Fujifilm X-Pro2 vs Leica M9

Fujifilm X-Pro2 vs Leica M9: An Expert’s Journey Through Two Iconic Rangefinder-Style Mirrorless Cameras

When two cameras rooted in the rangefinder tradition come head-to-head, it’s a spirited debate born not only of specs and features but also of philosophy, style, and legacy. The Fujifilm X-Pro2 and Leica M9 are both compelling choices, especially for enthusiasts and professionals who value a tactile, measured approach to photography over rapid-fire automation.

Having spent years testing both digital and analog rangefinders, and dissecting their performance across genres - landscape, portraiture, street, and even video - I’ve found these two models represent not just different technologies, but different eras and approaches to photography. Pull up a chair and let’s crack open this camera duel, drawing on hands-on usage, deep technical understanding, and real-world usability.

Size, Shape, and that Ranged Feel: Physicality and Ergonomics Matter

Handling a camera isn’t just about how it looks on paper; it’s about the feel - how it fits your hand, how naturally controls fall under your fingers, and how portable it is over hours (or days) of shooting.

The Fujifilm X-Pro2, announced in early 2016, updates the original X-Pro1 with a slightly chunkier body but retains the classic rangefinder-style mirrorless design, combining a hybrid electronic and optical viewfinder for visual flexibility. By contrast, the Leica M9, introduced back in 2009, sticks to a traditional optical rangefinder with no electronic overlay and offers a more minimalist user interface.

Dimensionally, the X-Pro2 measures 141mm by 83mm by 56mm, weighing around 495 grams. The Leica M9 is notably slimmer and a bit heavier at 139mm by 80mm by 37mm and 585 grams. The M9’s shallower profile is alluringly discreet but sacrifices some grip comfort, especially with larger lenses. The X-Pro2’s more robust body includes a grip extension, suiting longer shoots.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the Fujifilm’s top plate boasts dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, encouraging manual control, while the Leica’s minimalist controls - a hallmark of its design - favor a focused, deliberate shooting style with fewer distractions.

If extended handling comfort and intuitive manual dials matter to you, the Fujifilm pulls ahead here without sacrificing the tactile charisma that draw aficionados to rangefinders in the first place.

Peeking Through the Window: Viewfinders and Screens Explored

Viewfinders often define the shooting experience more than any spec sheet figure. The X-Pro2’s hybrid electronic and optical viewfinder is a game-changer, offering photographers the best of both worlds: optical clarity and frameline accuracy with electronic overlays showing focus peaking, histograms, and exposure previews.

In contrast, the Leica M9’s classic completely optical rangefinder is pure, direct, and free of electronic interference - ideal for those who prefer an analog compositional experience, albeit at the cost of not seeing real-time exposure adjustments.

The rear LCD is a tale of technical progress over time. The X-Pro2’s fixed 3-inch, 1.62 million-dot screen is crisp and adequately bright for outdoor use but lacks touchscreen capabilities - a minor letdown in an era trending toward tactile displays. The Leica’s 2.5-inch, low-res 230k-dot screen is effectively antiquated and only useful for image review rather than composing.

In practice, using the X-Pro2’s electronic viewfinder to preview exposure and focus highlights accelerates workflow dramatically, especially in dynamic scenes or dim environments. With the Leica M9, you rely heavily on estimation and experience, which can be rewarding but frustrating when time is short.

Heart of the Matter: Sensors and Image Quality

Under the hood, these cameras couldn’t be more different. The X-Pro2 sports a 24-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor housed within Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR Processor III. The sensor size (23.6 x 15.6 mm) offers a 1.5x crop factor, balancing resolution and noise performance with a modern sensor architecture that dispenses with the traditional optical low-pass filter to enhance sharpness.

The Leica M9 boasts a full-frame 18-megapixel CCD sensor (36 x 24 mm), dating back to an earlier technology era. On paper, the larger sensor area (864 mm² vs 368 mm²) and full-frame size suggest potential for superior image quality, particularly in tonal gradations and shallow depth-of-field control.

