🔴 Leica M9 Review 2021 + FILM LOOK CCD Sensor Leica M9 Photos! (Leica M9 vs M240/ Leica M8 vs M9)

[@stuartmeador8993]

I missed my M9 from 2010 so much I purchased a replacement very recently. My M10P reminds me of my Leica M2 from the 60's which I used for years. They are all lovely and each has a particular personality...One might want to cherish the individual nature of each model rather than get frustrated by making one into another. Enjoy....

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Stuart Meador thanks Stuart, good to hear! There will be a related video coming on this :)

[@Funktrainer]

I am shooting the M8 for over two years. Recently I added a M9-P to my travel kit and shoot both cameras side by side. I like the out of camera raw files of the M8 colorwise better than those of the M9-P but it is very easy to get almost the same look out of the M9 files with a little tweaking. The shadows come always too dark for my taste on the M9 (perhaps that’s the reason why people think the LCD screen is bad but it actually isn’t it is very accurate).

[@eksund1900]

The cost for change of sensor on M9 is 1550 Euros or something around £1390 according to Leica Service. So make sure it has a replaced sensor if you gonna buy an M9. With that said, I love the CCD sensors in cameras and use my M9 and M9M frequently.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for the details.. yes it is one of those situations where you love to use the camera but it could break at any time. Like an Xpan! :)

[@costascosta273]

My m9-p was delivered yesterday. I'm excited! Nothing like new camera gear!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Wow congrats! :)

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Good, good, good, always good. I have these three Leicas and found the video interesting and informative. Yes, the M8 is great for B&W. Really good. I use UV/IR with all three cameras always. Color me daft. Cheers. Yes, I watched this when you did it but just now rewatched it and it is spot on, as always.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Sandy!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

📞 ZOOM: Not sure what camera or lens to buy? Arrange a call today - bit.ly/3lBkdgq 🛎 SUBSCRIBED yet? Please help me get the channel to 20K SUBS! - bit.ly/3qET0ZO ⭐️ Patreon: Join us today for more videos! From £1/mth - www.patreon.com/mrleicacom ▶️ Watch Next: Leica M8 2020 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4mmmquHZdWIbs0 ✅ Check Prices on eBay - (Com) ebay.to/3gU4BjY (Co.uk) ebay.to/2BxdXSp

[@SachaSommer]

Just bought a Leica M9 and I am loving it

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Congrats Sacha!! Welcome to the amazing Leica M9 colours :)

[@winstonsmith9740]

Fantastic summary Matt.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Winston!

[@GuamPhotography]

Good job Matt! Becoming very comfortable in front of the camera :) I just recently got a Leica M9-P really missed the colors!! I do agree with you! I had a Leica M8.2 and without the IR filter, it was the best for B&W!! the poor mans Leica MonoKrom :D

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Guam, thank you! Yes I think during this period when I can make more videos more often it is helping me get used to the camera and get a routine going. Congrats on the M9P and thanks for confirming my findings with the M8 B&W. Busy week of new videos ahead! :)

[@highlander200107]

Top of the morning Matt! Great video, love your workaround for the M9

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@john roberts Thanks John, I'm a bit worried viewers will click off as soon as they see I'm not holding an M9. I couldn't think of another way to share the same info. Thanks for your support!

[@tchin2020]

Great review Matt, I happened to pick up an M240 w/ 50/2.4 for a great price off of eBay, though I was going to pick up the M10, as my last Leica, but too expensive, so I settled for the M240, your review was very helpful...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thomas Chin thanks Thomas. Congrats on your M240! Happy I could help.

[@tuftufclub159]

Hi Matt, again a very intresting video ! I understand that I can still be very happy with my Leica M8 (B+W), ... certainly now you have told us your Trick how to avoid the shutter noice in public ;-) Thanks alot, Greetings, Roger.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and no problem! Happy I could help! :)

[@mark-de-leeuw]

Thanks for the information Matt.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Mark, I appreciate your comment!

[@metocvideo]

Thanks Matt, really helpful. I understand from a Leica Retailer that the free sensor replacement offer is no longer available,as of May 2020, so if you are buying a used M9, make sure it has the new sensor, or you could be in for a big bill!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Howard, thanks for that very useful information. Both for me and anyone reading. Much appreciated!

