brass or zinc parts

[D-M]

Recently there was a M4-P in the classified. I guest it’s sold since it’s not there anymore.
But, there was a comment about a zinc parts on top, I’m not sure what exactly, was replaced by a brass one. If that means something to someone, I’d like to know what it is, and why this replacement happens.

I’m looking to buy a first RF, and I’m still learning about the differences between the models,

 

[nobbylon]

As a generalization, most of the earlier m's had brass tops and then changed to zinc later on and to confuse you and me further back to brass now!

 

[D-M]

And I guess brass is better.

 

[leif e]

coolness factor

coolness factor

At least brass is supposed to look better/cooler when paint wears off. Actually, I think so myself.

 

[nobbylon]

personally I don't think it makes any difference what so ever. It's not the top plate taking the pictures! Sure some say they like the look of well worn brass better than rubbed off black chrome but i'm not bothered. Only thing I'm not keen on is Leica and red dot on the front of most of them!

 

[kully]

Check out this article: http://nemeng.com/leica/042b.shtml

It doesn't matter one way or the other to me.

 

[nobbylon]

Forgot to mention that my M6ttl has a brass top but has only worn through to the silver!

 

[JNewell]

Brass is old, zinc is new, so if new = bad, then zinc = bad... 😉

Some of the zinc tops develop bubbles in the black chrome finish - this didn't happen with brass.

Zinc and brass behave differently when whacked. Brass compresses easily, so shows dents more easily - but absorbs some of the energy of the whack. Zinc doesn't dent as easily so more energy probably gets transmitted to the RF/VF and, if you whack it hard enough, it can crack instead of denting.

Functionally, I think it's a toss-up, but YMMV.