Overview

The history of 35-mm photography began almost 100 years ago with the legendary Ur-Leica. Today, it is the Leica M9, a landmark camera that carries the proud heritage of Leica M cameras into the digital age. The Leica M9 is the world's first digital system camera of its size to be built with a full-frame sensor - a CCD sensor developed specifically for the M9 - that is capable of perfectly capturing the full 35-mm format (24 × 36 mm) in ultra-high resolution. The new M9 - in the familiar, classic, and timeless M design, represents the essence of its predecessors based on the consummate technology of our time. It is the perfect contemporary tool for those who set the highest standards in image quality and are committed to creating images that endure.

Features

Full-Frame 24 x 36 mm capture without any compromises
The combination of an extremely high-resolution sensor, high performance M lenses and careful processing of the digital picture data provides the best picture results under all conditions. The proprietry CCD sensor in the Leica M9 with18 Million Pixels, allows the utilisation of the full 35 mm format. The sensor of the M9 uses a newly developed cover glass to eliminate infrared light contamination and allows the use of existing Leica M lenses without loss of image quality.

Intuitive controls 
The simple handling and menus of the Leica M9 allow the photographer to concentrate on taking pictures, not the controls. The key control element of the M9 is an intuitive four-way switch and dial combination used in conjunction with the 2.5-inch LCD monitor on the back. To set the ISO sensitivity, simply maintain light 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: white balance, image-data compression, resolution, exposure correction, exposure bracketing, and programmable user profiles. The user profiles can be programmed with any combination of camera and shooting settings, stored under an assigned name, and accessed quickly whenever required for a particular situation.

Compact, enduring performance and value
It is hardly unusual that a Leica, once owned, becomes a lifelong companion. This also applies to the digital M9: In spite of the larger sensor size, the compact housing of the M8 and M8.2 design was retained. With exterior dimensions of 139 x 37 x 80 mm (5.5 x 1.5 x 3.1 in) it maintains the ideal shape of the M camera and becomes the smallest full frame system camera in the world. Its closed, full-metal housing, crafted from a high-strength magnesium alloy, and its top deck and bottom plate machined from large blocks of brass, provide perfect protection for its precious inner mechanisms. The digital components and shutter assembly of the M9 are similarly constructed with endurance in mind. Free firmware updates ensure that the camera benefits from the latest technology. In short: The Leica M9 is an investment for a lifetime. The camera is available in classic black vulcanit finish or elegant steel grey with traditional fine leatherette finish.

Workflow
Included with the Leica M9, is a license for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, a professional digital workflow solution available for both Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows operating systems. The software is a free download for Leica M9 customers, to guarantee that the most current version is always available.