, and why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_hoffman Posted August 24, 2003 Share Posted August 24, 2003 Erik, Think twice about this. Those silver (chromed) lenses are much heavier than the regular black lenses, especially the 90! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lacey_smith4 Posted August 24, 2003 Share Posted August 24, 2003 and black looks nice on all bodies. Titanium, there may be an aesthetic reason as well as the hardiness advantage. Silver/chrome, I'm less sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuart_richardson Posted August 24, 2003 Share Posted August 24, 2003 I just got an MP, and I decided on black. I know people are saying its only a fondler's body, but I think that is nonsense. I chose black for several reasons: 1. I find black more aesthetically pleasing. 2. Black is generally more inconspicuous. If I am photographing people a black camera distracts them less than a silver one; this is not just for street photography, but even portraiture. Black is generally less threatening than silver/chrome. Just my take. Granted, a black chrome one is even more inconspicuous, but this was not an option. That said, I am not going to freak out if the paint brasses off...I have an F1-N that is brassing, and it does not bother me in the slightest. I don't care about resale value, because I don't plan to resell. I will take care of the camera, but purely for selfish reasons -- I want it to last. For the lenses, I would pick black for the exact same reasons. Additionally, as was mentioned, they are lighter. A final advantage is that a black lens on a chrome body looks more normal than a chrome lens on a black body, at least to my eyes. Because of this they are more versatile. Of course, all this is my personal opinion, so if it incurs, flaming, I apologize. I am not a Leica expert by ANY stretch of the imagination, these are just the opinions of a beginning photographer who happens to have very traditional tastes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael watrys photos Posted August 24, 2003 Share Posted August 24, 2003 My dream camera is a black M7, with a black 50 Summicron. I like the way black looks. My old Nikon F3 HP was black, new F100 is black, silver reminds me of my mom's old Canon AE1 Program. Good camera, but not as good as my Nikons! Just curious, why have folks chosen the MP over the M7. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el_fang Posted August 24, 2003 Share Posted August 24, 2003 DEFINITELY silver. Hides man-juice a lot better than black. Especially the 90, it has a lot more outer surface area than the little 35 and 50, and therefore has a greater propensity to catch splatter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralph_barker Posted August 24, 2003 Share Posted August 24, 2003 <p>I agree, Erik, that the chrome lenses <i>do</i> look nice on a chrome body. But, they <i>are</i> heavier. Plus, every chrome body should be accompanied by a black pal - for the other kind of film (black for B&W, chrome for chromes?). Thus, the only reason I see for keeping everything the same is if you're getting an ogler set (don't even fondle them). So, I'd really suggest going with the lighter, black chrome lenses. But, you might enjoy the chrome on brass aesthetics, notwithstanding all that extra weight in your bag, so do what pleases you most. Don't worry about all us nay-sayers. We neither carry, nor shoot, your cameras.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted August 24, 2003 Share Posted August 24, 2003 If you really feel comfortable handling your Leica, to the point of it becoming part of you, you'll develop a confidence that allows you to use it without bringing much attention to yourself. Silver finish holds up better on the body. Black lenses are lighter. I could live without the 50 at all, but I have a black one, rarely used. I'd rather have a 21 as a third lens. Hell, buy either what you like or what's cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuart_richardson Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 In answer to Michael's question as to why I chose the MP over the M7: I like the aesthetics and slightly smaller size of the MP better. It is not really a practical decision. Nor do I think it has to be. If I need AE, I have an F-1N, or better yet, a T-90. If I will be doing extremely rapid shooting, I will choose one of these cameras. If I were really serious about rapid action, I would have an autofocus system. The MP for me is about a camera that is light, graceful and provides beautful images. I will use it when I can more leisurely set up a shot and when I am trying to create pictures rather than take them. Also for inobtrusive candids of my friends and family. I am somewhat amused at all this technical bashing of the MP...especially from other Leica users. All Leicas are as much about romance as they are about photography. In most cases a professional will choose a medium format or a full-featured SLR...not a Leica. Places and situations that demand silence and discretion are the obvious exception (i.e. travel/reportage/street photography). Anyway, that's my take, as I said before, feel free to disagree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_hall1 Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 OK I'll bite too: you need one in titanium, one in anodized black and two in silver chrome. Send one of the silvers to Shintaro to have in black-painted. You really need all possible finishes to co-ordinate with your clothes, shoes, socks, hats, neck ties, scarves, gloves and briefcases. If you eventually find any of them (not just the lenses) not to your liking, just sell it off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raymond_tai Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 Erik, I used to have the Elmarit 90mm in chrome before trading up to the 90AA. I would handle one before making such decisions. While it is indeed the most impressively made lens I have ever held it is also very heavy. I consider weight to be a compromise