M9 Monochrom (OG) in 2023?

[bcapphoto]

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I've got an M10 now. I had an M246 and loved the monochrome sensor, and I regret selling it. I've had a few other iterations, too - MD262, M240, Q, Q2, Q2M. I'm lusting for that monochrome sensor again. I was exploring the M10M and getting rid of my M10 (I have Fuji gear I love for colour), but the idea of the original M9M came up, and I'm considering it.

Would you buy the M9M today?

I'm mostly shooting documentary lifestyle EDC type stuff - if it's helpful. 

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[dpitt]

Yes, I would buy it today. I still have my M9 and skipped a few generations already. Budget reasons mainly. Now I am contemplating a M10. I hesitate, afraid of losing what I really like in a picture for some extra MP, LV and higher ISO. What makes me say that? I recently bought a SL (601). Same generation as the M10 (24 MP) and it is great, but side by side I really like the results of my M9 (18 MP), even when shot with the same M lens. So, when there is enough light the M9 still has the edge for me.

The M9M is even more special and better with low light. So it is even more relevant today.

One caveat though... I am convinced that all original sensors of the M9 generation will be useless soon because of sensor corrosion . So, double check that you have the right replaced sensor ID. For monochrom that is CCID 53 or higher.

Do this button dance to check: (be careful to not change anything because this is a maintenance menu)

Delete -> up (2x) -> down (4x) -> left (3x) -> right (3x) -> Info

I know that some third party solutions to repair the sensor are available now. It is €1500 or so for the M9M. They have to peel of the protective glass on top of the sensor to replace it. But I would only consider that as a last resort option. If the operation fails your money is returned. But the sensor is FUBAR and you are left with a nice paper weight. There are no replacement sensor options today. And even when it succeeds I suppose the results will be slightly different because the top glass is not the same as on the Leica sensors.

Maybe someone with a repaired M9 or M9M can can comment?

 

Edited November 7, 2023 by dpitt

[bcapphoto]

1 hour ago, dpitt said:

Yes, I would buy it today. I still have my M9 and skipped a few generations already. Budget reasons mainly. Now I am contemplating a M10. I hesitate, afraid of losing what I really like in a picture for some extra MP, LV and higher ISO. What makes me say that? I recently bought a SL (601). Same generation as the M10 (24 MP) and it is great, but side by side I really like the results of my M9 (18 MP), even when shot with the same M lens. So, when there is enough light the M9 still has the edge for me.

The M9M is even more special and better with low light. So it is even more relevant today.

One caveat though... I am convinced that all original sensors of the M9 generation will be useless soon because of sensor corrosion . So, double check that you have the right replaced sensor ID. For monochrom that is CCID 53 or higher.

Do this button dance to check: (be careful to not change anything because this is a maintenance menu)

Delete -> up (2x) -> down (4x) -> left (3x) -> right (3x) -> Info

I know that some third party solutions to repair the sensor are available now. It is €1500 or so for the M9M. They have to peel of the protective glass on top of the sensor to replace it. But I would only consider that as a last resort option. If the operation fails your money is returned. But the sensor is FUBAR and you are left with a nice paper weight. There are no replacement sensor options today. And even when it succeeds I suppose the results will be slightly different because the top glass is not the same as on the Leica sensors.

Maybe someone with a repaired M9 or M9M can can comment?

 

Great feedback - thank you! Luckily the M9M I'm looking at has CCID 53, so the sensor has been replaced. Phew!

[Luke_Miller]

I shoot with both the MM (M9M) and M246.  I much prefer the way the MM feels in my hands, but the M246 is the superior camera, especially when light levels drop. If I could keep only one it would be the M246, but, fortunately, I don't have to make that choice. 🙂

[Topsy]

I have 3 M9s all with replaced 2nd Gen sensors and they are my favoirite cameras, however, I am concious that they arte becoming irreplaceable so I tend to baby them a little (e.g.I will not take them out if it is raining) because of that. If they were replaceable or repairable I wouldn't be half as worried and they would get more use. I am not into the Monochromes but if I were I would'nt hesitate in getting an M9M as long as it had a certified replaced 2nd Gen sensor.

