Leica M11 Review
Photography is something I’ve always enjoyed and have taken photos since I can remember. For context, I’ve for years owned a multitude of cameras from point and shoot to DSLRs. Having used a variety of systems, sizes and lenses and shooting a wide variety of subjects, I’ve really honed my skill on specific areas as well as taught me what I enjoy shooting.
One thing I always secretly disliked about DSLRs were the size and weight, not only of the camera bodies but of the lenses. Also wherever you’d go, it’d be mistaken for a “professional camera” which drew a lot of attention to it. I’ve always wanted to own and use a Leica M but it’s always been a luxury.
After falling in love with Leica and having sold all of my gear and purchased the Leica Q2 2 years ago, I thought it’s finally time to pull the trigger on the Leica M11. The M11 is Leica’s latest digital rangefinder and has been out almost a year now.
The Leica M11 has a 60 megapixel full frame sensor, USB-C for file transfer or charging better battery life as well as internal storage and is a big step up on the M10 series. Additionally there’s no longer a bottom plate. There’s the black paint finish M11 and the silver finish which is heavier due to the brass top plate.
A big plus is it’s easy to charge on the go but also that 64GB internal storage if you forget your SD Card, which let’s admit we’ve all done. The Leica M11 image sensor is also used for light metering rather than measuring off the shutter which provides a more balance image and combined with the increased battery capacity of 64% larger capacity, you’ll be shooting for a lot longer.
Something we need to get out of the way here if you don’t know by now, unlike the Q2, the Leica M11 is manual focus but it’s a camera that demands your attention, a change of workflow and if you’re willing to learn, up your photography game, it will reward you. You have to manual focus by using the rangefinder system. The advantage of manual focus is smaller lenses and a more compact system overall. The upside is once you get it, you’ll nail focus unlike relying on auto-focus which in some instances can focus on the wrong thing or back or front focus. It’s a bit of a learning curve but know it and you’ll be quick.
A rangefinder camera is all about measuring the distance to your subject and locking in focus your subject once your aperture and shutter speed are dialed in. If you want to know more about rangefinders and how the focusing works, check this out. A big upside that sets a rangefinder apart from a DSLR is that you’re seeing the world around you in the viewfinder and it’s easier to frame things up.
So down to real world usage, once you’ve got focusing nailed, it’s a really tactile experience and the live view has focus peaking too for when you need to use live view to focus and capture your photos. It’s a different experience yes but a rewarding one. The sensor is unmatched and in the top 5 rated sensors in terms of quality and output today in all cameras.
The function buttons make it really easy to personalise the Leica M11 to your tastes and just makes the workflow that much smoother. While on the topic and not specific to the M11 but I really do love Leica's Menu system, it's easy to use, simple and cleanly laid out in a logical format.
The cost, it’s pricey but there are options and know this is as investment so I’d really say go into your Leica or Camera store and try one and be comfortable and know the choice you’re making. That said, it’s a well built camera that’s not plastic and it’s durable with focus on quality, craftmanship and something that’s really well put together. Combine it with good glass and you’re really set. All that’s left is to create amazing images. Also Leica gear does hold value to a degree and doesn’t drop off the curve as much as other camera manufacturers.
Keeping in mind end of the day it’s a tool and how you use that tool but the Leica M11 is a sharp, crisp, well made tool that if used correctly can really produce high quality, superb images.
So what are the downsides, for me, personally, I’d love to see IBIS in an M11, which is in body image stablisation. My hands are not the most steady and that 60 megapixel sensor picks up everything. Of course when you resize and post online, most won’t see it but at 100% the camera will expose you, excuse the pun. That said, I do overcome it with shooting at faster shutter speeds but it’s about technique in my opinion.
Other things to note though is that the Leica M11 doesn’t do video, doesn’t have an EVF and as I mentioned above, no auto-focus. It’s made for photos.
All of that said, there’s a huge supportive community of people ready to help and if you want help or want to do research, feel free to get in touch.
After having used the Leica M11 thoroughly and taking it out, I have to say it’s a rewarding camera and makes you want to use it more. I’ll definitely be reporting back on the Leica M11 after 6 months with a detailed review, photos and what it’s like to own more long term but for now I genuinely love it.