My full Leica M9 review is NOW UP! Click here to read all 13 pages about this wonderful camera!

If you want to comment on the review, you can do so at the bottom of this page!

LEICA M9 AT B&H PHOTO IN BLACK - STEEL GREY

LEICA X1 AT B&H PHOTO

10/11/09 - Check out my M9 daily diary!

10/07/09 - My M9 finally arrived!

09/25/09 - As promised, a few M9 sample images. Full review on October 1st!

09/24/09 - I will have some Leica M9 samples up tomorrow and in SIX DAYS I will have part one of my ongoing Leica M9 review on the site!

09/21/09 - My M9 review will be up by October 1st! Be sure and check back on that date for the full review!

09/19/09 - I am STILL waiting for my personal M9 and a review sample M9. Whichever arrives first, I will get started on the review. I should have one or the other by next week. FINALLY! As soon as I do, I will post some 1st day samples and then the full in depth review!

Also, I will be getting an X1 for review as well in October!

Guy Mancuso M9 report!

09/15/09 - BTW, here are all the details on the M9:

Digital photography enters a new dimension.

Leica Camera AG, Solms presents the LEICA M9, the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a full-format 24 • 36 mm sensor. As the world’s most compact full-format system camera, the M9 extends the legendary heritage of the Leica rangefinder M System and unites over 50 years of continuous technical improvements to the system with the best in cutting-edge digital technology.

The successful combination of an extremely high-resolution image sensor, the superior performance of M lenses and sophisticated processing of the captured digital information ensures the best imaging results in all photographic situations. With its wide-ranging technical specifications, the camera adjusts to all fields of photography - from reportage and ‘available light’ to the capture of discreet and fine-art images alike. The M9 is the ideal tool for all photographers who demand the highest standards in image quality and a freedom of composition.

The 18-megapixel CCD image sensor, specifically designed and developed for the M9, enables the capture of the full 35-mm film format without any compromises.

All M lenses mounted on the LEICA M9 therefore offer the same angle of view as with film camera models, meaning the enormous potential performance of the current M lens portfolio with focal lengths from 16 to 135 mm is now fully available in a digital camera for the very first time. In addition, most Leica M lenses built since 1954 can still be used on the new M9. Once again, Leica Camera AG proves their commitment to full system compatibility and the enduring value of the M series.

The sensor of the M9 features a newly developed glass cover that is designed to guarantee the suppression of infrared light in practical photography, avoiding the necessity of mounting special UV/IR filters.

Concentrating on essentials, its simple handling is a significant feature of the Leica M System. In the case of the LEICA M9, the handling has been further improved by simplification of the menu navigation: setting the sensitivity only requires holding down the ISO button while simultaneously turning the dial to select the required setting. All other functions important for everyday situations are quickly and easily accessible by pressing the set button. Furthermore, the menu also offers a snapshot profile option. In this mode, the M9 automatically sets as many settings as possible and provides a valuable aid to spontaneous and discreet photography. The camera also features automatic lens recognition via 6-bit coding. On the basis of the coded information, the M9 can compensate for any system-inherent lens vignetting effects (darkening in the image corners).

Despite the considerably larger sensor, Leica has been successful in making the LEICA M9 body comparable to the compact size typical of M cameras. With its compact dimensions of only 139 • 37 • 80 mm (5.47 • 1.45 • 3.15 in), the LEICA M9 maintains the ideal size of the M series and is now the world’s smallest full-format digital system camera.

As a working tool for professionals and ambitious amateur photographers, all features and functions of the LEICA M9 are designed for absolute dependability and endurance. The one-piece, full-metal housing is made from a high-strength magnesium alloy. Additionally, the top deck and bottom plate are machined from solid brass blocks providing perfect protection for the precious inner mechanisms. The digital components and shutter assembly of the M9 are similarly constructed with extreme endurance in mind. For photographers, this means absolute reliability for decades of use.

The LEICA M9 is now available in two different finishes: a standard version in black and, for the first time, a version finished in steel-grey. The two models also have different finely-structured leather coverings.

The sensor

The CCD sensor specially developed by Kodak for the LEICA M9 has been optimised to fully exploit the particular qualities of the Leica M lens system. As a result, the LEICA M9 achieves highest resolution values that guarantee outstanding image quality.

