Further Reflection On Why The Leica M9 Feels So Different

Gear talk isn’t something I value a great deal. It’s the least interesting part of any photographic endeavor. It is, however, still important, and I won’t kid myself, fun to discuss. I think this is particularly true when a piece of equipment has an outsized effect on the photographs one makes, especially when that effect isn’t immediately obvious to the photographer.

The camera a photographer uses will have an impact on the types of images they make. This is somewhat obvious- you’re not typically going to use an 8x10 to capture modern, fast paced sports, though if you did you might come away with some truly creative and beautiful images. If you hand someone a large format camera they’re going to naturally gravitate to making images of subject matter that complements the slow and methodical process large format requires- usually.

This is also true of the opposite. Though small cameras can also be intentionally used in a slow, methodical approach, they tend to lend themselves to something faster paced. Spontaneity is far more accessible with a camera slung over one’s shoulder. Again- this sounds simple enough, but I’m coming to realize this first hand with the M9, as it’s the first camera I’ve used like this in quite some time. I’m making images that I wouldn’t have made with my other cameras- mostly because they’re not with me, but also because the image I’m making with the Leica don’t lend themselves to how I use my other camera bodies.

My high school art teacher on a hot day at an art walk. A photograph I wouldn’t have taken.

After some more reflection I think I’ve come up with an analogy that communicates with a little more clarity why the M9 is having such an impact on myself, and perhaps more broadly, why the Leica M line has seduced so many photographers.

If a DSLR or typical mirrorless camera body is like a car, then the Leica M is like a motorcycle.

If you’ve ridden a motorcycle before you’re familiar with how much information is physically communicated between the rider and the bike. A description of the road as translated through the tires, the engine vibration as throttle increases and decreases, the leaning in and out of turns and subsequent change in momentum, the manual gear shift and throttle control, the wind resistance at speed and abrupt change in air temperature, etc. All of these things contribute to a heightened level of sensory awareness that can occasionally border on euphoric in the right circumstances.

Reuben Wu photographing sunrise at the Skyway Monte Bianco, Italy. A BTS image that might have been taken on an iphone, if at all.

Yes, these things all exist in cars to some degree or another, but on a motorcycle they are non-negotiable and are relied on in order to ride effectively and safely. A bike will get you from point A to B just like a car will, but there are additional rewards for riding the motorcycle. Often, you’re not even trying to go anywhere on the motorcycle because you’ve taken it out for the sheer pleasure of riding it.

A photo of Tiffany that I probably wouldn’t have if I didn’t have a camera over my shoulder.

Likewise, I’m finding that the M9 offers a shooting experience lush with tactility and sensory engagement. The brass chassis is truly a satisfying object to manipulate. Rangefinder focusing is a skill I’m still very much learning to master, which is itself a pleasure. The two modest lenses I have are each the fastest and second fastest lenses I’ve ever owned, while also being the two smallest. The click of the aperture rings and shutter speed dial just feel good. And while I’m still exploring its habits and limitations, the image quality of the Kodak CCD alongside fast glass make for beautiful, organic feeling images. I won’t claim using the M9 is euphoric, but it is damn enjoyable.

There’s less to think about, and in some ways more to think about. It is a beautiful camera body that places just as much focus on the experience of taking images as the images themselves, and the benefits are in the images that wouldn’t exist otherwise.