Leica M11-D Rangefinder Camera (Black)
The new Leica M11-D Camera in black finish offers seamless connectivity via Bluetooth and direct USB-C cable connection. As a certified ‘Made for iPhone and iPad’ product, it provides an exceptionally fast and easy connection to iOS devices. Furthermore, settings can be made with the Leica FOTOS app on the smartphone. This connection facilitates easy photo transfers, remote control and geotagging. The app also allows for adjustments such as the white balance and the choice between DNG and JPEG file formats. Once saved in the Leica FOTOS app, these settings are permanently adopted by the Leica M11-D, allowing you to customize the camera to meet your specific needs. Thanks to its dedicated hardware-based Leica Content Credentials technology, the new Leica M11-D helps to protect the authenticity of digital images. The technology is based on the framework described by the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and the open technical standard of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). The camera has no screen in the back, offering an analog experience while increasing the overall durability of the camera. It has no ISO dial near the top plate of the camera, ISO dial is now much more accessible on the back of the camera. The aluminum top cover and scratch is resistant finish. The camera has an iconic ‘no logo’ design on the front and engraved Leica Logo on top plate. Featuring dark chrome viewfinder, the camera has a 256 GB of internal storage and UHS-II SD card slot. It also has a 60 Megapixel Triple Resolution CMOS BSI Sensor. The 2nd Leica camera comes with dedicated hardware supporting.
The new Leica M11-D Camera in black finish offers seamless connectivity via Bluetooth and direct USB-C cable connection. As a certified ‘Made for iPhone and iPad’ product, it provides an exceptionally fast and easy connection to iOS devices. Furthermore, settings can be made with the Leica FOTOS app on the smartphone. This connection facilitates easy photo transfers, remote control and geotagging. The app also allows for adjustments such as the white balance and the choice between DNG and JPEG file formats. Once saved in the Leica FOTOS app, these settings are permanently adopted by the Leica M11-D, allowing you to customize the camera to meet your specific needs. Thanks to its dedicated hardware-based Leica Content Credentials technology, the new Leica M11-D helps to protect the authenticity of digital images. The technology is based on the framework described by the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and the open technical standard of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). The camera has no screen in the back, offering an analog experience while increasing the overall durability of the camera. It has no ISO dial near the top plate of the camera, ISO dial is now much more accessible on the back of the camera. The aluminum top cover and scratch is resistant finish. The camera has an iconic ‘no logo’ design on the front and engraved Leica Logo on top plate. Featuring dark chrome viewfinder, the camera has a 256 GB of internal storage and UHS-II SD card slot. It also has a 60 Megapixel Triple Resolution CMOS BSI Sensor. The 2nd Leica camera comes with dedicated hardware supporting.
The new Leica M11-D Camera in black finish offers seamless connectivity via Bluetooth and direct USB-C cable connection. As a certified ‘Made for iPhone and iPad’ product, it provides an exceptionally fast and easy connection to iOS devices. Furthermore, settings can be made with the Leica FOTOS app on the smartphone. This connection facilitates easy photo transfers, remote control and geotagging. The app also allows for adjustments such as the white balance and the choice between DNG and JPEG file formats. Once saved in the Leica FOTOS app, these settings are permanently adopted by the Leica M11-D, allowing you to customize the camera to meet your specific needs. Thanks to its dedicated hardware-based Leica Content Credentials technology, the new Leica M11-D helps to protect the authenticity of digital images. The technology is based on the framework described by the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and the open technical standard of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). The camera has no screen in the back, offering an analog experience while increasing the overall durability of the camera. It has no ISO dial near the top plate of the camera, ISO dial is now much more accessible on the back of the camera. The aluminum top cover and scratch is resistant finish. The camera has an iconic ‘no logo’ design on the front and engraved Leica Logo on top plate. Featuring dark chrome viewfinder, the camera has a 256 GB of internal storage and UHS-II SD card slot. It also has a 60 Megapixel Triple Resolution CMOS BSI Sensor. The 2nd Leica camera comes with dedicated hardware supporting.
