I bought my dream camera setup - Leica M11-P

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At the end of 2023 I wandered into the Leica store London with my Q2 boxed up ready to hand in whilst buying a M11p and a 35mm f/1.4 Summilux. In my opinion one of, if not the dream setup.
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#leicam11p #leica #photography

[@gerryphilpott9766]

A rare honest admission that you bought it because you wanted it. Refreshing, and as perfectly valid reason as any other. I upgraded to the M11P from previous M's and have the same 35, and it is now my go to camera set as I like traveling lighter. If I take two lenses, I have the 28mm Elmarit which is super sharp, super small, and cheap(er), and the old Summicron 50mm Rigid for it's unique dreamy look. That's it and I'm truly loving the experience when I go out even if it's a so so day of images. Enjoy it and hope it gives you many months/years of pleasure.

[@_parkphoto]

Rigid!! One of my favorite lenses. So so unique and beautiful. Shameless plug but I did a review on the DR because I love it so much

[@stevieraveon]

I like the bus analogy, never heard that before, but it is very true. I have shot Ms for the past 12 years, and the rangefinder and M lens focusing are indeed part of the fun factor. It just becomes normal after a while, I almost feel weird with AF cameras. I came from M9-P to the M11, so it was inspiring and mind-blowing in many ways. The metering is much smarter, I barely have to compensate compared with the M9, the colour is great, some shots are perfect without any adjustments indeed. Cheers, and happy birthday. Enjoy the Porsche!

[@kishanpatel2331]

Congratulations mate, this is well-deserved! I can't wait to see the pictures you take with this camera.

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks! I’ll be sure to share lots of images here on KZbin and in my blogs :)

[@SourPlanet]

Congrats! It's a beautiful set up. Everyone asks about missed shots... but after the initial hurdle of learning distance instinctively and getting handy with tracking, the hits go UP in many street scenarios. I don't think people quite understand that you have the option to get every shot every time *if you want*. Just stop down and go hyperfocal. You can do it in a quarter second from any position. But otherwise, in general shooting, you get to play this almost video-game-like experience of mastering your environment. It's nearly impossible to do without getting into a flow state mentality. Autopilot simply won't work. But, again, when you need autopilot... stop down and go infinite. Nail the shot. To me, this makes it perfect for street. It feeds both wolves- the intentional hunter and the random shot getter. In the case of Leica, the camera is literally built around this sort of use. Sure, you can grab a Sony and ignore 15 buttons and 100 features, and forego the perfect viewfinder for this... But if you can get the camera for the job, go for it! Look forward to seeing what you come up with!

[@justinthomas3829]

Congratulations. And as you put it so well. If photography is your passion and you can afford it then why not buy the best you can. Goes for any other number of professions like if you were a successful carpenter why not buy the best kit you can if you can afford and it gives you pleasure. That pleasure will be reflected in your work or at least make your work more enjoyable. I’ve been a professional photographer for 37 years and still love buying new kit 😅

[@Gardiroth]

I got mine recently, using it as my EDC. Very good dynamic range, high resolution photos and nice colour rendering. I foresee myself using the camera for the next 5 years at least.

[@MikeChudley]

Likewise :) thanks for watching!

[@MilmidStudios]

Congrats man!!!! I just picked up an m11-p yesterday. I'm starting out with the zeiss 35 f2. Hoping to work up to the 35 f1.4 summilux

[@FedThePoopy]

Mannnnn Leica should be paying you for this, you've really been making me want a Leica recently haha. I've been adapting M lenses to my xpro2 and a7rv (and occasionally using my bessa r2 but film isnt my main thing) and I really love the manual focus more tactical experience. I think you've been doing this long enough and with enough success to where you've earned it the "prestige" and price tag that comes with a camera like this. Can't wait to see more work from you and it :)

[@MikeChudley]

I've forwarded this comment on the Leica team haha. I appreciate the kind words.

[@TomBeardshaw]

Great move, Mike… as you’re already learning, the M is a different way of shooting, which is ideally suited to Street… and good to hear you’re already get going with zone focussing. This no-video, manual focus machine (ps you said it was auto focus in this video) puts everything back onto the photographer… so now, there’s literally no point in thinking about gear anymore… you’re already at the apex, and it’s all on you now - enjoy!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks Tom! I said about auto-focus in response to JP which was an inside joke haha.

[@ImagesbyAsh]

Enjoy the ride, Mike. Looking forward to seeing some banging images. Glad that all you hard work has enabled you to get your dream set up. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@ZenoWatson]

I get exactly the point why your buying this M11-P. Super happy for you Mike. I have been wanting to get into Leica for the past couple of months, but life keeps it away.

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@TomBeardshaw]

Man, the gap between me wanting a Leica M and getting one was 30 years, during which time I had and raised kids, and digital photography became a thing! Good things come to those who wait!

[@ZenoWatson]

Tom, yes I am raising two young daughter's and they come first. So i can relate to your words. Fingers crossed the universe works its magic. I wish you a great 2024 @TomBeardshaw

[@hamradioop5777]

A thoroughly enjoyable video Mr Chudley and your explanation of your thinking brought a huge smile to my face. In particular was your switch to using manual focus on the Q2 most of the time, which was perhaps an inspiring and choice making decision to your purchase 🙂

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

$16000 usd is insane. Love Leica but still insane.

[@rosvw3517]

I’m living M11p ownership vicariously through you. lol. Another interesting and informative video, Mike. I’d love to see a video with you and Ali from One Month Two Cameras. Really enjoyed the video you did with Roman recently.

[@MikeChudley]

Thank you!!

