Leica M9-P (2011)
A digital rangefinder camera identical in function to the M9, with a sapphire glass LCD cover and refined styling.
Overview
The Leica M9-P is a digital rangefinder camera announced in 2011 by Leica Camera AG. It is a variant of the Leica M9 and shares the same 18-megapixel full-frame CCD sensor and core functionality. Leica did not intend it to replace the M9. It was a parallel model with subtle aesthetic and material upgrades. The styling is MP-like - it references the classic Leica MP film camera - and a sapphire glass cover over the LCD screen sets it apart from the standard M9. The camera writes DNG files to a single SD card and supports aperture priority and manual exposure modes. It has no image stabilization and no shutter priority mode. The M9-P came in black and chrome finishes, with special editions including a white limited edition and the "Edition Hermès." A limited run of 50 black chrome "Meisterstück" units (model [10763]) was released in 2012 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Leica M7.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Leica |
| Product type | digital rangefinder camera |
| Years produced | 2011 - today |
| Sensor | Full-frame CCD |
| Sensor resolution | 18 megapixels |
| ISO range | 80–2500 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Manual |
| Storage | Single SD card (DNG format) |
| Firmware version | 1.162 (21 June 2011), 1.174 (14 November 2011) |
Design
The Leica M9-P has a sapphire glass LCD cover and a refined exterior with MP-inspired styling. The Meisterstück variant ([10763]) has a black chrome finish with steel-gray leather covering. The camera is functionally identical to the M9, and no internal differences have been reported.
Context
The M9-P was introduced alongside the M9 as a premium variant, not a successor. Leica positioned it for professionals and collectors, with an emphasis on build quality and discreet looks. The company claimed to have addressed earlier M9 issues with image recording failure. For reliable file compatibility, Leica recommends only SanDisk SD cards, and excludes the Extreme Pro UHS-1 and Extreme HD Video SDHC 1 models. The M9-P shares the M9's known vulnerability to CCD sensor corrosion, which may show up over time as horizontal lines in images.
Market
A white limited edition M9-P set was listed for $49,995, though no current market prices are documented. The "Meisterstück" edition was limited to 50 units. Sensor corrosion remains a known issue for long-term reliability. The camera carries a two-year warranty and, at launch, included a one-year Leica UK 'Passport' service benefit.
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