The Leica M9.

Well, it came out on 9.9.09. So kill me. If you don’t know about this camera, well, then… you don’t know about this camera, but you should. Not only is it the first full-frame digital viewfinder ever released, it is also the smallest full-frame digital camera ever released as well. Its 24 x 36, 18MP sensor makes this a rather revolutionary camera by a company whose reputation far proceeds them. The M9 features a new steel-grey finish along with some minor button rearrangement after the M8. The lenses for this camera are interchangeable; almost any Leica lens made after 1954 will fit, which will surely draw many a Leica dedicatee to this tiny powerhouse. Side note: it will only cost you around $8,000 to pick up.

For those truly interested in the legendary German brand, there is something special for you after the jump: a sort of ‘behind the scenes’ of the making of these cameras. Leica actually takes us through the factory where the magic really does happen. Plus, some bonus images taken with the camera — don’t miss out.

*images from Leica Camera and dpreview