Leica M9/M9-P

[Archiver]

Even if Leica announce a M10 this year, when is it likely to be available to the public? And how much will you have to pay to get one??? As I mentioned, as I bought my M9 in the second batch that came to Australia, I had to pay a heck of a lot of money for it. Yes, I have been rewarded with many wonderful images and a fantastic shooting experience, but you can have this NOW with a M9, rather than wait some interminable period for a M10 that no one can tell you about.

 

[Richard G]

I am thking of getting a Leica Summarit 50mm F2.5 to start off with. Should I do that or spend the extra cash and get the F2.0 or F1.4?

This is where an f 2.5 or 2.8 lens would be fine given the higher ISO capability of a digital M. You can shoot colour at 800 with confidence and black and white at even higher ISOs with an M9. There's a stop at least you don't need to pay for in a lens. If I was starting I would favour the 50 Summarit you're considering because of its size. When I last looked in detail at this I think it was 11mm shorter than my Summicron. It would be great on the M9. I'm finding I am using my Summicron more than ever, having not yet got over my love of the Zeiss C Sonnar. Compactness in a Leica camera lens combination is crucial. I carry a camera every day and my Fuji is currently out of action so an M Leica is it.

 

[Richard G]

I bought the chrome M9-P for three reasons:
1. It was in the shop with a black one but no straight M9s.
2. It was chrome which I favour and looked as good as my M2. The grey is not something I considered.
3. Black has some attractions but the dirty finish of a well worn black chrome and the brassed finish of a black paint camera don't appeal to me.

The money I saved on accepting a 2L diesel was all I needed with the option of 3L diesel in my last car purchase, was more than the difference in the price of an M9 and M9-P and more than the cost of the M9-P altogether.

 

[jsrockit]

If I was starting I would favour the 50 Summarit you're considering because of its size. When I last looked in detail at this I think it was 11mm shorter than my Summicron. It would be great on the M9. I'm finding I am using my Summicron more than ever, having not yet got over my love of the Zeiss C Sonnar. Compactness in a Leica camera lens combination is crucial. I carry a camera every day and my Fuji is currently out of action so an M Leica is it.

The 50mm Summarit is one of my favorite lenses if not my favorite. It works great on the M9. Don't let the "budget" part of these lenses fool you... they are great.

 

[Richard G]

Another thing about the M9-P is that it slips under the radar. It really does look like an M2. 'Pity we can't have a look' was what a guy said to me as he reached the kerb carrying a bookshelf with a mate whom I'd just shot in the middle of the road. The only comments I get on the camera itself are from girls interested in film.

 

[Shade]

At this point I would prefer an M9. The price difference is not worthed imho.

 

[eric23]

Thanks for all the feedback, I ordered a nice lens now I just need to pick a camera and I should be good.

 

[simonxpan]

Get the m9-p, chrome you won't regret it.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I have pondered this question. I considered how I would carry the M9--. Personally, I prefer to carry my camera in a case. If I were to carry my camera in a case the screen would be covered and protected. Would I need a screen protector? Would I need sapphire glass? An expensive leather case to protect the screen is $270 plus shipping. That to me solves the screen problem. Let us now look at he discreet problem. The Leica M9-- is small and quiet. How much more discreet is the M9P v. M9? Most pro-Am cameras today with their zoom lenses are larger than any M9 and much more intrusive. My conclusion is the M9 with a black case that protects the screen is the most effective way to go.