The image sensor of the M9 employs further-advanced and meticulously designed micro lenses with a low refractive index. The micro lenses at the sensor edges are laterally displaced towards the image center to precisely match the characteristics of M lenses. This optimized micro lens design, based on many years of precision optical engineering experience, captures and concentrates even the most oblique rays on the sensor and reliably prevents image brightness fall-off at the edges and corners of the image. As a result, all existing Leica M lenses maintain their full performance when used for digital photography.

The intentional decision to exclude a moiré filter, which optically filters out the finest image details, was made to permit full the exploitation of the superb resolution of Leica M lenses. Any moiré patterns occurring with the M9 are eliminated in the camera’s digital signal-processing software. The optimized signal–noise ratio of the CCD image sensor reduces the need for digital post-processing and ensures that images possess an unrivaled, natural visual impact. This results in high-contrast, particularly high-resolution exposures with natural color rendition from corner to corner.

The lenses

All Leica M lenses mounted on the LEICA M9 offer the same angle of view as with film camera models. Therefore, for the first time, the immense performance potential of the lenses is now maintained and can be fully exploited for digital photography. In line with Leica’s renowned commitment to extreme system compatibility, most Leica M lenses built since 1954 can be used on the new M9. As a result of the high mechanical and optical precision and extraordinarily good imaging performance, and particularly that of the current range, Leica M lenses are now ideal for use in digital photography. Performance criteria, such as the individual coating of each element, have long been a Leica standard, and there was no need to develop and implement any special measures for ‘digital lenses.’

The efficient image sensor on the M9 demands a particularly high spatial resolution that is, above all, offered by the latest M lenses. The excellent correction of optical aberrations and high resolution make them all the more suitable for digital use. The current M lenses are supplied with a 6-bit code on the bayonet mount that is scanned optically by the M9. On the basis of the coded information, the M9 can compensate for any (almost negligible) system-inherent vignetting effects if necessary. In addition, the lens type is recorded in the EXIF data of the image files and, when using the latest flash units like the LEICA SF 58, automatically adjusts the reflector to match the focal length of the lens attached.

The viewfinder / rangefinder

The Leica viewfinder / rangefinder system sets the LEICA M9 apart from the market-dominating SLR and compact digital cameras and makes it particularly suitable for vibrant reportage photography, ‘available light’ exposures and discreet portraiture. Photographers become part of the action and frame whatever they wish to capture in the viewfinder – a scene, a mood, a moment. Simultaneously, the photographer still perceives what is going on outside the viewfinder frame. The decisive moment can be anticipated, and can therefore be captured at precisely the right instant. This results in particularly authentic images that are not impaired by the presence of the photographer.

The clear view of the subject remains even during exposure and, even in the most adverse lighting conditions, the bright, high-contrast viewfinder guarantees extremely fast and precise focusing. In combination with the minimal delay between releasing the shutter and capturing the shot – in digital photography too – the combined viewfinder / rangefinder system positions Leica M cameras among the fastest cameras in the world.

In contrast to SLR photography, where focusing must take place through the lens and focal length and aperture determine focusing accuracy, the rangefinder base of the Leica M remains precisely the same and independent of the actual lens being used. This is the reason why its focusing precision is immensely superior for shorter focal lengths. The high-contrast, rectangular RF spot in the center of the viewfinder guarantees fast, precise and pin-sharp focusing, even under adverse lighting conditions.

The frame selector lever allows photographers to simulate different compositions with alternative focal lengths and assess the most appropriate lens for the shot without changing lenses. Because their position is automatically adjusted by automatic parallax compensation depending on the focusing distance, the six different bright-line frames always show the precise image framing. The bright-line viewfinder shows all other information relevant to the capture of a perfect image and the peripheral area around the envisaged subject, thus providing ideal conditions for spontaneous and unobtrusive photography.

The shutter

The LEICA M9 features a new, microprocessor-controlled, particularly silent, metal-leaf, focal-plane shutter that enables shutter speeds of up to 1/4000 seconds. This allows the photographer to maintain complete creative freedom by using a selective focus at maximum apertures, even in bright situations. The short flash synchronisation speed of 1/180 seconds enables daylight flash exposures with selective focus.

Together with its compact form, the camera’s virtually silent shutter is another keystone for discreet and unobtrusive photography. Additionally, photographers can select the appropriate moment for re-cocking the shutter. When longer exposure times requiring an extremely steady camera stance are essential, a slight pressure on the shutter release button in ‘soft release’ mode is sufficient.