[@q8b37]

Good work, Matt. My experiences with M9 concur with yours. Incidentally, Leica M9 does NOT have an AA filter as M8 is without. Leica now charges around 900 euros for a replacement CCD for M9.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Q Bao Thank you for the details and the sensor cost. Interesting for me and I’m sure others will appreciate your feedback too. Many thanks Q!

[@timoplants5869]

Just had a quote last week and it’s now 1550 euros! I probably won’t have the sensor replaced...

[@Dirty1200]

Have you tried M8raw2dmg on the Leica M8?

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Still my favourite digital camera, I think :-) I hope mine never gets any sensor issues. It's a very late model M-E, so fingers crossed they solved the problem by then. I just love those CCD colours.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes the CCD look is hard to replicate!

[@MarcoFantin1]

Kolari vision offers a repair service (for the M9) for USD 999. I read good things about the service... Good luck on your M-E. I want one LoL

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@MarcoFantin1 thanks for info 👍🏻

[@DonFather]

Good review Matt. You are an experienced M9 owner, and shot great images too, so you are qualified to speak about it. Who cares if you don't have it in hand.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, I appreciate your feedback :) Yes I had some good years with my M9 and was sad to part exchange it.

[@weldermarshall]

Hi Matt I still have my M8 and M9 and I’m happy with both so not been bothered about anything newer, it’s just a case of learning to work with there limitations. Coming from a film background and having to stick to the asa of the loaded film when shooting I find that the lower iso settings of these cameras is easy to adapt to so don’t find them to be a problem. Looking forward to seeing more vids.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Geoff! Yes still with the CCD sensors! It took me so long to accept CMOS after moving from my M9! Time healed me I think! Yes more videos this week. Aiming for daily posts!! :)

[@Orwic1]

Very interesting - I enjoyed your video. I did have an M8, but swapped it years ago for an M9-P. That developed sensor corrosion, but that was swapped for the new corrosion-free sensor for free. I also got hold of another M9-P (almost unused), but that has the original sensor. I'm just waiting for that to develop a problem, but so far so good. I love the images from the M9, and I also like monochrome, coming from a history of using film Leicas, mainly for black and white, since the 1970s - I still have my M6 and M7, which get used occasionally.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Good to hear you are an M9 user and that you got the first sensor swapped for free. I think the fact that you have film Leicas but still shoot mostly with the M9s sings the praises of the camera. I'd like to think that if you were a Sony shooter (or a very modern CMOS look) you would feel the 'need' to shoot film much more ha :) ...it took me I think nearly a year to start to like the M240 after swapping in my M9! More Leica content soon! :)

[@TokinuUnikot]

Thank you very much for the wonderful review of the wonderful camera! Once again I was convinced that it is better not to find a sensor! I look forward to buying this camera! Once again convinced of the magic of Leica!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Tal, happy you enjoyed it and I appreciate your feedback! More Leica videos soon :)

[@toniwonkanobi]

Hey Matt: Can you do a video comparing the M9 to the M10? There aren't any other videos comparing these two. The M240 is sort of an odd man out, and I think M9 users are always wondering how the second CMOS-equipped Leica M compares to the revered CCD in the M8/M9 :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Anthony Craig hi yes the M10 is on my list for the next few months to test so I will do my best to get something posted soon. Thanks for your request. 👍🏻

[@irenedp4947]

thank you. I am planning to get an M9 and this is probably the most useful review I’ve watched. I want to pair it with my Q for scouting work, with a 50mm summicron.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you and that sounds great!

[@irenedp4947]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I am watching your review again about two years later. After seeing it, I went ahead and purchased a bargain M9P with the sensor changed. I have used it very extensively and it is still at the base of my work, except for when I need large files. I think what makes it special is definitely the narrower dynamic range compared to more modern cameras, which makes it more contrasty; and also the color, very close to Ektachrome. Although I pair it with an M10r bought from someone who was upgrading to an M11, I still find myself recurring more to the M9 when I need a single lens -a 50 Summicron-; albeit I have to admit that the 10r is technically superior and I have managed to almost equate color. The M9, like the S, is not for everyone, but I get more from them than when using the Nikon D850 or the Fuji GFX, which are theoretically ages ahead. Reading your review was what drove me to get my M9 and I cannot thank you enough.

