Why the Leica M9 is so unique - Review by Thorsten von Overgaard (Repremiere)

[@Echophone2046]

"The model thinks you are doing something artistic, but you are just waiting for the buffer." I love it.

[@lesterbarnes2010]

A good one! I was instantly going to search the comments for this and read yours... Made me really laugh!

[@nineteen76]

Thank you for your reviews and following your advice, I just picked up a lovely aged M9 with new-gen sensor for $2000. Can't wait to enjoy this camera along with my film Leica

[@Phil.Austin]

Super review that took me away from DSLR to an amazing M9 purchase from a Leica lover. Also getting a lot from your Lightroom skin tone preset....many thanks

[@richardlovrich4357]

Thorsten has described my buffering M9 "artist in thought" move precisely.

[@rafael55]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but I heard that the M9 has a lot of problems with it's sensor corroding, and that Leica fixed the problem for a period of time but latter said, "sorry" sensors are unavailable now. I think that an expensive camera should be solid and last for many decades.

[@macbookdieter]

I must have watched this video a 1000 times, it’s not only the best M9 video, but probably the best Leica video ever.

[@davidthomasmartin1075]

Me too!

[@s.baumann6665]

I bought my M9 a few weeks ago. I love it

[@Clicknick007]

Thank you for this review. I bought my M9 some time ago, and love it, including the "winder" sound!

[@AnikiF]

Got mine last December at the official Leica Store in Torino, Italy, for 2,000 euro, fully serviced and with new sensor. Unfortunately, at present, I'm stocked in Africa and I cannot enjoy it. I'll use a Voigtlander Nocton Classic 35mm 1.4, non multi-coating. Thanks for the clear review, I cannot wait to try this unique piece.

[@oliscurra]

It's a gorgeous camera. I just uploaded a small ode to it, since purchasing the M10-P. And the Voigtländer Nokton SC 35mm 1.4 by the way is such an awesome lens. I gifted mine to a friend who bought a Voigtländer Bessa R3M from me, but I've missed that look so am now waiting for delivery of a new one. Needed to have it again. You made the right choice with the SC... ;)

[@davidthomasmartin1075]

Great Video. But what about the sensor on an older used/secondhand camera? It’s my worry that the sensor will go Kaput.

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

I miss the frame-selector. 😕

[@JimmyCheng]

I sold my m10p but kept this. I will never part with this camera for various reasons. I also do not mind it is not a perfect camera and a slow camera (in a sense). To me, it is like a film camera, which never go old, even though it is digital.

[@oliscurra]

How come you ended up selling your M10-P Jimmy?

[@JimmyCheng]

Olivier Meier I like everything about it, except for the files. They look blend and just like all the other mirrorless to me. I couldn’t get that special Leica touch I wanted. Also I only shoot in the day light and I have other cameras for other genres so sold it.

[@oliscurra]

Jimmy Cheng I understand what you mean on the M10-P, especially comparing to M9. Although there are many differences, simply the contrast of the M9 files are so much more than the M10-P. To be fair though, I haven’t spent enough time with it vs the M9 to form an opinion yet. How long did you hang on the M10-P for?

[@JimmyCheng]

Olivier Meier I’ve owned it for about half a year. It’s a great camera no denying, but I found myself reaching for my old trusty m9 more, except the first few months of honey moon period.

[@michaelc4917]

@@JimmyCheng Besides the M9 which digital cameras do you like the out of camera image output?

[@stuartmeador8993]

I missed my M9 so much.....I recently purchased another one... It is a dream to use and is enough different from my M10P where I do not feel I have duplicate equipment...

[@knutvonheim3838]

I purchased my M9 in 2009 and have no issues with the CCD sensor. I think a large percentage of those that experience this publish their thoughts on the internet, or comment when the topic comes up. So when you read about the M9 the majority of what you read makes this appear to be a dominant issue. It would be interesting to know the actual percentage of M9s that suffer from the issue of corrosion. I rarely read about any other issue with the M9, and have not experienced any myself.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

Yes, those who use the M9 seldom complain about anything (sensor included)

[@knutvonheim3838]

Magic Of Light Very true! It’s CCD or film for me :)

[@oliscurra]

@@knutvonheim3838 Which film(s) do you shoot mainly?

[@knutvonheim3838]

Olivier SM Ekta Chrome 160 :D

[@Pembers357]

I think you are absolutely right to defend Leica on the corroded sensor issue, Thorsten. They have done the right thing for users for many years and been more than fair. I find their customer service team very helpful. They repaired my M-D for free when the rangefinder coupling stuck. And, on a number of occasions when I have bought M8s, they have provided IR filters for free even in 2019, so long as the allocation for that particular camera hadn’t been claimed previously. Show me another manufacturer that provides that sort of customer service more than a decade after the camera was discontinued.