[bcapphoto]

4 hours ago, Luke_Miller said:

I shoot with both the MM (M9M) and M246.  I much prefer the way the MM feels in my hands, but the M246 is the superior camera, especially when light levels drop. If I could keep only one it would be the M246, but, fortunately, I don't have to make that choice. 🙂

Fair enough! I had the M246 for a while and definitely loved it. 

I don't see the point in having an M9M and M246 so I'm trying to choose between buying 1 or the other (or an M10M). 

[bcapphoto]

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19 minutes ago, Topsy said:

I have 3 M9s all with replaced 2nd Gen sensors and they are my favoirite cameras, however, I am concious that they arte becoming irreplaceable so I tend to baby them a little (e.g.I will not take them out if it is raining) because of that. If they were replaceable or repairable I wouldn't be half as worried and they would get more use. I am not into the Monochromes but if I were I would'nt hesitate in getting an M9M as long as it had a certified replaced 2nd Gen sensor.

Totally makes sense! The M9M I am eyeing has a verified CCID 53 sensor, so it's replaced with only 6k exposures on it. 

[Luke_Miller]

Compared to your M246 an M9M will be slimmer with different button layout and menus.  It will have a stop less high ISO performance, a smaller battery, and no live view.  If you mount lenses wider than 28mm an external optical finder is useful.  I still enjoy mine and do not plan to part with it.

[bcapphoto]

16 minutes ago, Luke_Miller said:

Compared to your M246 an M9M will be slimmer with different button layout and menus.  It will have a stop less high ISO performance, a smaller battery, and no live view.  If you mount lenses wider than 28mm an external optical finder is useful.  I still enjoy mine and do not plan to part with it.

Great input and feedback, thank you! 

The M246 was a beast in low-light. 1 stop worse? Not a game changer for me, so that's good. A bit thinner? Great! I only shoot 35mm/50mm, so I'm good on the VF side and never used EVF or live view, so I think it's going to be a great fit! 

[Budfox]

To the OP - I would not buy an M9M today. Because I just bought one three weeks ago - new sensor CCID 53 to go with my M9-P CCID 15.

Had not used the M9 for a while, but took it out a month ago (daytime) and realised just how nice and easy it is to use. Light, immediate start-up, simple menu, solid shutter sound and no question of delays, and no WiFi or Bluetooth issues. I decided then to buy the M9M (OK, re-re-buy the M9M!) as I realised they must be getting harder to find, and a nice one popped up nearby in nearly mint condition. They are also a lot cheaper than a new M11 etc.

BTW, Leica service can also verify whether the particular camera has had a non-corroding sensor update if you email them with the serial number.

[bcapphoto]

24 minutes ago, Budfox said:

To the OP - I would not buy an M9M today. Because I just bought one three weeks ago - new sensor CCID 53 to go with my M9-P CCID 15.

Had not used the M9 for a while, but took it out a month ago (daytime) and realised just how nice and easy it is to use. Light, immediate start-up, simple menu, solid shutter sound and no question of delays, and no WiFi or Bluetooth issues. I decided then to buy the M9M (OK, re-re-buy the M9M!) as I realised they must be getting harder to find, and a nice one popped up nearby in nearly mint condition. They are also a lot cheaper than a new M11 etc.

BTW, Leica service can also verify whether the particular camera has had a non-corroding sensor update if you email them with the serial number.

Ha, a technicality on the reply. I like it! 

The M9M that I bought (I pulled the trigger today!) has a replaced sensor and is in mint condition. Almost "collector" status, but I'm going to shoot the sh*t out of it! 

[Anakronox]

For me, I would not.  I started off with a used M9M with a replaced sensor, but after a few weeks of using it discovered that there were two rows of dead pixels in images.  It wasn’t possible to remap these nor feasible to repair, so I opted for a refund and put the money towards a new M10M.  It still hurt to spend that much then, but almost 4 years later that camera is still working great.  On specs alone, I also benefit from being able to shoot stopped down at night and with higher shutter speeds.  I can push the ISO to 50k and still get printable photos.  It’s insane.  

