CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • OM-System Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
    • Cameras by Lens Mount
      • Sony E Mount Cameras
      • Canon RF Mount Cameras
      • Nikon Z Mount Cameras
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cameras
      • Leica L Mount Cameras
      • Nikon F Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF M Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF S Mount Cameras
      • Pentax KAF Mount Cameras
      • Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm G Mount Cameras
      • Sigma SA Mount Cameras
      • Nikon 1 Mount Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
    • Cinema Lenses
      • Sony E Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Cine Lenses
      • ARRI PL Mount Cine Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cine Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cine Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Cine Lenses
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Leica M9 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Leica M9

    Select a Camera to Compare

    x
    Add a Camera for comparison

    Main Features

    • 18MP - Full frame CCD Sensor
    • No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
    • ISO 80 - 2500
    • 2.50" Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (rangefinder) viewfinder
    • 2.0fps continuous shooting
    • 585g. 139 x 80 x 37 mm
    • Replaced by Leica M9-P
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Leica M9 Overview

    Launched in September 2009 , Leica M9 is a 18.0MP Pro Mirrorless camera with a Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CCD sensor and Leica M lens mount. Leica later replaced M9 with M9-P. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Leica M9 vs Leica M9-P

    Leica M9 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Other Features
    9. Photography Type Scores
    10. Alternatives
    11. Popular Comparisons
    12. Frequently Asked Questions
    13. Detailed Specifications

    Leica M9 is a member of Leica's Pro Mirrorless class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Leica Pro Mirrorless Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Leica SL2-S
    Compare
    2020 24.0MP - Full frame 9.0 fps 146 x 107 x 83mm 931g
    Leica SL2
    Compare
    2019 47.0MP - Full frame 20.0 fps 146 x 107 x 42mm 835g
    Leica M10
    Compare
    2017 24.0MP - Full frame 5.0 fps 139 x 39 x 80mm 660g
    Leica M Typ 262
    Compare
    2015 24.0MP - Full frame 3.0 fps 139 x 80 x 42mm 600g
    Leica SL
    Compare
    2015 24.0MP - Full frame 11.0 fps 147 x 104 x 39mm 847g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side-by-side:
    Leica SL2-S vs SL2 vs M10 vs M Typ 262 vs SL


    **This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Related Blog Posts

    Leica Q2 Disney Edition Camera Released
    Top 10 Lightest Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras in 2023
    The Most Rented Compact Cameras in 2022
    DPReview to Close
    Daily Deals: Sirui Anamorphic Lens, Apple MacBook Air and more
    100-400mm Lens Size Comparison: Leica vs Sony vs Canon vs Nikon
    Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f5-6.3 for L Mount Announced
    Sirui 24mm f2.8 Super35 Anamorphic 1.33x Lens %50 Off

    Leica M9 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Leica M9 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    18.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    585g Light Body
    Flash Sync Port
    Report a correction

    Buy Leica M9 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Sensor shift Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 2.500
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.50")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
    Low Battery Life: 350 shots
    No Environmental Sealing

    Report a correction


    Leica M9 Physical Specs
    Leica M9 weighs 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz) and has external dimensions of 139 x 80 x 37 mm (5.47 x 3.15 x 1.46″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 466g, Leica M9 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. On the other hand, with a thickness of only 37mm, it is quite small, 16mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica M9
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica M9
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Leica M9 with the dimensions:

    Leica M9 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Leica M9 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Leica M9, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Leica M9 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Leica M9 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Leica M9 with its main competitors:

    Leica M9 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs M9 Thickness vs M9
    Leica M9 Camera Leica M Typ 240
    Compare
    680g 95g heavier 42mm 5mm thicker
    Leica M9 Camera Leica M10
    Compare
    660g 75g heavier 39mm 2mm thicker
    Leica M9 Camera Leica M8
    Compare
    591g 6g heavier 37mm equal thickness
    Leica M9 Camera Leica M9-P
    Compare
    600g 15g heavier 37mm equal thickness
    Leica M9 Camera Leica M-E Typ 220
    Compare
    585g equal weight 37mm equal thickness
    Leica M9 Camera Leica Q
    Compare
    640g 55g heavier 93mm 56mm thicker
    Leica M9 Camera Fujifilm X-Pro2
    Compare
    495g 90g lighter 56mm 19mm thicker
    Leica M9 Camera Fujifilm X-Pro1
    Compare
    450g 135g lighter 43mm 6mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Leica M9 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Leica M9 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Leica M9 has a Leica M lens mount and currently there are 62 native lenses available for this mount. Leica lenses are legendary in the camera world due to their optical and mechanical perfection, but they also come with a big price tag. Fortunately, some third party manufacturers also offers more affordable lenses for this mount.