[@hiramabiff885]

My first digital Leica is the M8. I will never sell it. Aside from being a great camera it it the finest camera in the world for infrared photography. What was originally deemed a flaw is actually a great gift to "the Secret World." I bought an M9 when prices came down and aside from the slooooow buffer the images are superb. Mine has not had the corrosion issue thankfully. As for the buffer, yes, it limits what I shoot with this camera.

[@benjhaisch]

Did you get the Leica script engraved on the top?

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

Yes, Leica Camera AG in Wetzlar, Germany can do custom engravings on most Leica cameras. Signature, text, logo. This one is the "2002 LHSA engraving" which was used on a limited edition camera for LHSA in 2002.

[@benjhaisch]

Magic Of Light wow! How much did that cost?!

[@alanjones8579]

Thanks for the video. One thing that i have noticed over the years is that Leica cameras in the main are used for street photography and portraits. However do people ever use them for landscapes and macro? the reason that i ask is that they are relatively lightweight in comparison to a DSLR and smallish in size...

[@alanandkarenbootholdfield6179]

Hi I use my Leica for landscape photography but macro is very difficult as the lens do not focus close and also using rangefinder focus not good

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

It's an obvious camera to bring with you because it's portable and stylish, so street photography (by which I mean photographing what you encounter during the day and week) is obvious. Landscape too, yes. Why not bring a portable camera rather and a backpack with camera gear? For macro, you can get the 90/4 macro kit with special viewfinder and distance scale, but I would say later models like the M240 and Leica M10 with the possibility for EVF makes it easier as, with those you can add the EVF and then the macro adapter that will make ANY lens a macro lens, and with the EVF you can see exactly what the sensor sees. Focus will always be a concern with macro, so the EVF is a big help on that.

[@DanaC1701A]

Sure. i0.wp.com/www.percolatingpixelphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/L1002494-Edit-2.jpg?w=1090

[@utomotjipto5294]

I use M9 for landscape and also for Macro. For Macro I use Elmar 90mm f4 with macro kit.

[@overwatch-mg7hi]

I just bump into this video recently as i am planning to get a M9 now. Is it late to join the M9 league in 2023?

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

Still very relevant to get 🙂

[@Zetaphotography]

Is this the same video or did you remake it? I just bought one and waiting for it to arrive. The buyer said the CCD 11 was a new sensor and no corrosion.

[@toniwonkanobi]

Yeah why was this re-premiered?

[@villagranvicent]

He simply REuploaded it with a fancy BS title.

[@calvinchann1996]

Not sure about the need for a repremier when you can search on KZbin. More of a concern is the lack of recognition of the camera’s inherent limitations and calling it “old school” as an excuse.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

If you get a Leica M9 for the first time in this day and age you will see that it's "old school" in a good way. That is, if you like old school and is drawn towards film and all what was good back then. "Nothing like the good ol' days" as they often say in UK. If you are looking for advanced settings, speed, high ISO and all that, looking at the Leica M9 is the wrong direction :-)

[@Supermoto313]

Hey, what strap is on ur 240, thanks

[@uhoh007]

Very nice! I bought a M9 in 2014, for 3.3K and I've never felt the need to upgrade. For high iso and video I just use a A7r2. For second body on wider M lenses I use a A7 with thin filter sensor. Simplicity is the M9 superpower. It is even more simple than M6 :)

[@terrywbreedlove]

The Q2 has really caught my attention. But also the The Nikon Z mount cameras maybe with a manual focus lens. But then I think I am enjoying shooting film in my old Nikon F3 so much. That I don't think I can get the same feeling of enjoyment .

[@ballblurphotography8699]

Can you tell where i can buy oliginal battery or thirdparty battery (what brand ) cos i saw many third party but not sure which brandis good ,thank you

[@gchesterton]

Thanks Thorsten. Makes me happy with my M9 all over again. Now can you do a similar retrospective on the M6?

[@nickfanzo]

Greg Chesterton m6 rules

[@diegaulle9143]

Mine has sensor corrosion. No problem for me as its only visible at large apertures and then I have to remove the dust spots anyway. I use Lightroom but in Photoshop I guess you could even automate the process as dust wanders but corrosion doesn't. As Thorsten says, M9 users never complain hahaha.

