(Almost) Everything you wanted to know about Black Finish Leicas.
Here’s what we could find without poring over the records in Wetzlar.
By Jason Schneider
To say one could write a book about the staggering variety of beautiful black finishes that have been applied to Leica cameras over the last century and precisely how they were done is a vast understatement. It would require a tome, and even then, there would be some significant omissions because some important questions simply can’t be answered by people still living, and not every detail was recorded, even in the meticulous production records of E. Leitz Wetzlar.
Production Leica I (Model A) No. 47138 has nickel hardware, glossy black enamel finish. Note brassing on optical finder.
The abbreviated version is relatively straightforward, but as always, the devil is in the details--and they are numerous, often raising more questions than they answer. Here’s a concise overview I received in a recent email from noted Leica historian James Lager:
“The entire pre-WWII period of black Leica production featured a glossy enamel finish usually referred to as black lacquered (schwarz lackiert). This gorgeous finish, essentially black enamel on a brass substrate, was applied to cameras ranging from the Leica I (Model A) of 1925 to the Leica III-series models (models III, IIIa, IIIb, and IIIc) made before and during WWII. Military models produced in that period may have had a different black finish, but this is not specified in the records. After the war specially marked black finished Leica IIIf and IIIg cameras were turned out on consignment for the Swedish armed forces, and these have a somewhat toned-down gloss. Then there were black finished versions of the Leica M3, M2, and M4, and of course the original Leica MP, the coveted limited-edition model built for top name photojournalists like David Douglas Duncan, who favored the black finish version. All these cameras also showed variations in the degree of gloss, but all featured black paint applied over brass.
All original Black Leica M3 w/Rigid Summicr0n 7-element lens. Note black anodized focus ring and glossy paint on body.
Then in 1971 the ill-fated Leica M5 was introduced in black chrome, which is a lot more durable and wear-resistant than black enamel but has a less attractive wear pattern than a black lacquered “brassed Leica” when it’s visibly abraded. The Leica M4-2 and M4-P made by Ernst Leitz Canada (ELC) appear to be finished in some type of black chrome, but is it the same as the black chrome from Wetzlar? Since the 1980s I suspect that many changes in finishing have occurred, but I do not have the details, and I’ve never found anything in print. I’ve included photos of a variety of black Leicas so you can judge for yourself.”
Overview and questions om Black Paint on Leicas by James Lager
Black Paint on Leicas
Classis period 1925-1940 (approximate)
Black lacquer over brass. Was there an intermediate substrate? Nickel?
Post WW II (black enamel as above)
Black Leitz-Eigentum IIIc’s for internal use
Black Leica IIIf and IIIg for Sweden
Black Leica M’s
M3—early units, higher gloss
MP—reduced gloss
M2—early units, higher gloss
M4—variations in gloss, later examples subdued, less glossy
Black Leicaflex and Leicaflex SL
Rather high gloss, but later samples less glossy
c.1971 Arrival of black chrome on Leica M5. Is its top plate brass?
A zinc alloy casting? Was the black chrome applied over a nickel layer?
What about the silver chrome since 1971?
More questions:
Since 1971 have there been changes in Leica’s black finishes?
Procedure over brass? Over zinc casting? Metallurgical changes?
Changes in top covers and base plates? Brass used on some castings
Have the formulas/compositions of the paint changed?
Were most finishes “set” by baking? What about electrostatic application?
We need hard data from the finishing departments to answer these questions conclusively!
Black original MP No. 108. The black paint on this camera does not appear to be as glossy as the "black lacquer" on pre-WW II Leicas.
