Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Silver Chrome, Body Only)

  • Price: $7,995.00
  • B&H # LEM9PS
  • Mfr# 10716

Product Highlights

  • 18Mp CCD Image Sensor
  • 2.5" LCD with Sapphire Crystal Cover
  • Leica M Bayonet Mount
  • Minimalist Design - No Red Leica Dot
  • Vulcanite Leathering
  • SD/SDHC Memory Card Slot
  • Bright-Line Frame Viewfinder
  • DNG (RAW) + JPEG Formats
  • ISO 2500
  • Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Free Download

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Remember the Essentials

A lens and memory card are not included with the camera.
Get the type of lens for the shot you need, and a high-capacity memory card so you don't get caught without memory.

Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Silver Chrome, Body Only)
Lens not included

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.

Focused on Essentials - Maximum Image Quality
The LEICA M9-P, a camera that carries the legend of Leica M cameras into the digital age. It is the smallest full-format digital system camera the world has ever seen. In a nutshell: it is a contemporary tool for all who demand the highest standards in image quality and love freedom of composition
24 x 36 - Full Frame
The combination of an extremely high-resolution image sensor, the superior performance of M lenses, and sophisticated processing of the captured digital information ensures the best imaging results in all photographic situations. The 18 megapixel CCD image sensor, specifically designed and developed for this camera, enables the capture of the full 35mm film format without any compromises. All M lenses mounted on the M9 or M9-P offer the same angle of view they had when using film material. This means that the high resolution and unique imaging quality of the now-digital M9 and M9-P are capable of fully exploiting the enormous potentials of M lenses. Or, in other words: in the case of the M9 and M9-P, it wasn't a matter of modifying the lenses to match the image sensor, but rather the other way around. This results in images particularly rich in details. Natural. Authentic. Without compromise
Intuitive Handling
When it comes to handling, the Leica M9-P concentrates on essentials. It has even been possible to further improve the already simple menu navigation. The key control element is an intuitive four-way switch and dial combination used in conjunction with the 2.5" monitor. Setting the sensitivity requires only constant 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: these include white balance, image-data compression, resolution, exposure correction, exposure bracketing, and programmable user profiles. The user profiles can be programmed with any camera and shooting settings, stored under an arbitrary name, and accessed quickly whenever required for a particular situation
Compact and Built for a Lifetime
It is not rare for a Leica to become its owner's lifelong companion. This also applies to the digital Leica M9 and equally to the M9-P: despite the considerably larger sensor, it has been possible to maintain the compact body size of their predecessors, the Leica M8 and M8.2. With dimensions of only 139 x 37 x 80mm, the Leica M9 and M9-P retain the ideal size of the M series and the unique honor of being the world's smallest full-format digital system cameras. The one-piece, full-metal housing, made from a high-tensile magnesium alloy, and a top deck and bottom plate machined from blocks of solid brass, provide perfect protection for their precious inner mechanisms. The digital components and shutter assembly of the M9 and the M9-P are similarly constructed with a lifetime of endurance in mind. Free updates ensure that the cameras' firmware always embraces the latest developments. In short: an M camera is not only an investment for life, but also a lifelong companion
Unobtrusive, Discreet, and Resilient: The Leica M9-P
The M9 now has a twin sister, the Leica M9-P. In technological terms, they are absolutely identical twins and feature precisely the same high performance qualities. The only differences are found in a few characteristic details

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

Display Readings
Flash readiness: flash symbol LED in viewfinder constant
Correct flash exposure: LED constant or flashes rapidly after exposure
Underexposure: LED extinguished after exposure
Measurement Principle
Measured by light reflected by bright shutter blades on the first shutter curtain
Measurement Cell for Available Light
Silicon photodiode with condensing lens, positioned in the bottom center of the camera base
Flash Measurement Cell
Two silicon photodiodes with condensing lens in camera base
Parallax Compensation
The horizontal and vertical difference between the viewfinder and the lens is automatically compensated according to the relevant distance setting
Matching of Viewfinder and Actual Picture
The size of the bright-line frame corresponds exactly to the sensor size of 23.9 x 35.8mm at a setting distance of 1 meter. At infinity setting, depending on the focal length, more is recorded by the sensor than indicated by the corresponding bright-line frame and slightly less for distances shorter than 1m
Viewfinder Display
LED symbol for flash status. Four-digit seven-segment digital display with dots above and below, display brightness adjusted for ambient brightness, for: warning of exposure compensation, display for auto generated shutter speeds in aperture priority mode, indication of use of metering memory lock, warning that the metering or setting ranges are over or underexposed using aperture priority and counting down exposures longer than 2 seconds

