Summilux M 1.4/50mm black paint

For the rare black paint finish versions of the early Leica M models M3, MP and M2, a small selection of lenses were also supplied in black, at a time when Leica lenses were generally finished in silver chrome. Those scarce early black-paint finished Leica M lenses were only produced in very small quantities and seem to be rarer than the camera bodies as such. Most probably, this is because some of the photographers with black-paint M cameras chose lens types which were not available in black paint finish at all, such as the Elmar 50 and 90 mm lenses.

Even among the few rare lenses delivered in black, a number of variations has appeared. Of particular interest are the earliest of those, which contain a bayonet flange made of brass without chrome plating. Instead it shows a “blue stained” black surface, which turns brownish/black when the brass underneath shines through with increasing use and wear. The two following lots are such early black M lenses with black bayonets.

Photo credit: © WestLicht Photographica Auction