    Leica M9 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 0 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization.

    Here are some of the most popular Leica M9 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Leica M Mount Lenses for Leica M9
    Model Focal Length equiv. Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Voigtlander 25mm F4 Color Skopar Pancake Lens Voigtlander 25mm F4 Color Skopar Pancake
    25mm 35mm FF 156gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Leica Elmarit-M 24mm f2.8 ASPH Lens Leica Elmarit-M 24mm f2.8 ASPH
    24mm 35mm FF 290gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Leica Summarit-M 75mm f2.5 Lens Leica Summarit-M 75mm f2.5
    75mm 35mm FF 345gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Leica Elmarit-M 21mm f2.8 ASPH Lens Leica Elmarit-M 21mm f2.8 ASPH
    21mm 35mm FF 300gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Leica Summarit-M 75mm F2.4 ASPH Lens Leica Summarit-M 75mm F2.4 ASPH
    75mm 35mm FF 325gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Voigtlander 35mm F2.5 Color Skopar Lens Voigtlander 35mm F2.5 Color Skopar
    35mm 35mm FF 134gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Leica Summarit-M 35mm f2.5 Lens Leica Summarit-M 35mm f2.5
    25-35mm 35mm FF 220gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2 Lens Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2
    50mm 35mm FF 240gr MF Amazon B&H Photo

    Here you can find the lenses that are compatible with M9 classified by suitability to certain photography types:

    • Best Leica M Mount Lenses for Bird and Wildlife Photography
    • Best Leica M Mount Lenses for Sports Photography
    • Best Leica M Mount Lenses for Portrait Photography
    • Best Leica M Mount Lenses for Travel Photography
    • Best Leica M Mount Lenses for Street Photography
    • Best Leica M Mount Lenses for Wedding Photography
    • Best Leica M Mount Lenses for Vlogging
    • Best Leica M Mount Lenses for Landscape Photography
    • Best Leica M Mount Lenses for Macro Photography

    Check our Leica M9 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.

    Leica M9 Sensor and Photography Features

    Leica M9 has a 18.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5212 x 3472 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. M9 has a native ISO range of 80 - 2500 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Leica M9 is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sony A7R V with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Leica M9 vs Sony A7R V or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    Leica M9 DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Leica M9 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 69 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Leica M9 here.

    Anti-Aliasing Filter

    Another important feature about Leica M9's sensor is the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. Removing anti-aliasing filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but on the other side it also increases the chance of moiré occurring in certain scenes.

    Let's look at how the size of the Leica M9's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Leica M9 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Leica M9 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Leica M9 LCD and Viewfinder

    Leica M9 has a Fixed Type 2.50-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. At only 2.50", the screen is on the smaller side and 230kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    Leica M9 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Leica M9 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Mirrorless Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    M9 has a built-in Optical (rangefinder) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor.

    Leica M9 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Leica M9 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Leica M9 Battery

    Leica M9 is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a battery life of 350 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 383 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Pro Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica M9
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Olympus E-M1X with its 870shots is the model with longest battery life among Pro Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Leica M9 vs Olympus E-M1X or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Leica M9 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Leica M9 Camera Leica M Typ 240
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 500shots No No No
    Leica M9 Camera Leica M10
    Compare
    None 210shots Yes No No
    Leica M9 Camera Leica M8
    Compare
    None 550shots No No No
    Leica M9 Camera Leica M9-P
    Compare
    None 350shots No No No
    Leica M9 Camera Leica M-E Typ 220
    Compare
    None shots No No No
    Leica M9 Camera Leica Q
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No
    Leica M9 Camera Fujifilm X-Pro2
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 350shots Yes No No
    Leica M9 Camera Fujifilm X-Pro1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 300shots No No No

    Leica M9 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Leica M9 can shoot continuously at max speed of 2 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately M9 doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.



    What type of Photography is Leica M9 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Leica M9 in 5 different photography areas.

