The rumours were true. The pics of singer Seal carrying the
mysterious new Leica around were not doctored. Leica has just announced the
M9-P digital rangefinder. The new camera is basically the M9 with a few cosmetic changes — all the guts are identical. Like on the non-digital Leica MP, the traditional red dot is missing from the M9-P, which meant to give the camera an “understated appearance”.
Unobtrusive, Discreet, and Resilient: the New Leica M9-P
The M9 now has a twin sister, the new Leica M9-P. In technological terms, they are absolutely identical twins and feature precisely the same high performance qualities. The only differences are found in a few characteristic details.
The New Digital MP from Leica
The Leica M9-P now features an extremely scratch-resistant, almost unbreakable, sapphire crystal cover for its LCD monitor display. Sapphire crystal is one of the world's hardest materials and so hard that it can only be worked with special diamond-cutting tools. The anti-reflective coating on both sides of the monitor cover glass further improves image reviewing, particularly in unfavorable lighting conditions.
The Leica M9-P is optionally available in the classical Leica silver chrome camera finish or in black paint - the M9 offers two options, elegant steel gray or black paint. The Leica M9-P also features vulcanite leathering with particularly good grip characteristics.
The M9-P is priced at $8,000 and will hit store shelves in July 201 According to Leica. Unfortunately Lenses are still very difficult to get.
Here are some videos to wet your appetite for the newest Leica ~ The Digital MP
Magnum photographer Alex Majoli took the new Leica M9-P on a journey through Venice. Alex Majoli accompanied one of the around 700 gondolieri for several days and captured a sensitive portrait of the gondolier and his city. Here is a behind the scenes view of Alex's journey through Venice.