Indeed, the CCD sensor produces a distinctive rendering - often described as organic or film-like - with rich color depth and pleasing microcontrast. However, it suffers in noise performance and dynamic range compared to the modern CMOS sensor in the X-Pro2. The X-Pro2 excels in high ISO environments, extending up to ISO 12800 (native), with boosted sensitivity reaching 51200 - a range no CCD sensor from 2009 can touch.

In practical testing, the Fujifilm’s rendering boasts excellent sharpness and vibrant yet natural colors, particularly when shooting JPEGs, thanks to Fujifilm’s acclaimed film simulation profiles. The Leica’s files demand careful post-processing to counteract noise and limited ISO flexibility but offer an arguably more “timeless” palette for those seeking a classic look.

Autofocus and Shooting Agility: Speed Counts When the Moment Flees

If you’re a wildlife or sports shooter, autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break the moment. Here, the X-Pro2 delivers quite impressively thanks to its hybrid phase and contrast detection AF system, boasting 273 focus points and reliable eye-detection autofocus - invaluable for portraits and action.

The Leica M9, lacking any autofocus system, banking entirely on manual focus, is a different beast. This reliance demands skill and patience, rewarding the user with slow, thoughtful framing over rapid capture.

The X-Pro2 supports an 8 frames-per-second burst shooting mode (mechanical shutter) and maxes out at an electronically driven 1/32000s shutter speed. The Leica’s shutter caps out at 1/4000s with a modest 2 frames per second continuous shooting rate.

In the field, for fast-moving subjects or decisive wildlife moments, the Fujifilm’s AF capabilities and shooting speed provide a clear advantage. Leica purists, though, cherish the M9 for its meditative pace and manual focusing ritual.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Longevity

The Leica M9, engineered with traditional Leica craftsmanship, sports a magnesium alloy body and brass top plate - representative of timeless build quality but lacking modern weather sealing. The camera requires more cautious handling in challenging environments.

The X-Pro2 also features a robust magnesium alloy chassis but ups the game with weather resistance against dust and moisture, a not insignificant advantage for landscape and travel photographers who shoot in variable conditions.

Neither camera is truly waterproof or shockproof, but Fujifilm’s environmental sealing suggests greater endurance with everyday field abuse.

Lens Ecosystems: Choices and Compatibilities

Both cameras enjoy vast lens selections, though their systems differ. The X-Pro2 benefits from Fujifilm’s native X-mount ecosystem with 54 lenses designed explicitly for APS-C sensors. This includes fast primes, versatile zooms, and specialty optics like macro and panorama lenses. Third-party brands have also invested heavily in Fujifilm glass in recent years, expanding choices and sometimes offering cost-effective alternatives.

Leica’s M9 calls upon the legendary Leica M-mount legacy, with over 59 lenses available - mainly prime, manual-focus favorites known for exquisite optics. Leica lenses emphasize image quality and character over versatility or fast autofocus (which is moot here). Adapters further open compatibility to other manufacturers, though sometimes with compromises.

Thus, the Fujifilm system offers more versatility and budget range, while Leica lenses embody a boutique, artisanal approach favored by connoisseurs.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Both bodies use removable battery packs with similar capacities (NP-W126 for Fujifilm, proprietary Leica battery model unspecified but comparable). The X-Pro2 and M9 both claim around 350 shots per charge, which is respectable but not marathon-level - meaning carrying spare batteries is advisable for longer shoots.

Storage-wise, the X-Pro2 boasts dual SD card slots with UHS-II support in the primary slot, great for overflow or backup - critical for professional reliability. The Leica M9 contains a single SD/SDHC card slot with modest speed.

Connectivity marks a vast leap for the Fujifilm camera with built-in Wi-Fi, enabling image transfer and remote control from smartphones - a massive productivity booster in the digital age. The Leica m9, designed before the smartphone era fully took hold, offers no wireless features, relying on USB 2.0 for file transfer and no video.

