Read Resolution: Nex-7 Vs. Leica M9 @ Luminous Landscape

Leica M9-P

LEICA CAMERA OFFERS FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.176 FOR THE LEICA M9 AND M9-P

Allendale, NJ (December 6, 2011) – Leica Camera, Inc. announces the latest firmware update, 1.176, for the Leica M9 and M9-P, the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system cameras. Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can download the firmware update from the Leica Camera website.

Firmware update 1.176 eliminates a rare fault occurring during the formatting of SanDisk cards, ensuring compatibility with the Leica M9 and M9-P in accordance with the cameras’ respective standards. All card types available from SanDisk have been fully tested by Leica’s expert technical team and firmware version 1.176 guarantees their proper function, resulting in the previous constrictions on the cards being revoked.

Leica Camera is dedicated to providing products that exhibit mastery in optics and mechanics, high-quality design and outstanding craftsmanship, resulting in an uncompromised customer experience. The company thanks all affected customers for their patience and support in searching for the cause of the compatibility issues as well as SanDisk for their intensive technical assistance.

For installation instructions and to download firmware update 1.176, please visit: http://en.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/rangefinder_cameras/m9_m9-p/index.html.

About the Leica M9 and M9-P:
As the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a 24 x 36 sensor, the Leica M9 carries the proud heritage of the Leica M system into the digital age. A truly professional camera for authentic Leica M photography in the familiar, classic and timeless M design, the M9 is the perfect contemporary tool for those who set the highest standard in image quality and are committed to creating images of enduring value. The Leica M9-P provides an alternative, even more discreet and resilient design that further reinforces the classic nature of the M9 and specifically meets the needs of professional photographers. The M9 and M9-P are compatible with nearly every Leica M lens in existence.

PRESS RELEASE

LEICA CAMERA OFFERS FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.174 FOR THE LEICA M9 AND M9-P

Allendale, NJ (November 14, 2011) – Leica Camera, Inc. is pleased to announce the latest firmware update, 1.174, for the Leica M9 and M9-P, the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system cameras. Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can now download the firmware update from the Leica Camera website and take advantage of new, improved features.

Firmware update 1.174 features an update of the SD card driver, fixing a bug that led to faulty behavior and allowing for a more stable general performance with most SD card types. Supporting Leica’s commitment to an uncompromised customer experience, these latest improvements come as the result of feedback from M9 and M9-P users who served as beta testers in a broad based field test.

At this time, Leica does not recommend utilizing the San Disk Extreme Pro UHS-1 (all card sizes) and San Disk Extreme HD Video SDHC 1 (all card sizes) as a 100% error free status has not been achieved. Support for these cards continues to be developed by Leica’s dedicated technical team and will be made available after successful testing compatibility.

For installation instructions and to download firmware update 1.174, please visit: http://en.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/software-_firmwareupdates/m9/index.html.

About the Leica M9 and M9-P:
As the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a 24 x 36 sensor, the Leica M9 carries the proud heritage of the Leica M system into the digital age.  A truly professional camera for authentic Leica M photography in the familiar, classic and timeless M design, the M9 is the perfect contemporary tool for those who set the highest standard in image quality and are committed to creating images of enduring value. The Leica M9-P provides an alternative, even more discreet and resilient design that further reinforces the classic nature of the M9 and specifically meets the needs of professional photographers. The M9 and M9-P are compatible with nearly every Leica M lens in existence.

Leica M9

“The Leica M9 is a beautifully-crafted camera, capable of excellent image quality.”

We’ve added another Leica M9 [Specs] digital rangefinder camera review to our Reviews Matrix.

TechRadar has published their review of the Leica M9, a full-frame (36 x 24mm) digital rangefinder camera with 18MP resolution, no anti-alias filter, a new thicker UV/IR filter in front of the sensor, ISO 160-2500, continuous shooting 2fps, 2.5-in. (230K dots) LCD, RAW.

You can read the Leica M9 Review @ TechRadar.

Editor’s note: I have no problem with Leica owners gushing over their Leicas. But, why can’t they just leave ordinary citizens with no cash to spare alone? Oh, must they continually and cruelly tempt us thus!? Also, the shortcomings of the Leica M9 are now well documented. Be sure to get a second opinion from other reviewers for a balanced view and to determine if a digital rangefinder Leica M9 is really in your future. Many of the advantages of the M9 can also be said of the new Digital Interchangeable Lens (DIL) cameras like the Olympus E-P1/P2 and Panasonic GF1 [at a fraction of the cost]. A rangefinder is an [arcane] method of focusing that is suited only to a limited range of [short] focal lengths; the newer high resolution EVF is really the way to go. “But to each person his/her poison.”

LEICA CAMERA OFFERS NEW SERVICE FOR THE LEICA M9

Allendale, NJ (August 2, 2011) – Leica Camera announces a new service for Leica M9 owners to incorporate the product features of the Leica M9-P into their existing M-System camera, resulting in an alternative, even more discreet and resilient design. Owners taking advantage of the service will also receive a one-year warranty extension. Through the North American Headquarters in Allendale, NJ, Leica will be offering a “Sapphire Glass” upgrade package and a “Top Cover and Sapphire Glass” upgrade package. Interested customers are encouraged to schedule appointments starting August 8, 2011 for upgrades from October 3, 2011 through Leica Camera, Inc.

