Any way to determine if black paint is original?

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richardhkirkando

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I recently put up a classified ad for my black 50mm Summilux, s/n 2198577, and I've had a lot of questions as to whether the black paint is original. My first thought was no, after reading K-Rock's Summilux page. But this indicates that there were some black copies made that year:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/50mm_f/1.4_Summilux-M_II

My lens has some wear around the base of the lens barrel (with the "LENS MADE IN GERMANY" plate) and it looks like brass underneath. There's a scratch on the focus ring where it looks silver underneath. Any ideas? Here are a few photos of my lens:

summilux-1.jpg

summilux-2.jpg

summilux-3.jpg

summilux-4.jpg

summilux-5.jpg
 
This looks correct to me, similar to my BP Summicron.
I have no source for this, but I've read that they used black paint and black anodized on the same lenses quite a bit back then.
 
Your Summilux looks like a black chrome lens to me. The writing/engraving on the black paint Leica lenses is usually red paint.
 
I'd say this is original. Leica painted on top of alloy and brass and this can be seen clearly on this lens. Also the range scale paint seems to have bubbled in line with reaction to sweat and moisture.
 
I certainly wouldn't sell a lens like this unless you really need the cash. They aren't making any more and as each year passes the value will only ever go up on rare lenses.
 
Erik van Straten said:
Looks original to me, too. Partly anodized, partly painted, yellow feet numbers: normal for the period. Very rare lens.

Erik.
Click to expand...

+1 on that!

Tell you this much: if I had the money I would have bought it for your asking price this morning, I'm pretty sure there's a different tag attached soon.

Congratulations on this 'discovery', on eBay those lenses often go for over USD 4.000 and considering their rarety, 'user grade' is hardly a limitation to most collectors.

I'm loving my early V1 chrome version and will not let go of it!:)
 
Does it mean then that all those black paint M2,3 and 4's that have half the black paint worn off are not collectable?
Condition of black paint Leica gear as Johan says is of no consequence. The value of these items is in their rarity.
Renovate an original BP camera and watch the value diminish. It's the same for lenses, meters etc.
Originality is everything in value terms and even if it can't be confirmed, which I'm sure it will be, this lens is what it is, a lens painted black with the patina as Eric points out that can't be replicated.
 
Well, Lothar at Leica confirmed to me this morning that this serial number was an original black paint. The cool factor definitely shoots way up for me, but...now it's bordering on "I'm afraid to use it!" territory. I threw it up on ebay at an over-the-top BIN price to see if anybody bites, but I'd happily sell it to someone here for less.
 
richardhkirkando said:
Well, Lothar at Leica confirmed to me this morning that this serial number was an original black paint. The cool factor definitely shoots way up for me, but...now it's bordering on "I'm afraid to use it!" territory. I threw it up on ebay at an over-the-top BIN price to see if anybody bites, but I'd happily sell it to someone here for less.
Click to expand...


I guess your price wasn't over-the-top enough. It sold too quickly! Good for you!
 
Told ya that wasn't an over the top price, it was still a decent one.

Man I wish I would luck into something like this...

Congrats on the sale, Richard! Glad to be of service.
 
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