Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Black Paint, Body Only)
- Price: $7,995.00
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Remember the Essentials
A lens and a memory card are required but not included with this camera. Please be sure to purchase a lens and a memory card for this camera.
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 constantCorrect flash exposure: LED constant or flashes rapidly after exposureUnderexposure: 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(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (6)
- Durable (6)
- Easy to use (5)
- Great picture quality (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel (6)
- Landscape/scenery (5)
- Family photos (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)
Reviewed by 7 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Black Paint, Body Only):
Amateur photographer. Leica kept it simple and direct.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Discreet
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Intuitive
- Last Camera You Will Need
- Tack Sharp Images
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Black Paint, Body Only):
Having shot with many different camera setups, I have always sought after that "camera to end buying cameras." I have shot with an Elan 7e, 20d, 30d, 5dmkii, Nikon Fm3a, Cambo 4x5, Mamiya 7II (which I use to this day quite often,) and my newest addition, the Leica M9-P. (Black.) I can say without a doubt this camera has re-invented the medium that is photography for me. The best way I can describe the effect this camera had on me after using it for the first time was...imagine taking a 6x7 shot only to have it be developed and staring at you from an LCD screen a second later! Granted, this camera is not a "film killer," however is the best and most fun digital camera I have owned. It has the feel of a film camera with the immediacy of a dSLR. And lest I fail to mention, is the most sturdy camera I have ever owned to this day! The images are TACK sharp. I have shot with Zeiss ZM lenses on this baby and also the Summilux 50 only to arrive at exquisite results. The Leica M9-P is timeless, and is certainly a "camera-purchase" killer if there ever was one...until the M10 is released.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Fine art
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Black Paint, Body Only):
The Leica M9P is a camera that just works. Simply. If you are a fan of traditional rangefinder film cameras, this is the digital full-frame version. The basic operation is straightforward, with aperture on the lens and a shutter speed dial on top. That's the way a camera should be in my opinion, and why no current Nikon or Canon camera interests me. The shutter speed dial nicely incorporates half EV steps between the standard shutter speeds. On my camera body, the off-on-continuous-self timer switch is a bit too easy acting, and I have accidentally switched off the camera a few times, but it is fast rebooting so that has not been a problem yet.
On the electronic side, the camera settings menus are mostly straightforward and easy to use. The only ergonomic software quirk I mind is that the white balance control is accessed by the Set button on the back lower left but most of the other basic functions are accessed with the Menu button at top right.
Picture quality is great at 160-800 ISO, and 1250 is acceptable for low light use. My Leica 28mm/2.8 Elmarit ASPH and 75mm/2 APO ASPH lenses both produce astonishing results, as does the Zeiss Biogon 25mm/2.8 ZM (selecting the camera's profile for the 28mm/2.8 ASPH). Flash exposure is perfect with the SF24D. I have yet to try my Metz MZ54 on the body.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Black Paint, Body Only):
Great upgrade from DSLR user. I travel a lot, this is the best travel companion I've by far.
Personally, minus the red dot and plus the Sapphire Crystal Cover make huge different while traveling.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Poor LCD resolution
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Black Paint, Body Only):
I usually carry it with me. I used to have a Nikon D700 and Nikon D90 with couple of Nikon lenses and Zeiss ZF lenses. But they are too bulky and hard to carry. Therefore I got this Leica M9-P.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Black Paint, Body Only):
I am astounded by the high level of quality of design and manufacture. To be brief, the M9-P is pure joy to handle. Yes, it is a "thinking mans" camera. The quality of images is so uniquely beautiful. Making images with this camera is a spiritual experience which just might change the way you relate to the world. It is not for everyone and it wont do everything but what it does is move you closer to God. Thank you Leica !
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Photojournalism
- Portraiture
- Travel
Comments about Leica M9-P Digital Camera (Black Paint, Body Only):
I've been waiting (and saving) for years for the perfect digital Leica and believe this is it. I've used M6 and M3 Leicas for years in my newspaper career and am happy to finally be able to add a digital Leica to the mix. I've already used it on 2 assignments and couldn't be happier. Only downside is the cost.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-7
Lenses
Required item: A lens is not included. Get the type of lens for the shot you need.
Memory Cards
Required item: Memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.
- Price: $24.95
Batteries & Power
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $129.95
- Price: $149.50
Flash & Accessories
Get a flash to add light to your picture.
- Price: $649.00
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $198.00
Battery Grips
Get a better grip for vertical shots and add battery life.
- Price: $239.95
Viewfinder Accessories
Adapt your camera for viewing through different angles.
- Price: $299.95
What's in the Box
- Body Cap M
- Carrying Strap with Anti-Slip Pad for R & M Series Cameras (Replacement)
- USB Cable
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery for Leica M9 & M8
- Battery Charger for Leica M Models
- 2 x Power Cords
- Charger Adapter
- License Code for Download of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
- Instructions in German / English
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
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