A chance encounter with a Leica M9 that became something more

It all started, as many great love affairs do, with a chance encounter. A love affair that has lasted almost 20 years and counting.

Two decades ago, inspired by Wim Wenders’ online portrayal of his journey across the Veneto with his M8—and his explanation of “eyes, hands, and heart”—I wandered into a camera shop. An hour later, I left with an M9. What started as a chance encounter would turn into something more.

Compact and jewel-like, the M9 exuded a quiet confidence, much like someone who orders wine without ever pointing at a menu. Though the M9 was only on loan for two weeks, that day sparked an obsession.

An anachronism

Leicas are unusual devices. They’re deliberately anachronistic, sometimes impractical, and they demand a devotion that borders on the religious. Instead of overwhelming you with an excess of buttons or blazing speed, a Leica requires your engagement.

With it, photography is not a matter of snapping a quick shot; it’s about crafting an image. You must linger, adjust, and anticipate. In a world that prizes instant gratification, the Leica reminds you to slow down and recapture the passion that first drew you to a camera.  

Stress relief

For all of those reasons, I felt it was the best medicine for someone who was using photography as a therapy to mitigate the challenges of working in a very stressful and sometimes dangerous occupation.

Over the years, I’ve encountered many forms of Leica—from digital and film to rangefinder and fixed-lens models, and even a flirtation with a medium-format giant that made me look as if I were assembling military hardware in public.

Cinematic

Each model has influenced not only the way I shoot, but also how I see the world. With its optical wizardry, a Leica can transform an ordinary Parisian street into a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, or turn a humble café scene into something cinematic. There’s a captivating alchemy in every piece of glass and metal.

If you’re contemplating purchasing a new Leica, a word of advice: avoid multiple trips to Wetzlar and be cautious of Leica boutique staff who insist on dragging you to every new product unveiling. These experiences rarely help in making a pragmatic decision.

Camaraderie

Leica is more than just a brand — it’s more than a chance encounter with camera equipment — it’s finding a community. There’s a camaraderie among Leica shooters, a subtle nod exchanged across continents that transforms strangers into instant friends. Often, a simple, “Ah, is that a Leica?” leads to an hour-long conversation about lenses, philosophy, and the mystery of how a century-old company can command such high prices for details like a lens hood.

A different perspective on life

In the end, owning a Leica is worth every penny. It’s not merely the exceptional craftsmanship; it’s the way it invites you to see the world differently. A Leica teaches you to slow down, be patient, and appreciate every moment. It may not offer flattery or forgiveness, but when you finally capture that perfect scene—the light just right and the moment flawless—the image possesses a depth and soul that no algorithm can replicate.

For me, Leica represents twenty years of capturing life, one frame at a time. It embodies a thousand stories, both told and untold, and a persistent belief that somewhere out there, the perfect Leica awaits—if only I had Mr. Wenders on speed dial for future guidance! I’m still grateful for the first chance encounter.

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