[Leica] re: silver vs black lenses

["kyle cassidy" <kcassidy@asc.upenn.edu>]

>Are there fundamentally any differences (mechanical, durability, etc.)
>between the silver and black versions of lenses?  I notice from their
>literature that in all cases where both finishes are offered, the silver
>version weighs more. Are they made in the same place?

hi michael -- you've noticed the one real difference between the lenses, the
construction material and hence the weight. in my book, all things being
equal, you should always buy the black versions of the lens for several
reasons:

    1) it's lighter and you have to carry it around.
    2) the silver versions don't show your hard earned scratches as well
    3) a 1997 vogue/voigtlander poll shows that fashion models prefer the
black lenses by a stunning 23% margin (or was it 33%? could someone
        check my numbers on this one? i don't have the article in front of
me.)

it's possible to paint your silver lenses black (william gower's been known
to do it) but what's the point of having a heavy black lens when you could
have a light one?

someone may post "heavier lenses means you can hold your camera steadier"
but don't listen to them. if you ever have a hankering for a weighty camera,
screw an underdog flash battery on the bottom.

just my .02, take it for what it's worth,

kc




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