Intuitive handling

The LEICA M9 concentrates the photographer’s attention on photographic essentials, not on setting the camera. Particular diligence, many years of experience and a vast knowledge of how professional photographers work have all influenced the handling concept for the digital functions of the LEICA M9. The result is a simple, clearly laid-out and intuitive user interface that concentrates purely on essentials; multifunction buttons and complex menu hierarchies have been avoided.

The key control element is an intuitive four-way switch and dial combination that enables fast menu navigation. Pressing the ‘set’ button activates the capture parameter menu on the 2.5" monitor screen. The most important image-capture settings are quickly and easily set in this menu: sensor sensitivity, exposure correction, white balance, image-data compression and resolution. Free profile storage spaces are also available for fast access to frequently used or application-specific combinations.

The menu button is also used for changing more permanent, values outlining basic controls in the clearly structured system menu. The photographer can also choose whether the captured image is displayed immediately for assessment on the large monitor, how long it should be displayed and whether an additional tonal value histogram is shown.

The LEICA M9 has a delayed shutter release function with a choice of two countdown times - 2 and 12 seconds.

The technical features of the LEICA M9 allow it to quickly adapt to its intended use. Its sensitivity ranges from ISO 160 (PULL 80) for wide-open apertures on bright days to ISO 2500. At the same time, very low noise and finely detailed images are achieved throughout the sensitivity range, even at the highest settings. The very low noise characteristics, a bright viewfinder / rangefinder, low-vibration shutter and fast lenses make the M9 the perfect camera for ‘available light’ photography.

Innovative flash technology

The M-TTL flash technology in the LEICA M9 enables both precise and creative control over flash and mixed lighting effects. Prior to the actual exposure, a measuring flash is emitted that is metered through the lens. The flash power is then precisely determined with consideration for the natural lighting conditions, ensuring that natural lighting is maintained as much as possible In combination with the aperture priority exposure mode, the auto-slow sync function ensures

subtle lighting of the subject, whereby the longest shutter speed may be set manually or, when using 6-bit coded lenses, automatically, according to the 1/focal length rule of thumb.

Image assessment with the tonal value histogram

As a professional digital camera, the LEICA M9 naturally offers an RGB tonal value histogram, which can be displayed at any time for the assessment of stored images. This feature is also available in conjunction with the automatic image review function. A useful additional aid is the indication of overexposed image areas by means of a so-called ‘clipping warning.’ These two quality control tools are updated for enlarged views and thus allow the quality of even the finest image details to be assessed. Pressing the info function button displays all photographically relevant settings, including additional metadata stored in the image files. These functions enable full control over captured results at the shooting location of the digital images.

Digital workflow

The M9 comes with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, a professional digital workflow solution for Apple Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. The software is available as an online download for all LEICA M9 customers. This also ensures that the latest release is always readily available. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom offers a vast range of functions for the management, processing and presentation of digital images, quite independent of image format. If the images from the M9 are saved as raw data in the standardized and future-proof Adobe Digital Negative Format (DNG), Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, with its sophisticated and precise processing options, guarantees direct and extremely high-quality image processing with maximized image quality. The 14-bit-per-channel color information captured by the image sensor is then processed at a16-bit-per-channel color information until the final presentation, and ensures that the most delicate tonal differentiations are preserved in maximum quality after completion of the post-processing sequence.

Materials, finish and dimensions

The tough and resilient top deck and base plate of the M9 are machined from solid brass blocks, while the full-metal body is manufactured from a high-strength magnesium alloy that ensures a long and reliable professional working life. The rechargeable battery and the SD card slot are protected from dust and moisture under the base plate, which uses a specialized locking mechanism effectively preventing unintentional opening and the subsequent loss of the battery and SD card. In addition, this long-established construction concept, already employed for decades in the Leica M System, significantly increases the structural stability of the camera body.

The experienced technicians at the Leica factory in Solms, Germany are responsible for the hand-assembly and hand-calibration of M9 bodies and the precise testing of all mechanical and electrical components. The experience gathered over decades of maintenance and repairs by Leica Customer Service creates a solid foundation for long life and enduring value. Even today, the service department maintains and repairs all M cameras built since 1954.

Sensor cleaning

The LEICA M9 offers a special function for manual sensor cleaning: selecting the appropriate item from the menu and pressing the shutter release locks the shutter open to allow access to the sensor for cleaning purposes. Due to the short register of Leica M cameras, the sensor is easier to access than in DSLR cameras in which the sensors are located behind the mirror box and shutter assembly.