The new Leica M11-D Camera in black finish offers seamless connectivity via Bluetooth and direct USB-C cable connection. As a certified ‘Made for iPhone and iPad’ product, it provides an exceptionally fast and easy connection to iOS devices. Furthermore, settings can be made with the Leica FOTOS app on the smartphone. This connection facilitates easy photo transfers, remote control and geotagging. The app also allows for adjustments such as the white balance and the choice between DNG and JPEG file formats. Once saved in the Leica FOTOS app, these settings are permanently adopted by the Leica M11-D, allowing you to customize the camera to meet your specific needs. Thanks to its dedicated hardware-based Leica Content Credentials technology, the new Leica M11-D helps to protect the authenticity of digital images. The technology is based on the framework described by the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and the open technical standard of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). The camera has no screen in the back, offering an analog experience while increasing the overall durability of the camera. It has no ISO dial near the top plate of the camera, ISO dial is now much more accessible on the back of the camera. The aluminum top cover and scratch is resistant finish. The camera has an iconic ‘no logo’ design on the front and engraved Leica Logo on top plate. Featuring dark chrome viewfinder, the camera has a 256 GB of internal storage and UHS-II SD card slot. It also has a 60 Megapixel Triple Resolution CMOS BSI Sensor. The 2nd Leica camera comes with dedicated hardware supporting.
in 10 offers
The lowest price for Leica M11-D Rangefinder Camera (Black) right now is $10,775.72 at Camera West, compared across 5 retailers.
The all-time low was $10,555.50 on 29 May 2026 — today's price is 2% above the lowest ever. This is at or near its all-time low — a good time to buy.
Prices last updated 12 June 2026.
Last updated at 12/06/2026 21:24:39
Leica M11-D Body, Boxed 5704293
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Leica M11-D Body, Boxed 5704293
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Leica M11-D Rangefinder Body
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Mint Leica M11-d Rangefinder Camera (black, Mfr 20220) With Box 49998
Delivery $461.11
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Leica M11-d Black Paint Digital Rangefinder Camera Body From Japan
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Leica M11 Glossy Black Digital Rangefinder Camera Body From Japan
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Leica M11 Glossy Black Digital Rangefinder Camera Body From Japan
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Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Leica M11-D Rangefinder Camera (Black)
Delivery $9.90
Leica M11-D Rangefinder Camera - Black
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Leica M11-D, black paint finish
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originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
This camera is truly wonderful. It took a while to configure, but now I find it an incredible blend of technology and ease of use. The menu system is very, very good as are the controls. Very well thought out.I am coming from Canon 5DIV bodies and big lenses - heavy kit, and I continue to use it for some projects.I am using the Leica with a Light Lens Lab Speed Panchro II lens. This is a specialized lens said to have a cinematic look. I have no experience with other lenses on this camera, but this combination gives me the look I want. I really don't know how much of the look is attributable to the camera and how much to the lens.That said, I am on my third M11 due to glitches with the first two bodies. Tech support from Leica was superb, as was the replacement ... MoreThis camera is truly wonderful. It took a while to configure, but now I find it an incredible blend of technology and ease of use. The menu system is very, very good as are the controls. Very well thought out.I am coming from Canon 5DIV bodies and big lenses - heavy kit, and I continue to use it for some projects.I am using the Leica with a Light Lens Lab Speed Panchro II lens. This is a specialized lens said to have a cinematic look. I have no experience with other lenses on this camera, but this combination gives me the look I want. I really don't know how much of the look is attributable to the camera and how much to the lens.That said, I am on my third M11 due to glitches with the first two bodies. Tech support from Leica was superb, as was the replacement from B&H. My understanding is that the bugs have been addressed by firmware updates, but the problems were disappointing.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
