Leica M9 still reigns supreme.

Inspiration, Q&A, Teaching point

Leica M9 still reigns supreme

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It’s nearing the end of 2013, and the Leica M9/M-E/Monochrom with the venerable CCD sensor continues to provide the best image quality at base ISO in the 35mm (36 x 24) sensor class.

As predicted here.

The Leica M (Type 240) cannot touch it, the Nikon Df comes close, and so does the Sony A7/A7R… but none of these CMOS sensor cameras can equal it.

Don’t believe me?  Please research it for yourself.

And let’s not even mention the whole rangefinder experience, which these other cameras (with the exception of the Leica M240) lack.

So…

If you haven’t already done so, please consider signing my open letter to Leica.

Prosophos Open Letter to Leica

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16 thoughts on “Leica M9 still reigns supreme.”

    1. Peter | Prosophos's avatar

      Yes, I have (consistently) chosen my words carefully, my dear friend Raaj. I hope I haven’t offended.

      Everything represents a trade-off.

      (By the way, where are your thoughts and images on the Df that you promised me 😉 …)

    2. Ben Miller's avatar

      I seldom shoot at base iso with my M9. I think that the noise has a beautiful rendering at higher iso settings when converting to B&W. I sometimes use the JPEG’s straight from the camera for uploading to social media. The files from these cameras are amazing in my opinion.
      Cheers!

  2. Lignum Draco's avatar

    Unfortunately I sent my M9 for a service/repair. They told me I needed a new sensor which would be replaced under warranty. Apparently there is a flaw with the sensor and they don’t have enough sensors worldwide for replacement. 5 months later, I am still waiting to get my M9 back.

    1. Peter | Prosophos's avatar

      That is unfortunate. This “don’t have enough sensors issue” has been going on for months and is troubling. It doesn’t bode well for the longevity of M9/M-E/Monochrom cameras currently in circulation, and at the very least, it’s a major hassle for people like you who spend months waiting (without a camera). Leica should be loaning you another body, but I know that’s generally not happening.

      2. Bijan Sabet's avatar

        Yikes, I didn’t know about this. Hmm, now wonder if it’s time to buy a back up.

        Curious: if the M9/M9-p/M-E was no longer in existence and wiped off the face of the planet would you

        a) get a M240
        b) switch to a different digital system and if so, which one
        c) switch to film

        1. Peter | Prosophos's avatar

          Now you’ve gone and done it: you’ve asked the difficult question. At this point, I really don’t know what I would do (that’s why I keep exploring other options and have a back-up M9 body).

          At some point, I’ve been tempted to do (a), (b), and (c) on your list, but each one has its drawbacks… and I’m not willing to accept them (yet).

          If I was pressed to answer, however, I’d probably go for options (b) AND (c) above.

          1. bijansabet's avatar

            I hear ya.

            My story feels nuts but feel like I can confess on your site 🙂

            I was a happy m9 owner. Really happy. But I wanted better low light performance.

            So I bought the m240. It was shiny and felt great. And it promised better low light performance.

            But I wasn’t thrilled with the images. I don’t know if its in my head or the m9 microcontrast or m9 pixie dust at this point.

            So I put the m240 on the shelf as a backup and started shooting the m9 and happy.

            But then the new firmware came out for the m240. So I’m giving it another honest try.

            I am on the fence. I really don’t want two digital Ms. I can afford it but it feels excessive for me personally. I’ll make my “final” call in a week or so

            Or maybe I won’t 🙂

  5. andygemmell's avatar

    Put the D4 sensor in the M240 and we’ve got a deal (well compromise at least!).

    Those sensors apparently in short supply if they have them are most likely being used in MM product or to support it. That said the fact the M240 is barely attainable is crazy. There must be a bigger issue at play here. Waiting or just really struggling with production.

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