Leica M9
Announced September 9, 2009
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Leica M9 is a compact, full-frame digital rangefinder that delivers exceptional image detail and natural color rendition through its CCD sensor. Although it offers a unique, minimalist shooting experience with high-quality optics, the camera is hampered by slow processing speeds, a poor-quality LCD, and limited performance in low-light conditions.
Weighted from 15 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional image quality, resolution, and color accuracy
- Compact, minimalist design that is intuitive to handle
- Compatibility with a wide range of high-performance Leica lenses
- Bright, clear rangefinder viewfinder
Cons
- Sluggish processing, startup, and file handling speeds
- Poor LCD screen quality and slow image review
- High cost and expensive accessories
- Weak high-ISO performance and noise control
- Occasional reliability issues including freezes and sensor corrosion
- Launch price $6,999 (USD)
- Sensor 18MP Full-Frame CCD
What the Reviewers Say
All 15 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The M9 feels like both a ‘proper’ Leica and a ‘proper’ digital camera at the same time, and that could not always be said of the M8 and M8.2. The M9’s full-frame sensor is capable of recording images with a very high level of detail with very little vignetting.
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Arguably one of the most exciting cameras to be released recently is the Leica M9.
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Ultimately, I can say with some certainty that whilst it’s far from being the best digital camera by the standards of modern dynamic range, high ISO quality and all that guff, the Leica M9 still manages to remain of one of the best digital cameras I’ve shot with!
- CNET 8.8/10
If you can afford it, and you’re prepared to spend time getting to know the M9 or M9-P, then you’ll be rewarded by some of the best pictures you’ve ever taken.
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The M9 is a superb photographic tool that takes the M8 to the next level with even better image quality, improved overall color, and improved high ISO shooting.
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Without a doubt, the designers of the Leica M9 have been amazingly successful in integrating all the best aspects of the venerable Leica M system with today’s cutting-edge digital capture. It is the first digital M that embodies the total Leica M design concept.
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I think I proved today with my first rangefinder camera wedding experience that you most certainly CAN use a Leica M9 for wedding photography!
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The appearance of the Leica M9, and soon after the Sony A7, initiated the slow displacement of DSLRs that we see today.
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The LEICA M9 is the smallest, lightest, highest-quality digital camera ever created by the hand of Man.
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I have owned the M9 for 6 weeks and I think it’s the best photographic tool I have ever owned. [...] There is not a single thing I would change about its photograph making abilities.
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Taken as a whole, the Leica M9 is the most compact, highest quality image-making tool on the market, with a full frame sensor looking through gorgeous Leica M glass.
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The build, execution, and performance of the Leica M9 is simply spectacular. In closing I think the M9 has no real flaws.
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Quite simply the camera is a joy to use, and on top of it produces images in a level of detail I have never seen before. For travel photography I just can’t think of a better solution than this because it’s discreet looks draw very little attention.
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I'm not saying the latest Leica cameras are not good; on the contrary, they're amazing, but that's one thing that if you compare them side-by-side maybe you will not notice something, but I personally look at those photos and I go, "Wow [...]
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The Leica M9 is disappointing, especially for $6,500, and clearly not a good fit for our purposes.
