Leica M9

I would love to get myself one of these for times I don’t want to carry around a heavy DSLR. I’m talking about the new M9 camera from Leica. The Leica M9 is the world's first digital system camera of its size to be built with a 24x36mm CCD sensor - developed specifically for the M9 - that is capable of perfectly capturing the full 35-mm format in ultra-high resolution.

 

PRESS SUMMARY

Concentrating on the essentials: maximum image quality
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 quintessence of its predecessors based on the consummate technological level 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 of enduring value.

FULL - FRAME 24 x 36 MM CAPTURE WITHOUT ANY COMPROMISES
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 with18 Million Pixels, allows the utilization of the full 35 mm format. The sensor of the M9 uses a newly developed cover glass to eliminate infrared light contamination and allows the utilization of existing Leica M lenses with out a 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, 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 was being retained. With exterior dimensions of 139 x 37 x 80 mm (5.5 x 1.5 x 3.1 in) it maintains the ideal shape of the M camera and becomes the smallest full frame system camera in the world. Its closed, full-metal housing, crafted from a high-strength magnesium alloy, and its top deck and bottom plate machined from large blocks of brass, provide perfect protection for its precious 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.

 

Additional information on the Leica M9