on the M and for something this heavy and slow this is unacceptable. If you don't mind the weight then also consider the Summicron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_pfile1 Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 Lemmesee here. Leica makes five (5) focal lengths in both black and chrome at the same speed. The 21,24,35,50, and 90. Assuming one carries all of either finish and same speed around at once, how much more weight would the chrome lenses add? Three plus pounds maybe? What is the matter with you young whippersnappers? When you get to my age you'll be glad you had the exercise. The camera bodies weigh the same in either finish. The glass in the lenses is the same so one must presume that the results depend upon skill, and occasionally on luck. Best, Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daniel_fusion Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 @Lacey, "Granted, a black chrome one is even more inconspicuous.. " That's the reason I will wait until a MP black chrome is available. There is no technical reason why Leica could not build them. @Stuart "silver reminds me of my mom's old Canon AE1 Program. Good camera..." Most Canon AE 1 Program are black ones. "Just curious, why have folks chosen the MP over the M7." Because it's close to the M3. My black chrome M6 and my silver chrome M3 work well together with silver and black lenses. And most silver lenses have black hoods. So enjoy the "Panda"-look! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_kastner Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 Not only does a black lens look good on a black or a chome body (chrome on black looks weird) but black (whether as lens or body) has the distinct advantage that you can read the letterings and numbers better there too. At least for me it's easier to see white or yellow on black than black or red on chrome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry_ting2 Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 I agree. While the shutterspeed numbering on the chrome is black, the numbering on my titanium is white and it makes it awefully difficult to see the shutterspeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 Take the finish that suits your fancy. All these opinions are just that, opinions. So here's mine... The MP is suppose to be a kind of retro Leica. I think the chrome one in .085 VF is as close to a M3 with an internal meter as you can get in a new camera (not that it IS an equal to a M3). I also think the chrome lenses are cool looking, and I like both the weight of the Titanium and Chrome because thay help steady this little camera at minimum shutter speeds, especially with the 90/2.8 (a chrome 90AA would be pushing the issue). Plus, besides the current line-up, a lot of the older lenses with "character" are available in chrome. If a person can't carry a chrome MP and a couple of lenses (only the lenses add weight since the bodies are the same), they should switch to a plastic camera, or start visiting the gym. Since 95% of the point and shoot cameras are Chrome finish, most people think a chrome Leica is one of "them" and pay no more attention to you than if it was a black one, maybe less. I had 2 BP MPs and sent both back, one because the finish was flawed. Also, BP fingerprints like crazy, so allow for "polishing time" in your shooting schedule : -) Finally, I've owned and used all finishes, and found that for all practical purposes, the Titanium marks up just as easy as the Chrome and looks worse when it does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_kastner Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 BTW... I think this hasn't been said above today -- but I know it has been said earlier -- all of today's (M) lenses are available in black, but not all in chrome... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george_b1 Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 I agree with Mark. I have a chrome M4 and a black M7. For some reason, my M4 with black lenses just doesn't attract the attention that the all-black M7 plus black lenses does. Maybe the M7 just clashes with my white hair. <g> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henk Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 I personally like the look of my M2 with black lenses, kinda looks like the compacts from a decade or so ago...... All those 'pro' photographers with their big canon's laugh at me though..... *snif* Greetings, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael watrys photos Posted August 25, 2003 Share Posted August 25, 2003 <p>Hans-Bernd Bocking, the only Canon AE-1 Programs I've seen are chrome. <p> <a href="http://www.camerahobby.com/Review-AE1.html">Canon AE1 Program</a> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_hall1 Posted August 26, 2003 Share Posted August 26, 2003 OT: at least a couple of black AE-1 Programs are on the auction site right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daniel_fusion Posted August 26, 2003 Share Posted August 26, 2003 OT: Michael Watry, have a look at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2946784243&category=30033 CANON AE1 PROGRAM ... .BLACK BODIED http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2946847284&category=30033 BLACK Canon AE-1 Program Camera AE1p AE1-P Item number: 2946847284 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael watrys photos Posted August 26, 2003 Share Posted August 26, 2003 Well what do you know? I had never seen the AE1 Program in black before... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n1664876959 Posted August 26, 2003 Share Posted August 26, 2003 Erik, you are lucky to be able to choose. I just took what came along at the time; a silver M6ttl, silver 50mm, black 90mm. I would have been just as happy with the reverse in each case. To be honest, when you look at the prints are you going to care what the outside of the camera looks like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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