The next step was to get in touch with my friends and contacts in Wetzlar to see if they could provide any hard data on the differences among the various black Leica finishes, how they were applied, and which Leica models they were applied to. Here’s a copy of my note:
Hi Mr. D, I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. I am planning to write articles on black finished Leica cameras for the Leica Historical Society in the U.S. (LSI), Leica USA, and the Rangefinder Forum website with the help of my dear friend James Lager, the acclaimed Leica historian. However, there is very little information available in the U.S. on how Leica's black finish has evolved over the years other than that a high gloss enamel was used on "schwarz lackiert" Barnack Leicas from the Leica I (Model A) to the very rare black finished Leica IIIc (3 known examples) to the uncommon, limited-edition black Leica IIIf and IIlIg, and that a less glossy black chrome finish was applied to the Leica M5 of 1971.
It is my hope that you will be able to provide some more detailed information on how Leica's black finish has evolved over the years, including any available details on the following:
Black Paint on Leica cameras
Classic period, 1925-1940 (approximate)
These appear to be gloss black lacquer over brass, but was there an intermediate substrate, and if so on which models?
Post WW II
Black Leitz eigentum IIIc's for internal use
Black IIIf and IIIg for Sweden
Leica M models
M3--early units, higher gloss
MP—reduced gloss
M2--early units, higher gloss
M4--variations in gloss, later samples subdued, less glossy
Leicaflex and Leicaflex SL
Rather high gloss overall, but later production models appear less glossy
C.1971 Arrival of black chrome on M5
Is the top plate of M5 brass?
Was the black chrome applied over a layer of nickel or applied directly to the brass?
What about the silver chrome since 1971?
Since 1971 have there been any changes to the black finishes?
What procedures are used—directly over brass? Over zinc casting?
Have there been any metallurgical changes?
Overall, we need accurate data on paint composition and application techniques, e.g. spray painting or electrostatic deposition.
Changes in top covers and baseplates?
Have formulas/composition of the paint changed?
What about electrostatic deposition?
We need data from the finishing departments.
I realize that obtaining precise information on all these minute details will be challenging at best and I am not expecting perfection. I humbly request that you provide whatever facts you can by the end of this month, and I am sincerely indebted to you for your efforts. Thanks immensely, and warm regards, Jason Schneider
Black Leica IIIg made for the Swedish military. Note: 50mm f/2.8 Elmar lens in satin chrome has 3 crowns Swedish logo
Not surprisingly, I didn’t receive anything like a complete answer to my barrage of questions, but I did receive the following cordial reply, along with some unique and useful information not available elsewhere on paint application processes, and the layered structure used in finishing current Leitz products, including cameras. Here is “Mr. D’s” reply:
Dear Jason,
My colleagues did some research, even went to the archives, looked through old records and spoke to other colleagues. Unfortunately, the information available at Leica Camera is rather sparse. However, it is possible that our colleagues at Microsystems may still have information from the past.
I have attached what my colleagues found out to this message. It contains at least some information on (newer) layer structures and a few other results of the research. Maybe there is something
useful for your article...
...I certainly hope so and wish you continued success with your article.
Best, Mr. D
Coating Schemes For Leica Cameras: Charts courtesy of our friends in Wetzlar
Even when researching in the Leica archive, unfortunately no data could be found for the requested surfaces. This data may still be in the possession of Leica Microsystems GmbH. Our archivist has referred to Mr. Rolf Beck, former employee of Leitz/Leica Mikrosystems (retired since 2000), and the Hessische Wirtschaftsarchiv. The Wirtschaftsarchiv has also archived some information in Department 219.
Box sticker translation: Surface protection
Column left: Chemische Schichten—Chemical Layers: Means this surface protection refers to anodized finishes that are either polished fine ground, simply anodized or stained on aluminum, brass, or steel.
Column middle: Galvanische Schichten—Galvanic Coatings: High gloss polished, “line” polished, fine sandblasted, stained or brushed either on chrome coatings or nickel, and on a different base material like brass, aluminum, or steel.
Column right: Farbschichten—Painted color layers: Different finishes on steel, like black semi-matte finish, black matte, gray hammer tone paint, shrink paint, chrome paint, burnishing lacquer.