What began as my dream camera has turned into a nightmare!In pretty much every way, I love this camera, when it works.The files are large, detailed, with a rather distinctive color science and excellent dynamic range. Handling is great - just the right weight and size. A camera you can have around your neck all day long. The internal memory is welcome, and means you can always have an automatic backup without the need for two SD cards. And the battery is super; I've rarely run out of power within a day of shooting.And of course, the Leica lenses are fantastic, maybe not as sharp and clinically perfect as the likes of Canon, Sony and Nikon, but with their own special look, and of course very light and compact.There are so many reasons to love the M11! The M ... MoreWhat began as my dream camera has turned into a nightmare!In pretty much every way, I love this camera, when it works.The files are large, detailed, with a rather distinctive color science and excellent dynamic range. Handling is great - just the right weight and size. A camera you can have around your neck all day long. The internal memory is welcome, and means you can always have an automatic backup without the need for two SD cards. And the battery is super; I've rarely run out of power within a day of shooting.And of course, the Leica lenses are fantastic, maybe not as sharp and clinically perfect as the likes of Canon, Sony and Nikon, but with their own special look, and of course very light and compact.There are so many reasons to love the M11! The M series is definitely one of the best camera series ever made, and the M11 is arguably the best M ever made.So what's the problem?Sadly, this camera is very, very buggy. And the bugs are totally unpredictable - it's not like the same bug happening over and over, but just random, various types of bugs, sometimes rarely occurring and other times happening more than once a day. The LCD will suddenly go black, and turning the camera off and on will have no effect. Or there will be a 'card error' of some kind. Or I simply won't be able to take a photo (I've missed several photos this way). The only thing that seems to solve these problems is removing and reinserting the battery.I'm now in a tough position, having spent so much money on this camera and Leica lenses. Do I keep it and hope that these problems will be solved via future firmware updates? So far the firmware updates seem to be making the camera worse, not better. Or do I sell the camera and lenses, and move on (in which case I'd lose a lot of money)?Leica should really do a product recall, and offer some kind of credit for people returning their M11s. It's shameful that a company with such a great heritage has released this lemon of a camera, and put customers in such a difficult position.I'm aware that some people aren't experiencing any of these problems...I sort of counted myself among them in my first few months using the camera, when I only had the occasional bug. But the camera seems to be getting more and more unstable (according to one YouTuber, his M11 has 'dementia' - a perfect description).Anyway, it's a beautiful camera when it works, but unless you've got unlimited funds, I'd be very careful about buying it!
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
This is the second M11-P I’ve purchased from B&H. The first one went back after locking up on the first frame. Completely frozen. The second unit locked up in the second frame, failed to write images, after showing a preview of the captured image, they are nowhere to be found. Camera continues to fail to record, even after recording a number of images then it randomly skips. It’s incredibly frustrating for the price tag. Sure, it takes beautiful images, but it won’t work for me if I can’t rely on it to record those images. I’m sorry Leica, I was willing to believe once was a fluke, but having this issue with two cameras? Unacceptable. This one will be going back.
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Sensor Resolution | Effective: 60.3 Megapixel (9528 x 6328) |
| Image Sensor | 35.8 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Crop (35mm Equivalent) | Crop Factor: 1x |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Leica M11-D Body, Boxed 5704293
Free delivery
Leica M11-D Body, Boxed 5704293
Free delivery
Leica M11-D Rangefinder Body
Free delivery
Mint Leica M11-d Rangefinder Camera (black, Mfr 20220) With Box 49998
Delivery $461.11
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Leica M11-d Black Paint Digital Rangefinder Camera Body From Japan
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
This camera is truly wonderful. It took a while to configure, but now I find it an incredible blend of technology and ease of use. The menu system is very, very good as are the controls. Very well thought out.I am coming from Canon 5DIV bodies and big lenses - heavy kit, and I continue to use it for some projects.I am using the Leica with a Light Lens Lab Speed Panchro II lens. This is a specialized lens said to have a cinematic look. I have no experience with other lenses on this camera, but this combination gives me the look I want. I really don't know how much of the look is attributable to the camera and how much to the lens.That said, I am on my third M11 due to glitches with the first two bodies. Tech support from Leica was superb, as was the replacement ... MoreThis camera is truly wonderful. It took a while to configure, but now I find it an incredible blend of technology and ease of use. The menu system is very, very good as are the controls. Very well thought out.I am coming from Canon 5DIV bodies and big lenses - heavy kit, and I continue to use it for some projects.I am using the Leica with a Light Lens Lab Speed Panchro II lens. This is a specialized lens said to have a cinematic look. I have no experience with other lenses on this camera, but this combination gives me the look I want. I really don't know how much of the look is attributable to the camera and how much to the lens.That said, I am on my third M11 due to glitches with the first two bodies. Tech support from Leica was superb, as was the replacement from B&H. My understanding is that the bugs have been addressed by firmware updates, but the problems were disappointing.
