Thickness of M9 a problem?

[nodrog]

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Is the removable baseplate from 1954 the perfect way to reload a memory card or battery in 2010?

 

Hear, hear! I thought exactly the same when I handled the M9. It's just a clumsy design decision. Can you imagine what the M9 would be like if a designer of Jonathan Ive's vision had been let loose on it?

 

Your other points about the design ring true, too.

 

It isn't a 50yr-old design by any stretch of the imagination, and neither need it be. It should be an up-to-date 'interpretation' of a proven classic.

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[k-hawinkler]

I love backward compatibility wiith mechanical attachments such as the Visoflex.

 

K-H.

[randyhoffner]

Try shooting with a Canon 1D MkIII for a while, then reconsider the size and weight of the M9!

[adli]

We can understand the concerns of some on this matter, however the camera shape has a very long and proven story of some 50 years+ that guarantee ergonomy.

The camera needs nothing more: no cases, no thumb ups, (particularly) no softies..

The camera as designed is perfect -even if you have large fingers- dials are big, buttons are mechanical easy to use, there is no justification for accessories.

The camera is a mechanical marvel of precision and quality and you have to feel this. we don't see this kind of manufacturing quality anymore in consumer products.

 

I agree that the camera is well built and don't need a lot of accessoirs. However, if you look at the design of the ur-Leica, which is the ancestor of the M-design, it is pretty clear that it was a form-follows-function design. The design is based on "what house do we need to fit two spools and a shutter". No more, no less. It was functionality, not ergonomics which was the focus of the design.

[hoppyman]

Nodrog the M9 dimensions are identical to those of the M8 so this was already found to be necessary some years back when that camera was designed.

Not a mistake but a necessity. If you were starting from scratch and didn't need to fit M lenses or have an M8/9 size sensor then the story may be different (see the X1).

 

Like a number of posters here I find the ThumbsUp to be an excellent aid to holding the camera more securely and steadily

 

My feelings exactly. They've buggered with the proportions, even if only by 2mm it seems like a mistake on their part. I'm sure there was a lot of table-thumping and heated discussion about that 2mm, but someone, somewhere, didn't stick to their guns and veto that size increase.

 

I know Leica isn't known for their innovation, but I kind of expected this to be better for the price of, what is after all, a pretty nice new kitchen, or a very serviceable used car (2 things I'm in the market for at the moment)

 

Just my 2p-worth. It doesn't rule out my buying one, but I'd like to spend some time using an M9 to see if I can live with the changes.

[jaapv]

Those that sing the praises of prewar Leicas have obviously never used one. Ergonomically they are a nightmare. The index finger can hardly reach the shutter release because of the huge wind button,the locking infinity button misses shots and film loading is a contortionists joke....

[mwilliamsphotography]

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LOL! This cracks me up no end.

 

The smallest full frame digital camera ... one that takes most any M lens ever made... one that produces images to rival some medium format digital cameras ... and STILL there's a gnashing of teeth and a beating of breasts.

 

Yet, I remember my profound disappointment in the extra height of the M6TTL from my M6 "classic". It spoiled the proportional visual balance of the M6 IMHO.

 

IMO, the M8/M9 corrected the lopsided growth of the to tall M6TTL & M7 ... the extra width now balances it all out visually, making it one sweet looking piece of kit.

 

Of course, if you mount one of those little "girly man" M lenses on it, the M9 might look a tad large. But I use "manly man" M lenses and they look perfectly proportioned on the M9 : -)

 

The M9 is ergonomically perfect for my hands, and needs no add-ons to function just fine. However, I have a Thumbs-Up on one of my M9s that's primarily dedicated to the M50/0.95 ASPH and 75 Lux. 40 years of using film Ms and one misses the sweet snappy feel of advancing the film, and the thumb anchor the film advance lever provided. Remains to be seen if the Thumbs-Up stays or goes. A few 8 hour wedding shoots will tell the tale.

 

After a few years of using digital Ms, I went from a "trying to advance the film" habit, to gazing at the back of a film M after a few shots in an attempt to check the LCD : -)

 

All that said ... my dream digital rangefinder would be a nickel chrome knock-off of the IIIg I once owned and shot with for many years ... of course, I wouldn't want to give up anything we now have to get one.

 

-Marc

[adli]

Those that sing the praises of prewar Leicas have obviously never used one. Ergonomically they are a nightmare. The index finger can hardly reach the shutter release because of the huge wind button,the locking infinity button misses shots and film loading is a contortionists joke....

 

Wasn't that my point, focus on functionality, not ergonomics?

[erl]

Tonight I'm drinking a bottle of Pinot Noir, "Voice of the Vine" from the Mornington Peninsula. Excellent, but it promotes 'playful argument' in me.

 

So I say, re the M9, just try using it for what it is, not what you want it to be. If it works for you, magic! if not, avoid it. Trust me! It will work in a lot of ways if you are up to scratch yourself.

