Chrome or Black - which grabs more attention?

Rashomon

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Black has more of a "pro-look"

Chrome more old-school, "amateur".

Chrome should be seen easily, but people dismiss it for old camera.

Black should be more stealthy, but people take you more seriously.


So black or chrome, which is better for street photography?
 
No it doesn't matter. The only practical things I've read is that chrome may reflect a bit if a window is in your shot, and the internals of black cameras have higher internal temperatures in hot weather. That's about it. Just get the best price you can and don't worry about the color.
 
It doesn't matter, they are all beautiful. The cameras with the red dot look really cool when they are black. The engraved Leicas look great chrome. That's my opinion anyway.
 
i can't decide.
i used to prefer black but lately i'm liking the chrome more.

thank goodness i have both and can decide based upon my whim at the moment.

of course i only have one black lens...
 
I don't care, sorta...

I don't buy a lens for looks. I buy it for function.

But since you asked. It depends. Color is secondary in my chose. First is the lens FL, Then the Color. But If I have no chose, what ever it is, it is.

Some lenses I prefer Chrome. (Collapsibles). The Hektor looks good with both. I have seen the Black Hektor...Not for me. But, if that was all I had available. Then I'd get it.

I have 3 black lenses and one Black & Chrome (the Hektor). I had this question about a lens hood for the Hektor I needed....Black or Chrome?
I bought a Chrome (Aluminum) 34mm Screw in.
It will "Blend" in better and look like a part of the lens, instead of an accessory.

OK Ok, I prefer Black...There I said it....happy now :D
 
A chrome M is a thing of beauty. A black M . . .it's just a thing.
 
I agree with Nick

I agree with Nick

Nick R. said:
A chrome M is a thing of beauty. A black M . . .it's just a thing.

My first pair of M2's were chrome, my first Nikon slr's were black, my Nikon dslr's are black. My FM3A was chrome.(This is after my dslr's)

So yes, chrome is all that.
 
As a plumber, when people ask me what type of tapware to get I allways say anything as long as its chrome. Chrome is a much longer lasting surface and is easier to clean. So when I bought a new M6 recently I could only take my own advice and got a chrome body.
 
alan davus said:
As a plumber, when people ask me what type of tapware to get I allways say anything as long as its chrome. Chrome is a much longer lasting surface and is easier to clean. So when I bought a new M6 recently I could only take my own advice and got a chrome body.

I just did the same thing. I got a M6 classic from Nick.(thanks again nick)
 
Chrome is vintage.
Black is modern.

Chrome makes a M-Leica more beutiful in my opinion.

Black is more stealth while any bright item gets noticed more easily.

Some might take a black camera more seriously than an 'old' chrome camera.

/Erik
 
I've always wanted and used black bodies but had the chance to buy a like-new chrome M7. I love it and find that it does not make one iota of difference in how I shoot on the street or if I am more 'noticed' or not. I've quickly dismissed the notions of black being more 'pro' or more stealthy as silly wive's tales.
 
Black is beautiful but chrome is gorgeous! All my RFs are chrome and if I would ever buy an M8 it would be chrome as well!
Just uploaded this combo:
 

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I prefer chrome, but don´t like the ones with a red dot on the front. Luckily there are M2, M3, M4 and MP, so you can get a chrome leica without a dot.

Thomas
 
I prefer chrome, but don´t like the ones with a red dot on the front. Luckily there are M2, M3, M4 and MP, so you can get a chrome leica without a dot.

Thomas
 
I am sure the black one grabs more attention in the street - It looks more professional. With a black Nikon F80 and a small prime lens I had quite a few of cases when people looked irritated... With a chrome FM3a none.
The chrome finish on a camera body makes it looking older and amateur.

Now I bought a chrome M6 for this reason...
 
Last edited:
eon said:
Chrome is vintage.
Black is modern.

Chrome makes a M-Leica more beutiful in my opinion.

Black is more stealth while any bright item gets noticed more easily.

Some might take a black camera more seriously than an 'old' chrome camera.

/Erik

Most of my Leicas are chrome and there are gorgeous, but the black M6 is just plain sexy.:)
 
Personally--black. Black bodies, black lenses, black hoods,caps, cases, straps,you get the picture...

I think black is more stealthy & looks sexy, too...Have you seen an bp MP in a black leather half case? It makes my pulse race...
 
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