Note: We think this box and its contents is an old sample from the period between 1950 and 1980.
Rare Motorized Leica 250 has textured black finish on motor, flawless glossy black enamel finish on body.
Leica Black Paint, an article by Leitz Photographica Auctions (now operating as Ostlicht Auction by Peter Coeln)
Black (Paint) is beautiful
For many photographers, a black paint Leica – unobtrusive, discreet, yet with an air of unequivocal professionalism – is a coveted object of desire. What is it that makes black-finish cameras quite so enticing? We explore the reasons behind this ongoing trend, and take a look at past and future auctions in Vienna.
There is a good chance that those searching for a current black paint camera might gravitate towards an analogue Leica MP. The special aura that surrounds these models has drawn a following of ardent devotees – and there is one special M variant that exemplifies this fascination particularly well: in March 2015, Leica presented the M-P “Correspondent”, conceptualized by Lenny Kravitz for Kravitz Design. Limited to just 125 units worldwide, the set instantly became a sought-after collector’s item. It is comprised of a Leica M-P Black Paint, two matching lenses (the Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. and Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH.), and a black leather briefcase with brass elements. The camera and lens exteriors were purposely distressed to reveal small patches of brass underneath the paint to create a characterful, well-used appearance.
Several black paint cameras changed hands at the 38th Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021. Among them were some true rarities, such as an M2 (auction lot 98) in astonishingly good, original condition with the characteristically textured paint finish. The set, which also includes a matching black paint Summicron 5 cm f/2 and an original, very rare leather case, achieved a bid of 96,000 € (incl. premium). The auction catalogue also featured an M3 from a batch of 150 cameras produced in 1962; the camera, which came with a black-finish Summicron rigid 50mm f/2, went under the hammer for 55,000 € (incl. premium). Both the camera body and the lens are in original condition and are distinguished by a beautiful patina – one of the characteristics that makes these models so desirable.
Leica M3 with matching Summicron rigid 50mm f/2, distinguished by a beautiful patina: this ensemble recently went under the hammer at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction. The camera was part of a batch of 150 units produced in 1962.
Leica M2 in astonishingly good, original condition: the black paint features the characteristic ‘bubble’ texture; the camera was auctioned with a matching Summicron 5cm f/2 and an original, very rare leather case.
Commenting on the rising value of black paint cameras, auction expert Michal Kosakowski explains: “At our 17th auction in 2010, the M2 Black Paint with serial no. 1130115 went under the hammer for ‘only’ 2880 euros (incl. premium). In 2018, it was resold at our 32nd auction for 9600 euros (incl. premium). Today, this camera would be listed with an estimated auction price of 12,000 to 14,000 euros.” By the way: Fans of black paint cameras looking for a more moderate investment should keep their eyes open for a black paint Leica reflex model, as they are currently still available at considerably lower prices.
A camera whose design concept includes an artfully distressed exterior: the Leica M-P “Correspondent” by Lenny Kravitz. The outfit, which includes two lenses and a briefcase, was limited to 125 sets worldwide.
An M that documents the human experience in the hands of press photographers, that helps illuminate and even shape audiences’ perceptions of world events, has long been the epitome of a professional reportage camera. Indeed, along with their rarity, the fascination for black paint Leicas is doubtlessly rooted in their contributions to press photography – a field that is inherently associated with reliable, resilient tools. This, in turn, makes the patina of a black paint Leica M deeply evocative.
Companies such as Leitz and Zeiss-Ikon were selling black-finish cameras as early as the 1930s (Ed: in fact, the ‘20s). However, the black paint tends to wear off fairly quickly, leaving the cameras looking ‘unsightly’ (Ed: A matter if opinion, but overstated). Quite inadvertently, this shortcoming (which Leica remedied in the 1970s with the M4 Black Chrome) set the course for black paint models to become a major trend: the supply of black paint cameras on the market was far lower than the demand; also, not every press photographer could afford a black paint Leica M3.