What began as my dream camera has turned into a nightmare!In pretty much every way, I love this camera, when it works.The files are large, detailed, with a rather distinctive color science and excellent dynamic range. Handling is great - just the right weight and size. A camera you can have around your neck all day long. The internal memory is welcome, and means you can always have an automatic backup without the need for two SD cards. And the battery is super; I've rarely run out of power within a day of shooting.And of course, the Leica lenses are fantastic, maybe not as sharp and clinically perfect as the likes of Canon, Sony and Nikon, but with their own special look, and of course very light and compact.There are so many reasons to love the M11! The M ... MoreWhat began as my dream camera has turned into a nightmare!In pretty much every way, I love this camera, when it works.The files are large, detailed, with a rather distinctive color science and excellent dynamic range. Handling is great - just the right weight and size. A camera you can have around your neck all day long. The internal memory is welcome, and means you can always have an automatic backup without the need for two SD cards. And the battery is super; I've rarely run out of power within a day of shooting.And of course, the Leica lenses are fantastic, maybe not as sharp and clinically perfect as the likes of Canon, Sony and Nikon, but with their own special look, and of course very light and compact.There are so many reasons to love the M11! The M series is definitely one of the best camera series ever made, and the M11 is arguably the best M ever made.So what's the problem?Sadly, this camera is very, very buggy. And the bugs are totally unpredictable - it's not like the same bug happening over and over, but just random, various types of bugs, sometimes rarely occurring and other times happening more than once a day. The LCD will suddenly go black, and turning the camera off and on will have no effect. Or there will be a 'card error' of some kind. Or I simply won't be able to take a photo (I've missed several photos this way). The only thing that seems to solve these problems is removing and reinserting the battery.I'm now in a tough position, having spent so much money on this camera and Leica lenses. Do I keep it and hope that these problems will be solved via future firmware updates? So far the firmware updates seem to be making the camera worse, not better. Or do I sell the camera and lenses, and move on (in which case I'd lose a lot of money)?Leica should really do a product recall, and offer some kind of credit for people returning their M11s. It's shameful that a company with such a great heritage has released this lemon of a camera, and put customers in such a difficult position.I'm aware that some people aren't experiencing any of these problems...I sort of counted myself among them in my first few months using the camera, when I only had the occasional bug. But the camera seems to be getting more and more unstable (according to one YouTuber, his M11 has 'dementia' - a perfect description).Anyway, it's a beautiful camera when it works, but unless you've got unlimited funds, I'd be very careful about buying it!
This is the second M11-P I’ve purchased from B&H. The first one went back after locking up on the first frame. Completely frozen. The second unit locked up in the second frame, failed to write images, after showing a preview of the captured image, they are nowhere to be found. Camera continues to fail to record, even after recording a number of images then it randomly skips. It’s incredibly frustrating for the price tag. Sure, it takes beautiful images, but it won’t work for me if I can’t rely on it to record those images. I’m sorry Leica, I was willing to believe once was a fluke, but having this issue with two cameras? Unacceptable. This one will be going back.
I really like using this camera and am extremely pleased with the quality of my photos. I had been using Sony camera which now feel like computers with a lens. I appreciate the simplicity of the Leica M11, which keeps my focus on the photo composition rather than the camera operation. The camera feels solid and well engineered, and I smile each time I push the shutter button. Yes, it's an expensive camera but I'm so glad I bought it. I am a street photographer and wanted a small and light full frame camera, with good interchangeable lens options, and zone focusing capability. I love that internal hard drive option, being able to quickly remove the battery and SD card with ease, the ability to select one of three sensor resolutions, the live view feature, and USB-C ... MoreI really like using this camera and am extremely pleased with the quality of my photos. I had been using Sony camera which now feel like computers with a lens. I appreciate the simplicity of the Leica M11, which keeps my focus on the photo composition rather than the camera operation. The camera feels solid and well engineered, and I smile each time I push the shutter button. Yes, it's an expensive camera but I'm so glad I bought it. I am a street photographer and wanted a small and light full frame camera, with good interchangeable lens options, and zone focusing capability. I love that internal hard drive option, being able to quickly remove the battery and SD card with ease, the ability to select one of three sensor resolutions, the live view feature, and USB-C port. My main concern is that the camera often freezes or locks up. I have to remove and then put back in the battery to reset it. I have reported this to Leica and have seen other camera owners report the same issue. I'm sure Leica will eventually address this issue and I'm not too worried because I have a 2 year warranty.