[@croth76]

Hi Matt, great Review... I like some of the reviewers here, yours are refreshing and your pictures very special... I owned the M9 2 times, and another one is on the way. Hope Leica aligned everything fine. They still sell the M9 Demo Models in the Leica Classic Store. Online you can have several Models with new Sensor, new Battery, serviced and 1 Year G. They are a bit pricey, 2800 Euro - 3000 EUR.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for your kind words! I didn't know Leica were still selling the M9 in any form so thanks for the information and congrats on your purchase! :)

[@francoisp5384]

Hello Matt, I’m thinking of entering the Leica world and was looking at M10 second hands but I think I am convinced by your video to go for the M9 at a cheaper price with the advantage of nice film colours.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Francois P hello! They are very different cameras. If you are happy with a slower pace and more filmic images the M9 is better. For modern look the M10. (Psst. I have an M10 video coming soon if you can wait a week or so!) :)

[@timotius]

Even after getting a Leica m10. I still cannot move on from the Ccd sensor image from leica m9. It's just unique.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Agreed! It nearly killed me moving from the M9 to the M240. I lived with regret for thr best part of 12 months!

[@myleicam8546]

This is a great review, thanks!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! :)

[@dlyon9673]

Thank you for this very interesting video. If you had to choose between the SL2 and the M9 which would you choose?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

As a hobby and digital shooter only, looking for filmic images, the M9. For pro work, the SL2.

[@garymclaughlin4457]

Thank you Matt for this review which I found really helpful.. I recently bought an M9 and have fell in love with it. Also after watching your review on the Leica CL, I bought my wife one and she is captivated with it . My M9 came with a Summarit 50mm f 2.5 which is astounding and I am looking for a 35mm and considering the Leica 35mm Summilux 1.4 aspherical lens to compliment it. As a side note my wife is soon going to publish her website on her journey and if you like I'll send a link in due coarse. Kind regards

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Gary, my CL has been in Germany for repair for a few months but tell her it will be back in action soon (I'll make a video). Congrats on your M9! For 35mm see my recent 35mm f2 video (it mentioned other options too). Thanks regarding website - I can share in on Patreon for people to read if she wants a few extra views.

[@garymclaughlin4457]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi Matt, here's a link to her website and you can have a look. www.ailbiona.com Have a browse thru it if you have time and it would be great if you share. We will continue to watch your detailed and fab videos. Gary

[@karimnasser9226]

@14:15 I didn't quite understand the part about rangefinder camera's ability to shoot 1/8 sec exposures in the dark, vs. DSLRs.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Karim, they have no mirror so can handhold photos at 1/8 and they are sharp (vs blurry)

[@karimnasser9226]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for the reply Matt!I had no idea! You mean the presence of a mirror increases the motion blur effect? There has to be some motion blur at some point on rangefinders.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@karimnasser9226 correct for mirror/ blur. For SLR the mirror flips up out the way when you take a photo. It’s this movement that can cause camera shake below 1/60.

[@stevebarnett5048]

I couldn't agree more. With my previous comment in your M8 review I referred to the M9 because I never had the M8, but it's the amazing ccd sensor that is the common denominator. With the new sensors you don't get the beautiful high contrast film like transitions from highlights to shadows and I've even resorted to buying single coated lenses (like the CV 35mm SC), but it is only a substitution, not a fix.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Steve! Funny you mention the CV 35.. did you see the video I posted tonight!? :) Yes bring CCD back!

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

As far as Film look concern, Leica M9 is on the second place in my book.It just coming short to Fujifilm xpro-1.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah interesting! The M8 has more of a film look than the M9 as bigger ‘grain’ if that makes sense.

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes they do but as far as color and grain goes Xpro-1 is closest digital camera to film.With Leica there is a bit more magenta/orange and Fuji has more pastel kind of colors.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah good to know thanks for sharing with us.

[@dmystify1381]

...m8...your photos Are Amazing.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ha thank you :)

[@JimmyCheng]

My fav m by far

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jimmy! Yes I think the M9 has a loyal following :)

[@michelk5]

Hello Matt, another camera with the film look sensor is Fujifilm Xpro1. I shoot B&W on film and develop at home and shoot color on digital. I wish the Xpro1 had the CCD sensor of the M9 though but M9 was not in my price range (i love the kodakchrome look). Xpro1 is fantastic for portraits in my opinion, great for B&W as well (no AA filter). Did you try this camera?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Fujimichel thanks for sharing Michel, no I’ve seen people using Fuji but I’ve been happy with the Leica look so just stayed with them. Good to know mind, thanks!

