The Leica M9-P rangefinder retains same full-frame sensor as M9, but it loses the big red dot and is designed to blend in better. It will be available along with the M9.
Leica Camera AG today announced a new version of its insanely popular and pricey M9, the M9-P, which sports design that enables photographers to shoot candids without being noticed.
Internally, the M9-P's features appear to be identical to the M9, which will continue to be produced by Leica. Those features include an 18MP, 24x36mm sensor, making it the smallest 35mm-sensor camera currently available. New features will include a more coarsely-textured leather finish Leica says will make the camera easier to grip and hold. The bright red Leica dot on the front of the camera, which could draw attention to the photographer, will be replaced with a plain script logo on the top plate.
Other features include a scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal covering on the LCD monitor that is claimed to be virtually unbreakable, and was first seen on the Leica M8.2, as well as anti-reflective coating for easier viewing of display images.
The M9-P will join the M9 in the Leica rangefinder line, and will be available starting in July.
The camera will cost $7,995. Adorama is now taking pre-orders for the M9-P Silver and Black versions. Orders will be shipped on a first-come, first-served basis. Credit cards will not be charged until the order ships.
New superwide lens
Leica also announced the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH super-wide lens. Claimed to be similar in performance to the classic Leica Super-Angulon-M 21mm f/3.4 that was manufactured from 1963-1980, the new lens is said to have excellent reproduction of detail and excellent contrast at maximum aperture, with minimized flare. The lens consists of 8 lens elements in 7 groups, with one lens element that has two aspherical surfaces and four lenses with anomalous partial dispersion to reduce aberrations to an absolute minimum. The lens will come with a lenshood that protects against strong side light as well as damage and dirt.
The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH will be available in July for just under $3,000. Adorama is accepting pre-orders now and will ship on a first-come, first-served basis. Credit cards will not be charged until the order ships.