I suppose the point is that if you’re prepared to write down the cost of the camera and don’t need super high ISO performance, then sure.  Pick up an M9M.  But if you want a more solid body with repair options and have extra cash, go for an M10M. 

[colint544]

Good luck with your M9M. There is real purity to the design, and it can produce stunning prints. I'm into my 11th year with my M9M, and I would never sell it.

[James6714]

I just purchased it few weeks ago, so much to experiment with vintage lenses and modern ones.  When I take photos in manual setting, the files came out almost 80% to my liking, very little processing necessary, I am surprised at that.  So far, I love this camera.  Already posted some pictures taken today.  More will come as I will take “Henri” with me to Bangkok, BW all the way…….

[rtai]

The M9M is at cult status prices so for that reason, no. Also my shooting style is to set shutter speed myself usually to 1/2000 and let auto iso run wild. I am too spoiled by the M10M to go back. 

[stefano60]

On 11/7/2023 at 12:54 AM, dpitt said:

Yes, I would buy it today. I still have my M9 and skipped a few generations already. Budget reasons mainly. Now I am contemplating a M10. I hesitate, afraid of losing what I really like in a picture for some extra MP, LV and higher ISO. What makes me say that? I recently bought a SL (601). Same generation as the M10 (24 MP) and it is great, but side by side I really like the results of my M9 (18 MP), even when shot with the same M lens. So, when there is enough light the M9 still has the edge for me.

The M9M is even more special and better with low light. So it is even more relevant today.

One caveat though... I am convinced that all original sensors of the M9 generation will be useless soon because of sensor corrosion . So, double check that you have the right replaced sensor ID. For monochrom that is CCID 53 or higher.

Do this button dance to check: (be careful to not change anything because this is a maintenance menu)

Delete -> up (2x) -> down (4x) -> left (3x) -> right (3x) -> Info

I know that some third party solutions to repair the sensor are available now. It is €1500 or so for the M9M. They have to peel of the protective glass on top of the sensor to replace it. But I would only consider that as a last resort option. If the operation fails your money is returned. But the sensor is FUBAR and you are left with a nice paper weight. There are no replacement sensor options today. And even when it succeeds I suppose the results will be slightly different because the top glass is not the same as on the Leica sensors.

Maybe someone with a repaired M9 or M9M can can comment?

 

I have owned several M8s and M9s over the years; at some point, both my M9P and my M9M had to make the journey home to have the sensor replaced (back when Leica was doing it F.O.C.). In reality, the issue was never with "sensor corrosion", the problem was the type of adhesive used for the sensor cover glass; over time, moisture would manage to infiltrate between sensor and glass and the dots, bubbles, streaks would show. I wish Leica had known it back then, they could have saved tons of sensors, instead of replacing them. So, I eventually bought another M9M, with flawed sensor, and, since Leica no longer is able to provide new sensors, i had it repaired by Kolari Visions. The cost was reasonable, the work impeccable and the camera produces exactly the same quality of images as before. NO ISSUE. There might be isolated cases where the detaching glue has permanently damaged the surface of the sensor, but I think it is extremely rare. I am thinking of getting an M9 to accompany the M9M, and have it repaired if/when needed. I feel it would be safer than trusting one of the older replacement sensors installed back then by Leica, some of them may still have the adhesive issue percolating...

[davidmknoble]

I have used every monochrom from the M9 through the M11.  If you really liked the M246, it will be hard to go back to the M9M if only because of the dynamic range.  You will likely find you blow the highlights more than you intend to because you are used to higher dynamic ranges.  I tried an M9P with a new CMOS sensor about a year ago, and just could capture what I wanted anymore, unless the scene contrast was pretty small.  I let it go and went back to more current sensors. 

IMO, keeping a camera you start with is much easier than going backwards.  I think expectations of what can be captured change.  With film it is different, I use M3's all the way up to MP's, but the film is the film.  It's the same regardless of the body.  Digital, not so much.

That is all ignoring sensor age and battery age.