Leica M9 Rangefinder Digital Camera

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About the Leica M9

History

The history of 35-mm photography began almost 100 years ago with the legendary Ur-Leica. Today, it is the Leica M9, a landmark camera that carries the proud heritage of Leica M cameras into the digital age. The Leica M9 is the world’s first digital system camera of its size to be built with a full-frame sensor – a CCD sensor developed specifically for the M9 – that is capable of perfectly capturing the full 35-mm format (24 × 36 mm) in ultra-high resolution. The new M9 – in the familiar, classic and timeless M design, represents the essence of its predecessors based on the consummate technology of our time. It is the perfect contemporary tool for those who set the highest standards in image quality and are committed to creating images that endure.

Quality

The combination of an extremely high-resolution sensor, high-performance M lenses and careful processing of the digital picture data provides the best picture results under all conditions. The proprietary CCD sensor in the LEICA M9 allows the utilization of the full 35-mm format with 18 million Pixels. The sensor of the M9 uses a newly developed cover glass to eliminate infrared light contamination and allows the use of existing Leica M lenses without loss of image quality.
The use of external UV/IR filters is not required.

Intuitive Controls

The simple handling and menus of the LEICA M9 allow the photographer to concentrate on taking pictures, not the controls. The key control element of the M9 is an intuitive four-way switch-and-dial combination used in conjunction with the 2.5-inch LCD monitor on the back. To set the ISO sensitivity, simply maintain light pressure on the ISO button while simultaneously turning the dial to select the required setting. All other functions important for everyday situations are quickly and easily accessible by pressing the set button: white balance, image-data compression, resolution, exposure correction, exposure bracketing and programmable user profiles. The user profiles can be programmed with any combination of camera and shooting settings, then stored under an assigned name and accessed quickly whenever required for a particular situation.

Compact, Enduring Performance and Value

It is hardly unusual that a Leica, once owned, becomes a lifelong companion. This also applies to the digital M9: in spite of the larger sensor size, the compact housing of the M8 and M8.2 design was retained. With exterior dimensions of 139 x 37 x 80 mm (5.5 x 1.5 x 3.1 in), the M9 maintains the ideal shape of the M camera and becomes the smallest full-frame system camera in the world. Its closed, full-metal housing is crafted from a high-strength magnesium alloy and its top deck and bottom plate are machined from large blocks of brass, which provide perfect protection for the M9′s inner mechanisms. The digital components and shutter assembly of the M9 are similarly constructed with endurance in mind. Free firmware updates ensure that the camera benefits from the latest technology. In short: The Leica M9 is an investment for a lifetime. The camera is available in classic black vulcanit finish or elegant steel grey with traditional fine leatherette finish.

Workflow

Capture One Pro (available from Capture Integration for $399) offers Leica M9 users the very best in image quality. Capture One Pro extracts an extreme level of detail from the files and offers purple fringing and chromatic aberration reduction, especially useful for Leica and Voigtlander wide-angle lenses. In addition, the black and white conversion options in Capture One offer smoother gradation, better dynamic range and better grain characteristics (especially at high ISOs) than any other raw processor.

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Technical Specifications

Leica M9 Specs

	Leica M9
Resolution	18 megapixel
Sensor Size (Linear)	23.9x35.8mm
Sensor Size (Area)	8.6 cm^2
Pixel Dimensions	5212x3472
Capture Rate (frame/sec)	2 fps / 8-frames
File Size (DNG)	36 MB (18MB compressed)
File Size (16 bit TIFF)	104 MB
ISO Range	80-2500
LCD Screen	2.5"
Tethering Interface	?
Sync Speed	1/?
Storage Type	SD / SDHC Cards

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From our Customer and Friend Don Libby

If anyone asks if you can shoot landscape with the Leica M9 tell them yes and refer them here.

The primary reason for me to get the Leica M9 was as a companion camera. I wanted a camera that produced a high quality image while not being overly large or heavy. A camera I could use for scouting locations to return to with my Cambo WRS/P45+. All this has been theory till this morning. I took a walk in Yosemite Valley near where I’m staying with just the M9 and my lenses. The walk lasted well over 90 minutes and I figure I walked close to 4 miles. I had my Domke F2 slung around my neck so it would lay on my left side and be able to move either to the rear or closer to my chest. The bag contained two lenses and an extra battery; not much weight at all. I had the M9 around my neck laying on my chest. I began using the 90mm and changed lenses between that and the 35 and 50mm with little problems. This was a spur of the moment decision to take the walk and I honestly didn’t think I’d be that long otherwise I would have also taken at least a monopod. I’m pleased to say everything worked as it should. I returned with no back or shoulder problems from the weight of the gear. I even found an area I’ll be returning to with the Cambo to shoot in medium format. All told I’d say this morning’s walk was a win-win.