Minor change M9, LEICA M9-P
A review and sample photos using the LEICA M9-P with SUMMICRON M 28mm, SUMMILUX M 75mm, and SUPER ANGULON 21mm.
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Table of contents
Gallery
The following lenses were used to take the example photos:
Review
1．Overview
The Leica M9-P is a minor change to the Leica M9, with the addition of “-P” to the name.
The Leica M9-P and the M9 have the following three differences:
- The red badge on the front has been removed.
- The Leica logo has been added to the top cover.
- The LCD cover glass has been changed to sapphire glass.
The “-P” at the end of the camera name is explained in the summary section.
The M9-P was also sold in several limited editions, including a model with a hammer tone exterior and a special Summicron 35mm F2 attached, limited to 100 units, as well as a Hermes version, white, and red leather.
2．Usability
The M9-P’s basic performance is the same as the M9, and the only justification for the price difference is its exterior. If you’re attracted to the simpler appearance without the red badge, it’s worth owning.
Since the appearance of a hobby tool, especially a camera, is directly linked to your desire to take photographs, it’s important for those who enjoy photography to choose one that feels comfortable in their hands and excites them. Shooting with a camera you like is also necessary to maintain motivation.
Because the basic specifications are the same, using a lens with a rear lens close to the sensor, such as the SUPER ANGULON 21mm, can cause color casts at the edges. Furthermore, the issue of sensor coating peeling, a problem with the Leica M9, has been ignored, and the problem of the coating peeling off the sensor surface over time and appearing in images depending on the usage environment, has not been resolved. This issue occurs in the Leica M9 series: the M9, M9-P, and M-E (M9-based cameras). Details are written on the Leica M9 page.
3．Summary
In conclusion, to summarize the LEICA M9-P, it is a minor change to the LEICA M9, and there is no difference in camera functions between the M9 and the M9-P.
It has 18 megapixels, so it is not a problem for general use, but the sensor peeling problem also exists in this camera.
It is difficult to decide whether to buy a good product with a replaced sensor at a high price, or to replace the defective sensor cover glass and continue using it.
Specifications, considerations, etc.
Leica P model camera
The P model of the M-type Leica was used as the last number of minor change versions of M-type Leicas, such as the M4-P during the era of the film M4 camera, the M-P which was a name change of the M6TTL, and the M9-P, M-P, M10-P, and M11-P after the advent of digital cameras.
The only difference between the film M4 and M4-P is the addition of 28mm and 75mm to the bright frame, and there is no difference in the camera’s performance. The P model in the digital era is also a change in the exterior and some updates to the camera functions, and there is no essential difference between the cameras.
The table below summarizes the differences between the original and P models in the digital M.
| Normal model | P model | |
| M9 vs M9-P | No engraving on top cover Red badge Regular glass | Top cover engraved no red badge, Sapphire cover glass |
| M vs M-P | No engraving on top cover Red badge Gorilla glass Buffer memory 1GB | Top cover engraved No red badge Sapphire glass Buffer memory 2GB |
| M10 vs M10-P | No engraving on top cover red badge included | Top cover engraved No red badge Quieter shutter mechanism Equipped with touch panel monitor |
| M11 vs M11-P | No engraving on top cover Red badge Gorilla glass Built-in memory: 64 GB | Top cover engraved No red badge Sapphire glass 256GB built-in memory Leica Content Credentials |
| Items | M9 | M8 |
| Effective pixels(Megapixels) | 18.0-Megapixels | 10.3-Megapixels |
| Sensor manufacturer and model number | KAF-18500 | Kodak KAF10500 |
| Sensor size | 35mm Full frame 35.8 × 23.9 mm | APS-H Size 27 x 18mm |
| Rear LCD | 2.5 inch 23 million dot | 2.5 inch 23 million dot |
| LCD resolution | 23 million dot | 23 million dot |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.68 | 0.68 |
| Mechanical Shutter speed | 1/4000 | 1/4000 |
| Battery | Leica 14464 | Leica 14464 |
| Recorded Media | SDHC | SD |
| Size(mm) W x H x D | 139 x 80 x 37 | 139 x 80 x 37 |
| Weight (g) (without battery) | 585 | 545 |
| Release date | 2011.6.30 | 2006.11 |
| Body color | Black Steel gray | Black Silver White |
Options
- LEICA M8 / M8.2 / M9 M9-P M-E Hand Grip (replace the entire bottom cover)
- thumbs-up
Reference links
- Leica M9 Description of Wikipedia
- LEICA M9・Shige’s hobby
- SUMMICRON M 28mm ASPH.・Shige’s hobby
- SUMMILUX M 75mm・Shige’s hobby
- SUPER ANGULON 21mm F3.4 silver・Shige’s hobby
- LEICA M8・Shige’s hobby
Affiliate links
- Leica lens・Ads by Amazon
- Leica digital・Ads by Amazon
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- Leica book・Ads by Amazon
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Update history
- 2025.9.30
- 2024.06.12
- 2024.02.19
- 2023.05.06
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