As a result, countless chrome models ended up being painted black – partly by Leica themselves, but also by rogue counterfeiters, who sold the repainted models (complete with fake documents) as overpriced originals and continue to do so today. To confirm that your black paint Leica is legitimate contact Leica Classics or Leitz Photographica Auction, whose comprehensive files (including delivery and repair books, production records, etc.) can verify the camera’s origins.
One of Leica’s most coveted rangefinder cameras is the MP, which was first presented to the public at photokina 1956. Only 412 units were produced; 141 of them featured a black finish, and were predominantly bought by professional photographers. Many famous Magnum photographers worked with an MP – a camera built at the suggestion of LIFE photographers Alfred Eisenstaedt and David Douglas Duncan. In fact, the Leica MP with serial number 2, which was originally shipped to New York press photographer Bob Schwalberg, may well have sparked the trend for black paint Leicas.
A good general comment on Leica black enamel vs. black chrome finish
Black chrome is real metal plated over the metal parts of the camera. Paint, whether lacquer or enamel, is painted over the un-plated brass body parts. Eventually it will wear and chip, especially at the edges, showing the underlying brass. Unless you use the camera every day you won't keep the brass "bright" without polishing it. At two extremes are those who pride themselves in keeping their black paint cameras in like new condition and those think that the brass shows that they're serious photographers who really use their Leicas extensively. Silver chrome does show "scuff marks", but less so than black chrome. Al Kaplan.
Conclusion:
This foray into the wonderful world of black finished Leicas has clearly generated considerably more questions than answers but it has also, thanks to my knowledgeable friends, also yielded some fascinating information not generally available elsewhere. I hope those who’ve had the persistence to wade through this morass are inspired to add any additional facts they may possess or to direct us to further sources of good information on this topic. Thanks in advance for your efforts because this is very much a work in progress.
Here’s what we could find without poring over the records in Wetzlar.
By Jason Schneider
To say one could write a book about the staggering variety of beautiful black finishes that have been applied to Leica cameras over the last century and precisely how they were done is a vast understatement. It would require a tome, and even then, there would be some significant omissions because some important questions simply can’t be answered by people still living, and not every detail was recorded, even in the meticulous production records of E. Leitz Wetzlar.
Production Leica I (Model A) No. 47138 has nickel hardware, glossy black enamel finish. Note brassing on optical finder.
The abbreviated version is relatively straightforward, but as always, the devil is in the details--and they are numerous, often raising more questions than they answer. Here’s a concise overview I received in a recent email from noted Leica historian James Lager:
“The entire pre-WWII period of black Leica production featured a glossy enamel finish usually referred to as black lacquered (schwarz lackiert). This gorgeous finish, essentially black enamel on a brass substrate, was applied to cameras ranging from the Leica I (Model A) of 1925 to the Leica III-series models (models III, IIIa, IIIb, and IIIc) made before and during WWII. Military models produced in that period may have had a different black finish, but this is not specified in the records. After the war specially marked black finished Leica IIIf and IIIg cameras were turned out on consignment for the Swedish armed forces, and these have a somewhat toned-down gloss. Then there were black finished versions of the Leica M3, M2, and M4, and of course the original Leica MP, the coveted limited-edition model built for top name photojournalists like David Douglas Duncan, who favored the black finish version. All these cameras also showed variations in the degree of gloss, but all featured black paint applied over brass.
All original Black Leica M3 w/Rigid Summicr0n 7-element lens. Note black anodized focus ring and glossy paint on body.
Then in 1971 the ill-fated Leica M5 was introduced in black chrome, which is a lot more durable and wear-resistant than black enamel but has a less attractive wear pattern than a black lacquered “brassed Leica” when it’s visibly abraded. The Leica M4-2 and M4-P made by Ernst Leitz Canada (ELC) appear to be finished in some type of black chrome, but is it the same as the black chrome from Wetzlar? Since the 1980s I suspect that many changes in finishing have occurred, but I do not have the details, and I’ve never found anything in print. I’ve included photos of a variety of black Leicas so you can judge for yourself.”
