Re: M Body Construction

["Lucien_vD@compuserve.com" <Lucien_vD@compuserve.com>]

Stephen wrote:

<Compare a Mint- or better chrome M3/M2/M4 side by side to the chrome M6
<in the same condition.  The finishes definitely appear different. =

<Whether one is superior to the other, I suppose depends upon your point
<of view and what you like.

Yes it is diputable.

<The older chrome finish has a brighter sheen and deeper luster to it.
<have no way to measure the exact thickness of the chrome, but the chrome=

<finish on the older cameras also seems to be thicker in practice.  When
<you scratch an older body, there is chrome underneath.  When you scratch=

<a black chrome M6, its not too far until you get brass. =


*It is not brass but Zinc alloy in the M6 black and chrome.
And you beter compare chrome with chrome and black with black.

*But it is right that the black chrome M6 is more delicate than a silver
chrome M6.
And the black chrome M4 (1974/75) was even much more delicate.


<And of course, the engraved top on the M2/M3/M4 adds to the feeling of
<quality that cannot be found on the later cameras (except the very
<expensive M6J).

*There is not so many engraving on a present M6.

<Interestingly, the chrome finish of the ultra expensive M6J seems to be
<to a higher standard similar to the older cameras, judging from the
<pictures I have seen. I do not own a M6J. Any M6J owners care to
<comment?

*The M6J is chrome on brass instead of silver chrome or black chrome on
Zinc (M6)

<Some time ago,  I made the comment that I thought all M6's should be
<like the M6J, rather than having to pay extra for the added quality.

<From an aesthetic point of view, their is no comparison in my eyes to a
<nice black enamel M Vs the black chrome M6.  The black chrome is
<functional and lowers production costs, but he beauty of the black
<finish is gone.

*True, but the black paint was so delicate specially on the first M3/M2.
But a brassy black paint M3/M2/M4 is still beautiful and expensive,
when a worn black chrome M4/M4-2/M4-P/M6 is ugly and cheap.
That is not the case of a used silver chrome M6.

<Of course my comments are very subjective.  I make no claim about
<"truth," but I know from experience that a lot of experienced Leica
<collectors and users share these viewpoints.

*Subjectively yours,

Lucien,
BELGIUM