Black or chrome?

Black or chrome?

  • Black

    Votes: 475 53.3%

  • Chrome

    Votes: 269 30.2%

  • I'll stick to film

    Votes: 148 16.6%
  • Total voters
    892
Told my dealer I´d like the black one, but if, when my turn comes (they have a list), the only option is chrome, then that´s it. It´s not that imprtant to me - even if the ZI is chrome as well.
 
My MP, ZI and Hassy are chrome, so my M8 is black. And of course my CL is black.
 
I have a black one - I wanted black from the get-go. However, having owned it for a few weeks, I can see the upside of chrome - much less susceptible to fngerprints, greasy marks from cheeks etc.
 
Judging from my 50-year-old Hasselblad rig, "chrome" will last longer. My black Hassie lenses (all much newer by definition) show plenty of "patina" otherwise known as wear.

I chose black on "stealth" and aesthetic reasons and because I don't expect to live another 50 years. BTW, the "M8" and red Leica button on the front will get a cover of black electrician's tape before the thing makes an appearance on our friendly streets.
 
I ordered a chrome M8, then my supplier indicated he could get me black M8 a few weeks before chrome. I went for the black, and I'm kind of happy that I did. I loved the retro look of the chrome, but the black really grows on you. Wonderful camera no matter which one you opt for. I'm thoroughly enjoying my M8 so far. Black is beautiful indeed!
 
I have both of my R cameras in the Black Chrome, and it holds up every bit as good as the chrome. And I have not noticed any problems with smudging from fingers or from my face. Same with the new M8, the black finish is top drawer all the way, but I do wish they had made it black paint instead, as that black paint finish is sure pretty. ;-)
 
I originally voted for black and my first two were black, but obviously they are less reliable than the chrome one I now own 🙂 I have to say that chrome really looks good - looks much more M like than the black and works well with any colour lens.

I feel for you guys that are still waiting. I put my name on the dealers list in January (I had managed to resist until then) and got one within a week. The second was delivered by Leica within a few days of the first dying and the second was also faulty so I returned it. When I finally had a rethink I phoned the same dealer and he had a chrome one in stock which was delivered the next day. Maybe one of the benefits of going with a less well known dealer.
 
Chrome will show less finish wear over time. The black chrome (going all the way back to the M5 and M4 bodies that were first black chromed) wears through to an underlying coating of plating that is more or less bright chrome in color. When the bright chrome finish wears, the result is the same but less obvious.
 
I'll wait for al a carte...

I'll wait for al a carte...

then order it with the classic Leica black engraving on a chrome body, with a custom covering I like. Wishful thinking, hmmm, we'll see.
 
rover said:
Is the chrome one priced $3,500 less than the black one? After all, black cameras are much more pristine and professional.
Click to expand...

Sorry i dont agree, the photographer may be professional..but never the cam because of its black colour 😉
 
Way back in September 2006 I ordered a black M8.
Today I got the message it's arrived at the importers in Antwerp.
I just may have it for the weekend.
Hope it was worth the wait...
 
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