Overview and questions om Black Paint on Leicas by James Lager
Black Paint on Leicas
Classis period 1925-1940 (approximate)
Black lacquer over brass. Was there an intermediate substrate? Nickel?
Post WW II (black enamel as above)
Black Leitz-Eigentum IIIc’s for internal use
Black Leica IIIf and IIIg for Sweden
Black Leica M’s
M3—early units, higher gloss
MP—reduced gloss
M2—early units, higher gloss
M4—variations in gloss, later examples subdued, less glossy
Black Leicaflex and Leicaflex SL
Rather high gloss, but later samples less glossy
c.1971 Arrival of black chrome on Leica M5. Is its top plate brass?
A zinc alloy casting? Was the black chrome applied over a nickel layer?
What about the silver chrome since 1971?
More questions:
Since 1971 have there been changes in Leica’s black finishes?
Procedure over brass? Over zinc casting? Metallurgical changes?
Changes in top covers and base plates? Brass used on some castings
Have the formulas/compositions of the paint changed?
Were most finishes “set” by baking? What about electrostatic application?
We need hard data from the finishing departments to answer these questions conclusively!
Black original MP No. 108. The black paint on this camera does not appear to be as glossy as the "black lacquer" on pre-WW II Leicas.
The next step was to get in touch with my friends and contacts in Wetzlar to see if they could provide any hard data on the differences among the various black Leica finishes, how they were applied, and which Leica models they were applied to. Here’s a copy of my note:
Hi Mr. D, I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. I am planning to write articles on black finished Leica cameras for the Leica Historical Society in the U.S. (LSI), Leica USA, and the Rangefinder Forum website with the help of my dear friend James Lager, the acclaimed Leica historian. However, there is very little information available in the U.S. on how Leica's black finish has evolved over the years other than that a high gloss enamel was used on "schwarz lackiert" Barnack Leicas from the Leica I (Model A) to the very rare black finished Leica IIIc (3 known examples) to the uncommon, limited-edition black Leica IIIf and IIlIg, and that a less glossy black chrome finish was applied to the Leica M5 of 1971.
It is my hope that you will be able to provide some more detailed information on how Leica's black finish has evolved over the years, including any available details on the following:
Black Paint on Leica cameras
Classic period, 1925-1940 (approximate)
These appear to be gloss black lacquer over brass, but was there an intermediate substrate, and if so on which models?
Post WW II
Black Leitz eigentum IIIc's for internal use
Black IIIf and IIIg for Sweden
Leica M models
M3--early units, higher gloss
MP—reduced gloss
M2--early units, higher gloss
M4--variations in gloss, later samples subdued, less glossy
Leicaflex and Leicaflex SL
Rather high gloss overall, but later production models appear less glossy
C.1971 Arrival of black chrome on M5
Is the top plate of M5 brass?
Was the black chrome applied over a layer of nickel or applied directly to the brass?
What about the silver chrome since 1971?
Since 1971 have there been any changes to the black finishes?
What procedures are used—directly over brass? Over zinc casting?
Have there been any metallurgical changes?
Overall, we need accurate data on paint composition and application techniques, e.g. spray painting or electrostatic deposition.
Changes in top covers and baseplates?
Have formulas/composition of the paint changed?
What about electrostatic deposition?
We need data from the finishing departments.
I realize that obtaining precise information on all these minute details will be challenging at best and I am not expecting perfection. I humbly request that you provide whatever facts you can by the end of this month, and I am sincerely indebted to you for your efforts. Thanks immensely, and warm regards, Jason Schneider
Black Leica IIIg made for the Swedish military. Note: 50mm f/2.8 Elmar lens in satin chrome has 3 crowns Swedish logo
Not surprisingly, I didn’t receive anything like a complete answer to my barrage of questions, but I did receive the following cordial reply, along with some unique and useful information not available elsewhere on paint application processes, and the layered structure used in finishing current Leitz products, including cameras. Here is “Mr. D’s” reply:
Dear Jason,
My colleagues did some research, even went to the archives, looked through old records and spoke to other colleagues. Unfortunately, the information available at Leica Camera is rather sparse. However, it is possible that our colleagues at Microsystems may still have information from the past.
