Back in 2019, I sold off my M10 with high hopes that Leica would eventually come out with a M10-P in black paint. The discreet look of the M10-P with its silent shutter was just so appealing to me. To have it in black paint finish was the bomb. So the wait began.
Various special edition of M10-P were release but none in black paint. Leica later released the M10 Monochrome and by now the hope of ever seeing a M10-P in black paint started to fade. Being a strong enthusiast towards black and white photography I quickly placed an order for the M10-M Wetzlar edition. Afterall it was in a M10-P form factor albeit a higher resolution monochromatic sensor. It worked for me as it complimented the SL-2 which I had.
Not too long later Leica also released the M10-R which basically was the M10 Monochrome in colour but with that big red Leica dot on the front. The camera received little to no attention from me. However this all changed when word on the streets of a M10-R in black paint was soon to be released.
At last the dream M10 variant I have been waiting for is here. The Leica M10-R in black paint finish is finally released. I immediately knew I had to have it but this was not without sacrifice. As much as it brought pain to the heart, I knew I had to let go of my SL-2 system. The SL-2 is really an amazing camera but to maintain 2 colour cameras is just not practical for me at the moment especially when it is so costly. Sold off my SL-2 and acquired the M10-R in black paint finish. Will definitely look at getting the SL-2 again used when the price eventually falls. Till then I will be contended with owning both the M10-M and M10-R Black Paint.