The “Sapphire Glass” upgrade package offers the replacement of the M9 monitor cover with the M9-P’s scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal cover, a choice between vulcanite and smooth MP-style leatherette trim and a one-year warranty extension. The package will be available for $1,295. The second option, “Top Cover and Sapphire Glass”, includes the replacement of the monitor glass with sapphire crystal cover and the replacement of the top deck and base plate with silver chrome or black paint. The package also includes the choice of vulcanite or smooth MP-style leatherette trim and a one-year warranty extension. The package will be available for $1,995.

All upgrades will be performed by specifically trained technicians and will be a part of Leica’s regular repair service. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis and upgrade time is dependent upon demand. M9 owners can schedule upgrades beginning August 8, 2011 by calling 1-800-222-0118 x 9930.

Please visit the Leica website at www.leica-camera.com shortly before the start of the upgrade program for further information about the offer and the upgrading procedure.

Street photography ain’t easy, to say the least, especially if you are shy around strangers. Do you ask for permission or do you just shoot sureptitiously and quickly move on? I’ve done mostly the latter but when I see an owner and his/her dog, I usually stop, smile and ask for the permission to shoot the dog or both. People are so proud of their pooch that they always say, Yes. And, don’t forget to always smile a thank you at them.

In this video, Eric Kim shoots the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica with the Leica M9 and the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux. And he attaches his cellphone to the viewfinder to give us a thru the Leica M9 viewfinder point of view.

View Eric Kim’s Leica M9 Street Photography.

source leicarumors

Eric discusses street photography and whether to ask for permission or not:

From erickimphotography

Read the article at: Luminous Landscape.

NEW: LEICA CAMERA OFFERS FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.162 FOR THE LEICA M9

Solms, Germany (June 16, 2011) – Leica Camera AG is pleased to announce the firmware update 1.162 for the Leica M9, the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system camera. Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can now download the firmware update from the Leica Camera website and take advantage of new, improved features.

Firmware update 1.162 features a revision of sensor homogeneity for wide-angle lenses. The additional color calibration noticeably reduces chromatic differences between the center and the corners of an image, especially in critical shooting situations. Additionally, the software processes of the Leica M9 have been optimized, significantly reducing the “red edges effect” and improving the menu’s Italian translation.

For the first time, members of the Leica Camera Forum were invited to beta test the firmware update prior to its release. Approximately 1,000 Leica M users offered their feedback and insights, supporting Leica Camera’s commitment to providing innovative tools that stand at the forefront of technological innovation. The 80 selected “test pilots” considerably influenced the production of firmware 1.162.

For installation instructions and to download firmware update 1.162, please visit: http://en.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/rangefinder_cameras/m9/.

About the Leica M9:
As the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a 24 x 36 sensor, the Leica M9 carries the proud heritage of the Leica M system into the digital age. A truly professional camera for authentic Leica M photography in the familiar, classic and timeless M design, the M9 is the perfect contemporary tool for those who set the highest standard in image quality and are committed to creating images of enduring value. The M9 is compatible with nearly every Leica M lens in existence.

Availability
The Leica M9 in steel grey or black is available from Leica dealers. For a list of Leica dealers, please visit http://us.leica-camera.com.

Truth be told, there is always some excitement in the air at the unboxing of an especially awaited camera. But, after a while, it all gets very boring. Well, leave it to DigitalRevTV to spice things up a bit in their decidedly unconventional unboxing of the Leica M9 Titanium.

The white gloves are a nice touch.

source @lisowSL

The Leica M9 Neiman Marcus Edition

The Leica M9 Neiman Marcus Edition is limited to a worldwide edition of just 50 and is priced at US $17,500.00.

The body and matching Summicron-M 35mm f2.0 ASPH lens are finished in classic chrome, and the body is covered in luxurious brown ostrich leather trim with a matching ostrich leather strap. The high-resolution 2.5-inch LCD screen is protected by sapphire cover glass.

Each lens and body is numbered, and your gift can be personalized with an engraved signature. If you are thinking of giving this as a gift, you’ll need to order by October 15, 2010 to guarantee holiday delivery. A three-year warranty covers accidental damage. A full suite of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 3 digital editing software–and a personal letter from Leica CEO Alfred Schopf and certificate of authenticity–are included. Your gift can be personally delivered by a Leica photography expert and include a private training and orientation session (only within the continental United States).

