Leica M9
The M9 finally arrived. Yes, it’s great.
Below some pictures i took on the first day, nothing special. I seriously need to improve my digital workflow. Currently i need twice as much time for processing RAW files than with my usual (and proven) scan & post-edit workflow.
Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg
I have been taking pictures in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district last weekend. It is very, very rare that i shoot in East-Berlin – Normally i try to avoid going there if possible. This time it actually was pretty cool, maybe because it was the first sunny day after a long winter.
All shots are done with a Leica M2/35mm Summicron ASPH using Tri-X@400 developed in XTOL. My M6 is still not back from CLA and only god knows when the M9 will arrive.
Leica M2 / collapsible Summicron
I shot 1.5 rolls of Tri-X using the M2 and an old 5cm collapsible Summicron last Sunday. Currently i am using the M2 for street photography as my M6 is still being serviced.
There’s no doubt that the M2 is a great camera, but i would always prefer to go with the M6 or MP as they have builtin Lightmeters and guessing the exposure time is always a little bit tricky (even though most of the time my results are ok).
The Leica M9, perfect street camera?
Nick Turpin summarizes his Street Photography experience using the Leica M9 in his latest blog post.
Leica M6 CLA
I am about to send my workhorse, the Leica M6, for a CLA to Fotomechanik Reinhardt in Hannover. The last CLA (clean lube adjust) is almost 8 years ago and i have the feeling that the exposure times are not as accurate as they used to be. The bottom cover is also a little loose, hopefully this can be fixed too.
Photographers protest over UK terror search laws
“Professional and amateur photographers have gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square to protest against terror stop and searches.” (story; photo by Michael Perrin, from the BBC’s website)
Leica Motor M
Saw a low priced Leica Motor in a shop window yesterday and couldn’t resist. Compared to the Leica winder it’s almost inaudible (but still louder than the Hexar). Not sure whether i will keep it or not.
pictures from last weekend
The pictures below are from last weekend. I am still happy with the “old” Tri-X/XTOL look but for what reasons ever, i can’t get the M9 out of my head.
The Digital Journalist reviews Leica M9
Find the review here.
Interview with LeicaPortal
The LeicaPortal posted an interview with me.
Video tour of Leica M9 assembly and testing
Assembling The Leica M9 from Michael Reichmann on Vimeo.
Leica M9 Stephan Daniel Interview from Michael Reichmann on Vimeo.
Leica M9 – hands on
The guys at Leica Meister Berlin have been so kind to let me play with the brand new Leica M9. You will find some sample shots on my flickr stream. There are better folks out there for doing camera reviews, so this is just my personal impression. For comprehensive M9 reviews check my earlier posts.
The M9 feels very nice and the menus/buttons are much intuitive and usefull than with the M8. In terms of picture quality i am not really convinced. At least on my pictures there were some very obvious CA’s and i also wouldn’t recommend to use something beyond ISO 640. What i see in LR is in no way comparable with the 5D mk2 or even the old 5D – but then again the 5D is a clunky DSLR while the M9 as a Rangefinder shares all the advantages of my MP or M6. I don’t think i will buy the M9 any time soon but i’am glad it exists. This time Leica did everything right and i am sure that the M9 will be a good deal for them.
more details and tests of the Leica M9
Leica M9 Microsite
Leica M9 Betatest 1
Leica M9 Betatest 2
Leica M9 Performance Proofs
Leica M9 – hands on at dpreview
Leica M9 – Product Brochure and specs leaked
Find the Leica M9 brochure including all specs and pictures here.
Leica M9 Presentation at Westlicht tomorrow
Westlicht in Vienna will have the M9 on display tomorrow. BTW: Magnum Photorapher Thomas Höpker will also be there.
Leicatime – Luigi Crescenzi
I just ordered two new wrist straps at Leicatime. If you don’t know Leicatime and you have a faible for high quality products, go and visit their website.
The website looks a little bit confusing, ok, but the products are just awesome. The quality of the leather products is top-notch and i doubt you find anything that’s comparable to the work of Luigi Crescenzi and his team.
The service is just outstanding, kind of old-fashioned (in a good way). Communication (via email) is very quick, reliable and personal. The Emails are written by the boss, Luigi, not by a clerk. You will immediatley notice that Luigi is a man who really wants to make his customers happy and satisfied. Leicatime is strongly recommended!
Voigtländer Lightmeter II (VC II) for my Leica M2
Got my myself a Voigtländer Lightmeter II for situations where my Guessometer does not work…
Leica M2 & collapsible 5cm Summicron
Got my M2 back from restauration done by Fotomechanik Reinhardt.
Leica Coupling Ring/Leica Kupllungsring M
The Leica Coupling Ring is very usefull if you want to carry two M-lenses in a minimum of space. Unfortunately Leica quit manufacturing them but you can find used ones on eBay. I first saw this solution when i met my fellow Seconds2Real-Colleague Friedrich Schiller in Vienna last weekend. This is a very affordable must-have-item for every M-user with more than 2 lenses.