Leica
M9-P 18MP CCD Silver Chrome (Body Only)
Digital Rangefinder Camera
The Silver Chrome M9-P from Leica is the camera that carries the range of Leica M cameras into the digital age, with a 24 x 36mm 18Mp CCD image sensor to provide full frame 35mm image capture in the digital format. Focused on essentials, it offers all the same technology of the M9, with enhancements towards an even more discrete design.
The first difference is the lack of the Leica red dot on the front of the camera body, making the M9-P a subtle choice. In its place, the M9-P features a Leica logogram on the top deck of the camera. Another feature of the M9-P is its attractive vulcanite leather body that is both stylish and practical, providing a good grip for your hand. It also includes a highly scratch-resistant sapphire crystal cover for the 2.5" LCD monitor, with an antireflective coating on both sides for optimal image viewing, even outdoors. This means the screen stays protected from accidental damage, even when you're working without a camera bag.
All M lenses mount to the M9-P, and even though the M9-P is digital, it still offers the same classic feel of a film rangefinder. All M lenses mounted on the M9-P offer the same angle of view they had when using film. This means that the now-digital M9-P is able to enjoy the same high resolution and unique imaging quality of M lenses.
The camera is finished with a range of intuitive controls, alongside simple menu navigation. The main control is a 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.
All this is housed in a one-piece, full-metal body, made from a high-tensile magnesium alloy, and a top deck and bottom plate machined from blocks of solid brass. The digital components and shutter assembly are similarly constructed with a lifetime of endurance in mind. Free updates ensure that the cameras' firmware always embraces the latest developments.