Leica's steel grey M9 — cosmetic variant of the first full-frame CCD M rangefinder.
The Leica M9 (Steel Grey) is the steel grey finish variant of the Leica M9 full-frame digital rangefinder, released approximately 2009. The M9 was the world's first full-frame digital compact interchangeable-lens camera. CCD sensor. Critical: subject to CCD sensor corrosion issue — verify before purchase. Leica M mount.
18MP full-frame CCD sensor. Leica M bayonet mount. Optical rangefinder. 2.5-inch LCD. No Live View. No video. Steel Grey finish. At approximately 585g. Leica M mount.
The M9 enabled full-frame use of all Leica M lenses at their designed angle of view — a first in digital M photography. The CCD sensor delivers smooth tonal gradation and vivid colour saturation. Critical known issue: M9 CCD sensors suffered corrosion in some units; Leica offered a free sensor replacement programme — verify inspection or replacement history before purchasing.
On the used market the Leica M9 (Steel Grey) is a classic full-frame digital rangefinder. Condition checks: CCD sensor corrosion (critical — check repair history), rangefinder patch and viewfinder condition, shutter count, battery health (BP-SCL1). Leica M mount — all M-mount lenses compatible.