Leica M9: Comeback kid status for the seven-year-old digital

Five years ago on Macfilos

First published, August 2016

Despite the scourge of digital rot, Leica cameras seem to sail on almost regardless. Yes, there is heavy depreciation initially, as with any digital camera. But I am constantly reminded of the relative resilience of the CCD-sensored M9 which was introduced all of seven years ago in 2009. The M8, with its APS-H cropped sensor, is still around in large numbers and used daily by rangefinder enthusiasts. That camera is now ten years old.

 Scary Face: Back in 2013 the author was inspired by his second-hand Leica Monochrom which was based on the M9. it still represents great value for money with guaranteed results (Photo Mike Evans)

Above: Scary Face: Back in 2013 the author was inspired by his second-hand Leica Monochrom which was based on the M9. it still represents great value for money with guaranteed results (Photo Mike Evans)

Recently, I’ve had anecdotal evidence (and some direct input from friends) that the M9 is attracting many converts after last year’s sensor corrosion débâcle. For a time, the thought of corroding sensors sent second-hand values plummeting. But Leica did the right thing and offered to replace the sensors without charge. This was undoubtedly an expensive hit to the balance sheet but, as most will agree, a necessary action that brought a great deal of public relations kudos to Wetzlar. It also revived the fortunes of the M9 overnight.

  Hamish Gill of 35mmc proved that there is life in the M9 after all these years (photo Hamish Gill)

Hamish Gill of 35mmc proved that there is life in the M9 after all these years (photo Hamish Gill)

Despite its relatively poor screen and lack of live view, the M9 still performs as well as it always did. Some believe that the CCD sensor produces more natural results than the modern CMOS components in the Leica M. M9 fans treat the screen as a place to adjust the menus and, in any event, many don’t bother chimping. Think of the M9 (and the M8 for that matter) as an M-D with a large menu panel.

Whatever attracts users back to the earlier cameras, the interesting aspect is that seven- or ten-year-old bodies are still selling for upwards of £3,000 on the used market. The last M9-P is undoubtedly the choice buy, while the M8 can be had for well under a grand.

 The Leica M-D has proved the value of the simple approach to photography (here with the 50mm Apo-Summicron-M). The old M9 can be just as satisfying if used in the same simple fashion

The Leica M-D has proved the value of the simple approach to photography (here with the 50mm Apo-Summicron-M). The old M9 can be just as satisfying if used in the same simple fashion

The M8 should be approached with some caution, particularly since stocks of rear screens are almost non-existent. The screen can suffer from staining but, if you think of it as purely a place for menu adjustment, this isn’t a deal-breaker. Also, with the M8, you have to consider the 1.33 crop factor which turns a 35mm Summicron into a 47mm and a nifty fifty into a slightly less nifty (but, on the other hand, portrait-friendly) 66mm. The introduction of the M8 revived the fortunes of the popular 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit which turned into a useful 37mm for street photography. 

Proof in the M-D

The M-D has proved that the simplicity of a rangefinder camera without live-view or video can attract buyers. For them, the idea of a nice M9-P or Monochrom Mk I is also an attractive proposition. Even I have considered one or other of these cameras as a long-term addition to my sole M-mount digital, the M-D. In many respects I do prefer the slightly smaller M9 body; it feels just a tad better in the hands.

My friend Hamish Gill of the well-known 35mmc blog has recently been experimenting more with digital—he is primarily a film man—and has been sampling both the M8 and the M9. He recently sold his M8 and bought an M9 and has been using it mainly with his beloved f/1.5 Zeiss Sonnar (see our review here). You can read his experiences with the new “classic” here.

Steady values

I have no doubt that if you want a relatively inexpensive entry into the digital M world you should consider an M9 or M9-P. They are plentiful on the used market, even from reputable dealers such as Red Dot Cameras, and represent good value for money. Values are not going to drop off a cliff and the M9 still has a lot of life left in it. The rules of digital rot certainly apply to Leicas as to any other modern camera. But, because of the desirability of the simple rangefinder approach to photography, a seven-year-old Leica can still hold its own and provide oodles of fun and satisfaction.

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12 COMMENTS

  1. I still love my M9 Monochrom. I used to have an M240 but got fed up of carrying two sets of batteries and two chargers and so upgraded the M9M to a M246. That, in my opinion was a mistake, as I felt the output from the 246 was no where as good as the M9M. I upgraded the 240 to an M10 and replaced the 246 with the M9M and am now perfectly happy.

  2. I treated myself to an M10 for a big birthday, it’s a superb camera. Then, having been bitten by the Leica bug, I could not resist an M9 (with replacement sensor) when one came up for sale, well used and beautifully brassed. I just love it, the rendition of the CCD sensor is something very special. The M10 might go one day, but the M9 never will!

  3. I’ve 3 M9s and I love them. All have had the sensors replaced with the corosion free ones and during the process I know Leica give the camears a proper going over so I think I’ll get many years of pleasure from them.

  4. Never forgotten David Slater’s demo at Leica Mayfair when he showed and passed around to TLS members a ‘stripped down’ M9 … it appeared to be relatively simple to dismantle. David uses an M9 himself and he said, “High ISO capability not as good as the latest digital rangefinders but it’s fine at ISO 400 and 800 … and remember that back in the pre-digital era we all managed fine with ISO 400 films … ” I bought my second M9 last year from Leica Mayfair for very £reasonable and I’m very happy with it … used mainly with a classic goggled 35/2.8 Summaron … a very underrated lens and eminently suited to the M9.

  5. I bought an M9 when they first came out. Sensor failure was fixed by Leica but I sold it and moved to M 240 . Too big but lovely camera. The M 10 is the Goldilocks model for me. And is still used. But then an M9 M with new sensor came up and my B& W film is now unloved
    Just use it in my Ebony 4×5
    Leica keeps on giving
    Cheers
    Philip

  6. My entry into the world of Leica was a used M8.2 about 9 years ago, lovely images, but it had a problem with the screen. So sold it and bought an ex demo M240P, nowhere near as nice to use. The screen issue meant quite a loss on the M8, and was disappointing considering the perceived Leica quality. Especially as I still have my Canon D30 which is 21 years old and everything is in perfect working order.

  7. I bought my M8 in 2013, with about 750 actuations ‘on the clock’ and it still gives me a huge amount of pleasure. Then, in 2019, when Leica offered refurbished M9s, I bought an M9P to keep the M8 company. I am pleased to report that they are very happy together.

  8. I love my M9. By the way, there are at least two companies that will fix the sensor for a reasonable price.
    The rendering is truly unique and gorgeous. I wish Kodak would make ccd sensors again and that Leica would offer a ccd option on their cameras. Not everyone wants ISO 100,000.

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