Specifications

LEICA
R9
The Viewfinder
The bright and contrasty viewfinder image
showcases the imaging quality of Leica R
lenses with full brilliance, while it provides
all the relevant information at a glance:
◆ A single LCD line below the viewfinder
image provides a clear, unobtrusive
overview of, among other things and
depending on the operating mode: expo-
sure number, operating mode, metering
method, light balance with manual expo-
sure setting, flash readiness as well as the
aperture-and-shutter-speed combination,
etc. With zoom lenses that have a focal-
length-dependent aperture range, the actu-
al aperture is shown in the viewfinder dis-
play in steps within the respective aperture
range.
◆ The high-eyepoint viewfinder itself offers
an absolutely brilliant and contrasty image.
Even under unfavorable light conditions, it
provides a bright, dimensional image of
every subject and all its nuances, exactly as
you see it. And it does so all the way into
the corners of the focusing screen – with-
out your having to press your eye to the
eyecup. For convenience, the eyecup can be
locked in place, so it doesn’t get lost.
◆ For time exposures an integrated shutter
prevents light from reaching the film
through the eyepiece.
◆ Diopter compensation range from ±2 in
half steps, enables photographers to focus
and expose with or without their glasses.
◆ The R9 is equipped with an interchange-
able universal focusing screen (ground
glass screen with microprism ring and
wedge). Four additional focusing screens
are optionally available: uniform ground
glass screen, microprism focusing screen,
uniform ground glass screen with grid
divisions, clear glass screen with cross lines.
LCD Back Display—Welcome to the Information Center
Even when your eye is not at the viewfinder, you can
easily survey all the parameters. The R9 features an
illuminated LCD display on the back cover of the
camera for added convenience. In addition to certain
parameters that are also shown in the viewfinder, it
provides information about film speed, self-timer
operation and battery condition. When the camera is
switched on, the LCD shows, among other parame-
ters, the exposure counter, including multiple exposures, battery condition (in two steps), expo-
sure corrections, flash readiness and the exposure deviation in the F mode. Beyond that, the dis-
play shows the elapsed seconds during time exposures.
◆ Exposures in the multi-pattern metering mode can not only be controlled by means of the
exposure compensation switch and the ISO keys via the back cover display, they can also be
adjusted individually. If you wish, the exposure level can be modified to suit your preference
and programmed permanently in steps of one tenth of an f-stop (max. ±0.7 stop) in the
multi-pattern metering mode and in accordance with the type of film being used.
◆ Film speed can be read on the back cover LCD display. Thanks to DX coding, you can begin to
take pictures immediately after loading the film without risking exposure errors. Manual
changes of the ISO setting can be done to satisfy individual preferences: for more intense color
saturation in the case of slide films for instance, or for push-processing. The film speed read
from the DX coding is shown permanently in the display.
◆ The self-timer can be set for two shutter release delays : 2-sec. and 12-sec. The time remaining
before the shutter is released is shown on the back cover display in the form of a countdown.
A red LED on the front of the camera blinks while the self-timer is activated.
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Exposure Control—Designed to Master any Situation
Equipped with an extremely sensitive metering system with three specific exposure metering
modes, the R9 makes it easy for you to react to the most diverse lighting situations. Whether you
opt for an intelligent, fully automatic determination of a balanced exposure or whether you wish
to control this process yourself – the R9 provides you with a free choice.
◆ Multiple-pattern metering automatically analyzes the prevailing light and derives an optimal
exposure from the results. The brightness values of six different sections are measured and
stored separately. The values are then assigned to preprogrammed subject types that are cou-
pled with prescribed control instructions. The individual sections are then weighted and coor-
dinated with the full subject area. The result: exposures that are always well balanced, even in
extreme contrast situations, above- and below average brightness conditions or unusually
positioned main subjects. And since different films require tailored exposure settings (short
exposures for transparencies, long exposures for negatives), the exposure level of the multiple
pattern exposure metering mode can be adjusted in 1/10s of a step to suit individual wishes.
◆ Selective metering with the R9 is the first choice for all those photographs that pose a genuine
challenge: back-lit situations or subjects with ex
treme contrasts. Selective metering covers a
narrowly limited subject area. The exposure va
lue determined by this precise metering method
can be stored by gently pressing the shutter release button to the first pressure point and hold-
ing it there until you have found your optimal composition. Shutter speed or aperture settings
can still be changed, because the camera will automatically compensate the second setting to
maintain the metered exposure value.
◆ Integral metering is suitable primarily for balanced light situations. In this mode, the entire
subject is center-weighted and metered – an
optimal solution for subjects that are centered
anyway. Integral metering is of practically
universal application, you retain control of the
exposure. That is why it is particularly appropriate for specific overrides : over- or underexpo-
sures by means of ± corrections. The override switch can be activated safely even while the eye
is at the viewfinder.