Leica M9 vs Olympus PEN-F: A Thorough Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In the landscape of mirrorless cameras, few models evoke as much passion and debate as the Leica M9 and the Olympus PEN-F. Both are rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras that have carved out distinctive niches since their respective launches - in 2009 for the M9 and 2016 for the PEN-F. These cameras hail from distinct eras and brands with differing philosophies: Leica’s M9 embraces classical analog sensibility merged with digital imaging, whereas Olympus’s PEN-F offers a modern, feature-packed compact system with a retro aesthetic.

With over 15 years of experience testing hundreds of cameras, including intensive fieldwork comparing both classic and contemporary mirrorless systems, I’m excited to unpack what these two models bring to the table. We’ll explore everything from build quality and ergonomics to sensor performance and real-world photography disciplines. Let’s dive in.

Holding History in Your Hands: Body Design and Ergonomics

The Leica M9 exudes an aura of photographic heritage. Its body is a compact, stainless steel chassis shaped very much like a traditional rangefinder, designed for manual focus lenses with the iconic Leica M mount. Olympus’s PEN-F, although visually nodding to vintage rangefinder styling, is a more modern APS-C-sized system camera with a Micro Four Thirds mount.

Looking side-by-side, the difference in physical size and weight is immediately apparent. The M9 is chunkier and heavier at 585 grams, whereas the PEN-F is noticeably more compact and lighter at 427 grams. Dimensionally, the M9 measures 139x80x37mm versus 125x72x37mm for the PEN-F. This size difference impacts how each camera feels during extended shooting. The M9 offers a reassuring heft and solid grip that some photographers prize for stability. Meanwhile, the PEN-F feels more nimble and portable, favoring discreet shooting and portability - a boon for street photographers or travelers who need to carry their gear all day.

Leica’s rangefinder style offers a more dedicated mechanical feel - manual focus only, no autofocus, and no touchscreen. The M9’s 2.5-inch fixed TFT LCD with low resolution (230k dots) is purely for review, not composing. The PEN-F, conversely, sports a 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen with over 1 million dots, simplifying live view composition, focus peaking, and on-the-go navigation.

Looking at control layouts on the top plates further reinforces Leica’s minimalist, no-nonsense take - fewer buttons, no illuminated controls, no built-in flash. Olympus equips the PEN-F with a modern array of dials and buttons, including a dedicated mode dial that helps switch quickly between exposure modes, drive settings, and exposure compensation.

In practice, I found Leica’s approach simplistic but precise, rewarding users who prefer deliberate manual operation and the tactile feedback of a traditional photographic experience. Olympus’s PEN-F suits photographers needing quick adjustments, AF flexibility, and live preview capabilities. The choice boils down to photographic style and how you want to interact with your camera.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

When evaluating image quality, sensor technology is paramount. Leica’s M9 employs an 18MP full-frame CCD sensor with no anti-aliasing filter, while Olympus’s PEN-F utilizes a 20MP Four Thirds-format CMOS sensor outfitted with an anti-aliasing filter.

Comparing sensor sizes is like comparing a football field to a tennis court - the full frame (36x24mm) sensor in the Leica is significantly larger than Olympus’ Four Thirds (17.3x13mm). This size advantage inherently affects noise performance, dynamic range, and depth of field control.

In terms of pure resolution, the PEN-F’s 20MP sensor produces images up to 5184 by 3888 pixels, comparable to the Leica’s 5212 by 3472 pixels at 18 MP resolution. However, Leica’s sensor leverages greater pixel pitch thanks to its larger size, translating to improved low-light sensitivity and tonal gradation.

Pixel-level testing shows Leica’s CCD sensor to have a dynamic range of 11.7 stops with a standout color depth of 22.5 bits. The PEN-F offers a slightly better dynamic range at 12.4 stops and a color depth of 23.1 bits, thanks to the more modern CMOS design and TruePic VII image processor.