PRESS RELEASE

The Leica M9 Neiman Marcus Edition

Limited Edition Camera Only Available Through the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

Allendale, NJ (October 5, 2010) – Leica Camera AG is pleased to be included in the 84th edition of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book as one of the coveted Neiman Marcus “Fantasy Gifts.” The Leica M9 Neiman Marcus Edition is available in a limited edition of only 50 pieces exclusively through the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

With exquisite craftsmanship and premium digital technology, this gift is simply one of the finest cameras in the world. Limited to a worldwide edition of just 50, the Leica M9 Neiman Marcus Edition is the only camera that combines the classic Leica M shooting experience with the latest digital technology and luxurious design. The rugged Leica M body and matching Summicron-M 35mm f2.0 ASPH lens are flawlessly finished in silver chrome, and the body is covered in luxurious brown ostrich leather trim with a matching ostrich leather strap. It is the world’s smallest digital rangefinder camera with a full-frame 18 mega-pixel sensor and interchangeable lenses to capture ultra-high resolution images. The high-resolution 2.5-inch LCD screen is protected by sapphire cover glass.

The Leica M9 is a true connoisseur’s camera for photographers that value ultra-precise manual focusing and relish taking personal control of the creative process. Each body is numbered and your gift can be personalized with an engraved signature.

A full suite of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 3 digital editing software, a personal letter from Leica CEO Alfred Schopf and certificate of authenticity, are included. The Leica M9 Neiman Marcus Edition can be personally delivered by a Leica photography expert, which would also include a private training and orientation session to introduce new photographers to the full Leica experience (only available in the continental US).

For further information on Leica, please visit www.leica-camera.com or www.facebook.com/leicacamera.

About Leica Camera:
Leica represents a union of craftsmanship, technology and experience. It is at once an extension of art, knowledge and philosophy, providing a state-of-the-art optical experience in a precision, hand-made photographic instrument. Leica Camera has a simple mission: to provide users with an incomparable experience, an instrument that defines an unsurpassed heritage and sets a standard of excellence for the industry to meet. www.leica-camera.com

About Neiman Marcus Group:
The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. operations include the Specialty Retail Stores segment and the Direct Marketing segment. The Specialty Retail Stores segment consists primarily of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores. The Direct Marketing segment conducts both online and print catalog operations under the Neiman Marcus, Horchow and Bergdorf Goodman brand names. Information about the Company can be accessed at www.neimanmarcusgroup.com.

Leica S2

LEICA CAMERA AT MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK

On-Site Leica Specialists Available to Loan-Out the S2 & M9

WHO:

Leica Camera Inc. will be offering fashion press and photographers at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week the opportunity to experience the renowned Leica S2 and Leica M9 professional-grade cameras. Leica product specialists will be on-site at a dedicated booth located near the entrance of the event to provide photographers and press with the unique opportunity to trial a Leica S2 or Leica M9 with lenses. Photographers in attendance are encouraged to try out the most advanced camera technology at the world’s preeminent runway shows.

WHAT:

Loan-outs begin 30 minutes prior to each show daily and cameras must be returned by 7:00pm the same day. Borrowers are asked to bring their own memory card (Leica S2 is compatible with SD and CF cards; Leica M9 is compatible with SD cards only).

Reservations can be made in person 24-hours in advance to request a particular model. A deposit of valid ID and credit card is required but no charges or holds will be run on the credit card, providing the camera is returned in similar condition within the allotted timeframe.

About the Leica S2: Leica Camera has once again
revolutionized the world of photography with the digital S-system, a completely new digital camera concept to meet supreme professional requirements. The decisive advantage of the Leica S2 is the sum of its features: flexibility, durability and easy operation combined with industry-leading resolution and image quality. With a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, the S2′s 30 x 45mm CCD sensor features an aspect ratio of 3:2 and an area nearly 60% larger than that of a traditional 35mm camera, resulting in stunning image quality.

Leica M9

About the Leica M9: As the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a 24 x 36 sensor, the Leica M9 carries the proud heritage of the Leica M system into the digital age. A truly professional camera for authentic Leica M photography in the familiar, classic and timeless M design, the M9 is the perfect contemporary tool for those who set the highest standard in image quality and are committed to creating images of enduring value. The M9 is compatible with nearly every Leica M lens in existence.

WHEN:

Thursday, September 9 – Thursday, September 16, 30 minutes prior to each show daily until 7:00pm

WHERE:

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center Lobby #2

LINKS:
Website: http://leica-camera.com

Blog: http://blog.leica-camera.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LeicaCamera
http://www.facebook.com/S.System

Twitter: http://twitter.com/leica_camera

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Evins Communications
Jordan Frank jordan.frank@evins.com / 212.377.3597
Clara Kroher clara.kroher@evins.com / 212.377.3589

Leica M9

Leica has published a firmware update for the M9 to improve performance and fix a couple of bugs:

1. Camera Performance:
• Improved compatibility of SDHC cards. Nevertheless, we recommend our customers the “Extreme III” cards from the leading brand “SanDisk”.
• Improved Auto White Balance in conditions with power saving lamps and tungsten light.
2. Bug fixes:
• Saving user profiles has been improved (changing from one profile to another did sometimes cause problems)
• Time display in “American” format corrected.
• Auto power off bug fixed (camera did turn off automatically while using the Play Mode or scrolling through the menu).

Download the firmware update ver 1.138 [ZIP 4.2MB]

Download Instruction Firmware 1.138 [PDF 37.6KB]