    Leica M9 for Portrait Photography

    Leica M9 has a score of 52 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Average Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Leica M9 for Portrait Photography

    Leica M9 for Street Photography

    Leica M9 has a score of 51 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Medium sized Body

    Read the details of how we scored Leica M9 for Street Photography

    Leica M9 for Sports Photography

    Leica M9 has a score of 59 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Average Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Leica M9 for Sports Photography

    Leica M9 for Daily Photography

    Leica M9 has a score of 72 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Medium size Body

    Read the details of how we scored Leica M9 for Daily Photography

    Leica M9 for Landscape Photography

    Leica M9 has a score of 40 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Leica M9 for Landscape Photography
    Leica M9 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Leica M9 compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Leica M9 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Leica M9

    Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Leica M9 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Leica M Typ 240
    Leica M Typ 240
    Compare
    Leica M10
    Leica M10
    Compare
    Leica M8
    Leica M8
    Compare
    Leica M9-P
    Leica M9-P
    Compare
    Leica M-E Typ 220
    Leica M-E Typ 220
    Compare
    Leica Q
    Leica Q
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-Pro2
    Fujifilm X-Pro2
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-Pro1
    Fujifilm X-Pro1
    Compare

    Leica M9 Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Leica M9 with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Leica M9's price range.

    Nikon D850
    Nikon D850
    Compare
    Sony A99 II
    Sony A99 II
    Compare
    Nikon D780
    Nikon D780
    Compare
    Pentax K-1
    Pentax K-1
    Compare
    Pentax K-1 II
    Pentax K-1 II
    Compare
    Canon 5D MIV
    Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    Nikon D5
    Nikon D5
    Compare
    Canon 90D
    Canon 90D
    Compare

    Leica M9 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Leica M9 has an Overall Score of 46/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Leica M9 is ranked #232 out of 245 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 20 Mirrorless), and ranked #548 out of 1260 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #548 out of 1260 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #232 out of 245 in Top Ranking Mirrorless Cameras
    #60 out of 68 in Top Ranking Pro Mirrorless Cameras
    #90 out of 99 in Top Ranking Full frame Sensor Cameras
    #5 out of 13 in Top Ranking Leica M Lens Mount Cameras
    #178 out of 379 in Largest Viewfinder Magnification Cameras (0.68x)
    #11 out of 52 in Lightest Mirrorless Cameras with Full frame sensor(585g)
    #252 out of 918 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
    Geek Score: 0

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Leica M9
    Does the Leica M9 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Leica M9 have RAW support?
    Does the Leica M9 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Leica M9 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Leica M9?
    What is the Sensor Size of Leica M9?
    is the Leica M9 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Leica M9 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Leica M9 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Leica M9?
    What is the Weight of Leica M9?
    What are the Dimensions of Leica M9?
    Leica M9 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Leica
    Model Leica M9
    Announced 2009-09-09
    Body Type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Leica M
    Number of Lenses 62
    Focal Length Multiplier 1×
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT color LCD
    Screen Size 2.50"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (rangefinder)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.68x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 4s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Max Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Max Flash Sync 1/180s
    Flash Modes Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 69
    DxO Color Depth 22.5
    DxO Dynamic Range 11.7
    DxO Low Light ISO 884
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 36 x 24 mm
    Sensor Area 864.00mm2
    Sensor Resolution 18 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5212 x 3472
    Max Native ISO 2,500
    Min Native ISO 80
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Video Features
    Max Video Resolution None
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 585g
    Physical Dimensions 139 x 80 x 37mm
    Battery Life 350 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 12 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC card
    Storage Slots 1


    FOLLOW US


    Most Popular Pro Mirrorless Cameras
    Nikon Z7
    46 MP | Full frame Sensor| Nikon Z Mount
    Sony A7 III
    24 MP | Full frame Sensor| Sony E Mount
    Canon R
    30 MP | Full frame Sensor| Canon RF Mount
    Sony A7 II
    24 MP | Full frame Sensor| Sony E Mount
    Sony A7
    24 MP | Full frame Sensor| Sony E Mount
    Sony A7R III
    42 MP | Full frame Sensor| Sony E Mount
    Sony A7R IV
    61 MP | Full frame Sensor| Sony E Mount
    Fujifilm GFX 100
    102 MP | Medium format Sensor| Fujifilm G Mount
    Latest Mirrorless Cameras
    Sony ZV-E1
    12 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
    Canon R8
    24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon RF Mount
    Canon R50
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon RF Mount
    Panasonic S5 II
    24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Leica L Mount
    Panasonic S5 II X
    24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Leica L Mount
    Canon R6 II
    24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon RF Mount
    Fujifilm X-T5
    40 MP | APS-C Sensor | Fujifilm X Mount
    OM System OM-5
    20 MP | Four Thirds Sensor | Micro Four Thirds Mount
    Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
    Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision

    Report a Correction