Intuitive Handling

When it comes to handling, the Leica M9 - and now, the new M9-P, too - concentrate on essentials. It has even been possible to further improve the already simple menu navigation. The key control element is an intuitive four-way switch and dial combination used in conjunction with the 2.5" monitor. Setting the sensitivity requires only constant pressure on 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: these include white balance, image-data compression, resolution, exposure correction, exposure bracketing, and programmable user profiles. The user profiles can be programmed with any camera and shooting settings, stored under an arbitrary name, and accessed quickly whenever required for a particular situation.

Compact, Built for a Lifetime, and Enduring in Value

It is not rare for a Leica to become its owner's lifelong companion. This also applies to the digital Leica M9 and equally to the M9-P: despite the considerably larger sensor, it has been possible to maintain the compact body size of their predecessors, the Leica M8 and M8.2. With dimensions of only 139 x 37 x 80 mm, the Leica M9 and M9-P retain the ideal size of the M series and the unique honor of being the world's smallest full-format digital system cameras. The one-piece, full-metal housing, made from a high-tensile magnesium alloy, and a top deck and bottom plate machined from blocks of solid brass, provide perfect protection for their precious inner mechanisms. The digital components and shutter assembly of the M9 and the M9-P are similarly constructed with a lifetime of endurance in mind. Free updates ensure that the cameras' firmware always embraces the latest developments. In short: an M camera is not only an investment for life, but also a lifelong companion.

Unobtrusive, Discreet, and Resilient: the New Leica M9-P

The M9 now has a twin sister, the new Leica M9-P. In technological terms, they are absolutely identical twins and feature precisely the same high performance qualities. The only differences are found in a few characteristic details.

The compact size of Leica M cameras, their unobtrusive looks, minimalist design, and the almost inaudible sound of their shutters make it possible for Leica M photographers to virtually melt into the background. The M9-P now makes photography even more unobtrusive - instead of the red dot on the front, it now bears a restrained Leica logogram on the top deck. And, in turn, is even more discreet.

The Leica M9-P now features an extremely scratch-resistant, almost unbreakable, sapphire crystal cover for its LCD monitor display. Sapphire crystal is one of the world's hardest materials and so hard that it can only be worked with special diamond-cutting tools. The antireflective coating on both sides of the monitor cover glass further improves image reviewing, particularly in unfavorable lighting conditions.

The Leica M9-P is optionally available in the classical Leica silver chrome camera finish or in black paint - the M9 offers two options, elegant steel gray or black paint. The Leica M9-P also features vulcanite leathering with particularly good grip characteristics.