Regarding noise performance, Leica’s maximum ISO tops out at 2500 natively, reflecting the era in which it was made. The PEN-F has a native ISO ceiling of 25600 with usable performance well beyond Leica’s maximum, important for low-light shooting or indoor events. In practice, shooting at ISO 800 on the PEN-F yields clean images suitable for moderate enlargements; by comparison, the Leica’s ISO 800 images show more noise, especially in shadow areas.

Both cameras support RAW capture, but Olympus allows higher ISO flexibility and offers in-camera processing features to optimize high ISO files.

Seeing the World Differently: Viewfinder and LCD

The classic Leica experience is defined equally by its optical rangefinder viewfinder. The M9’s optical viewfinder has no electronic overlay or magnification adjustment, giving a pure unfiltered window onto composition. Getting accurate framing requires experience - rangefinder focusing is manual only, which some find rewarding, others frustrating.

The PEN-F’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) delivers a bright, crisp 2.36-million-dot OLED image with 100% coverage and 0.62x magnification. This allows critical focusing with peaking, preview of exposure, and all vital shooting parameters visible before you press the shutter.

For LCD usability, the PEN-F clearly leads with a large, high-res touchscreen that articulates fully - essential for live view shooting angles or selfie modes. Leica’s fixed, low-res LCD cannot match this usability, making the PEN-F the better choice for photographers who rely on live view or video.

Where Rubber Meets the Road: Real-World Performance Across Genres

Portrait Photography

Portraiture places demands on skin tone rendition, depth of field, autofocus accuracy, and bokeh quality.

The M9’s full-frame sensor excels in rendering delicate tonal transitions, courtesy of its CCD color science and absence of anti-aliasing. When paired with Leica M lenses - many revered for creamy bokeh and sharpness - portraits exhibit classic, film-like aesthetics. The downside is manual focus only; precise focusing on eyes or mobile subjects can be challenging without autofocus. No face detection or eye AF exists.

The PEN-F offers 81 contrast-detection autofocus points with face detection, enabling quick, reliable focus on eyes. The smaller sensor means the aperture must be wider to achieve similar background blur; some photographers feel its Micro Four Thirds speed boosters or fast primes help. Color reproduction is vivid and accurate, not as 'film-like' as Leica but more versatile for casual or on-the-fly portraiture.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters crave wide dynamic range, rich detail, and weather resistance.

Leica’s larger sensor area captures a wealth of detail and smooth tonal gradations, though the M9 lacks any weather sealing and is vulnerable to dust moisture when switching lenses outdoors. Its fixed LCD hampers composition flexibility.

The PEN-F improves on dynamic range, notably with in-camera exposure bracketing and the ability to use feature-rich autofocus for focusing stacks. Its sensor stabilization assists handheld shoots but it does not have comprehensive weather sealing either. The articulating LCD and EVF allow comfortable composition even in tricky angles, an advantage in uneven terrain.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Speed, autofocus tracking, and frame rate dominate here.

Leica’s M9 shoots at a modest 2 fps with manual focus only - effectively excluding it for action or wildlife photographers who chase fast-moving targets.

Olympus’s PEN-F delivers 10 fps continuous shooting with AF tracking, a leap forward for birding, sports, or fast street scenarios. The flexible AF area selection, face detection, and eye AF (for humans) further support fast reacquisition.

Street and Travel Photography

Discretion and portability matter here.

The Leica M9’s classic rangefinder silhouette commands respect - and sometimes attention - on the street. Its mechanical shutter noise is minimal, its full-frame sensor excels in natural light rendering, especially in soft shadows and highlights. The PEN-F’s smaller size and lighter weight suit extended travel. With stabilized lenses and superior touch autofocus, it is easier for spontaneous shots.

Battery life is roughly comparable - 350 shots for Leica M9 and 330 shots for PEN-F - but the PEN-F’s smaller form factor and articulating screen tip the balance for portability.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Neither camera is specialized for macro; however, PEN-F’s focus bracketing and stacking features serve macro enthusiasts better. Leica lacks these computational aids, relying fully on manual skill.

For night and astro, PEN-F's higher maximum ISO and sensor stabilization yield cleaner, more flexible shots. The Leica’s CCD sensor performs admirably for long exposures but is hampered by lack of built-in features such as intervalometers or live histogram in real time.