[@parratt-world]

Thank you Thorsten. I am considering an M10, because of its physical dimensions. It will fit certain Leitz copy equipment from the 1960s. But this was all very interesting. ◇

[@TheoDahlemPickups]

2-3K on a camera that is prone to corrosion of its' sensor and no replacement or service by Leica valid in 2020/21? Please let me know that I'm wrong and I'm curious to learn.

[@ansgarbook712]

I wonder Thorsten that you never fell in love to the M8? I did so much. Both of them M8 and M9 I will never sell

[@patrickcazer]

so are you going to do one on the leica M8 ? or..

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

I never used the M8 but might take it for a swing. It's a beloved classic for many and is still available.

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

I had trouble using the USB transfer on my M8.2 until someone told me on the Leica Forum to connect the camera to the computer "hot." With the camera on while connecting it works just fine. I have an M9 coming and will try it on that, too, and am pretty sure it will work also. I'll let you know. Either way the images are quite nice.

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Wy later, the "hot connect" works. I use the SD card method, though. Some Dane said it was the way to go. ;o)

[@zarmindrow5831]

The best M's come in increments of 3. It's like a greek magic number. M3, M6, M9. So yeah, waiting for the M12.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

Good observation

[@harvgreenberg3031]

Great review! Your enthusiasm for Leica is infectious.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

Thank you :-)

[@lifebreath77]

Great reviews, and I love your droll, deadpan humor.

[@ucevrim]

still waiting for the m10 mono review.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

Something is coming ... on Monochrom photography in general, and where the M10M fits in.

[@stefannantz]

Love the advise for the artistic break 😂

[@Andy-qi3kd]

Not a single word about corrosive sensors in the m9 ?

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

Read the answers here, and also my "worlds possibly longest ever camera review". It's a part of the M9 story that the sensor can corrode, either very visible or invisible, and then you have to deal with it: Repair it at Leica in Wetzlar or skip it, or use it to get a discount on a new Leica M10, or sell it to someone who care to deal with it. In buying a second-hand, it's one of the things you have to pay attention to, just like if the batteries are still 100% or 30%.

[@oliscurra]

@@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard I just discovered that my M9 sensor is corroding. A bit of a bummer really. Especially since the guy that sold it to me, said it had been replaced. Right now it's not much of an issue, because wide open you don't notice really and it's only a few dots, but once it corrodes further I will definitely need to have it sorted out. I'm surprised that Leica still has sensors 11 after the release... Do you know anything about that?

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

I have not had a bad experience using the USB port on my M8.2. I will be buying an M9 and will try using that USB, The small battery and its low voltage, about half of what would be good, are the Achilles heel on the M8 - M9.

[@prakashpatankar5839]

Grt.camera details 🌹🌹🌹Leica M9 but too costly , have you used Fuji xt3 or pro 3 all new setting Croma effects , soft etc

[@jovandevijver9400]

I have an M8, and I bought myself an M9 last week. I thought it was worth the upgrade of a bigger sensor. But I was wrong! The M8 has much better contrast, sharper images. Of course there is a colour issue, but I mostly work black&white. Honestly, I dont't like the M9 that much, besides it has the corrosion problem that Leica does not (want to) fix anymore (BOOOH!).

[@craftandtailored]

Camah ?? 😍

[@3r4s]

Thnx Thorsten.

[@timoplants5869]

I bought my M9 in September 2012 and by February 2013 the sensor had cracked. I was so disappointed with the noise it made; the poor colour; poor memory buffer and the red blown out highlights that I didn’t want to get it repaired and it’s been sat on my bookshelf ever since as a reminder of my folly. I did enquire recently to see how much it would cost to get it repaired but at €1550, it’ll continue to collect dust on my bookshelf. No matter how much people enthuse about the M9, it’s an awful camera.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

You could sent it in for sensor replacement and then sell it. You can be unhappy with the colors yourself, but you can find people who will treasure the CCD and the colors, the quirky sounds the M9 makes and all that. Or you can sell it as it is, noting it needs a new sensor and let somebody else deal with the love/hate relationship :-)

[@davidcohron6828]

Magic Of Light l

[@DanaC1701A]

Send it to me.

[@timoplants5869]

I’ve taken Magic of Light’s advice and have part exchanged it for a Summicron 35mm lens.

[@diegaulle9143]

You could have checked for corrosion or waited for it to corrode within the first 5 years after purchase date and had the sensor replaced for free. My advise: repair it as long as Leica has corrosion-free sensor stock and continues offering the service and then put it back onto the shelf and let It collect dust, or use it instead. The price for corrosion-free M9´s will go up in time when Leica runs out of sensor stock. This camera was an instant classic and a pinnacle of camera development and there will always be people (like me) wanting to use it in 20 years.

