I really, really love that M9/M-E sensor.

Inspiration, Q&A, Teaching point

M9 Sensor - Prosophos.

I was casually photographing my daughter unwrapping her birthday gifts this evening in our (very) dark living room, in front of the Christmas tree.  I wasn’t expecting much (photographically speaking).

However, every single frame turned out to be wonderful.

I previously purchased and used the Sony A7S, Leica M240, Nikon Df, Sony RX1R, and Nikon D800E because I thought I would need them in situations like this.  However, my Leica M-E consistently produces images that surpass any CMOS camera — even in low light.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:  CCD sensors produce superior mage quality.

Thank goodness Leica has committed to supporting the M9/M-E sensor.

Please, Leica, please… consider placing an updated CCD sensor in a future M camera.

—Peter.

6 thoughts on “I really, really love that M9/M-E sensor.”

  1. Duane Pandorf's avatar

    I’ve been traveling this week for work but have been able to keep up to date with the latest news about the current CCD story. I’m very happy with the message Stefan Daniel put out a couple days ago. I’ve been shooting my M-E for almost two years. From time to time I do wonder if I should look at “upgrading” to the M240/M-P for only two things it offers; a little better ISO and the shutter noise. However, when I look at the M240 images I captured some time ago with an in store model I still prefer the CCD.

    For some time I’ve been processing most of my photographs to B&W and would love to add the MM. It would solve one of the issues I mentioned above. However, I’ve been reluctant to “dream” any further than that because of some of the issues I heard on the forums dealing with sensor reliability.

    This news solves all those worries. I’m more confident now about my “investment” in this company’s camera system than I was two years ago. Of course I know much much more about the company and product I’m shooting with too. I’m still very green when it comes to my experience and knowledge about Leica.

    I’ve signed your CCD letter when you first posted Peter and I look forward to seeing how Leica handles this latest challenge. Just maybe, we’ll get a new improved CCD that we can count on making beautiful memories on into the future.

    1. Peter | Prosophos's avatar

      If I recall, Duane, you were the first to sign my “Open Letter to Leica” (http://photographsbypeter.com/2013/11/16/an-open-letter-to-leica/), after me. Thank you so much.

      By the way, for those of you who haven’t already done so, please check out Duane’s excellent blog: http://blog.duanepandorf.com/

      Watch for my image tomorrow, Duane. It was shot at f/1.4 1/90 sec and ISO 640, and then pushed 2 stops in LR. Low light is not a problem with your your M-E. Trust me.

      —Peter.

      1. Duane Pandorf's avatar

        Thanks Peter for the plug to my blog Peter! Your PP for your birthday shot is wonderful. There’s nothing wrong at all with pushing the CCD images a couple stops. It seems the first question out of today’s camera gear heads is what’s is the camera’s ISO capability. Seems there’s no consideration for the main ingredient which I consider is: what’s the quality of the light! ISO is meaningless without quality light.

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