Why vulcanite on LTM are better preserved than on M bodies?

[darkosaric]

Looking on used Leica on many selling sites - I got to conclusion that LTM Leicas are almost always in better outer cosmetic shape then M bodies.
Why vulcanite on LTM are better preserved than on the M bodies? Is the quality better, or in general M bodies are more worn out, were more in use, since in LTM times films were more expensive?

 

[guangong]

From my own experience, although have not been shopping for a Leica for quite some time, among my LTM Leicas, three IIIa, IIIc and IIIf, the vulcanite on the IIIc shed completely and had to be replaced by Yu Xin, my two M4s, M3 and M5 and my wife’s M5 are just fine, although the vulcanite on my daughter’s M3 is chipping.
If there is any difference in condition of vulcanite between LTM and M cameras, a possible explanation could be that during the LTM era, Leicas were considered expensive precision instruments and therefore usually carried and used in leather ever ready case in order to protect investment. Beginning in the 1960s, cases were considered “not professional” and those who used them as “amateurish”. So, possibly, users following fashion, M cameras were exposed to more abuse than LTM.
LTM cameras have too many crevasses, allowing invasion of dust, dirt and lint. For carrying in jacket pocket, Leica once made a case sort of like a long old fashioned coin purse to protect camera. At one time Leitz advised against carrying a Leica in pocket because of lint.

 

[BAC1967]

the Materials they made it out of must have changed over time like the shark skin after WWII. Maybe they used a product that just didn’t last quite as long. I’m sure the biggest factor is how it was handled throughout its life.

 

[BradS]

It might also be the case that many more of the screw mount bodies have been tossed out as trash or otherwise destroyed and those that we have left today are those relative few that were stashed away or treated preciously and subjected to professional maintenance service.

 

[guangong]

It might also be the case that many more of the screw mount bodies have been tossed out as trash or otherwise destroyed and those that we have left today are those relative few that were stashed away or treated preciously and subjected to professional maintenance service.

Very good point.

 

[AndyH]

Very good point.

I’m not buying this explanation but I do think that M series models suffered more pro level abuse.

Perhaps there was a difference in the material quality over time? That’s my best guess.
Andy