New Gear: Leica M9 Full Frame Rangefinder

Leica fans have something to be excited about this morning, as their favorite camera manufacturer has officially announced their new 18-megapixel full-frame rangefinder, the M9. Like the M8, it's compatible with all of the brand's M-mount lenses, but because it uses a sensor the same size as 35mm film, they perform just as they would on one of Leica's legendary film cameras.

On top of the CCD sensor, which was developed with Kodak, you'll find a glass sensor cover designed to suppress infrared light. They have also rearranged the function buttons to allow quicker access to menus and features.

There are two version, one with a standard black with "vulkanit" finish and a new steel-grey model with a classic leatherette finish. Either one will cost you--hold on to your monocle--around $8,000 for the body only. Photos and all the important details after the break.

--No moire filter. The signal processing software is used to eliminte it
--Microprocessor-controlled shutter is "practically silent"
--Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 with flash sync up to 1/180
--2.5-inch dispay
--ISO range from 80 to 2500
--Built-in M-TTL flash adjusts to compensate for natural light
--Comes with Adobe Lightroom
--14-bit-per-channel color information

Comments

[oscar]

$8000? I slipped of the chair and bumped my head.
Now, add a lens and you are out 12 000 grand. Twelve?

[Matt Kennedy]

Amazon has it for $6995. Hey it is still cheaper than a D3X, and will probably hold its value better over time. I think I'll stick with my $600.00 Pentax K20D outfit.

[jamesfrmphilly]

if i had some money i'd be all over this.

[canis pecus]

With a 3.5" display, this would have been a must for me. I could then recycle my old 21, 35, 50, 65, 90 and 280 mm M-lenses. I'm waiting for M9.2..

[AddlepatedWight]

Who needs an 18-megapixel rangefinder? They should have followed along with the D3's low-light sensor design and given us greater ISO capablity. Other than this complaint I love the camera.

[Patrick]

If you own many LEICA M series lens, you will love the camera. All LEICA stuff are costly. LEICA M7, a film camera, costs over US$2,500. The LEICA M9 price is acceptable to LEICA users.♠

[tomas]

when dreams come true..... and cameras doesn't look like chinese made cheap, plastic toys :)

[Narsuitus]

This rangefinder looks promising. I can’t wait to see if the images justify the high price tag.

[Luis]

God! I remember my first year at RIT (65) when I got 2 Nikon F Photomic bodies in St. Thomas for $247 ea. I guess that was a lot of money then. My dream camera was an M2, M3 but never got one. For $8k, I guess I won't own one today either.

[Adam Rushlow]

At 8 G's, I would insure my trigger finger along with the camera.

[Alan]

So, I don't get it... What makes this camera 3+ times better than a Canon 5D MK II ?

[William]

I'm still happy with my Contax film camera - or cameras - two RTSII, one AX. I get to stay away from the inevitable feeling of the need to update because of newer electronics.
I save so much money not buying new cameras I have plenty of money left over, even after film and development.

[dhnieman]

Absolutely no reason to spend that kind of money for this camera. I would like someone who has, to provide some justification as to why they did other than "they could" !

[Reader]

What a joke... Leica was Leica in the film world. It is a joke in the digital world. A Kodak sensor, which is average in image quality, even good, gives no Leica in Leica. The rest of Leica's body is well built, so what? As if Canon, Nikon, etc bodies are not... Leica, RIP.

[Roger]

You could purchase a Canon 600mm F4 IS lens for this price and produce some wonderful wildlife and sports photography. And the lens would hold its value.

[Matt P.]

Sounds like a terrific camera, but eight grand ? Body only?
What sane person will buy it?

[David Clark]

Why does anyone buy a 7 series BMW or a Porche when they can have a GM or Ford?

There is an intangible thing about using equipment of this quality - which, if you have, you'll understand.

Buying on a spec sheet or a review like this would make this gear incomprehendable to the average reader.

I have used Hasselblad & Rollei for 25 years - and understand the joy of using germanic quality.

I have tried out it's previous version - the M8 and found it was not for me - but this looks like the camera!

Not for everyone - particulary those who take part in the Canon V Nikon debates!

[Mike]

Hi guys, no offence

but if you can't afford the real deal then stay away.
By the way who the hell compares a K20 D, Pentax or what ever this Chinese stuff is called with a LEICA!!!

[Anna]

Re: Mike:
>

I have used Pentax since the late 1950s, except for a couple of years when I used a Nikon-F system -- no difference, except Nikon's glass had a yellow cast while Pentax's was purple -- and a few months when I used a (borrowed) Leica R5 kit.. The Summicron seemed sharper wide open, but overall, I judged them of equal performance.

I now use a Pentax K10D and my old Pentax lenses. I would compare its results with any Leica's of any vintage.

Pentax-Canon-Nikon are function. Leica is fashion.

PS: Another secret: My $20 digital watch keeps better time than my Rolex!

[Robert]

What a great camera for leica to make. Finally a digital FF rangefinder. Digital RFs are really great for street photography amn the size and quiteness of them makes for some intimate looks at life for the street shooter. Good for leica to stick their neck out and produce such a camera for us to enjoy. And for all of you that think it is a waste of money to have shuch a masterfull piece of kit, once you use it you will be hooked. The proof is in the pudding so to speak.