My time with a Leica M9

You can't tell, but I'm licking my lips

This is not meant to be a review of the camera or in any way an attempt to provide an objective analysis of the merits or shortcomings of this particular piece of photographic equipment. 

I've read most things written about the M9 on the internet and I am familiar with its technical specifications, sample images and reputation among discerning photographers. I am familiar with rangefinders, the Leica heritage and the reputation of the M-series. I can and have engaged in conversation with fellow photographers about how much we would covet the M9 should we someday find ourselves in its presence. It's one thing to see it online and read the reviews and gush over it with like-minded folks but to see it and handle it in person... I was beside myself.

I spent less than an hour with the camera and only took a handful of shots. I did not get to fully explore its menu, scrutinize its image output or measure its performance. I did, however, fall in love with it. Hard.

The Perfect Camera (for the experienced photographer)

I believe the operation of a camera should be as natural as when you spot an scene and compose it with your naked eye. Its handling should be invisibly integrated with the creative process of capturing an image. The camera should be an extension of your senses, skill and ability. It should not only meet your expectations in response and clarity, it should also make the act of taking pictures desirable and memorable.

The perfect camera will enable you able to recall every detail of the moment. From when you make the decision to take the picture to when you walk away from the scene.

Imagine: While making quick calculations in your head, you find your fingers nimbly moving about the camera's dials and controls without losing sight of the image you're composing in front of you. Experience has taught you how you need to set your f-stop and shutter speed for exposure just by looking at the available light. You're able to gauge the distance between you and your subject and can set the focus manually just by looking at the distance notches on the lens. You can even compose the shot without looking through the viewfinder. You then press the shutter, satisfied and secure in knowing that your camera captured the image exactly as you hoped it would, not betraying your photographic intentions.

Can I really do all that? I've been somewhat able to with SLRs but after playing around with the M9, I can confidently say that I can do all that with this camera. I've used and/or owned SLRs for nearly two decades but I've yet to own a rangefinder though I have used them and am familiar with how they operate.

As great as other rangefinder cameras are, nothing beats Leicas for simplicity, elegance and longevity. It's a camera you own for life. Your pictures will tell compelling stories. The camera is a story itself. At times, it will tell others your stories better than you can.  

Now, the sad part

The M9 body alone costs $7000 USD. The lenses I want average $2500 each. There's three of them. There's a fourth lens I want that costs $11,000. That's the price of a car. Or about a third of a down payment for a decently-sized condo in downtown Vancouver. I like to tell myself that I'm a level-headed guy who has his financial priorities in order. I should be investing money and saving for a house. But I would be lying through my teeth if I said that I find spending $20K on camera equipment is unreasonable. I would so do it.

There's a minimum four month waiting period for the camera. I've been told by the Leica rep there are less than 100 in circulation in the western US/Canada. Even if I did pay for one in full right now, it would be at least four months until I get one in my hands. The camera I'm holding in the picture above is strictly for demo purposes and not for sale. There's a good chance I won't be able to hold one ever again. What a depressing thought. 

For now, I'll treasure the brief but memorable moments I had with this majestic camera. I someday hope to be the owner of an M9. I think I have about $1.76 in my jeans I can put towards my Leica fund. 

Any irrational millionaires out there feeling overly generous and wishing to indulge a Leica-less photographer? Give me a shout.

Comments

[Joakim]

It's like you took the words out of my mouth. I feel exactly the same about the M9.