Just because: Leica M9 Titanium
By The Prodigal Fool, published on 5 November 2010
Hey, we’ve already owned up: we know very little about photography. But we think we do know something about design and desirability. And so when it comes to cameras, we say you can’t do better than a Leica.
And just because we were perusing the pages of the ever-excellent JoshSpear.com and came across the German firm’s latest – the M9 Titanium – we thought we’d mention it to you.
This exclusive special edition is the result of a collaboration with Walter de’Silva, the prominent car designer. de’Silva, lest we forget it, is the man responsible for such modern classics as the Alfa Romeo GTV (we owned one and, to this day, it’s still a simply gorgeous looking thing), the Audi A4 (yep, bought one of those too), the Audi R8 and the stunning A5.
To produce this special edition, Leica’s press people say that de’Silva
has re-interpreted the design of the M9 just as he envisaged it. The outcome is a unique camera with a new interpretation of the characteristic features of Leica rangefinder cameras, which lends precision engineering, unique style and solid titanium to extraordinary formal design. As a result, the LEICA M9 ‘Titanium’ is an especially desirable object for both Leica connoisseurs and aficionados of outstanding design. This special edition is strictly limited to just 500 cameras worldwide and is offered as a set together with a LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens, whose exterior metal components are also manufactured from solid titanium.
How much did the great man really have to do with the design tweaks? Honestly, it doesn’t matter. What does is that the Leica M9 was already the most desireable camera on the planet as far as we’re concerned and that this special edition is even better.
Just because: Leica M9 Titanium
Hey, we’ve already owned up: we know very little about photography. But we think we do know something about design and desirability. And so when it comes to cameras, we say you can’t do better than a Leica. And just because we were perusing the pages of the ever-excellent JoshSpear.com and came across the German [...]
3 Responses to “Just because: Leica M9 Titanium”
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Thanks for your comment, Ivan.
Leica do indeed rebrand some Panasonic models for their cheaper models but the M9 is categorically an original product from Leica.
I take your point about the advancing technology but that doesn’t mean that a film-based camera have any more longevity. Digital cameras are more likely to be upgradeable with software than a film-based camera.
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Ivan Y
10 November 2010
Mr. Fool,
I’m a techie first and a watch person second, so I hope you excuse my ramblings
M9 is original, that’s why I used a qualifier “some”, but it’s actually quite surprising just how little difference there’s between Panasonic and Leica models. From what I understand, even accessories (like viewfinder) are interchangeable. For what it’s worth, Panasonic cameras are very good though
Granted, I don’t know film cameras as well as digital counterparts, but main differentiating factors seem to be lenses and film stock (plus meters, paper, and all that fun stuff I helped my dad with in our improvised dark room). Lenses are still a crucial component of digital cameras, but role of film is taken by the hardware (sensor & chipset) and accompanying firmware.
You are correct in saying that firmware is upgradeable, but it can only fix software issues or slightly expand functionality. However, camera’s hardware is set in stone and evolves at a breathtaking pace. We are used to new watch & car releases annually, but camera lines are refreshed even more often, except brands like Leica which makes news with limited release editions. Compared just a few years years ago, cameras now have 720p/1080p video, various HDR functions, live previews, and even 3D functionality. Not too many updates are done to point & shoot cameras after the fact either.
Having said all that, M9 LE is outrageously gorgeous and if I could afford a six-figure watch, I’d probably be snapping one up just because I could
Mere mortals have to settle for X100 or something similar (there’s another similar camera on the horizon; from Olympus, I think).
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Ivan Y
8 November 2010
It’s a great looking camera for sure, but I honestly don’t know if digital cameras, even LE Leica ones, will have the longevity of their film cameras due to ever advancing technology.
Also, one would be wise to know that some Leica cameras are rebadged Panasonic models with slightly different cases and firmware.
Personally, I’m very excited about Fuji’s upcoming X100 — http://www.finepix-x100.com/