My camera of the year for 2013: Leica M9.

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The Leica M9.

Yes, it’s still that good, nearly four years after its introduction.

(that’s an eternity for digital cameras)

And yes, that’s just my opinion, hence the word “My” in the title.

As of this date, 99% of the images on this site have been made using this iconic camera.

I’ve been tempted by the Nikon D800, the Sony RX1, and the Leica M Monochrom (I haven’t been tempted by the Leica M240), but I keep reaching for the Leica M9.

—Peter.

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

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Twinkle in her eyes.

2013, Favourite, Inspiration, Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Portrait, Sports

↑Leica M9 and Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH @ f/1.4.

Why I photograph.

Inspiration, Q&A, Teaching point

I photograph to remember

I photograph to forget

I photograph to see

I photograph to disappear

I photograph to celebrate

I photograph to mourn

I photograph to share

I photograph to be selfish

I photograph to be

—Peter.

Coaching in the rain.

Inspiration, Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Portrait, Sports, Street

(please click on the image to view at MAXIMUM size and sharpness)

↑Leica M9 and Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH @ f/1.4.

Rapunzel.

2013, Favourite, Inspiration, Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Portrait

↑Leica M9 and Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH @ f/1.4.

E – A portrait.

Inspiration, Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Portrait, Teaching point

The composition here works on a few levels (literally and figuratively).

I’ll leave it up to you to figure out why.

(please click on the image to view at MAXIMUM size and sharpness)

↑Leica M9 and Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH @ f/1.4.

Son, Mom, Son.

Inspiration, Leica 50mm Noctilux f/0.95, Photo Shoot, Portrait, Street

(click on the image to view at MAXIMUM size and sharpness)

↑Leica M9 and Leica Noctilux @ f/0.95.

Getting Groomed.

Inspiration, Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH f/1.4, Portrait

(please click on the image to view at MAXIMUM size and sharpness)

↑Leica M9 and Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH @ f/1.4.

Opinion: Leica X Vario.

Inspiration, Q&A, Teaching point

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The newly released Leica X Vario has “it”.

What’s “it”?

…Image quality.

This camera has image quality in spades. All of the sample photos I’ve seen just ooze micro-contrast, sharpness, jaw-dropping colour, etc.

The Leica M8 had”it”.

The Leica M9 had “it”.

Heck, the Sony RX1 has “it”.

The Leica M240 will never have “it” (sorry, I couldn’t resist).

Am I tempted to get this camera?

Surprisingly, yes.

Will I get this camera?

No.

All the documented shortcomings — slow zoom lens, slow auto focus, no built-in viewfinder (forget the price for now, I mean, this is Leica so you know what you’re in for) — ultimately conspire against this camera, at least for my kind of shooting. I’m too addicted to the “decisive moment” and the rapidity of rangefinder shooting.

But, man, have you seen the sample images? The colour?

Wow.

—Peter.