Leica M9 vs Samsung NX100: A Tale of Two Rangefinder-Style Mirrorless Cameras

There's something intriguing about pitting cameras from very different camps against each other - especially when the M9 and NX100 are involved. One hails from the hallowed halls of Leica’s storied craftsmanship, the other emerges with a price tag that’s downright friendly for hobbyists, both launched roughly a year apart but positioned worlds apart. To fellow photography enthusiasts and pros on the hunt for that next investment, this comparison aims to cut through marketing babble and deliver insights drawn from hands-on experience, practical testing, and a sprinkle of seasoned skepticism.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

Size, Feel, and Ergonomics: Handling Beauty and Practicality

When you pick up a Leica M9, you feel its heritage. It’s a proper rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with a robust metal chassis that whispers “precision” in your hand. Coming in at 139×80×37 mm and weighing 585g, the M9 presses heavy enough to reassure but remains compact for a full-frame camera. Compare that to Samsung’s NX100, which is noticeably smaller and lighter at 120×71×35 mm and 282g - tipping the scales at less than half the M9’s weight.

This size and heft difference translates into distinct shooting experiences. The M9’s control dials and apertures have that mechanical satisfying tactile click, catering well to manual photographers who crave that hands-on control. Its rangefinder-style viewfinder (0.68x magnification) requires some learning curve but rewards with a certain classic charm. The NX100, while also rangefinder-esque in look, leans into a modern approach with more electronics underpinning its functionality.

From an ergonomics perspective, I found the M9’s fixed 2.5-inch TFT LCD screen (230K resolution) to be somewhat cramped nowadays. The NX100’s 3-inch AMOLED screen with 614K resolution feels brighter and more responsive for reviewing shots - though neither has touchscreen capabilities.

Look up from the grip though and you'll notice the difference in control layout - a more minimalist Leica vs a slightly busier Samsung.

If you’re all about tactile controls and metal craftsmanship, the M9 wins the feel department hands down. For a nimble street shooter or travel camera, the lighter NX100 might just invite more candid frames.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD vs CMOS in Full Frame and APS-C Wars

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and here we have an intriguing old-meets-new comparison. Leica M9 packs a full-frame (36x24mm) CCD sensor boasting 18 MP resolution, while the Samsung NX100 wields a smaller APS-C CMOS sensor, 15 MP in count, with a 1.5x crop factor.

Leica’s CCD sensor is a rarity today, prized for its ability to deliver unique tonality and color rendition, especially skin tones, that many photographers swear by. It achieves excellent color depth (22.5 bits) and dynamic range (11.7 EV), making it excellent for portraits and landscapes where subtle gradations matter. DxO Mark rated the M9’s image quality at an overall score of 69 - respectable by any standard, especially considering its age.

The tradeoff: CCD sensors tend to lag in high ISO and burst performance compared to CMOS. That shows in the M9’s max native ISO of 2500, with mediocre low light sensitivity (score of 884 on DxO’s scale).

The NX100, with its CMOS sensor, brings more conventional advantages of faster readout and better noise management. It maxes out at ISO 6400, though practically noise creeps in earlier. Its dynamic range tallies at 10.7 EV and slightly surpasses the M9 in color depth with 22.6 bits - a nuance unlikely to matter outside lab tests, but still a curiosity. The overall DxO score is 62, which illustrates it's no slouch.

What about resolution? The Leica delivers 5212x3472 maximum image size, and the NX100 offers 4592x3056. For printing large or cropping aggressively, those extra pixels and full-frame reach can be invaluable.

In real-world terms, the Leica’s CCD sensor conveys images with a timeless quality - you feel there's more “soul” in the files. The NX100’s CMOS sensor looks cleaner, especially in tricky low-light scenarios, but sometimes at the cost of the character that Leica aficionados cherish.

Viewfinder and LCD: The Eyes Through Which We Compose

The M9 is a pure rangefinder - no electronic viewfinder to speak of, just a bright optical viewfinder. That means no real-time exposure or focus previews, which can drive digital shooters nuts but beckons manual-focus purists. Contrast that with the NX100’s optional electronic viewfinder (sold separately) and built-in live view on the AMOLED screen.

The M9’s fixed, non-touch TFT screen feels “retro” and limited in utility - more suited for quick playback or menu navigation than for composing or focusing. The NX100’s larger, richer AMOLED screen provides a compelling live view experience, vital for newer shooters or in challenging light. Of course, the lack of touchscreen on either is mild frustration these days.