This review is from the point of view of someone who’s first M camera is this one:It’s stunning. The weight is perfect, the feel is extremely premium (I mean, look at the price…), and the images are beautiful. Handling the camera is extremely easy, no extra bells and whistles, just the basics that are needed, and all done very well. Rangefinder patch is clear and easy to use in most situations (unless almost pitch black), and the camera makes you want to shoot more. Higher ISO is doable, but I wouldn’t push it too much. Shooting the black and white look will allow for more pushing and “cleaner” pictures, in my experience.Thankfully, I haven’t had any freezing issues with it (yet), so I can’t speak on that. Is it expensive for what it is? Sure. But, so is a ... MoreThis review is from the point of view of someone who’s first M camera is this one:It’s stunning. The weight is perfect, the feel is extremely premium (I mean, look at the price…), and the images are beautiful. Handling the camera is extremely easy, no extra bells and whistles, just the basics that are needed, and all done very well. Rangefinder patch is clear and easy to use in most situations (unless almost pitch black), and the camera makes you want to shoot more. Higher ISO is doable, but I wouldn’t push it too much. Shooting the black and white look will allow for more pushing and “cleaner” pictures, in my experience.Thankfully, I haven’t had any freezing issues with it (yet), so I can’t speak on that. Is it expensive for what it is? Sure. But, so is a Porsche. You buy these cameras for the feeling, history, and for personal reasons, not because they are the best tools for the job. Having said that, this camera can handle a lot, if the user is up for it.
First off, Leica build is phenomenal. Built like a tank, you can use it to bludgeon a thief who tries to pry it from your hands. Paired with modern Leica lens - I have the recent 35 sumi 1.4 - this takes awesome photos that take advantage of the high resolution.You will enjoy having purchased the thumb grip too, it really helps to offset the weight. Controls are intuitive and the extra custom top button is wonderful. The UI is also nice, very simplistic, but works and is logical. Touch screen is also very responsive and UI maps well.My issue is that as of firmware 2.0 there still seems to be random crashes. I have to turn off the camera or pop out the battery. Some folks claim it might be an issue with the lens detection feature (turn it off to fix), though I ... MoreFirst off, Leica build is phenomenal. Built like a tank, you can use it to bludgeon a thief who tries to pry it from your hands. Paired with modern Leica lens - I have the recent 35 sumi 1.4 - this takes awesome photos that take advantage of the high resolution.You will enjoy having purchased the thumb grip too, it really helps to offset the weight. Controls are intuitive and the extra custom top button is wonderful. The UI is also nice, very simplistic, but works and is logical. Touch screen is also very responsive and UI maps well.My issue is that as of firmware 2.0 there still seems to be random crashes. I have to turn off the camera or pop out the battery. Some folks claim it might be an issue with the lens detection feature (turn it off to fix), though I haven’t done that yet to confirm.Overall, this is a pricey camera and lens. You have to know that going in. I liken it to Porsches, you get what you pay for, and the cost of purchasing is not as much as the maintenance, in this case it’s the lenses and accessories. But if you are into Leica, like Porsches, there is no substitute!I also shoot with a Sony A7C.
The Leica M11 Monochrom is a camera that I waited patiently two years to be released. It's admittedly not a camera for most people. However, if you enjoy the restrictions of forcing yourself to shoot monochrome and you like the idea of a camera that requires thoughts and consideration when composing a shot, then congratulations, because this is the camera you've been waiting for.This camera is unique, it falls into a rare category of instruments that can be considered truly special. The Leica M11 Monochrom is a camera that performs feats that no other can't I have ever used is capable of. To say it's good in low light is an understatement. This camera is usable at an eye watering 100K ISO. And at that lofty setting, you can get images worthy of keeping. Noise is ... MoreThe Leica M11 Monochrom is a camera that I waited patiently two years to be released. It's admittedly not a camera for most people. However, if you enjoy the restrictions of forcing yourself to shoot monochrome and you like the idea of a camera that requires thoughts and consideration when composing a shot, then congratulations, because this is the camera you've been waiting for.This camera is unique, it falls into a rare category of instruments that can be considered truly special. The Leica M11 Monochrom is a camera that performs feats that no other can't I have ever used is capable of. To say it's good in low light is an understatement. This camera is usable at an eye watering 100K ISO. And at that lofty setting, you can get images worthy of keeping. Noise is far less than would be expected with any lesser camera. And what noise is present looks organic? Natural? like the grain of a real film stock.The M11 Monochrom is of course a range finder, and most would imagine that means shooting at a slower pace. However, once the skill of zone focusing is mastered, this camera can actually be faster than a mirrorless body to shoot with.In the end the Leica M11 Monochrom is a camera that requires a willingness to learn; a desire to understand photography without the training wheels that most other cameras provide. It requires patience. Not with the camera, but with yourself, to allow the time to learn and grow as your skills develop.
