[Leica] Re: Titanium is Out

["TSL" <eno22@enter.net>]

SNIP>>>>


<<<The titanium finish is not "paint". It is also not a coating or an
anodization of the same type as the chrome or black finishes. It is actually
something very different. I won't go into the technical stuff, but
essentially it is a process by which titanium ions are bombarded (at
extremely high speed and at extremely low pressure) and impregnated into the
first 3-5 microns of the surface of the substrate.>>>

<<<Rather than sitting on the surface of the metal, it actually becomes part
of the substrate metal.
For this reason, it cannot wear off, and it gives the base material a
substantially higher Rockwell hardness. (Anyone interested in this technolog
y can find acres of information by searching the web for "titanium coating")
It is interesting to note that not all metals can be effectively "coated",
including nickel. This is the reason that there is no titanium TTL. All
titanium M6s have brass tops.>>>
<SNIP>

<<<Bottom line. I doubt in future years you will ever see a titanium body or
lens with surface wear. (For those of you who actually like brassing, sorry
to disappoint you.) This finish is rugged.>>>

Mine's got none, it seems that it 'absorbes' what would otherwise be termed
'wear'.

<<<Personally. I also think that it
is the best looking finish Leica makes, as well. You have to see it
personally. Do not judge this by the pictures in the brochure, which look
too gold. It's actual appearance is closer to a graphite gray than gold. As
for the leather, it IS real leather, it is just the "emu" texture rather
than real emu.>>>

This point is overlooked, and is paradoxically misused.  The view on the
titanium (M6) is that it is 'ornate' and 'jewelry' and that it's some sort
of show-off thing.  In the same sentence is black-tape and red dots.  The
'chrome' is undoubtedly more noticeable

The real bottom line. The titanium finish M6 is still a current product, so
you can still get one. It is not in high demand, probably from a lack of
proper information (some of which seems to be coming from here). You can use
it as your primary body, and still have a collector's item in 20 years.

Dave Dallam
mailto:dave.dallam@leica-microsystems.com