[@WarrenRoddy]

I've never seen an M9 with the Leica script on the top. Is that a one off Thorsten?

[@alexauga]

That’s an M9P or it’s been upgraded by Leica to a M9P design

[@MrDimigooda]

Ciao a tutti!!! Sono un fotogiornalista e per il mio lavoro quotidiano uso, addirittura, una vecchietta come la M9... lascio qui il link della mia long term review: il telemetro, il sensore ccd, la sensibilità che non arriva a cifre stratosferiche. Insomma al confronto con i prodotti che altri marchi sfornano, sembrerebbe una macchina "perdente". Eppure non è così. Il mezzo riesce a mettere in connessione i soggetti e l'autore in modo unico. In più è piccola e leggera. E le lenti (accoppiate al sensore) danno un valore davvero particolare alle immagini che si realizzano. Insomma, scegliere Leica non è come affidarsi agli altri marchi. Lo si fa, secondo me, per una decisione ponderata, perché si sa dove si vuole andare, verso che tipo di fotografia si sta puntando. Io non sono nessuno, ci tengo a mostrare qualche esempio (una rassegna di immagini scattate un po' in tutte le condizioni, bassa luce, foto dinamiche, ritratti di strada...) per dare una lettura concreta delle potenzialità. Le foto sono state realizzate con 28 Elmarit f2.8. Ciaooooo kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3ncq2t6jpKspZI . . . Hiiii everyone!!! I am a photojournalist and for my daily work I even use an old lady like the M9... Here I leave the link of my long term review: the rangefinder, the ccd sensor, the sensitivity that does not reach stratospheric figures. In short, compared to the products that other brands churn out, it would seem like a "loser" machine. Yet that is not the case. The medium manages to connect the subjects and the author in a unique way. Plus it's small and light. And the lenses (coupled to the sensor) give a very special value to the images that are made. In short, choosing Leica is not like relying on other brands. You do it, in my opinion, for a thoughtful decision, because you know where you want to go, what kind of photography you're aiming for. I am no one, I would like to show some examples (a review of images taken a little in all conditions, low light, dynamic photos, street portraits ...) to give a concrete reading of the potential. The photos were taken with 28 Elmarit f2.8. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3ncq2t6jpKspZI

[@nickfanzo]

I love my M3 . Maybe I’ll get an m9 one day for cheap.

[@owRekssjfjxjxuurrpqpqss]

Issues with buying the m9 second hand is that the ccd sensor tends to corrode and fail and leica is only repairing ones for free that were bought new within the past five years. People should be very careful buying a used m9, even though it’s a great and unique camera. Too many stories online about people spending 3k on a used model only for it to fail within a few weeks of use.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

Leica doesn't repair the sensors for free anymore. They did, and for me the "sensor issue" isn't really an issue as I had mine replaced back when it was done automatically and for free on any Leica M9 or Leica MM that was sent in for any type of service. I get that it makes it a little tricky to buy a second-hand because you have to watch out for the sensor: Has it been replaced, does it need to in the future? and that adds a possible $1200 expense to the dream. It's an 11 year old camera, and I've met people recently who found great samples for good money. No doubt one can also easily stumble into a seller who just want to get rid of it, and its no fun getting a 'new' second-hand camera in the door that needs a repair as it's first action. On the other hand, one can use it as a way to reduce the price and let it be the sellers problem, leaving space to refurbish an old Leica M9 into a new functioning camera with factory-calibration and new sensor. So the headache can be turned into a win if you want to.

[@underflo43tky]

bodies come and go lenses are forever

[@williambichara8364]

Do you worry about charging the old leica batteries for this camera? I have been told they can be dangerous and can cause fire.

[@villagranvicent]

"Repremiere"... meaning: "Let's upload the same video again for new clicks". LOL

[@wvideoyahoodk]

Jeg er nyheds fotograf på TV2 Østjylland - det er jo så video. Har et Leica M6 og et M8.2. Elsker still fotografi. Det er basen for alt fotoarbejde. Tager aldrig videoer på mine backpackingture. Bare streetphotography/reportage. Når der er rundvisninger på min TV station kommer der af og til videoklubber. De fokuserer helt vildt på pixels og grej. Den store skuffelse i deres øjne kommer når jeg siger at det bedste billede sagtens kan tages med en Nokia 3210. Hvis du ikke kan SE - ja - så er alt jo ligegyldigt. Jeg elsker mine Leica´er med min 1.4 35mm og min 2.8 90 mm optik. Underviser også og udgangspunktet er de gamle mestre i reportage - som selvfølgelig - Henri Cartier Bresson - og alle de andre. Det kunne jeg tale meget længe om. For ikke at nævne den kontakt man skal have med mennesker for at kunne videofilme eller fotografere dem. M6´eren og optikkerne blev købt i start 90´erne. De er nok mine kæreste ejer. Tak for din kanal. Nyder den. 28 år med foto - og blir aldrig træt af det. Fordi det handler om mennesker.

