Indeed, they are! That's all I ever used, until I had to settle for a few chrome rangefinders. It's quite embarassing to use the chrome ones on the street, but I deal with it. I sure wish my Oly RC, was black. However, my super sharp, Viv ES is black, as is most of my other rf's. I am convinced that the black GIII QL-17 rigs make sharper images than my chrome one's.....
I am considering taking Joe up on his advice, and having my lens shades, chromed. He said that it gives his lenses one more stop of speed and light gathering capabilities....
Russ