[andalus]

Anyone who bitches about the relative "thickness" of the M9 is like someone who complains that a very beautiful and smart woman, who is 50 or so, has added five of ten pounds and isn't quite in the literal shape she used to be at 25. In other words, given that she still functions quite well, has gained is wisdom and insight and even capability, it's almost insane to criticize her, as if her sole value was simply how she looks rather than how she relates -- or in the case of the M9, takes stunning photos. It's as if the originator of this thread scrambled to come up with any topic simply to seem to have something to post which is really not at all germane to the use and functionality and genius of the M9 in the right hands, albeit (as in my case) with that nifty Thumbs Up attached.

[nodrog]

Anyone who bitches about the relative "thickness" of the M9 is like someone who complains that a very beautiful and smart woman, who is 50 or so, has added five of ten pounds and isn't quite in the literal shape she used to be at 25.

Perhaps the most ridiculous defence of any inanimate object I've ever read! Get a grip! It's a camera, not a woman! (Are you on the sauce as well?)

 

And if the M9 only functions 'quite well' (like a 50yr-old woman) then I don't consider that such a glowing testimony.

 

Some M9 owners seem to be overly defensive about their baby, but then, considering the cost, that doesn't surprise me.

 

I'm sure the results from the camera speak for themselves anyway. I'm considering getting one as a backup for (mostly) wedding photography. If anyone can point me towards a gallery of such pictures I'd be grateful.

[Viv]

This thread is hilarious.

 

To those who are worried about the dimensions of the M9, get out and make some pictures. Enjoy life.

 

I have to go now - the double-butted spokes on my mountain bike are 0.1 mm too thick. Ruins the feel over yumps ...

[charlesphoto99]

Size is a moot point.

 

My only wish is for the silky smooth shutter feel and responsiveness of the M7. Been running a bit of film lately and surprised at just how much more responsive the M7 shutter is.

 

Anyone know if DAG can get the release to be smoother? Kinda afraid to ask Leica actually considering their service record (or should I say service history with me)....

[zlatkob]

This thread is hilarious.

 

To those who are worried about the dimensions of the M9, get out and make some pictures. Enjoy life.

 

Did you notice that the OP was considering buying the camera, handled it at a Leica showroom, and asked a practical question? If you did, then you would understand that "get out and make some pictures" is a complete non sequitur.

 

If one appreciates good design, then one appreciates the fine points and practical aspects of good design. Some of those relate to thickness, proportions and overall feel. This is the M9 camera forum, so why is it hilarious to discuss such things right here?

 

"Get out and make some pictures" is a tired, abusive phrase that is so often thrown out when we disagree with someone or don't understand their viewpoint. Isn't it hilarious to spend time telling people to "get out and make some pictures" when you could instead get out and make some pictures?

[bill]

Perhaps the most ridiculous defence of any inanimate object I've ever read! Get a grip! It's a camera, not a woman! (Are you on the sauce as well?)

 

To each their own. It seems that the insult was un-necessary, Gordon. You are clearly a left-brainer. The "romance" of the Leica is totally lost on you. So be it; this is a broad church. But I suggest that you don't rubbish in such personal and derogatory terms those whose trajectory is not the same as yours.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[wparsonsgisnet]

...

"Get out and make some pictures" ...

 

Doing this is the major problem for we who use a camera that is in short supply.

 

I believe you can rent an M8 in major cities. I don't believe renting an M9 is possible at the moment.

[Jamie Roberts]

The size of the camera is delightful, but it is not easy to grip. The camera should be designed with better ergonomics, so that there is no need for third-party add-ons like the Thumbs Up. So many changes were needed to make the M digital; some minor additional changes could have made it easier to grip.

 

Zlatko, for my hands, and with longer, larger lenses, and for using 8-12 hours at a time, and with the occasional decent flash attachment, both the M8 and M9 are improved immensely with their respective grip attachments, and for me are then perfect for use. I strongly suggest you look into it

 

Everyone else's MMV.

 

My M6 and M3 don't get used anything like the M8/9, so it's a different thing entirely. However, a grip on the M6 wouldn't hurt either.

[Viv]

Pictures can be made with any camera.

 

In the past week, I have made about 450.

 

Better than moaning about the thickness of my yet-to-arrive M9.

 

Hilarious may be the wrong word. Navel gazing may be more accurate.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[ddbg]

Official figures:

 

MP 585 grams

M9 585 grams

 

 

MP 585 grams, does that include film?

[robert-gregory]

I've been using a Leica M for going on 4 decades. I've always thought of it as the perfect camera for my hands, it just fits.

 

Going on a few months now with the M9 and I of course noticed that its a bit thicker, but this is completely a non-issue as it still has a definite 'Leica feel' to it. The most seamless transition from film to digital I could hope for.

 

For my M-series I'd used a Luigi half case on and off over the past 10+ years. It does add to the grip and makes it very stable. With the Luigi case on the film M its basically the same size as the M9. Also I did pick up a Thumbs-up and it makes the M9 very easy to hold, more sure grip from the back and mimics the advance lever hold of the film M-series.

 

In short; the M9 is the best M-series digital body we could hope for, its a true M-series in size and shape. Some people may have a problem with it, but I can't imagine why.