I have attached what my colleagues found out to this message. It contains at least some information on (newer) layer structures and a few other results of the research. Maybe there is something
useful for your article...
...I certainly hope so and wish you continued success with your article.
Best, Mr. D
Coating Schemes For Leica Cameras: Charts courtesy of our friends in Wetzlar
Even when researching in the Leica archive, unfortunately no data could be found for the requested surfaces. This data may still be in the possession of Leica Microsystems GmbH. Our archivist has referred to Mr. Rolf Beck, former employee of Leitz/Leica Mikrosystems (retired since 2000), and the Hessische Wirtschaftsarchiv. The Wirtschaftsarchiv has also archived some information in Department 219.
Box sticker translation: Surface protection
Column left: Chemische Schichten—Chemical Layers: Means this surface protection refers to anodized finishes that are either polished fine ground, simply anodized or stained on aluminum, brass, or steel.
Column middle: Galvanische Schichten—Galvanic Coatings: High gloss polished, “line” polished, fine sandblasted, stained or brushed either on chrome coatings or nickel, and on a different base material like brass, aluminum, or steel.
Column right: Farbschichten—Painted color layers: Different finishes on steel, like black semi-matte finish, black matte, gray hammer tone paint, shrink paint, chrome paint, burnishing lacquer.
Note: We think this box and its contents is an old sample from the period between 1950 and 1980.
Black Leica III (Model F) with rare rigid 50mm f/2 Summar lens.
Translation of chart below: Heading reads: Surface Finishes. Column headings (left to right) are “Here’s the paint shop,” type of paint, gloss level structure, and hue. Note that the stamp “ungültig” means invalid, implying that the chart is out of date.
Rare Motorized Leica 250 has textured black finish on motor, flawless glossy black enamel finish on body.
Leica Black Paint, an article by Leitz Photographica Auctions (now operating as Ostlicht Auction by Peter Coeln)
Black (Paint) is beautiful
For many photographers, a black paint Leica – unobtrusive, discreet, yet with an air of unequivocal professionalism – is a coveted object of desire. What is it that makes black-finish cameras quite so enticing? We explore the reasons behind this ongoing trend, and take a look at past and future auctions in Vienna.
There is a good chance that those searching for a current black paint camera might gravitate towards an analogue Leica MP. The special aura that surrounds these models has drawn a following of ardent devotees – and there is one special M variant that exemplifies this fascination particularly well: in March 2015, Leica presented the M-P “Correspondent”, conceptualized by Lenny Kravitz for Kravitz Design. Limited to just 125 units worldwide, the set instantly became a sought-after collector’s item. It is comprised of a Leica M-P Black Paint, two matching lenses (the Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. and Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH.), and a black leather briefcase with brass elements. The camera and lens exteriors were purposely distressed to reveal small patches of brass underneath the paint to create a characterful, well-used appearance.
38th Leitz Photographica Auction
Several black paint cameras changed hands at the 38th Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021. Among them were some true rarities, such as an M2 (auction lot 98) in astonishingly good, original condition with the characteristically textured paint finish. The set, which also includes a matching black paint Summicron 5 cm f/2 and an original, very rare leather case, achieved a bid of 96,000 € (incl. premium). The auction catalogue also featured an M3 from a batch of 150 cameras produced in 1962; the camera, which came with a black-finish Summicron rigid 50mm f/2, went under the hammer for 55,000 € (incl. premium). Both the camera body and the lens are in original condition and are distinguished by a beautiful patina – one of the characteristics that makes these models so desirable.