[@kostyafedot551]

Leica stopped making M-E 220 at the end of 2015. It is FF Leica RF.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Kostya, good information thank you.

[@christinakourtesi1688]

At the risk of repeating others' comments, may I say how much I have enjoyed your informative video. I would also appreciate if you would please comment on the jpeg performance of a Leica M9 (and not of a Leica M9 Monochrom) against that of an M8/M8.2, in black and white mode.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Christina, thanks. M8 files are "grainier" (bigger grain)(more filmic)(high contrast) vs M9. I used both cameras in B&W JPEG mode for a period and shared images happily straight to social media.

[@christinakourtesi1688]

However, the smaller dynamic range of an M8 vs. an M9, which you consider the feature accounting for the former's filmic attribute, is practically non-existent. Please see Erwin Put's measurements (photo.imx.nl/leica/camera/Leica-camera/styled-27/), the DxOMark ones, etc.

[@troyoutlaw8908]

Matt, nice video. What strap is that on your M8? Thanks in advance.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Troy, I’m not 100% sure to be honest as I have quite a few. My best straps are on the M3 & FE2 - made by Hawksmills in the UK. Not cheap but very nice.

[@troyoutlaw8908]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks Matt1 I'm familiar with them. Appreciate the response.

[@whfowle]

What do you think of the M8.2 as compared to the M8 and M9?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

The M9 is completely different. Can't compare FF to crop. M8 cameras were very good for B&W, M9 for colour & BW

[@larrylobster9107]

Great and very informative, thanks. I’ve switched from my Nikon DSLRs to both the M8 & M9. Both have excellent results and I like that they both use the same battery and charger. Am I correct in think the battery changed after the M9/P?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Larry, that is exactly the path I took. D800 to M9+M8. Yes the M240 has a bigger battery so when I got that it was a bit of a pain coming from 1 battery system.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Fuji Superia film? Well, Superia 100 was my all time favourite colour negative film. Yes, it was saturated, but it had really tiny grain and no colour casts or some weird artefacts, unlike Kodak films. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued for years, without proper replacement...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Fujicolor used to be quite good too due to the fine grain 👍🏻

[@MarcoMarfia]

Nice video thanks! The M8 still has nicer B&W jpeg output compared to the M9 Monochrom? And how does it compare to the newer cmos 240 Monochrom, M10 Monochrom and Q2 Monochrom? Would you still recommend the M8 as a more budget friendly leica Monochrome? Thanks!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Marco! If you like punchy low dynamic range B&W then the M8 will win yes, but the newer cameras offer much better low light and DR.

[@MarcoMarfia]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom it also wins money wise 😄

[@uhoh007]

I use M9 and Sony A7RII. I shoot the Sony when I need good low-light, video, or more than 135mm. It's painful. The M9 is the most fun camera ever made, and more simple than any film camera. Images often require no editing at all, unlike any Sony I ever owned. M9 is also very tough, compared to the Sonys.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Good to hear your feedback as a Sony shooter. Yes agreed, I used to post M9 JPEGs unedited. You can't do that with many cameras! :)

[@wanderingwongs7464]

Thank for this video. I just got my M9 and am excited to use it. Where did you buy your viewfinder that you use on your M8 and M9?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Congrats on your M9! You can buy them from Leica or try some camera stores. See the video I did on them. 1.4x magnifier.

[@wanderingwongs7464]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thank you, Matt. Just subscribed to your channel. Keep up the great content. - Martin

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@wanderingwongs7464 thanks Martin!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@wanderingwongs7464 if you’re new to Leica visit MrLeica.com for more M9 resources 👍🏻

[@wanderingwongs7464]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I am as we speak 😊

[@carlosnunes5717]

Very interesting and informative, I`m going to end buying an M too...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Carlos!

[@psychoanima]

I love this review. I am a happy owner of M9 and I can agree with everything you mention in this video. I adore black and white jpegs from this camera - I set contrast to medium setting and images with my Nokton 50mm 1.5 VM looks absolutely amazing without needing to edit anything, and honestly it's hard to replicate it with dng, curves of this profile are way more complex than it seems (it's not just simple contrast boost) Speaking of profiles, could you please make a video how do you make Kodak Porta look on M/dng files? I am very curious to see your workflow. Another thing, you mention using viewfinder magnifier, is it usable for 35mm lenses or only for tele ones?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi thanks for writing and confirming for others the content of the video is reasonably accurate! :) Great to hear you enjoy the B&W JPEGs too! (and yes about not just boosting the contrast!)..