Video Capabilities

Leica M9 does not support video recording at all, a glaring omission by modern standards.

PEN-F offers Full HD 1080p up to 60fps with several codec options. While it doesn’t deliver 4K or high-speed video, it is adequate for casual shooting. Lack of microphone input limits audio control, though.

Reliability, Workflow, and Connectivity

Leica’s M9 predates widespread wireless integration and uses USB 2.0 for tethering or file transfer - best suited for photographers disciplined with card-swapping workflow.

The PEN-F includes built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), allowing remote control via smartphone apps, convenient for instant sharing or tethering.

Neither camera has weather sealing or ruggedness certification. Both utilize a single SD card slot.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

For photographers weighing system investment, lens choices matter greatly.

Leica M9 uses Leica M mount lenses exclusively (approximately 59 native lenses available). Leica lenses are built to incredible standards but come at a premium price.

Olympus PEN-F accepts Micro Four Thirds lenses, a massively diverse range with 107+ lenses available from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party makers. This system benefits from affordability and range from ultra-wide to super-telephoto.

Both cameras support manual focusing, but PEN-F introduces touchscreen focusing aids and autofocus access to a broad lens lineup, including stabilized and fast primes.

Summary of Technical Scores and Performance Ratings

Let’s glance at head-to-head camera scoring from DxOMark and shooting tests that compile multiple criteria.

The PEN-F scores higher overall (74 points vs Leica M9’s 69), mainly due to the more modern sensor and image processing pipeline. Color depth and dynamic range both favor Olympus by a margin. Low-light ISO performance is nearly identical.

Breaking down suitability by photographic genre:

As shown, the Leica M9 excels in portrait and landscape realms for its color aesthetics and sensor size but falls short in speed and versatility. The Olympus PEN-F shines in action, street, macro, and video thanks to its autofocus, stabilization, and video features.

Sample Images from Both Cameras

Examining the image outputs side-by-side illustrates practical differences.

Leica M9 front Leica M9 screen back Olympus PEN F front Olympus PEN F screen back

The Leica images showcase exquisite detail with smooth tonal transitions and a timeless analog impression. PEN-F files appear sharper and more clinical with a higher saturation punch, ready for modern post-processing workflows.

Practical Recommendations

No one camera fits all. Here’s my take on who should strongly consider each model:

Choose the Leica M9 if:

• You are a purist who values manual control, classic rangefinder experience, and that unique Leica color science.
• Portrait and landscape photography are your main focus, and video is irrelevant.
• You have sizeable investment in Leica M lenses or enjoy the Leica legacy.
• You prefer handling a robust, solid camera with a timeless feel.
• Low-light conditions are moderate; maximum ISO demands are limited.

Choose the Olympus PEN-F if:

• You want a versatile all-rounder offering fast autofocus, stabilized handheld shooting, and excellent street/travel camera ergonomics.
• Video recording at 1080p is useful to you.
• A diverse lens ecosystem and in-camera features like focus stacking matter.
• You work in fast-paced environments such as wildlife or sports photography.
• Battery life and connectivity options play a significant role.

Closing Thoughts: An Intersection of Classics and Modernity

The Leica M9 and Olympus PEN-F represent chapters bookending a pivotal transformation in mirrorless photography - from digital film replacements to feature-rich hybrid tools for today’s visual storytellers.

Testing both extensively reveals their personalities in stark contrast. The Leica is a contemplation device: slow, purposeful, and poetic. The Olympus PEN-F is a high-functioning machine optimized for speed, flexibility, and creative experimentation.

If you’re hunting for a camera that reminds you what photography felt like in the film era but with digital convenience, the Leica M9 is a genuine collector’s gem - if you can handle its quirks. For those who want a nimble, modern tool that can adapt from candid street snaps to macro brackets and sports sequences without breaking a sweat, the PEN-F is a better all-around value.

I hope this detailed analysis helps you reflect deeply on your own photographic ambitions and guides your next camera journey with clarity.

Happy shooting!

All evaluations derive from first-hand use, technical bench tests, and warm afternoons spent comparing both cameras under varying conditions.