Elmar-M 50mm 2.8 II

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M10M iso400
 
There were a few comments from those preferring the black version for its lighter weight. The chrome version is of course heavier because it calls for a brass outer helicoid, and brass is heavier than aluminum.

Here's my question: Some of the 50 elmar-M are referred to as "silver" rather than than "chrome." I suspect this could be for one of two reasons. One reason could be that, ever since the black chrome bodies came out, we have distinguished them by saying "black chrome" or "silver chrome." But some Leica bodies are now finished in silver paint. So I don't know if some Elmar-M lenses might be finished in silver paint, at least when described as "silver." If, so, then the silver lenses, being only paint over aluminum, would be the same weight as black ones, right?
 
The "silver" Elmar-M lenses are made from brass that is chromed. Aliminium cannot be chromed. Hence the heavy silver ones.

I would always choose the silver one instead of the black one, because I like brass lenses. The mechanical quality of the silver Elmar-M lenses is second to none.

Erik.
 
Erik van Straten said:
The "silver" Elmar-M lenses are made from brass that is chromed. Aliminium cannot be chromed. Hence the heavy silver ones.

I would always choose the silver one instead of the black one, because I like brass lenses. The mechanical quality of the silver Elmar-M lenses is second to none.

Erik.
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So, there's no such thing as a silver paint Elmar M?

I'm thinking that the chrome ones are not really heavier enough than the painted ones to mean much. So If they are better built, I might go for the chrome version.
 
Rob, I believe silver finished aluminium Leica lenses are a recent thing, maybe the last 3 to 5 years. The finish is either clear anodising or "silver" anodising.
Prior to that, silver Leica lenses were chrome on brass and black Leica lenses were either black painted brass or black anodized aluminium. There might be some black painted aluminium lenses too, probably special editions.
I have 3 versions of the 50 Elmar, all in chromed brass. The last model, the subject of this thread, is heavy. Lovely to use and very well built, but its weight almost negates the idea of a small, handy collapsible lens.
 
Ok, so the plot thickens. It looks like there is such a thing as a silver-painted aluminum version.
 
Rob-F said:
It looks like there is such a thing as a silver-painted aluminum version.
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Of the Elmar-M 50/2.8 II? Nope, there isn't. This lens was discontinued around 2006-7, well before silver painted aluminium lenses became a thing for Leica.
 
I got one

I got one

So, I have deliberated long enough. Scored it for under $700 including the shipping. I went for the Chrome version after reading the praise for it. Put it on my Chrome M2. I rather like the heft of it. It's actually 9 or 10 grams heavier than my collapsible Summicron, even without its hood mounted. That's OK! I like it!

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I am feeling impatient to get out and shoot, what with the coronavirus. But my problems are very small, compared to the millions unable to pay for food or rent. I'm not complaining.
 
"I got one
So, I have deliberated long enough. Scored it for under $700 including the shipping. I went for the Chrome version after reading the praise for it. Put it on my Chrome M2. I rather like the heft of it."

Very Cool Rob,
Look forward to seeing your photos, Congrats & Enjoy!
 
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