ZM lenses, black or silver?

[noimmunity]

I have both black and silver ZM lenses. The handling of all the silver ones is definitely a cut above the black ones (which are still very good) in my book. Particularly the aperture ring on the silver versions is even smoother than smooth. The focus ring, too, seems smoother and also slightly more durable.

 

[gertf]

I have both black and silver ZM lenses. The handling of all the silver ones is definitely a cut above the black ones (which are still very good) in my book. Particularly the aperture ring on the silver versions is even smoother than smooth. The focus ring, too, seems smoother and also slightly more durable.

I received a silver Sonnar instead of a black one. Didn't notice any difference in handling between the two when the black one came a week later. Maybe it's the difference between the lenses of different focal length instead of colour?

 

[thomasw_]

I received a silver Sonnar instead of a black one. Didn't notice any difference in handling between the two when the black one came a week later. Maybe it's the difference between the lenses of different focal length instead of colour?

I don't think there should be any handling/finish difference. If there is talk to your dealer. Tony Rose told me there is no different between the quality of the silver or black ZM lenses.

For an ergonomic reason, I bought black because it is way easier to read white number against black through the VF than the numbers against silver.

Also black lenses against a silver body look sharp, while the black lenses against a black body look both sexy and possess a stealthy feel.

thomas

 

[back alley]

i've had both black & silver and never noticed any difference.

i prefer the silver body & lenses, for some strange reason, as i usually prefer the black versions of cameras.

 

[Cron]

I think difference can be caused by tolerance from lens to lens but not caused by the colour

 

[kshapero]

I have a silver C Sonnar. I noticed it attracts Martians. Other than that I think it is the same as black.

 

[FanMan]

silver. Definitely - silver lens + silver camera is my 1st best solution

 

[noimmunity]

Ot: Zm 2/85

Ot: Zm 2/85

silver. Definitely - silver lens + silver camera is my 1st best solution

FanMan, is your ZM 2/85 silver also?

How is that working out? Is there a place where I can take a look at some photos from that lens?

 

[FanMan]

FanMan, is your ZM 2/85 silver also?

No it is black (to my knowledge it is only avaiable in black).

How is that working out? Is there a place where I can take a look at some photos from that lens?

Had not yet the time to test it the way I tested my C-Sonnar - as soon as I have done that I will open a flickr-account and post the shots there.

 

[noimmunity]

Had not yet the time to test it the way I tested my C-Sonnar - as soon as I have done that I will open a flickr-account and post the shots there.

take your time and do it the right way. it's such an uncommon lens...

 

[dannynono]

I'm a sucker for silver/chrome lenses. When I do get one of the zm (21 and/or 25) lenses it'll be in silver.

 

[Hacker]

Black for the only reason it is more stealthy.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Black is easier to read.

 

[drewbarb]

The silver chrome Leica lenses are often somewhat heavier then the black ones, due to different materials; in that case, I prefer the black (lighter-weight) ones. Is there a similar weight difference in the finishes for the ZM lenses?

 

[elude]

The silver chrome Leica lenses are often somewhat heavier then the black ones, due to different materials; in that case, I prefer the black (lighter-weight) ones. Is there a similar weight difference in the finishes for the ZM lenses?

There is no weight difference between black & silver ZM lenses.
I prefer the silver finition because of the ugly white/red paint on the black ones.

 

[kbg32]

A black camera and lens doesn't clash with anything I wear. I'm good for day or night.
🙂

 

[alan davus]

I've just bought a new ZM 18 Distagon from Popflash and must admit wasn't quite sure whether I'd made the right decision to get the chrome version over the black. That is until it arrived. I absolutely love it. From now on it's chrome all the way unless there is no alternative to black.

 

[noimmunity]

You'll love that 18! Mine is chrome, too.