Re: [Leica] Black paint and pure bromide

[D Khong <dkhong@pacific.net.sg>]

Mike Johnston wrote:
>Apropos of nothing, I find it amazing that a _black paint_ Leica is now a
>prized, limited collector's item...what was originally a chintzy,
>utilitarian finish that wore poorly. It's really interesting how these
>things get turned around. Another example is that chlorobromide papers were
>originally considered to be the best quality, and "pure bromide" papers were
>used principally for their speed and principally for repro work, e.g. in
>newspaper darkrooms. Then, in the '30s, when the tide turned to "straight"
>work, a number of art photographers turned to printing on bromide papers as
>a way of expressing their anti-ostentation. By the '80s, makers and venders
>were advertising "pure bromide" paper as if it were the very soul of high
>quality, and chlorobromide papers were considered less desirable. And so it
>goes.
>
>Don't get me wrong, I like both bromide papers and black-paint Leicas. I
>guess I just don't understand why black paint can't be an everyday option on
>an ordinary Leica, instead of costing as much extra as a mid-level EOS.
>

Things have a way of coming around one full circle:

For eg. The re-emerging interests in RF cameras
        Black paint leicas (I think it will be a matter of time when they
                            will make it standard issue for business sake)
        Beetles
        B&W prints in wedding pictures
        Old architectural designs
        

Dan K.