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I sell LR presets on the MrLeica.Com blog but i've swapped versions of LR so many times I don't have my M9 ones anymore. I just make them by eye and too much time looking at photos haha :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

The magnifier makes the M6,M8,M9 view closer to that of the M3 wich I much prefer. Yes it gives closer to a 50mm view. You can still see 35mm without glasses but you need to kind of peer in and look left right up down if that makes sense, from memory. There is a 1.25x version too I think.

[@davidschmidphoto5255]

Hello Matt. Thank you for this interesting video. Why did you sell your M9?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I regretted it after for the next year.. but to part ex for a M240.. my sensor was gone and it was pretty battered so it seemed a great deal at the time - through Leica.

[@robertolouth7468]

Great video on a great camera. Thank you!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Roberto! :)

[@robertolouth7468]

It is a real pleasure to see so many M9 Leica owners and lovers. I own a M-E and a Monochrome first model. Both with new sensors from Wetzlar. Love the image those deliver. Saludos!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Roberto Garcia thanks and great to hear you’ve had both your sensors replaced.

[@davegball]

I see M9s for sale on ebay with replaced sensor. Is there a possibility for a replaced sensor to become corroded or replaced means fixed? Does replaced mean replaced with the same Kodak CCD sensor?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi David, sorry i'm not in a position to say. There is a company in the UK that replaces M9 sensors and I think that fixes the issue but not sure about every camera situation.

[@devilspin6649]

Hi Matt, I've been following your website for a couple of years, your work is stunning and your blog posts insightful! I'm now starting with 35mm and medium format film and was wondering if you could take the time to build a guide for film scanning workflow I personally use Leica M6, Pentax 67, Rollei PQ and exakta 66 to shoot and Phase one XF to scan negatives, I've just got started and still learning! Any chance you'd put such guide together? Thank you

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Alessandro Guarino hi thanks. I’ve started doing this sort of video on Patreon, film developing etc and I have promised them I’ll do a film scanning video. I use a flatbed so it will be different to how you work but you’re welcome to follow / join Patreon until I make the post. This month or next as it’s overdue already!

[@individualmember]

Responding in the summer of 2022. I had a Leica M9, which I loved, but I had the sensor corrosion. It was late 2021 that I noticed it and early in 2022 Leica confirmed that as I’d read on the internet they can no longer repair them. However, I was offered a very substantial discount on the M10R, M10 monochrome, SL2 with M adapter, Q2 and the M11. So I am now the very proud owner of an M11. So that is what the situation has been recently. What I would advise anyone looking at purchasing an M9 is to check the sensor generation in the one you’re considering. The later ones don’t suffer like the older ones (mine was a gen 2 sensor), I can’t remember when they became less susceptible to sensor corrosion but I expect a good search on Google will find out.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Andy, sorry to hear and congrats on your new shiny M11! Nice! (You probably don't want to hear this but you can get the M9s repaired. A company in the UK does it. I spoke to them a few weeks back on behalf of a US Patreon to help out the comms).

[@individualmember]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I’d already committed to handing my M9 back and buying the M11 when I found out about the repair option you mention. But no regrets, I love the M11, even though the price tag has meant living on beans on toast and selling loads of stuff on eBay to pay the bills!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@individualmember that how I’ve lived for 20yrs haha :)

[@geofftonks8960]

Great content. Again. I am tottering on making a change. I love my Q2 but I miss the flexibility of depth of field I could achieve using different lenses. I got the M8 and that a cracker, I wanted this sensor, but the crop is annoying with the focal length change. So. I am now looking at M9 thinking the FF sensor will correct the focal length issues ‽ ‽ what do you think? I like wide sometimes, my 35 doesn’t do it on the M8 and the 50 is way too long. and I’m wondering is there a wide Leica m lens I can use on the M8 or do I go M9. Oh. I Will never let my Q2 go, never ever, it’s a doll.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Geoff! So sorry I missed this. Yes the M9 (or M240/M10!) will fix the cropping and give you a "proper" FF DOF look. You will enjoy FF with any lens (vs Q2), no question!