[@rotarygod]

I have m8 m9 and m10 ...I had some personal experience on the m9 I bought my m9 in 2014 , after a few months use I have to replace the sensor because of the corroded sensor, in 2016 the sensor corrode again, and I have to send it to NJ leica to replace the sensor which cost me ~$1000.... seem likes my m8 's sensor is more reliable than my m9, but my m8 shutter had fail on me ,send it to leica to replace the m8u's shutter(no 1/8000sec) bought my m10 almost 2 years, the firmware is up-to-date , sometimes the camera will freezes up,have to take out the battery to "restart" it and it will becomes normal...

[@MescalinPlayer]

I had no idea that the replacement sensors could corrode as well. That's awful. Considering if I should shell out for a replacement as well.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

@@MescalinPlayer The first replacement sensors were the same sensors. Then Leica made a new sensor, which is why it cost to replace it now.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

The M10 shouldn't freeze. Could be SD card. I use Angelbird www.angelbird.com/prod/av-pro-sd-v90-mk2-2400/?category=235 and Lexar 128GB 1000X UII which never freeze.

[@MescalinPlayer]

@@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard thanks for the clarification. :)

[@beavis1474]

its so unique that when i take pictures with my nikon and cheak nifty fifty f1.8 nikkor no one can tell difference ...

[@Spikedeng]

没有什么比一个老男人平静严肃地扯淡更有魅力的了😀

[@ductritran8637]

Worst Leica camera ever , censor rusty cost $2500 Australia to replace , manufacturing faulty products but Leica only fix it free for a short period and many new censor replace failed again .

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

I get what you are saying, but I also look at it as a 11 year old camera that has some quirks. The good thing is that the shutter seem to last forever and way beyond 200,000 exposures, the camera body can be dropped and still works, and so on. But is's a bit like a classic camera these days. Leica Camera did replace sensors for free on 8 year old cameras, which was great. One could ask oneself what it would cost to keep replacing them for free vs. goodwill. Leica didn't do that, though they often offer a new camera at reduced price if and when you send in a Leica M9 that needs new sensor.

[@Funktrainer]

Got mine last December, a silver chrome M9-P with the original box and all accessories for 1153,-Euros. It has still its first sensor from 2012 and no issues so far (pristine output, perfect surface). Maybe that is why it was that cheap, people are worried when they get told a M9 is on its first sensor.

[@taigenetsudo4273]

Articles of Faith 1. Thou shalt only use Leica cameras and lenses, for they are the finest tools for capturing the beauty of the world. 2. Thou shalt always strive for the perfect image, for it is a sacred pursuit. 3. Thou shalt respect the work of other Leica shooters, for they are your brothers and sisters in the faith. 4. Thou shalt not defile thy Leica gear with cheap accessories or modifications. 5. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's camera, for jealousy is a sin. 6. Thou shalt not use thy Leica for anything other than the pursuit of photographic excellence. 7. Thou shalt honor the history and heritage of Leica, for it is the foundation of our faith. 8. Thou shalt share thy knowledge and experience with others, for the Leica community is built on mutual support. 9. Thou shalt keep thy Leica in good working condition, for it is a sacred trust. 10. Thou shalt always remember the Leica religion is about capturing the beauty of the world and sharing it with others.

[@MagicOfLight_ThorstenOvergaard]

🙂

[@earvinquero2037]

we all know now that the 246 is better than the m9.

[@MrGrover1276]

It's interesting how people do not understand what photography is about it. Most of the time Those who needs a camera, that can take 20 shoot in one second or a camera with 100 megapixels don't know shit about "the art of photography" cause let's be honest it is not the camera what matter, it's your skill as a photographer what will really transcended it in history, no your stupid moronic and useless super camera. I am working on an assigment in Baltimore about homeless and drug-addict and I bought a leica m9 for $1500 off course the sensor has some corrosion but still takes great pictures. "BaltImorE ThE Greatest CyTi iN aMerIcA"

[@beavis1474]

leica is only fun by engineering means, its not about pictures