Leica M8 vs Leica M9

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Leica M8 and the Leica M9, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Leica M8 was introduced in July 2007 and Leica M9 was introduced in September 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica M8 over Leica M9.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica M9 over Leica M8.

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

Screen

Leica M8 and Leica M9 have 2.5" Fixed screens with 230k dot resolution.

Viewfinder

Cameras have built-in Optical (rangefinder) viewfinders. magnification and with 0.68x magnification.

Leica M8 features a 10.35 megapixel APS-H CCD sensor with dimensions of 27 x 18 mm and a total area of 486 mm². Its native ISO range is 160 - 2,500. Leica M9 features a 18.0 megapixel Full Frame CCD sensor with dimensions of 36 x 24 mm and a total area of 576 mm². Its native ISO range is 80 - 2,500.

Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

Sensor size chart

	Sensor	Dimensions	Area	Aspect Ratio	Crop Factor
	Medium Format	44 x 33 mm	1452 mm2	4:3	0.79x
	Full Frame	36 x 24 mm	864 mm2	3:2	1x
	APS-H	27 x 18 mm	486 mm2	3:2	1.3x
	APS-C	23.6 x 15.6 mm	368.2 mm2	3:2	1.5x
	APS-C (Canon)	22.3 x 14.9 mm	332.3 mm2	3:2	1.6x
	Micro Four Thirds	17.4 x 13 mm	226.2 mm2	4:3	2x
	1-inch	13.2 x 8.8 mm	116.2 mm2	3:2	2.7x
	1/1.7-inch	7.44 x 5.58 mm	41.5 mm2	4:3	4.7x
	1/2.3-inch	6.17 x 4.55 mm	28.1 mm2	4:3	5.6x

Leica M8 can take pictures up to 3936 x 2630 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2952 x 1972, 1968 x 1315, 1312 x 876 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Leica M9 can take pictures up to 5212 x 3472 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3840 x 2592, 2592 x 1728, 1728 x 1152, 1280 x 846 with 3:2 aspect ratios.

Lens Mount

Cameras have Leica M lens mount. Due to APS-H sensor in Leica M8 its crop factor is equal to 1.3x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.3. Due to Full Frame sensor in Leica M9 its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.

No Low-Pass Filter

There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on either of the cameras. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.

No Image Stabilization

The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Leica M8 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Leica M9 nothing can be done. On Leica M9 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Leica M8 nothing can be done.

USB Inputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer.

External Storage Slots

Cameras have a single SD/SDHC card slot.

Shutter

Leica M8 has Micro-processor controlled metal-blade slotted shutter with vertical movement Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Leica M8, and up to 1/4000 sec on Leica M9. Leica M9 can shoot continuously up to 2.0 fps.

Flash

Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via TTL Hot Shoe to Leica M8 and via Hot Shoe to Leica M9. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Leica M8 and 1/180 sec on Leica M9.

Leica M8 and Leica M9 bodies have the same dimensions of 139 x 80 x 37 mm (5.47 x 3.15 x 1.46"). Leica M8 weighs 591 g (1.30 lb / 20.85 oz) and Leica M9 weighs 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz).

Leica M8

Leica M9

139 mm

80 mm

139 mm

80 mm

80 mm

80 mm

37 mm

37 mm