09/14/09 - Cool user report on the Leica M9 by Jono Slack!

I am back home and have internet access \once again! The cruise was great as was spending time with my family but DAMN, I missed my chance at the M9 on the 9th. Now I have to wait.

I was informed that the M9 I was going to purchase from my dealer will be late by a week or two. But,  Leica will be sending me one for review so either way, I will have my full, free, comprehensive, FUN and REAL WORLD M9 review SOON! My biggest review yet. I have been seeing what this camera can do for the past month and can’t wait to shoot it myself. I have some cool things planned for it and the review! Stay tuned!

09/08/09 - Tomorrow is the big day and I have VERY limited internet access as I am on a cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean! Not sure if I can update this tomorrow but if I can I will. If not, look for my M9 review SOON! Yes, I am getting my M9 as soon as I return on the 13th. I can not wait!

Want to see the specs? FULL M9 brochure PDF

Also, the latest is that Leica has another surprise or two up its sleeve for tomorrow, so be sure and check back here for the latest news!

HERE SHE IS! THE M9! No, it is NOT mine! Seriously though, this COULD be a photoshop job BUT I do know a few things about the look of the 9 and this very well could be it.

Friday September 4th 2009 - 5 Days to go until the big day. The rumors are flying out of the forums at a rapid pace, mostly on the “X1” - Some say its a fixed lens, some say its a m4/3 camera and others are saying it its a mini “M” camera! It seems no one really knows what the deal is! I actually know some things on the “X1” but am sworn to secrecy :)

As for the Leica M9 it appears the full specs leaked out but there are a few things that did not leak out, so there are a few surprises left folks!

So is the M9 out of the bag?

Thursday September 3rd  2009 - One day closer to the 9th. I am frantically trying to reschedule a CRUISE we booked months ago so I can make the NYC Launch of these new cameras. PLUS If I make it to NY I can get myself a special new camera on that day!

Also, I was looking back at the predictions I made in June about these two cameras (M9 and X1) - pretty interesting! I have heard that the “X1” is a fixed lens camera BUT I swear it looks like it has a lens mount on it. Either way it will be a cool little “mini M”. If its a fixed lens, it will be like a Leica CM. If it has the ability to use other lenses, like M or R mount then look out as this will be the hit of the year!

We will find out in just a few days! As for a solution for Leica R users, Panasonic released an R adapter for use on their M4/3 cameras. Not the best solution I must say but maybe Leica has something else in store?

Wednesday September 2nd 2009 -  Looks like something else has leaked! Specs for the M9 and X1! Yes, the X1 is like a mini M with a built in 24 Elmarit lens!

THE LEICA X1 - BASICALLY A “MINI” M CAMERA WITH A BUILT IN 24 ELMARIT LENS. When this hits stores it will look like a mini M8/M9 - solid build, with exceptional quality. This will NOT be a Panasonic hybrid, but rather a full on LEICA camera. The image below on the right is of a PRE-PRODUCTION X1 with grip. This is not the finished product! Here are the X1 specs:

12MP APSC sensor, Elmarit 24 2.8 ASPH lens, Auto Focus, Built in flash, MADE IN GERMANY, not a panasonic hybrid! Bundled with Lightroom. X1 available before Xmas. I am HAPPY they did not go with the m4/3 mount on this one as the larger sensor of the X1 will provide better IQ in an M like body.

Monday August 31st 2009 - Leica has put up a youtube video about their announcement on Sep 9th! Take a close look! Between the 54 and 58 second mark..guess what that is? Its coming people! At 54 seconds you see the dedicated ISO button. The M8 does not have this. You also will see the top plate no longer has the counter/battery level indicator. It also appears that the “S” mode may have been done away with. In my M9 wish list I had a dedicated ISO button and NO S mode, so this should be interesting! Not much longer to go now!

Check out this thread at the Leica Users Forum that I started this morning - CRAZY!

Sunday August 30th 2009 - Word all around is Leica will announce THREE cameras on 09/09/09. B&H Photo is having a Leica event on 09/09 at 1pm. You can register here if you want to attend. If you don’t want to go broke, leave the credit card at home! On the West Coast, Samy’s Camera will be hosting a Leica event as well! Still waiting to see if there is a MIDWEST event!

Friday August 28th 2009 - I may be able to change my plans to make the Leica event on 09/09!!! If I can do this I will have all of the details of the BIG announcement as soon as it is made with images and video on this page on 09/09. This is not something I can guarantee, but am working on it!

