I am new to fredmiranda and a good friend referred me to this site. I look forward to learning, buying and selling, and most importantly, building relationships with like-minded photographers and enthusiasts.
I am being offered an M10-R that's in great condition. I am told it's a genuine BP model, and I have no reason to believe it is not a genuine BP model. I 'trust' but I am 'verifying'. Is there a way to scientifically confirm it's a BP model? The serial number is 5511xxx. I tried looking for serial number forums/engines but couldn't find any. The camera looks very much like a BP model, and it is identical in every way to a BP model. Thanks for your advice. My apologies if i'm posting this incorrectly or in the wrong place throughout this site, I am still trying to learn my way through it.
Update: I purchased it based on recommendations here and I love it. My new everyday camera. Thank you all for your help.
Is the hot shoe stamped with M10-R? Is there a screw slot (versus a Leica red dot)? Those will make it more likely a true M10-R BP. There is no M10-R hot shoe stamp without a Leica red dot (as far as I know) that is stamped M10-R. The sure fire way to find out is by contacting Leica with the serial number.
Everything checks. Looks like a genuine M10-R Black Paint. From the pictures it appears to be in great condition. Just grab it!! It will become rare and it’s a gorgeous, powerful and trouble-free M body.
Wiring8554 wrote:
Thank you. Hot shoe stamped with M10-R, there is a screw slot (no red dot). Please see two attached pics.
Just looking at that paint finish I can tell it is the real thing. I've seen repaints from many other places - including the famed Kanto - and they don't look as good as Leica OEM.
Wiring8554 wrote:
i did. thanks for your support. those things are hard to find! and when you do find them, they're $12,000 on ebay or whatever.
Especially in mint condition. I don't mind and I'm using mine, but so far the paint is holding up well. I took it to Europe for three weeks and there isn't a scratch on it.
Thank you Fred! Yeah, I agree with you. When you know it's a black paint camera you tend to guard it and look out for it more than normal. By the way, I've been using the site for about a month now and I'm loving it. I love the retro style. It works. I will be a longtime member of yours.
Just curious... what makes the "Black Paint" cameras special? I get that they are beautiful, but functionally... are they any different that the black chrome cameras?
I have a brassy M10 black chrome that has that workhorse look to it. I love the camera for its discrete and invisible character. I also like the fact that it appears tarnished and scuffed up... this makes me less cautious when I'm in the field.
OwlsEyes wrote:
Just curious... what makes the "Black Paint" cameras special? I get that they are beautiful, but functionally... are they any different that the black chrome cameras?
I have a brassy M10 black chrome that has that workhorse look to it. I love the camera for its discrete and invisible character. I also like the fact that it appears tarnished and scuffed up... this makes me less cautious when I'm in the field.
cheers,
bruce
don't reason with us, the leica users, we buy leica for no reasons.
OwlsEyes wrote:
Just curious... what makes the "Black Paint" cameras special? I get that they are beautiful, but functionally... are they any different that the black chrome cameras?
I have a brassy M10 black chrome that has that workhorse look to it. I love the camera for its discrete and invisible character. I also like the fact that it appears tarnished and scuffed up... this makes me less cautious when I'm in the field.
cheers,
bruce
The difference is purely cosmetic. It's not just the black paint; the buttons, switches, and shutter material are also different from the regular M10-R. Otherwise, it's the same camera, just a special edition. That said, I think it's the most beautiful M model aside from the M-P film body.
OwlsEyes wrote:
Just curious... what makes the "Black Paint" cameras special? I get that they are beautiful, but functionally... are they any different that the black chrome cameras?
I have a brassy M10 black chrome that has that workhorse look to it. I love the camera for its discrete and invisible character. I also like the fact that it appears tarnished and scuffed up... this makes me less cautious when I'm in the field.
cheers,
bruce
Big part of Leica's camera business relies on special editions for a pricey uptick. The black paint editions are one of the most common special editions since many of Leica's cameras (and lenses) sooner or later are made with black paint. They are attractive by its glossy look and some seem to like it that the brass shines through when the paint is worn out.
Black paint items are one thing I never had and don't intend to get. As user of Leica gear, I prefer the standard or actually lower priced M-E camera editions. If it comes to look, I prefer chrome lenses over black ones. This said, black paint gear looks nice but it is way out of my price range. If owning black paint gear, I would be hesitant to use it, too.
Thanks to everyone who replied...
I was wondering if I was missing something. I had owned the M246 for a short time before returning it for the M10, and thought the body was stunning with its all black Bauhaus-like design and wish my M10 was more like this. However, I'm not willing to pay a premium for the cosmetic enhancements. On the other hand, I know the M10R is significantly different than my M10... I just don't need another 40MP+ sensor, I've got that type of resolution covered with my Z9/Z8.
As a person/photographer that has played around with (read as owned...) the M8, CL digital, SL, SL2, SL2s, and M246, I personally believe that the M10 is the best Leica camera I have ever owned. It feels great in the hand, customizable enough, has a good rangefinder, and is surprisingly responsive. While this is "other" camera, I am constantly looking for ways to use it when I'm out photographing wildlife, landscapes, or just walking to the coffee shop.
BTW... other than putting gaffers tape on the red dot, is there a way to turn that red Leica Logo black?... this it the one cosmetic enhancement that interests me.
cheers,
bruce
rollei35_warton wrote:
don't reason with us, the leica users, we buy leica for no reasons.
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Wiring8554 wrote:
lol exactly. Why do people buy Porsche 911's when any other car will take them from point A to point B?
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Fred Miranda wrote:
The difference is purely cosmetic. It's not just the black paint; the buttons, switches, and shutter material are also different from the regular M10-R. Otherwise, it's the same camera, just a special edition. That said, I think it's the most beautiful M model aside from the M-P film body.
OwlsEyes wrote:
BTW... other than putting gaffers tape on the red dot, is there a way to turn that red Leica Logo black?... this it the one cosmetic enhancement that interests me.
cheers,
bruce
Yes, this existed - a black Leica dot with white Leica font. Unfortunately this is no longer made and distributed by Leica even many I read requested it. I believe Leica might have felt that this compromised their brand to some degree - maybe because higher priced M-P versions don't have the logo and by replacing a red one with a less conspicuous black one would be less impelled buying the M-P....not sure.
There might be some Chinese copies of the black dot with Leica name floating around online though.
