Buy-n-Shoot were recently introduced to the world’s first and smallest full-frame digital rangefinder camera with a 24 x 36mm format sensor: the Leica M9, which has only just been released into the Australian market.

Coming from a trusted and popular series of cameras, the M9 and its accompanying lenses promises to deliver finely focused, high quality images in either RAW or JPEG formats and do so in a relatively compact and discreetly designed body.

The M9 is available in two finishes: steel-grey body (for the first time) with a smooth synthetic leather finish or black body with a textured vulcanite synthetic leather surface covering some two-thirds of the M9 body.

The black version has a more exaggerated texture on its surface as opposed to the finer grain on the body of the steel-grey unit, which may or may not make it easier to grip depending on the user.

In both cases, the leather helps to encase a tough magnesium alloy body with brass top deck and base plate constructed to carefully protect the ever-important inner mechanisms.

The 18 megapixel CCD image sensor is packaged in a smaller frame than it's competitors but has a uniquely solid feel. Including the battery, the M9 weighs 585g and is approximately 139 (L) x 37 (D) x 80 (H) mm.

Current Leica users will be glad to know that most lenses in the M range dating back to 1954 are compatible with the new M9, currently covering a range from 16mm through to 135mm. Leica’s lens makers, who take approximately 12-months to train, are also likely to consider this good news!

The viewfinder provides users with a white frame guide, which falls inside the bounds of the viewing window allowing you to see more of the current scene than you are actually capturing.

This also means that, as opposed to a DSLR, there is no blackout as the mirror locks up during shutter release so the photographer can see the scene in front of them 100% of the time.

The ability to shoot tethered is available with the M9 and is assisted by the inclusion of Adobe Lightroom software (as a download) upon purchase.

It seems that overall, the Leica M9 is a perfect blend of the 35mm film SLR experience inside an advanced digital camera body. The unit generally handles like a classic film camera but delivers the exceptional quality of a full frame, 18 megapixel DSLR and does so in what is currently the world’s smallest unit of its kind.

In essence, the M9 packs a powerful punch for its little body and will reward those looking to invest the $ (for the body only) for the privilege of taking one home.

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