Thursday August 27th 2009 - Ok guys...it is now confirmed Leica will be announcing their new cameras on September 9th at 9am. I am invited to this event but as luck would have it I will be out of the country on that day and I AM BUMMED! BUT, I will be updating this site on the 9th with all of the details and then some. More info as it develops!

Wednesday August 26th 2009 - Just heard some news from a reader of this website. he said he ordered the M9 for delivery right after September 9th. Also said Leica plans to lower the price of the M8.2 to HALF of the cost of the M9. If an M9 is $7500, an M8.2 would come in at $3800 or so. IF this is true that is. In my opinion I think Leica would have a home run hit if they released the M9 at $6995 and dropped the M8.2 to $3500. But this is not likely, just wishful thinking on my part.

I think the pricing will be closer to $7800 for an M9 and about $3995 for an M8.2 after 09/09/09! But this is just my guess!

Tuesday August 25th 2009 - Just got this e-mail!

 

INVITATION TO AN EXCLUSIVE LEICA EVENT

 

 

 

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the past 84 years, Leica has designed and manufactured the finest cameras, lenses, binoculars and scopes. Each innovation more exciting than the last. Our goal has not changed since Oskar Barnack designed the Ur-Leica in 1914: Uncompromising quality dedicated solely to the creation of an unmistakably perfect image.

Join us for a landmark event on September 9th, 2009 when we will introduce the next generation of Leica products.

 

WHEN?

On 09.09.2009
At 9:00 a.m.
The press conference will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.
We kindly ask you to arrive in advance at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE?

Anyway, get ready! Its coming!!!

Monday August 24th 2009 - Will a full frame sensor fit inside of an M8 body?  Here is a pretty interesting link.

Sunday August 23rd 2009 - Just a little over two weeks to go until the big announcement by Leica and I am here to say there WILL be an announcement from Leica on 09/09/09! I can hardly wait. While many are awaiting an announcement of the M9, rumors are out and about that they will be announcing MORE than that. Should be an exciting day! I will update more tomorrow with some hot M9 discussion links!

Friday August 21st 2009 - Lots of rumors still circulating on these mock up images of the M9. They are not real, they are not from Leica and no, the M9 will not look like this! As a matter of fact, I have some good info on this...the M9 will be pretty similar to the M8 in looks but there are a few things that have been refined. Can’t say exactly what though :) Ha ha...the suspense :)

Thursday August 20th 2009 - Guess Leica is having a meeting in NY next week with some dealers. Looks like the M9 will be the topic of discussion. Also, check out this thread from today on the LUF. Also, I keep getting e-mails asking me about the details of the M9. Keep in mind, even if I knew all about it I could not speak about it. All I will say is, GET YOUR CREDIT CARDS READY people. It is going to be an exciting September and if you are one of the lucky ones that have pre-ordered or even paid for one then you are going to be very happy! Ha ha...the suspense.

What kind of sucks is that I will be OUT OF THE COUNTRY on 9/9! Crap! BUT the good thing is that I will have access to internet and will be updating this page and site while away.

Also, someone asked what dealers are taking pre-orders? I have gotten plenty of people telling me they ordered theirs but most of these are outside the USA. If you happen to have a good dealer here in the USA then you may want to ask them. If  they say you are crazy and an M9 does not exist, look elsewhere!

Me, I am covered and will have one as soon as it is released. I can not wait as I actually sold 70 gallons of blood and plasma over the past 6 month to afford it. Ha ha....just kidding of course.

Wed August 19th 2009 - Sitting on an Amtrak train on my way to Downtown Chicago (short but relaxing ride). Going to shoot the 21 and 24 Summilux lenses all day tomorrow and my review will be up next week! Shot on an M8 of course :)

The M9 news is still gaining steam. Several dealers are taking pre-orders and I have a STRONG feeling that many who placed these pre-orders will be VERY happy VERY soon!

Now my main dilemma is trying to figure out which lenses I would want on a FF M9. My dream set would be the 24 Summilux and 50 Summilux along with the 75 Summilux! That would be a sweet set. But what I will probably end up with (to keep costs under control) will be the 24 elmarit, 50 summilux and 90 cron.

To those who are planning on a FF M9, which lenses will be in your kit?

Tuesday August 18th 2009 - Here are some links to the various forums discussing the M9 rumors:

DP REVIEW LEICA M9 THREAD

GET DPI M9 THREAD

LEICA USER FORUM M9 THREAD

So check them out as there is always something new to read.

