Sister to the M9, the Leica M9-P Digital Camera carries forth all the same technology of its predecessor, with enhancements towards an even more discrete design. Minimalist, and all camera, the M9-P stands out in subtle but beneficial ways for the street photographer. It also follows in the footsteps of hallowed Leica tradition, harkening back to the 1950s, and the original MP "press" camera designed for Magnum shooters.
Perhaps the most noticeable difference between the two cameras is the lack of the red Leica dot on the front of the body. This alteration ensures even less attention will be drawn to the photographer with this unassuming camera. Instead of the traditional Leica logo, the M9-P has what Leica terms a, "restrained Leica logogram," on the top deck of the camera. Another feature of the M9-P is the vulcanite leathering on the body. In addition to looking exceptionally attractive, the leathering provides a good grip.
A third difference between the M9 and this, its reincarnation, is an extremely scratch-resistant sapphire crystal cover for the 2.5" LCD monitor. When being stealth is of the utmost, the traditional camera bag is usually not part of the picture. Consequently, the camera is prone to more of life's hazards. Sapphire crystal is exceptionally hard, making it almost unbreakable, and therefore, extremely protective of the M9-P's LCD display. The sapphire crystal cover also features an antireflective coating on both sides for optimal image viewing, even outdoors.
The M9-P boasts all the same remarkable image making characteristics of the M9; image quality, after all, is the hallmark of a Leica camera. The 24 x 36 18Mp CCD image sensor provides full size 35mm image capture in the digital format. All M lenses mount to the M9-P as well, for a wealth of choices to make the most of each shot. And even though the M9-P and M9 are digital, they still provide the user with the classic feel of a film rangefinder. Perhaps inspiring in the shooter a taste of the old days, yet putting all the benefits of digital at hand. With that being said, the intuitive interface and menu controls of the M9-P make it a joy to use.
The compact size of Leica M cameras, their unobtrusive looks, minimalist design, and the almost inaudible sound of their shutters make it possible for Leica M photographers to virtually melt into the background. The M9-P now makes photography even more unobtrusive - instead of the red dot on the front, it now bears a restrained Leica logogram on the top deck. And, in turn, is even more discreet
The Leica M9-P now features an extremely scratch-resistant, almost unbreakable, sapphire crystal cover for its LCD monitor display. Sapphire crystal is one of the world's hardest materials and so hard that it can only be worked with special diamond-cutting tools. The antireflective coating on both sides of the monitor cover glass further improves image reviewing, particularly in unfavorable lighting conditions
The Leica M9-P is optionally available in the classical Leica silver chrome camera finish or in black paint - the M9 offers two options, elegant steel gray or black paint. The Leica M9-P also features vulcanite leathering with particularly good grip characteristics
LED light balance with two triangular and one central circular LED for manual exposure setting. The triangular LEDs give the direction of rotation of the aperture setting ring and shutter speed setting dial to adjust the exposure. Also as warning for over or underexposure
Camera Type | Digital rangefinder |
Lens Mount | Leica M bayonet With additional sensor for 6-bit coding |
Sensor | 18.5Mp (5270 x 3516) CCD 18Mp active area - 23.9 x 35.8mm / 5212 x 2592 |
Resolution | DNG (RAW): 18Mp (5212 x 3472) JPEG: 18Mp (5212 x 3472); 10Mp (3840 x 2592); 4.5Mp (2592 x 1728); 2Mp (1728 x 1152); 1Mp (1280 x 846) |
Formats | DNG (RAW), JPEG |
File Size | DNG (RAW): 18MB (compressed); 36MB (uncompressed) JPEG: 2-10MB |
Color Spaces | Adobe RGB, sRGB |
White Balance | Auto, manual, 7 presets, color temperature selection |
Memory | SD - up to 2GB SDHC - up to 32GB |
Languages | German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Russian |
System Requirements | Windows 7, Vista, XP Mac OS X 10.6 |
Exposure Metering | TTL, center-weighted |
Metering Range | f/1.0 to 32 |
Sensitivity | ISO 160-2500 |
Exposure Mode | Manual; Aperture priority |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 3 1/3 EV in 1/3 steps adjustable on SCA-3501/3502 adapter; On Leica SF 24 D, +/- 3 EV in 1/3 steps with computer control, or from 0 to -3 EV in 1 steps; On Leica SF 58 adjustable in all modes of +/- 3 EV in 1/3 steps |
External Flash Connection | Via hot shoe |
Sync | Optional on 1st or 2nd shutter curtain |
Flash Synchro Speed | 1/180 |
Viewfinder | Large, bright-line frame with auto parallax compensation Diopter adjusted to: -0.5 dpt; Correction from: -3 to +3.0 dpt available Image framing: By activating 2 bright-line frames; Auto activation when lens is attached Enlargement: 0.68x Large basis rangefinder: Split or superimposed image shown as a bright field in center of viewfinder image Effective rangefinder base: 47.1mm (actual: 69.25mm x 0.68x viewfinder enlargement) |
Display | 2.5" color TFT LCD with 230,000k pixels |
Shutter | 32 seconds to 1/4000, bulb Microprocessor controlled, metal blade shutter with vertical movement |
Interval | 2 pictures / second (up to 8) |
Self Timer | 2, 12 seconds |
Power | Lithium-ion battery, 3.7V, 1900mAh Charger: Wall outlet - 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz ; In vehicle - 12/24VDC (output: 4.2VDC, 800mA) |
Tripod Mount | 1/40" DIN |
Interface | mini USB 2.0 |
Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
Dimensions | 5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5" / 139 x 80 x 37mm |
Weight | 20.6 oz / 585g With battery |
Reviews Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Black Paint, Body Only)