Today (September 9, 2009), Leica announced the M9, the first ever full frame digital rangefinder. The M9 is the successor to the M8, (Leica’s first digital rangefinder with a small frame sensor), and features a new 18MP CCD image sensor, specifically designed and developed along with Kodak for the M9. Some other improvements to the M9, not on the M8 include:
- simplification of the menu navigation (ISO sensitivity is set by holding down the ISO button while turning the dial to select the desired setting)
- automatic lens recognition via 6-bit coding
- ISO range from 80 to 2500, selectable in 1/3 ISO increments
- new, microprocessor-controlled, metal-leaf, focal-plane shutter that enables shutter speeds of up to 1/4000 seconds
- new UV/IR filter cover glass: no need for lens filters as on the M8
During the press conference this morning, Rudi Spiller (CEO of Leica) stated, “Our users choose products with value. [For Leica enthusiasts], it’s about seeing something and capturing it in that moment without delay, and later bringing the viewer into the exact same moment without obstruction.” He also stated that, “We desire to create photographic tools—like an artist’s fine brush or a mason’s level.”
This was followed by a surprise appearance by Seal (Leica photography enthusiast, Grammy award winning singer, musician; photography enthusiast), also at the conference. Ever since he first saw a photographer shooting in near darkness and discovered that photographer’s setup, he’s been hooked on Leica ever since. Seal has about 50 cameras in his collection. Usually any trip of his to Germany includes a lengthy visit to the Leica manufacturing plant. Due to his tight relationship with Leica, he has been using an M9 prototype for the past month or so. He was floored at the end to receive than an S2 handed to him by Rudi Spiller. My favorite quote by Seal was, “Many years ago, I saw a guy taking photos at a candlelight dinner in the dark. I asked him what he was using—an M6 and Noctilux. I went out to buy the same setup and a few hundred thousand dollars later, I’m still doing the same thing. Leica camera is a part of my lifestyle. It allows me to look at the world in a different way.” He also describes his Leica camera obsession as his only vice.
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