Sunday August 16th 2009 - Let the countdown begin! MAN OH MAN! Its getting intense. If you are a Leica fan like me, then you know all about the rumors of the M9 and those rumors say that is supposed to arrive SOON. Everyone says the magic date is 09/09/09 - just 2-3 weeks away, so since we are getting so close this page will be my LEICA M9 news page which will feature any and all REAL news about the upcoming camera!

Well, why a news page for a camera that is actually just a rumor??

Let’s face it. Almost every Leica shooter KNOWS that an M9 is almost here. We can feel it. We have our sniffers out and can smell it. Just read any Leica forum and the posts are spreading like wildfire. Dealers in France and Asia are taking pre-orders as well as other select dealers here in the US.

Here is my view on the whole M9 thing, and I wanted to write this after someone told me the M9 would be overpriced:

I will take a FF M9 over ANY other digital camera available today. With the money for an M9 I could buy a D3X, or a Canon 1dsIII with a lens or two. But why would I do that? I PREFER RF (rangefinder) shooting BY FAR to any AF DSLR made today.

Photography is more than AF, speed, and bells and whistles. It also is about passion and feeling.

I would not want any modern gadgetry in an M9. No, I do not want live view in an M camera! Nope, I do not want AF or a new 4/3 mount (some obviously do if you read the forums)! I just want a FF digital M that will beat out ANY FF DSLR for quality not only in build but IQ as well.

My M9 wish list has always consisted of:

FF

Better high ISO

No more IR filters/issues

Faster write times

dedicated ISO button

Quiet shutter/sapphire glass STANDARD

No S mode..please!

MP? To me, 10 was plenty but lets say between 18-20.

Killer finish and looks to top it off

Under $2000 (ha ha, had to say that. Of course I would WISH for that but we all know that is impossible!)

If I wanted AF, live view or other fancy tricks I would buy a DSLR and not an RF. I think next month there will be MANY happy M shooters as well as many who will be whining about one thing or another. It’s just the way it is. But who knows, maybe Leica will include Live View in the M9 to satisfy those who want it.

I just want a digital M with NO compromises. A camera that will get out of the way and let me take the image. The M8.2 is *almost* there but the IR issue, higher ISO noise past 640/1250 and slow write time is the only thing holding it back from being a "no compromise" digital M. Others would say that the M8 being a crop camera is also a negative but I think the crop is fine on the M8. Would I prefer FF? Of course but the M8 is a fabulous camera, even today 3 years after its release.

I think the M9 will actually be WORTH the money (and the rumors have the price at $7700-$8000 US). I mean, look at the D3x pricing. If for the same price you can get a smaller camera that takes superior lenses and gives even better quality then its a no brainer! I would HATE to lug around a d3x everywhere. Uggg. A D3x and 24-70...have you seen that combo? Sure the IQ is there but MAN the weight! My back hurts just thinking about it!

Leica has learned quite a bit with the M8 and do not think for a second that they do not KNOW the upcoming M9 has to be just about perfect. No flaws, no issues. Also, my guess is that they have been working on the M9 for quite a while now, 2-3 years I bet. They HAVE to get it right.

Lets say this... if the specs above in my M9 wish list were true would you want one?

Oh yea, many also have been asking for weather sealing. Well, a Leica M has never had it or needed it. My M8 has been in the rain, snow and bitter cold as well as 120 degree heat. Never failed me. Take a look at this link:

MAN TAKES HIS LEICA M8 FOR A SWIM, THEN SHOOTS WITH IT!

But maybe the M9 will have some sealing? We will all know soon enough.

SO...as soon as this camera is officially announced and LEICA announces the specs and details I will post all of the info HERE immediately and will also have a list of dealers that I know of with stock, etc - after I get mine of course ;). As many of you know, anything can happen with new camera releases so let’s all wait for 09/09/09 and see if that is the magic date.

Of course, as soon as this camera becomes a reality and not just rumor I will review it! Since I am so passionate about my M8 I can say that my whole heart and soul will be poured into an M9 review. At the same time, if there are any flaws I will point them out. I have high hopes for this and would be spending every dime I have on it, so if it is not up to my expectations I will let you all know.

So, with all of that said keep an eye peeled here every few days because I will add to this page with all of the news on the M9. As news is released or leaked I will post it right here on this page, so bookmark it! BUT I will not post rumor, just facts so I can only update when the “official” news comes from Leica.