The 60mpx sensor is exceptional. Noticeable higher resolution without any downside when it comes to noise or high ISO quality.The rest is pretty much the same… except the shutter cycle that is a bit strange at first. Also everything WiFi / Bluetooth is way faster, and works now seamlessly with the app LeicaFotos. I have been using geotagging for a long time, and it is now quite reliable. Charging with the same cord that my phone is a blessing, too.I am using either the APO Leica M series (35/50/75/135mm) or the APO 35/50mm Voigtlander with extreme satisfaction - these are the lenses you can use at wide aperture without optical compromise.Taking sharp, technically perfect images, is a real challenge. You go to nail focus (go for the Leica Visoflex EVF).Then, the ... MoreThe 60mpx sensor is exceptional. Noticeable higher resolution without any downside when it comes to noise or high ISO quality.The rest is pretty much the same… except the shutter cycle that is a bit strange at first. Also everything WiFi / Bluetooth is way faster, and works now seamlessly with the app LeicaFotos. I have been using geotagging for a long time, and it is now quite reliable. Charging with the same cord that my phone is a blessing, too.I am using either the APO Leica M series (35/50/75/135mm) or the APO 35/50mm Voigtlander with extreme satisfaction - these are the lenses you can use at wide aperture without optical compromise.Taking sharp, technically perfect images, is a real challenge. You go to nail focus (go for the Leica Visoflex EVF).Then, the old rule that asks you to be at a shutter speed faster than the reverse of your focal lens is mandatory. If you shoot with a 50mm, you got to be at a shutter speed 1/50s or higher, otherwise, zooming in the 60pix, you’ll are likely going to be disappointed. Coming from the optically stabilized Q3 and the sensor stabilized SL2, both allowing 3 to 4 stops lower shutter speed, well, this is quite a shock!At the end of the day, this M is a true M. This a photo tool that helps you take your time, framing, choosing the best ISO for that shot to be recorded at the optimized aperture/shutter speed, and focused exactly where you want, with the DOF you want. Yes, it takes time to do, but each shot is so rewarding: you are controlling your tool at your finger tips and you get exactly what you want (if the subject is cooperating with you). Try to get any other mirrorless body (yes, Fuji, Nikon, Canon I’m taking about your latest “so advanced” products) to show you the image you are taking with the right exposure preview and the right DOF preview… you’ll see what I mean. Only a M can do that. Only this M does this at 60mpx. Amazing!
I am a camera user and collector. I used to shoot a lot of color slides with Leica M cameras years ago and have a collection of lenses that I used to enjoy a lot. A couple of years ago I got a Fujifilm X-Pro 2 with a lens converter that allowed me to use my Leica lenses, but they don’t work too well because of the extra flare from the light that overshoots the small APS-C sensor. The modern x-mount lenses produce considerably better images with the X-Pro 2. I decided to bite the bullet and get the M11 P to give my Leica lenses a shot at a new life. I also own a Hasselblad X2D. I am not trying to brag. I am just mentioning my camera inventory since it allows me to provide a comparative review that other customers might find useful.What is the M11? I think of it as ... MoreI am a camera user and collector. I used to shoot a lot of color slides with Leica M cameras years ago and have a collection of lenses that I used to enjoy a lot. A couple of years ago I got a Fujifilm X-Pro 2 with a lens converter that allowed me to use my Leica lenses, but they don’t work too well because of the extra flare from the light that overshoots the small APS-C sensor. The modern x-mount lenses produce considerably better images with the X-Pro 2. I decided to bite the bullet and get the M11 P to give my Leica lenses a shot at a new life. I also own a Hasselblad X2D. I am not trying to brag. I am just mentioning my camera inventory since it allows me to provide a comparative review that other customers might find useful.What is the M11? I think of it as taking, for example, an M2 and ripping out the part below the rangefinder and replacing it with a 60 megapixel digital camera (sans auto-focus). The result is a somewhat schizophrenic beast. The rangefinder experience is the same that photographers had 70 years ago with the addition of a cheesy red LED numeric indicator that tells you the shutter speed. If you want to use the camera by instead just looking at the rear LED screen, you are presented with a totally modern interface. In principle, you can even focus the camera using the screen, but I have not found that the red outline focus aid is as accurate as the rangefinder. The way I have gravitated towards