I think that the colour problem may be a result of my phone, i've taken a few more shots and they all seem to have the violetish tinge when taking photos of greyish subjects in day light.
With regards to smell i cant say any of them had much of an identifiable whiff. sorry i cant help any further.

here's a violet tinged shot of the cortina on a younger example, white and with no distinct smell.
regards
alex