Leica M3 with matching Summicron rigid 50mm f/2, distinguished by a beautiful patina: this ensemble recently went under the hammer at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction. The camera was part of a batch of 150 units produced in 1962.Leica M2 in astonishingly good, original condition: the black paint features the characteristic ‘bubble’ texture; the camera was auctioned with a matching Summicron 5cm f/2 and an original, very rare leather case.
Commenting on the rising value of black paint cameras, auction expert Michal Kosakowski explains: “At our 17th auction in 2010, the M2 Black Paint with serial no. 1130115 went under the hammer for ‘only’ 2880 euros (incl. premium). In 2018, it was resold at our 32nd auction for 9600 euros (incl. premium). Today, this camera would be listed with an estimated auction price of 12,000 to 14,000 euros.” By the way: Fans of black paint cameras looking for a more moderate investment should keep their eyes open for a black paint Leica reflex model, as they are currently still available at considerably lower prices.
A camera whose design concept includes an artfully distressed exterior: the Leica M-P “Correspondent” by Lenny Kravitz. The outfit, which includes two lenses and a briefcase, was limited to 125 sets worldwide.An M that documents the human experience in the hands of press photographers, that helps illuminate and even shape audiences’ perceptions of world events, has long been the epitome of a professional reportage camera. Indeed, along with their rarity, the fascination for black paint Leicas is doubtlessly rooted in their contributions to press photography – a field that is inherently associated with reliable, resilient tools. This, in turn, makes the patina of a black paint Leica M deeply evocative.
Companies such as Leitz and Zeiss-Ikon were selling black-finish cameras as early as the 1930s (Ed: in fact, the ‘20s). However, the black paint tends to wear off fairly quickly, leaving the cameras looking ‘unsightly’ (Ed: A matter if opinion, but overstated). Quite inadvertently, this shortcoming (which Leica remedied in the 1970s with the M4 Black Chrome) set the course for black paint models to become a major trend: the supply of black paint cameras on the market was far lower than the demand; also, not every press photographer could afford a black paint Leica M3.
As a result, countless chrome models ended up being painted black – partly by Leica themselves, but also by rogue counterfeiters, who sold the repainted models (complete with fake documents) as overpriced originals and continue to do so today. To confirm that your black paint Leica is legitimate contact Leica Classics or Leitz Photographica Auction, whose comprehensive files (including delivery and repair books, production records, etc.) can verify the camera’s origins.
One of Leica’s most coveted rangefinder cameras is the MP, which was first presented to the public at photokina 1956. Only 412 units were produced; 141 of them featured a black finish, and were predominantly bought by professional photographers. Many famous Magnum photographers worked with an MP – a camera built at the suggestion of LIFE photographers Alfred Eisenstaedt and David Douglas Duncan. In fact, the Leica MP with serial number 2, which was originally shipped to New York press photographer Bob Schwalberg, may well have sparked the trend for black paint Leicas.
A good general comment on Leica black enamel vs. black chrome finish
Black chrome is real metal plated over the metal parts of the camera. Paint, whether lacquer or enamel, is painted over the un-plated brass body parts. Eventually it will wear and chip, especially at the edges, showing the underlying brass. Unless you use the camera every day you won't keep the brass "bright" without polishing it. At two extremes are those who pride themselves in keeping their black paint cameras in like new condition and those think that the brass shows that they're serious photographers who really use their Leicas extensively. Silver chrome does show "scuff marks", but less so than black chrome. Al Kaplan.
Conclusion:
This foray into the wonderful world of black finished Leicas has clearly generated considerably more questions than answers but it has also, thanks to my knowledgeable friends, also yielded some fascinating information not generally available elsewhere. I hope those who’ve had the persistence to wade through this morass are inspired to add any additional facts they may possess or to direct us to further sources of good information on this topic. Thanks in advance for your efforts because this is very much a work in progress.
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