From the past: Leica M9 review

[The following is a review I was commissioned to write for HotShoe magazine back in late 2009 when the Leica M9 had just been released. I've republished it here, with thanks to Leica UK for the loan of the M9.] Hot Gear Review Leica M9 Photography has taken a nostalgic twist as Leica has announced the first full-frame digital model, the Leica M9. However, the switch to digital from the all-electronic M7 film model wasn’t seamless or without detractors. As well as a few minor shortcomings, the APS-H format, 10-megapixel M8 rangefinder was widely criticised for its sensitivity to UV light, producing ruddy skin tones and purple tints to black synthetics. A year or two later, the M8.2 was a minor upgrade yet a more accomplished offering in many respects. The same detractors cited the unchanged sensor sensitivity issues, a result of using a thin hot filter in front of the sensor, but borne, ironically, of the maker’s determination to deliver the familiar drawing style of Lei