Video Capabilities: The Difference is Night and Day

If video is a factor, the X-Pro2 provides respectable 4K UHD recording at 30p and multiple Full HD options, plus microphone input - which, while basic, is still functional for casual video work or vlogging. No headphone jack disappoints but is forgivable given the camera’s primary photo focus.

The Leica M9 has no video capabilities at all, cementing its legacy as a purely photographic instrument.

Image Samples and Photo Genre Performance

No comparison article would be complete without glimpsing the results captured by these cameras.

Fujifilm X Pro2 front Fujifilm X Pro2 screen back Leica M9 front Leica M9 screen back

• Portraits: Fujifilm’s eye detection AF and 24MP detail deliver beautifully sharp skin textures and creamy bokeh with modern primes. Leica’s M9 evokes a timeless impression with softer rendering, making skin look natural but less clinical. Both can produce stunning portraiture, with Fuji edging usefulness and ease of use.

• Landscape: The Leica’s full-frame sensor provides broader dynamic range and rendition of subtle tonal gradations if exposed carefully. That said, Fujifilm’s sensor balances resolution and noise handling superbly and is paired with weather sealing - key for harsh outdoor work.

• Wildlife and Sports: The X-Pro2, with fast AF, 8fps shooting, and crop factor sensor making telephoto reach easier, performs well in action contexts. The Leica M9’s slow manual focus and limited burst rate considerably restrict such use.

• Street Photography: This is a close call. The Leica M9’s classic rangefinder design is compact and quiet, perfect for stealth shooting. The Fujifilm’s hybrid viewfinder and tactile dials enable rapid operation, but its slightly bigger size and louder shutter sound may be less discreet in some scenarios.

• Macro & Night/Astro: Neither camera excels at macro natively (lens and flash choices matter more). For night and astro, Fujifilm’s higher ISO and longer shutter capabilities paired with live view make it vastly more capable.

• Professional Uses: Fujifilm’s dual card slots, raw file quality, lens versatility, and weather sealing give it stronger professional credentials. Leica’s M9 appeals to niche professionals valuing aesthetic over speed or convenience.

How Do They Score? Cold Hard Numbers and Expert Ratings

Let’s bring it all together with a snapshot of comparative performance scores.

While no camera tells the entire story in numbers, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 fares better in autofocus, image quality at high ISO, video, and value metrics. The Leica M9 scores highly for build and uniqueness but falters on versatility and technology.

Covering genre strengths:

The Final Verdict: Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Fujifilm X-Pro2 if:

• You want a modern mirrorless hybrid rangefinder experience with eye-AF, fast shooting, and video capability.
• Your photography covers varied genres: portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and travel.
• You appreciate weather sealing and dual card slots for professional reliability.
• Budget-conscious yet seeking image quality and advanced features in one package.
• You like tactile controls but also crave electronic aids like an EVF and live histogram.

Buy the Leica M9 if:

• You’re a dedicated rangefinder purist who views photography as a contemplative, analog-rooted craft.
• You prefer manual focusing and a fully optical rangefinder view without electronic distractions.
• Your focus is on portraits and street photography where discretion and timeless image character matter.
• You cherish Leica’s mechanical build quality and legacy, accepting dated tech as part of its charm.
• Budget is less of a concern, and you seek a collector’s balanced piece of photographic history.

Closing Thoughts

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 feels like a kinetic conversation between heritage and technology - offering something for both traditionalists and modernist shooters. Meanwhile, the Leica M9 drifts calmly in a slower current, inviting the photographer to embrace patience, precision, and legacy.

In my hands, both cameras have produced images that delight in unique ways. The Fujifilm provides versatility and speed without compromising aesthetics; the Leica demands presence and rewards with character.

Ultimately, your choice depends on how you balance speed versus deliberation, modern versus classic, and tech convenience versus analog purity. Either way, you hold in your grasp a piece of rangefinder history ripe for your creative expression.

Happy shooting - and may your next frame be your best yet!