Black vs Chrome bodies: I've aways liked the black camera bodies but over time the edges tend to wear leading to "brassing". Most chrome body cameras do not have this issue. What are...

silveragemarvel Loc: Keller, Texas

I've aways liked the black camera bodies but over time the edges tend to wear leading to "brassing". Most chrome body cameras do not have this issue. What are your preference and why for selecting one over the other? I know that at one time the pro's primarily use black and many non-pro's wanted to look the part.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Black bodies don't reflect the sun like a chrome body does. The reflection off chrome can startle or scare off birds and animals so I prefer the black bodied cameras.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

I was going to say something very similiar. Flashing chrome could also create undo attention in areas where thieves look for gear to liberate. It would also require more frequent cleaning.

If my camera looks used so be it. It just means that its getting used and not sitting around looking pretty. My vote, such as it is, would be for the traditional black as well.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I like the black because it is less obvious. A study was done many years ago when film cameras were available black and nickel type plating. It showed black cameras get warmer than nickel plating type. Black paint chips and nickel gets brassing. Take your pick. It is personal prefrence.n

silveragemarvel wrote:

I've aways liked the black camera bodies but over time the edges tend to wear leading to "brassing". Most chrome body cameras do not have this issue. What are your preference and why for selecting one over the other? I know that at one time the pro's primarily use black and many non-pro's wanted to look the part.

BebuLamar

Mike D. wrote:

I was going to say something very similiar. Flashing chrome could also create undo attention in areas where thieves look for gear to liberate. It would also require more frequent cleaning.

If my camera looks used so be it. It just means that its getting used and not sitting around looking pretty. My vote, such as it is, would be for the traditional black as well.

Back in the 70's black bodies cost a premium so I as a beginner figured it must be better so I bought black bodies.

Beowulf Loc: Aquidneck Island, RI

All comments, i.e., black bodies get hotter in the sun, chrome ones often glint, etc. are all valid and long standing arguments either way.

I can remember back to the days when news photogs had moved from press cameras to 35mm rangefinders in the '40's and '50's and "street" photogs were emerging. Back then it was not unusual to see chrome body Contax, Nikon, Canon, and other rangefinders festooned with black electric tape or black gaffer tape on the chrome parts to make them less obvious. All obviated by the introduction of black bodies later on.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

BebuLamar wrote:

Back in the 70's black bodies cost a premium so I as a beginner figured it must be better so I bought black bodies.

The camera makers knew that pros and those who wanted to look like pros liked them better, so they could charge more for them.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I'm using the black bodies until they come out with something darker.

silveragemarvel Loc: Keller, Texas

I'm contemplating my next camera will be mirrorless. Sony has a6300 in black and chrome. Looks like mine will be black.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I'll bet there has not been a brass body made in 50 years so how can they "brass"?!
Or are you referring to the old dinosaur cameras???
SS

Quixdraw Loc: x

Factually, black cameras are less obtrusive -- back in film days some street & media photogs would fill white lettering on the front of the camera with black paint to be even stealthier. I have a silver F 2 and a Black ELW both used heavily for about the same period of years. The silver camera still looks new, the Black one well used. Since the F 2 was the primary, I carried it in hand more, while the Black was on a neck strap or in the case. Both still function equally well. I suppose black cameras do heat up more, but that would have been more critical in film days. Most who care for their gear try to keep it out of hot sun unless they are with it. I chose silver when I bought my DF, thinking it would wear well. Two years in, with very careful handling, the silver has worn off two front corners of the base plate. I will probably try Black if there is ever a DF 2.
Dealer's choice!

silveragemarvel Loc: Keller, Texas

My black Nikon FTn was made in 1972 and edges show brass. It is a dinosaur.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

I bought a silver Df because it looked more like my F2 from the film days.
Sometimes i think I should get a black one to keep it company.

BebuLamar

Kmgw9v wrote:

I bought a silver Df because it looked more like my F2 from the film days.
Sometimes i think I should get a black one to keep it company.

I bought the Df in black because my first camera back in 77 was a black F2as.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

silveragemarvel wrote:

My black Nikon FTn was made in 1972 and edges show brass. It is a dinosaur.

That's not a dinosaur; it's a classic. Some cameras are actually more valuable if they have an appropriate amount of brassing in the right areas; in particular, some Leica I's and II's are less valuable in pristine condition because collectors are wary of refurbished goods.