[@geofftonks8960]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom no worries mate. I really appreciate your response when ever I get it. I took out my old Nex7 messing about with the Zies 50mm and realized much as I live the Q2 I think I’d enjoy M10 more. Getting into Leica has taken me back a massive leap. I’m enjoying full manual so much now. M8 has given me a taste of M and the sensor is marvelous. I’ll probably get an M10 and see how I like that. I’ll end up selling everything else once I decided M or Q. I simply don’t want a cluster of equipment in my life again. I don’t even want zoom anymore. An wide a 50 and maybe a 75 is all I need. The 50 would be on all the time. But the wide and long I would use for certain shots. Anyway. Thanks for your input it is invaluable. Thanks & Regards, Geoff. Oh, and Sorry for the long diatribe. LOL.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@geofftonks8960 thanks Geoff! (Message me via MrLeica.com if you need help with it all).

[@spost26]

For someone on a tight budget, do you think would be possible to achieve results in this ballpark with a different CCD sensor camera? I’m thinking very early generation canon or Nikon?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Stephen, i've not tried it yet and might do one one (almost did in the past), but the photos will be a lens dependent too ofc. Worth a try for the low prices.

[@spost26]

A year later and I’m still creeping around the Leica videos lol. Looking at the various cameras I own- all with strengths but none giving me the colors I want without a fair amount of editing - except maybe the original canon 5d…. Feeling pulled to pawn them all for one Leica body that gives me the goods

[@jessekoskinen]

The colours are very nice. I especially liked how yellow looked.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jesse, yes CCD colours are lovely! :)

[@seventeendegree]

Great summary. It matches my experience perfectly. The M9 was my first Leica. Terrible buffer, mediocre low light performance and dynamic range but great quality at ISO 200. I ignored the 240 because I couldn‘t tell their images apart from smartphone pictures. The M10 seems to have a more unique look to it but I think I‘ll stick to my M3 from now on.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes I struggled when I got the m240 and coming from the M9.

[@joshhyyym]

I don't agree with what you said about the limited dynamic range being an advantage. The DNG has much more dynamic range than the JPEG, so the JPEG processor in the camera determines which parts of the RAW dynamic range to include in the final file. I assume that you can opt to increase the JPEG image contrast (I don't have an M9) or decrease it to your taste, same as you could on almost any camera. The higher dynamic range gives you the *choice* to recover shadow and highlight details, but you can always crush the highlights and shadows in lightroom and end up with a high contrast image. Also, all JPEG (practically all) images are 8bit, so they will always have about 8bits of dynamic range (you could drop a small amount in processing, or if the sensor had very limited dynamic range). So the JPEGs from the M9 would have the same dynamic range as JPEGs from a Nikon or Canon camera.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Joshua, I think I was comparing the M9 (and M8 in that video) to the more modern M240, CL and SL. As the cameras get newer the DR increases and the files get a great shade of greys. I liked the look from the M8/M9 vs more modern cameras.

[@joshhyyym]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Liking the look is what it's all about :D Great channel btw

[@carbondragon]

I replaced my Leica M9 sensor in November of 2018. It was not free, the cost was just about $1000 US (which for Leica may be relatively cheap, I don't know). I was given options for trade ins but the cost was in most cases MORE than it would have cost me to throw the M9 into the trash and just buy a really nice used model so I had it repaired. NOW Leica has announced that production for the CCD M9 sensor has ceased. They can no longer guarantee they will be able to change sensors -- they'll only do it till they run out of their current supply (which they don't give any details of). As good as the M9 is, this is a major problem for M9 purchase in 2020. It's better if you can buy an M9 that has had the sensor replaced. MOST (but not all) posters in the leica forums seem to think that the new sensor isn't subject to the same corrosion. Some claim they are. I sure hope the new sensor is good. Leica has not announced any attempt to help out M9 owners if their sensor goes out after the sensors are gone.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for sharing David and sorry to hear your information. Yes Hasselblad did a similar thing with their older H cameras and decided to stop supporting them. Not good when you consider the cost of Leica or Hassy. Fingers crossed yours has many happy years to come!

