Leica M9 ( 18.5 MP,2.5 -inch LCD )

I never got on with the M8, somehow it wasn't quite right, the M9 I am very comfortable with and work with it happily whereas the M8? Well I'd take it out more out of guilt than desire.

Full frame sensor is the huge plus, so it's up to scratch in terms of acceptable image size for most commercial applications. I'd like them to sort out the bad preview colour balance as sometimes it can be difficult to see past the ugly cast and assess the picture, but otherwise it's a great little camera that is discreet and efficient and with Leica's glass up front it delivers outstanding image quality.

Adendum: The latest firware upgrade addresses some of the auto colour balance isues in preview. So now the camera's a little closer to perfect!

You can read all about the Leica M9 at Ken Rockwell or Steve Huff who have vast amounts to say about Leica cameras and lenses. I confess I bought it out of curiousity; why does it cost so much? is it worth it? why is it so special? is it special? I'm not an expert. I bought a Canon 7d and a Leica M9. The Canon seems massively superior in every way, and it's much cheaper. My conclusion to date is that the Leica M9 is more of an artist's tool whereas the Canon and other high technology, high end digital cameras are total solutions.
If you are reading this you will already know that the Leica is a rangefinder and is a manual focus camera. It is much easier to set the aperture, exposure etc on the Leica but that doesn't justify the huge cost differential. Leica lenses are very expensive and you don't get one with the 5k body, or a carry case, or even a memory card (you do get a battery). You also need to use Apple Aperture or Adobe PhotoShop Elements or Apple Iphoto because the massive 17.5MB RAW DNG files need a proper media import tool and not the standard PC software. You start to see things differently when you use an M9. You see depth of field, interesting details, colour fringing, good light and many other new things as you go through your daily chores.
Everything becomes a potential M9 subject. Forget using a flash. Leica lenses can 'open up' and see better than the human eye. You can shoot your girlfriend in her underwear by candlelight without a flash and you will get great pictures if you can focus. You might need to wear your specs to focus correctly.
I now use my Canon 7D with a massive Canon telephoto f2.8 lens for wildlife and the Leica for interesting creative shots of just about anything. Leica M9 is really for close shots like portraits, details etc and they are not for zoom, telephoto or any of that stuff. OK, that's enough for now.
If you're into HDR then the Leica M9 is perfect for this technique - see my customer image.

PS - remember to to remove the lens cap! JP :)

I have had my Leica M9 for a few months and I am addicted to it and carry it everywhere. I now look at photography very differently. Its no longer quick autofocus and shoot bit more take time compose and reap the rewards.
I just can't put this camera down.

I have been lucky enough to own a number of Leicas over the past ten years from the M3 up to the M7 film cameras and the Leica X1 and M8 digital cameras. If you have never used a Leica or a Rangefinder then they are an acquired taste. They are not auto focus or auto anything and you do have to think about your settings prior to shooting. But you will never, ever get a sharper image from a Leica and you start to look at composition like never before.

I got the camera and within a few days put my Nikon D3 for sale. Chalk and cheese. Ok I can't do sports very well with the Leica but I am now better prepared for street photography and I feel safe walking about with a camera without the red Leica log on it's front. I am inconspicuous. Without a bulky SLR and I am getting closer to my "prey"

The Leica feels right in my hands and the images are now quicker to write to the card. The Leica has an advantage over the M8 in that there is a snap shot mode and no needs for a filter on the lens. Being a full frame camera I get 18 mg images which are great on my monitor.

Ok it costs an arm and a leg but for a M9 you will never regret the purchase and resale values, unlike Canon and Nikon cameras are high.

I am a happy chappie.