Leica’s interface is minimalist, making it intuitive once you acclimate but frustrating for quick menu dives. Samsung packs in more exposure modes, autofocus options, and bracketing tools that appeal to versatile shooting styles.

Autofocus Systems: Manual vs Hybrid Contrast-Detection

Here’s a clear philosophical divide: the Leica M9 relies exclusively on manual focus - true to rangefinder tradition, with no autofocus whatsoever. For some, this is a spiritual experience; for others, it’s a limiting factor unless you primarily shoot deliberate, composed images. Shooting wide apertures and relying on zone focusing is a skill, not a feature.

The Samsung NX100 offers a contrast-detection autofocus system with 15 focus points, face detection, and AF multi-area capabilities. While it lacks phase detection (which would allow for faster continuous AF), it still manages decent speed and accuracy, especially in good light. Continuous AF and single AF modes expand creative possibilities.

If you’re photographing fast-moving subjects - wildlife, sports, or street hustle - M9’s manual focus approach feels archaic, making the NX100’s autofocus a practical winner.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Mechanics: Speed vs Mechanical Soul

Leica claims a respectable 2 fps continuous shooting with the M9, thanks to mechanical shutter constraints and no electronic shutter option. The max shutter speed tops out at 1/4000 sec.

The NX100 edges ahead with 3 fps burst and the same max shutter speed, plus added shutter priority mode, which Leica lacks. The Samsung’s electronic shutter smooths operation and can reduce shutter shock, important for quiet shooting spots.

For sports or wildlife photography, these speeds are low overall but the NX100’s autofocus and frame rate combo likely deliver more keepers.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Worlds Apart but Each Strong in Their Territory

The Leica M9 sports the iconic Leica M mount, compatible with a distinguished lineup of 59 manual-focus lenses - many with legendary glass quality, solid build, and character. These lenses are prized for their rendering, bokeh, and microcontrast. The downside? Price and autofocus absence.

Samsung NX mount, meanwhile, has about 32 native lenses, including autofocus zooms and primes. These are generally more consumer-focused, lighter, and cheaper to acquire but may lack the artisanal magic of Leica glass.

In my hands, Leica glass paired with the M9 delivers breathtaking portraits and landscapes with effortless subject separation. The NX100’s lenses, especially primes, provide versatile performance for everyday shooting and travel but can’t quite match fine Leica optics or build.

Build Quality and Durability: Metal Craftsmanship vs Plasticky Economy

Leica’s build quality is famously impeccable: all-metal body, tight seals (though no weather sealing officially), and a robust feel that promises decades of use if cared for. The M9, while not weatherproof, feels rugged.

Samsung’s NX100 leans on lighter polycarbonate materials with a matte finish. The lack of sealing or ruggedization means treating it delicately - certainly not for harsh environment duty.

If you’re a working pro or serious enthusiast who values longevity and tactile excellence, Leica’s investment pays off here.

Battery Life and Storage: Who Will Last Longer on the Road?

Battery life on these older models isn’t stellar by today’s standards, but the NX100’s 420 shots per charge exceed the M9’s 350 by a fair margin - helpful if you’re out shooting all day without spare batteries.

Both accept common SD/SDHC cards in a single slot and lack dual card slots for backup - a nod to their era and target users.

Connectivity and Video: Modest Specs Meet Weighty Expectations

Neither camera offers wireless features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - a given given their release dates.

Samsung edges ahead with optional GPS accessories and HDMI output, making it somewhat more multimedia-friendly. Video-wise, the NX100 can record 720p HD video at 30fps using H.264 compression, while the Leica M9 is a photo-only device with absolutely no video capabilities.

For those valuing video versatility - even at modest resolution and framerate - the NX100 is the clear winner.

How Do These Cameras Perform for Different Photography Genres?

Let’s drill down by discipline to see who shines.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Leica M9’s CCD sensor and legendary M-mount optics produce extraordinarily natural skin tones with creamy, characterful bokeh. The manual focus approach encourages deliberate composition, perfect for intimate, posed portraits where control matters.

The NX100 can do portraits too, with face detection autofocus aiding subject sharpness. Its crop sensor and lenses tend toward crisper but less “film-like” output. Bokeh is passable but less unique.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Weather Resistance

The M9’s full-frame sensor offers better pixel-level detail, wider dynamic range (11.7 EV), and sublime tonal gradations - valuable for dramatic skies and subtle shadow details. However, absence of weather sealing and fixed mechanical controls limit some outdoor adventuring.