[@TheLongonot62]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom It isnt a case of Leica no longer supporting the product. The sensor stopped being manufactured, leaving Leica being unable to continue offering sensor replacement. There are a couple of companies in the USA which will repair the corroded glass, but they don't appear to offer the service if you are based outside the US.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@TheLongonot62 thanks Rupert for this useful information

[@michaelc4917]

Would you buy another M9 if you found one that has the updated sensor ?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Honestly no, I prefer film for the old look and SL and modern cameras for fast work tools

[@michaelc4917]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Matt, you should try the Nikon Z6. I was deciding between the SL and the Z6 but after trying the Z6, I don't want the SL anymore. Nikon changed their color science with their Z cameras and their new lenses are so good and much cheaper now. Z6 with the newest firmware is as good as any Sony A7iii now.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@michaelc4917 thanks I saw one at a studio I was at. Features packed but more like my Lumix S5. For me less is more so I much prefer my simple SL, but for most people other cameras offer more functions and value for sure.

[@lattesweden]

I so like Leica as a concept for some reason (and also Hasselblad) but I can't find the logical arguments for me to get any of them. I'll leave the Hasselblad reasons out of this text and focus on Leica vs what I use (sorry for a very long text). I use Minolta vintage lenses and bodys and also via a ring adapter I use M42 screw mount lenses on the Minolta analog film SLR bodys. I use the SRT101 mechanical body with built in light meter (like a Nikon FM basically) and X300s electronic controlled bodys, like Nikon FE one could say. The X300s was the last body they made with manual focus around 1990 and these have a really good and bright view finder screen. The price I pay for these bodys is about 10 GBP each. Also Minolta lenses are rather cheap vs Nikon lenses but performance is rather the same. I only shot about one roll of film per quarter of the year so I can live with the drawbacks you point out for the Nikon in the Nikon SLR vs Leica video since those apply to the Minolta film bodys as well. I also use these manual focus vintage lenses on Sony fullframe mirrorless digital bodys via a tube adapter to change the mount and get the correct mount to sensor distance. The A9 body is fantastic with Eye-AF and modern autofocus lenses but I'll leave that part out here and concentrate on how it works with manual focus lenses. You get a very good electronic 3.87 Mdots low latency, no lag, almost real time viewfinder. That viewfinder is so sharp that you can see and nail the manual focus lenses sharpness without the need for focus peaking or magnification. It has both of those if wanted and you can have the magnification on the joystick when pushing it in and it will magnify where the focus point is placed by the joystick. Also you can shot directly from magnification. You can also adjust the viewfinder for + or - eye correction. The trick to use it with manual focus lenses is turn up the viewfinder sharpness to +3 (actually it is the image profile, but it won't affect the RAW files). You can also get the viewfinder in black and white if you want that as a preview (again won't affect RAW). The A9 in its special non jello e-shutter mode (made to capture sports) does not even blink in the view finder when a picture is taken (but you can have a small visual indication if wanted). It does not make a sound, it is totally silent (or if wanted just turn on the fake shutter sound). It goes up to 1/32000 as the highest shutter speed so no ND filter problems. It also has 20 fps and over 241 RAW images buffer. That can be used with slightly moving models to shot burst series of images and just wiggle the camera a little back and forth so the focus goes a little back and forth and one of the images in the series will most likely at 20 fps nail the exact focus where it should be and then just throw away the rest. With the mechanical shutter you have 1/250 flash sync and it can be used with HSS (High Speed Sync) up to 1/4000 of a second with flash (but you will loose some flash power/range). The built in stabilization in the body is also a nice feature. You can use Leica lenses as well on adapter but the thicker filter stack can make the corners less sharp than they would be on a Leica body. A company called Kolarivision can modify the filter stack to a thinner one to be about the same as the one on digital Leica bodys and then those lenses work as they should. So for me this is the best route from a logical perspective but I still lust for a Leica film and digital body (and also such a combo on Hasselblad). Odd isn't it?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

lattesweden thanks for your very detailed reply! I enjoy using a Minolta Rokkor-M 40mm lens on my Leica cameras. I will do more Hasselblad videos too, H series and V series. One came that could cure your lust is a Leica iiia. See that video. Precision build but it won’t break the bank. Any Leica ii or iii.

