Leica’s new M9-P digital rangefinder taps the till at $7,995 — the identical price the original M9 commanded when it was released in 2009 — but you do not stay within the business of creating pricey cameras for almost a century without doing something right. The brand new version adds an almost unbreakable sapphire crystal covering at the LCD, produced using diamond cutting tools, and an anti-reflective coating. The body incorporates a vulcanite leatherette body finish, for a safer grip, but curiously lacks the familiar red Leica logo and M9 lettering at the front, in keeping with the camera’s elegant “minimalist styling.” Beyond that, the P includes an identical full-frame 18 megapixel sensor featured at the M9 , an “almost silent” shutter, and is compatible with Leica’s full range of astronomically expensive M lenses. The M9-P would be available in black or chrome for $7,995 beginning next month, or $15,990 for 2 — since we all know you’re planning to purchase both.
Designed particularly for pro photographers, new ultra-discreet version of the Leica M9 added to Leica rangefinder portfolio
Solms, Germany (June 21, 2011) – Leica Camera AG is proud to provide a brand new version of the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system camera: the Leica M9-P. This new model will sit alongside the Leica M9 within the company’s rangefinder portfolio. Providing an alternate, much more discreet and resilient design that further reinforces the classic nature of the M9, the M9-P specifically meets the desires of pro photographers. The brand new model is now available in a classic silver chrome or subtle black paint finish.
Featuring the compact size, full-frame, 18 megapixel 24 x 36mm sensor (35mm format), sophisticated image processing and strong construction of the highly successful Leica M9, the M9-P also incorporates features designed for pro users or photographers preferring a pure, much more unobtrusive styling.
The Leica M9-P features a scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal covering at the LCD screen. Produced using special diamond cutting tools, this screen is fashioned from one of the crucial world’s hardest and most resilient materials. Extremely proof against wear and almost unbreakable, the sapphire glass LCD cover offers decades of reliable use. Additionally, the anti-reflective coating on each side of the canopy improves the review of pictures at the display after capture, particularly in unfavorable lighting conditions.
Finished in vulcanite leatherette, the external covering of the body of the M9-P is very proof against wear. This leathering encompasses a more coarsely-textured finish that ensures a steadier grip when shooting, making the M9-P feel particularly safe and secure within the hand.
Fulfilling the desires of many pro photographers to capture the decisive moment as discretely as possible, the Leica M9-P’s minimalist styling highlights its most essential features. The Leica red dot logo and the M9 lettering at the front were omitted and replaced with the Leica name in classic script form engraved at the top plate, making the M9-P the quintessential unobtrusive tool.
Since 1954, the Leica M-System has represented an unmistakable, individual type of photography and a totally conscious photographic style and allowed photographers to capture, document and interpret life’s fleeting moments in all fields of photography, from photojournalism, reportage and ‘available light’ to the capture of portraits and aesthetic, fine-art images. With a Leica M, the photographer becomes a ‘part of the action’ when capturing challenging, authentic and inventive images. The frame lines frame exactly the shot the photographer envisages, while allowing a transparent view of the scene outside the viewfinder frame.
The functions of the Leica M are consistently constructed for extreme durability and a protracted working life. The very best quality materials, intricate manufacturing processes and meticulous manual assembly at Leica Camera’s facility in Germany guarantee functional reliability for years yet to come.
The Leica M9-P would be available from Leica dealers in two different finishes, black paint or traditional silver chrome, beginning July 2011.
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