PYRTLE
Old Berkshire Boy
The rubber armouring components are most likely sourced and produced by a contractor to Leica who are waiting for the next batch of olive kits to arrive at the assembly line for final fitting and QA checks before being signed off, packed and sealed. They do look very pleasing on the eye.
As you have not yet "ordered" or paid for a pair, the price could unfortunately change as a contract is not in place, though I'm sure Ace Optics will honour the agreement. I guess a retailer's stock comes directly from Germany, rather than a one off special transfer from a Leica Store in the UK.
Leica did offer a "loan / trial" scheme many years ago with their bulky Trinovid 32mm range....... the trial models were finished in a bright matt red rubber armour ( to distinguish and advertise them ). These eventually became highly sought after by collectors alongside yellow and blue variants.
As you have not yet "ordered" or paid for a pair, the price could unfortunately change as a contract is not in place, though I'm sure Ace Optics will honour the agreement. I guess a retailer's stock comes directly from Germany, rather than a one off special transfer from a Leica Store in the UK.
Leica did offer a "loan / trial" scheme many years ago with their bulky Trinovid 32mm range....... the trial models were finished in a bright matt red rubber armour ( to distinguish and advertise them ). These eventually became highly sought after by collectors alongside yellow and blue variants.