[@lattesweden]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for the tip about the II and III models, I will check those and the video out! Regarding Leica and Minolta, they had a companionship actually during the analog days and Minolta provided Leica with technology and at times also parts and designs. The Leica R3 and R4 are based 95% on Minolta bodys (XE and XD). Also several lenses in the R-mount like the 24/2.8 and 35-70/3.5 and some others are Minolta designs that also are available from Minolta in their SR-mount. The Leica CL (the film version with M-mount) is a Minolta design as well. The follow up model CLE is released under the Minolta brand though for some reason (for that they also released some Minolta branded lenses, of which you have the 40 mm). Nowadays it is Panasonic that are Leicas technology partner and the Leica Q/Q2 and SL/SL2 and some of the L-mount lenses are made/designed by Panasonic in full and/or part. The compact camera range can be bought both in Leica and Panasonic branded versions. It is hard to know exact who does what, they don't speak about that officially but they do talk about that they have a partnership but no details. Also other manufacturers both in history and current have/are working together. It seems that behind the curtains everyone works with everyone. Some examples: Leica also works with Huawei and exchange technology. And Sony bought the Minolta photo division in 2006 from the merged mother company Konica-Minolta (that still exists). With that purchase Sony got the Minolta autofocus A-mount system and took over resources including personell from Konica-Minolta. The E-mount system is a product from Sony though, but it builds a lot of the Minolta DNA so one can guess that personnel from the purchase was involved in the development. I am looking forward to your Hasselblad videos (BTW: Tony Northrup has a video about their history that is fairly accurate and goes in much in line with my own understanding of how they came about). I also think you could do videos on how you find and work with your models and how you light your images (both natural and artificial) and also how you edit/tune your images to the look they have.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@lattesweden Thanks for your detailed reply and info shared. Yes I have the CL film (see video!) and nearly got the CLE. Yes Huawei have Leica lenses in their phones! Interesting about Sony/ Leica R, thanks. I have shared some model videos/BTS/Lighting but more to come. Click my face icon then see my video playlists - Photoshoots and Lighting. I still need to do developing, scanning, editing videos so they will come in the future. Lots to come! Thanks Matt.

[@paullo7970]

but ccd 15 is not come from Kodak anymore

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Paul, I’m not sure how it is now.. That makes sense.

[@paullo7970]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks for your review:) I would like to get a M9 recently.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@paullo7970 they do have a very unique and special look 👍🏻😊

[@vu_derArchitekt]

So you shoot with jpg not dng ? 🤔

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

At the time I had the M9..and to begin with, then I switched the DNG. Now only DNG for some years. 👍🏻

[@vu_derArchitekt]

ah yes.... I tried shot DNG + JPG but that makes the M9 become very slow and sometimes shut down (must remove and put the battery again to "restart"). I dont see the JPG (both in color and bw) made by M9's tiny computer has something so much special. Just the lack of technology from 2009 makes it so "unique". For JPG go straight from camera, I prefer Ricoh GR (I has the GRD4 and GR2) , or Fuji X100 , these cameras make JPG in magical color and they give me "nearly" the analogue feeling. Especially the high contrast bw mode in Ricoh GR. But just "nearly", can not beat the real analogue.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@vu_derArchitekt yes I got M240 as it was too slow then I shoot real analog for the film look I love. Shoot DNG only or JPEG only. 👍🏻

[@3flyte_3flyte]

:^D Haha, very funny!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks :)

[@CrueLoaf]

Took me bout three months to get a new genuine M9 battery.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

CrueLoaf I just used third party batteries as spares and they worked just the same. ..but I know some will prefer genuine..

[@dizzybuizzy9347]

Thousands of $ for Film Simulations ...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes personally I prefer to shoot real film any day hence I sold my M9. None of this preset crap :)

[@dizzybuizzy9347]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom There is a different appreciation between Film, and Digital! The only feature missing on Digital Cameras is a Phone, like Phones having Cameras!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@dizzybuizzy9347 haha great point made! :) Thanks

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

sensor replacement $1.600 by others.......Leica service stopped, you can get a new m10 for little less money in trade in.... lol.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I think they are for die hard CCD fans

[@Funktrainer]

I am shooting the M8 for over two years. Recently I added a M9-P to my travel kit and shoot both cameras side by side. I like the out of camera raw files of the M8 colorwise better than those of the M9-P but it is very easy to get almost the same look out of the M9 files with a little tweaking. The shadows come always too dark for my taste on the M9 (perhaps that’s the reason why people think the LCD screen is bad but it actually isn’t it is very accurate).

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for sharing and congrats on the M9-P!