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

Shutter Cocking
Using low-noise integral motor, optionally after releasing the shutter release button
Shutter Release
Three levels: Exposure metering on, metering memory lock (in aperture priority mode only), shutter release. Integrated standard cable release thread
Switching the Camera On/Off
Using the main switch on the camera's top panel, selectable automatic power-off for camera electronics after about 2/5/10 minutes, reactivation by pressing the shutter release button
Imaging
Lens Mount Leica M Mount
Camera Format Full-Frame
Sensor Type / Size CCD, 23.9 x 35.8 mm
File Formats Still Images: JPEG, RAW
Memory Card Type SD
SDHC
Focus Control
Focus Type Manual
Focus Mode Manual Focus (M)
Viewfinder/Display
Viewfinder Type Optical
Viewfinder Coverage 100%
Viewfinder Magnification Approx. 0.68x
Diopter Adjustment - 3.0 to +3.0 m
Display Screen 2.5" Rear Screen   LCD (230000)
Screen Coverage 100%
Exposure Control
ISO Sensitivity 160-2500
Shutter Type: Mechanical
Speed: 32 - 1/4000 sec
Metering Method Center-weighted average metering
Exposure Modes Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual
Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 0.33 EV steps)
White Balance Modes Auto, Kelvin, Manual, Preset Manual
Flash
Max Sync Speed 1 / 180 sec
External Flash Connection Hot Shoe
Performance
Self Timer 2 sec, 12 sec
Interval Recording Yes
Connectivity Mini-USB
Software Requirements Windows: XP, Vista, 7
Mac: OS X 10.6 or later
Power
Battery 1x Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Operating/Storage Temperature Operating
32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C)
Physical
Dimensions (WxHxD) 5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5" / 13.97 x 7.87 x 3.81 cm
Weight 20.64 oz / 585 g

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Silver Chrome, Body Only)
 
5.0

(based on 1 review)

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Reviewed by 1 customer

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(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Incredible camera

By msp2547

from Seattle, WA

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Reviewer

Pros

  • Compact
  • Durable
  • Easy to Use

Cons

  • Expensive

Best Uses

  • Family Photos
  • Landscape/Scenery
  • Weddings/Events
  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Silver Chrome, Body Only):

I have been an avid amateur photographer for the better part of 10 years and my most recent camera was a D700. While I love the D700, the imaging quality of the Leica is like no other. The three dimensionality of the images this camera renders is simply amazing. I use a Cron 35, 50 and Elmarit 90 as my setup. The manual shooting has forece me to think before composing and this has had a very solid impact on the quality of the images I shoot. I also probably shoot only 15% of the total number of images I used to shoot with my D700.

The only downside to this camera is the manual focus. It took me about 1000 actuations just to get used to focusing manually. But now that I have it dialed in, it is easy. I just love this camera. It really forces you to be a better photographer and the portability of this thing is just fantastic.

  • Was this a gift?:
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Lenses

Required item: A lens is not included. Get the type of lens for the shot you need.

Leica -  21mm f/1.4 Summilux-M Aspherical Manual Focus Lens - Black
  • Price: $6,995.00
USA
 

This item is backordered by the manufacturer.

Memory Cards

Required item: Memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.

SanDisk -  16GB SDHC Memory Card Extreme Class 10
  • Price: $19.00
Used Dept.
 

Batteries & Power

Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.

Leica -  Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery for Leica M9 & M8
  • Price: $129.95
 
Leica -  Battery Charger for Leica M Models
  • Price: $149.50
 

Flash & Accessories

Get a flash to add light to your picture.

Leica -  SF 58 Flash Unit For Leica-R, Leica-M, and Leica-S Systems
  • Price: $649.00
 

Bags & Cases

Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.

Leica -  M8 Eveready Case
  • Price: $219.95
USA
 
Billingham -  L2 Bag (Black with Tan Leather Trim)
  • Price: $198.00
 

Battery Grips

Get a better grip for vertical shots and add battery life.

Leica -  Handgrip for M8 and M9 Cameras (Silver)
  • Price: $249.95
 

Viewfinder Accessories

Adapt your camera for viewing through different angles.

Leica -  Viewfinder Magnifier 1.4x for M Cameras
  • Price: $299.95
 
View all Accessories

What's in the Box

Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Silver Chrome, Body Only)
 
 
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