Cover photo by KITA
Creators who love photography share their stories with their cameras. The existence of a "beloved camera" reflects each person's life perspective and values. In this series, KITA, a user of the Leica M9, makes an appearance.
Not just a camera, but an entity that appeals to, challenges, and nurtures the photographer's senses, KITA speaks about the unique color tones produced by the Leica M9 and the shooting experience akin to a film camera. Unlike modern cameras that pursue convenience, this camera questions the essence of enjoying inconvenience while capturing, exploring the charm gained by walking with it.
Leica M9 Basic Information
Equipped with a full-frame CCD sensor (18MP), it offers classic film-like rendering. The rangefinder system allows intuitive manual focus shooting, and its compact body features a luxurious metal design. It maximizes the rendering power of Leica M-mount lenses and supports RAW shooting with excellent color reproduction.
Photo by KITA
Before Acquiring
I used the M9 even before acquiring it. To be precise, I used it many times in my dreams. It's the kind of dream where you acquire something you desire, an experience everyone has had at least once.
Photo by KITA
It took time for that dream to become reality, but now that I'm holding the tangible M9, this camera provides even more appeals to my senses as a photographer.
The Struggle of Shooting
Like other rangefinder cameras, including the Leica M series, it primarily involves manual operation. As an older model released in 2009, the M9 has limitations such as only a few continuous shots, noise increasing with sensitivity akin to film grain, and a small, coarse monitor.
Without functions to cover these, it requires the photographer to sharpen their senses, imagining the final output while shooting, which is quite challenging.
Photo by KITA
However, just like how food tastes better after a good workout, a photo taken with effort leaves a strong memory and attachment.
Feeling Like a Film Camera
As mentioned, noise increases with sensitivity, akin to film grain.
Also, lacking a live view function, the LCD is barely sufficient to confirm if the shot was captured.
Photo by KITA
These factors make it feel close to using a film camera, and the excitement of seeing clear images on a PC for the first time is unparalleled.
Photo by KITA
Becoming My Own
My M9 still retains its pristine paint, but as it wears off, the exposed brass will develop character like jeans or leather, which is something to look forward to.
Photo by KITA
In this era overflowing with convenience, I want the M9 to accompany my whimsical heart that finds joy in the inconvenient until it becomes worn out.
INFORMATION
Certified creator by cizucu
Wedding photographer at a certain company, posts old lens snaps outside of work. Leica M9, GRⅢ, α7s etc... Ibaraki⇄Tokyo, photo community server Ur administrator/cizucu certified creator
cizucu: KITA / @k2pluskita