using the camera is to set the aperture to something that optimizes sharpness like 5.6 or 8, then I compose and focus using the rangefinder, then I glance at the LED screen to see if the exposure looks OK and make a small adjustment with the thumb wheel if needed, and then I go back to the rangefinder and press the shutter release. The shutter sounds pretty nice, but feels a bit rough compared to an M4, for example, which has an absolutely sensuous feel and sound to it. The M11 shutter release is surprisingly heavy, almost to the point where I worry that it would induce shake in the camera.Does the range finder interface make you a better photographer? I don’t know. It is the way I have taken pictures most of my life so it is very natural to me. To be honest, I mostly just like being able to keep my nose clear to the left of the camera. Actually I think the X-Pro interface is a nearly ideal modern interpretation of the concept, since it allows both traditional optical view-finding and observation of an LED image in the view finder in addition to the back LED screen. In whichever mode you use it you have all the exposure data available and don’t have to go back and forth between screens. (It baffles me that Fuji decided to discontinue the model). (With the optional Visoflex II unit you can use the M11 in a similar way, I believe - I didn’t buy one). In my opinion you can’t interact with a range finder camera wearing eyeglasses. When I used my M2 and M4 I wore contacts, but I can’t do that anymore. The X-Pro has a built-in diopter compensator, whereas the dated Leica design forces you to buy a separate screw-on lens for a mere $200.That brings me to the sorest spot, the price. It clearly takes a great deal of effort to combine a fine opto-mechanical system with a high resolution digital sensor system even if the integration is klugey, and if it is indeed done with German man-hours, one should expect the sale price to be high, but maybe not that high. But for the money you spend, you get a camera body with an outstanding feel, just like the old M-bodies. You get a compact camera (with the small lenses) which takes excellent photos that certainly beat those of the X-Pro, but of course they are not 5-6 times better as if the price were a true indicator. A Leica with a lens is about the same price as the Hasselblad with a lens. The latter is a thoroughly modern DSLR design and if image quality is the only deciding factor, the Hasselblad wins hands down. However, you have to carry a camera that is considerably heavier and larger. But then you may want to factor in its image stabilization, which allows you to leave the tripod home. If I go out and snap pictures where there is a lot of people and movement, I still bring the X-Pro, because of its lightness and versatility and simply because it draws less attention to itself. For sheer photographic enjoyment I take the M11 and if I want the best possible image, I take the Hasselblad. (Which of course is also overpriced).I am just knocking off one star for the price.
The M11 Monochrom is an extraordinary camera. At 60 mp it approaches (though doesn't quite reach) the resolution of 100 mp medium format. Close enough for a high resolution photographer and post-processor like me.The Monochrom sensor model delivers great resolution, dynamic range, and incredible high ISO in low light, In part as the absence of color tech means no color noise and in part due to other aspects of the sensor. I've literally photographed at 200,000 ISO with good results. Especially if apply noise-reduction software to it.The camera itself as a wonderful look, small, and stealthy which is perfect for street photography, my main use with it. The feel of a Leica, along with Leica lenses is special in itself. The Leica lenses also render light in a ... MoreThe M11 Monochrom is an extraordinary camera. At 60 mp it approaches (though doesn't quite reach) the resolution of 100 mp medium format. Close enough for a high resolution photographer and post-processor like me.The Monochrom sensor model delivers great resolution, dynamic range, and incredible high ISO in low light, In part as the absence of color tech means no color noise and in part due to other aspects of the sensor. I've literally photographed at 200,000 ISO with good results. Especially if apply noise-reduction software to it.The camera itself as a wonderful look, small, and stealthy which is perfect for street photography, my main use with it. The feel of a Leica, along with Leica lenses is special in itself. The Leica lenses also render light in a unique way.I'm just thrilled with this camera!
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Sensor Resolution | Effective: 60.3 Megapixel (9528 x 6328) |
| Image Sensor | 35.8 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Crop (35mm Equivalent) | Crop Factor: 1x |
| Image Stabilization | No |