NX100’s dynamic range and resolution suffice for casual landscapes, with the benefit of lighter weight ideal for hiking. Nonetheless, the crop sensor demands wider lenses for equivalent perspectives.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rates

The NX100’s autofocus system and 3 fps burst, while modest, provide better chances of capturing action. M9’s manual focus and 2 fps bursts are decidedly unsuitable for fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Leica fans praise M9’s quiet leaf shutter and rangefinder optics that avoid flaring for street candid shots. Its size is manageable but heavier.

NX100, with a quieter operation and lighter body, scores on portability and live view that supports spontaneous shooting. Still, the lack of an integrated EVF may complicate bright sunny scenarios.

Macro Photography: Precision Focusing and Stabilization

Neither camera boasts specialized macro features or in-body stabilization. NX100 includes image stabilization at the lens level; M9 offers none.

Manual focusing on M9 makes precision macro tricky but doable with experience. The NX100’s autofocus helps here, but lens selection limits.

Night and Astro Photography

M9’s limited ISO range (max 2500) and CCD sensor hampers low-light performance. NX100’s higher native ISO (up to 6400) and more modern sensor give it an advantage.

Neither supports long exposure time-lapses or astro-specific modes.

Video Capabilities

NX100 offers 720p video at 30 fps, decent but dated specs. M9 offers none.

Travel Photography

NX100’s lighter weight, longer battery life, live view, wider lenses, and video capabilities make it more versatile for travel photographers lacking deep pockets.

M9 is an elegant companion for those who prioritize imaging quality and don’t mind lugging heavier gear and dealing with manual focusing.

Professional Workflows

Leica M9 files, saved as large RAWs with exquisite tonal gradation, integrate well into high-end post production. Robust manual control and legendary optics appeal to serious pros valuing ultimate image quality.

Samsung’s workflow is more casual, suited for hobbyists or entry-level professionals.

Putting It All Together: Overall Performance and Ratings

Here’s the cold hard data from my testing and DxO and third-party benchmarks combined:

And by genre, here’s more nuanced scoring:

Sample Image Gallery: A Visual Comparison

Enough talk - let the pixels do the talking.

Leica M9 front Leica M9 screen back Samsung NX100 screen back

Observe the M9’s richer tonality in portraits, smoother out-of-focus backgrounds, and finer shadow detail. NX100 images are clean and sharp with punchy colors but feel more digital and less atmospheric.

Verdict: Which Camera Suits You Best?

• Choose the Leica M9 if:

  • You’re a photographic purist or rangefinder enthusiast who loves manual focusing rituals.
  • Image quality and build craftsmanship trump everything else in your budget universe.
  • You shoot primarily portraits, landscapes, or fine art with deliberate pacing.
  • You want a camera whose files carry a certain “soul” that digital CMOS can’t quite replicate.
  • You can invest in expensive M-mount glass and don’t mind the learning curve.

• Choose the Samsung NX100 if:

  • You want an affordable, compact, mirrorless camera that balances image quality and versatility.
  • You require autofocus, video recording, and a richer set of modern features like exposure bracketing.
  • You shoot casual landscapes, street, or travel photos where portability and ease matter.
  • You prefer a camera that gets out of your way with live view and more flexible shooting modes.
  • You are comfortable with a crop sensor and don’t need full frame.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Through Time, Tech, and Taste

Comparing the Leica M9 to the Samsung NX100 feels a bit like comparing fine wine to a quality craft beer. Both bring enjoyment but cater to different sensibilities.

The M9 is a tactile, deliberate tool that demands patience and skill but rewards you with images that speak quietly of craft and lineage.

The NX100 democratizes mirrorless shooting with sensible tech and eye-friendly handling, perfect for modern photographers who want convenience, speed, and solid image quality without breaking the bank.

No matter which you choose, know that you’re holding a piece of mirrorless history - each with strengths forged by its era and audience.

So, next time you find yourself on the fence between vintage ‘soul’ and modern ‘speed,’ hopefully this side-by-side has helped make the choice a little clearer. Happy shooting!

Article by a camera geek who’s tested thousands of cameras, lenses, and sensor technologies to bring you honest, practical insights. No tech buzzwords harmed in the making.