[@nelsonclub7722]

We use Hasselblad in our studio along with Fuji GFX100 and T+S lenses for our product photography - I bought an M11 for a travel camera, not wanting to take our HAss X2d or 907xCFV100c - now its my favourite camera in the studio - the results under proper lighting with an old 90mm f2 are stunning -

[@OpenDGuitar]

I’ve been able to use a Q2 for almost two years through work, and love it. My results aren’t always as good as what I get with our old Canon, but on a personal level…the Leica is much more of an enjoyable experience (when client dollars and time aren’t at stake). As I approach retirement, I hope I can find a gently used Leica, because for personal use it is mostly about the experience. I like the intentionality of the experience and the premium tactile feel. But, $$$!

[@photoautomax]

Great video Mike, and thanks for answering my question! 👊🏼

[@MikeChudley]

Thanks for watching!

[@TommyNordpole]

Enjoy! ✌❤ Also cameras are like buses, there is always another one! The new peace of gear its always fun! I am in a similar spot right now😁 Cheers!

[@MikeChudley]

Haha you got me 😂

[@jasongold6751]

I've noticed when I move images, between PC, laptop and cards, the metadata disappears! I think it will occur in M11P! The price is awesome! Yet looking at Worst Buy, touched, played with newest Sony, Canon. All cheap plastic, fragile crap! Leica is encased in metal. How long will it last? Depends on Leica itself! My M6TTL is 24 years old! Yes film is expensive! How many rolls, needed to equal camera cost! Enjoy! You are a pro, so allowed depreciation. Bravo!

[@FriendsFan4ever]

I was wondering about it since the last vid 😅 Hope you make just as many vids regarding this camera. Thank you for all your work!!

[@jjjoooojjj]

I'm sure you'll like it mate..!!

[@davidkipperman5218]

Gateway drug, YES! I went from the Q2 to an M11 & M11 Mono!!!

[@annenominous7220]

within a year you will be back to an m6 or even the m3 or m4. film is the way.

[@Carl_Hearn]

Good for you, looking forward to seeing more m11 content

[@soichimurakami4976]

My dream camera!

[@andywhite5090]

Great video. You have a good atitude to your photography. Basically if you are enjoying your photography that's what counts. Some people spend thousands on cars, boats, watches etc so spending that on camera's is not big deal if thats what you want.

[@jjDemir]

Lovely camera & lens. I’ve been loving my M11 & an assortment of lenses for editorial!

[@brianatkinsphotography]

Congrats m8 🫡 I hopped into the leica world about a year ago with the Q1 and m240/35cron plus the m6/35summarit. Totally agree on being hooked in on the tactile rangefinder experience. I think my Q has its place as my EDC camera since its a bit more practical with AF, but on the weekends im grabbing for my m6/m240 and shooting them side by side with the 35cron and 35 f2.4 summarit.

[@tombrewton7823]

Mike - First, may I say what a breath of fresh air you are in the world of highly-opinionated "experts" who believe that talking fast and loud constitutes the ability to educate. You are a masterful presenter and instructor. Second, congrats on getting the M-11P kit; I am right where you were, on the cusp, and you have pushed me over the line - thanks. I have been shooting the Q2M since it came out - the term "gateway drug" always comes to mind when I pick it up! A question: did you ever consider a 50mm vs. the 35? Also, did you look at Voightlander lenses vs. Leica? Keep up the great work - thanks!

[@hoppesfilmt]

nice. Sold my Q2 a few hours ago and going to buy an M11. Same reasons. But I can only afford an additional Summicron 35. So stocked. Cant wait to get it

[@classic.cameras]

I got no money and am in debt up to the moon but if I did not have these hurdles to overcome I would probably buy a camera like this as well. I have been having a blast with the Voightlander 35mm Nokton f1.4 on my Sony A7 IV.

[@sergebenassutti2975]

Great to hear people „make it“ in the industry. Also good to see young talent do well. Enjoy the camera. I realised that you work/shoot mostly in London. It would love to hear your process on how tp shoot in rainy conditions with your M. I am babying my m setup (M10r and 35lux and 75cron) way too much. Cheers

[@HackerMonroy]

It's really nice to hear you talking about the experience with the camera i totally agree with the example about the cars and cameras lol i got an xt30ii last year and i have a lot more fun with it than with my D780 but at the end the nikon is my main work camera and the fuji is more like my go to to have fun and walk around... thanks for answer my IG question!! Keep having fun Mike!! :)

[@albertmeyer8983]

Congrats Mike! Nice!

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

It's simply, you want to have it and can have it then go have it & enjoy 👍🙂♥️

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Enjoy! Great thing about the Leica M series is that aside from the sensor, the basic cameras don't really change at all; it's more or less the same mechanical rangefinder design as in 1953. Plus, 61MP is likely to be as far as you'll want to push things before diffraction and the lack of IBIS begin to compromise your work. Upshot being that we've more or less reached the pinnacle of Leica digital rangefinders with the M11-P, so this camera is probably a keeper. Congrats!

[@Darkside-qy1gx]

Congratulations ... you earned it ❤

[@patrickoshea72]

Congrats Mike. No need for you to justify the purchase. Enjoy it!

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Opening the Leica Q door is indeed the most expensive door you wil ever open.🎉😂

[@fellowcitizen]

Very keen to get the new 106g Color-Skopar M 28mmF2.8 as the ultimate multi-platform flyweight lens, including to use on the M6 for minimum weight maximum quality.

[@stevendente9270]

Congratulations on the new M11-P/35mm Lux camera system. This (but M11) has been my primary everyday setup for over a year now. I make over 80% of my images with this combo. The IQ it produces is amazing, and the shooting experience very inspirational for me. Honestly I could have only this one lens on the M11 and be satisfied. Sort of like a manual focus 35mm version of a Q3. The features supplied by the 60mpx sensor and digital zoom make this a very flexible combination. However, to get the full creative benefit of the interchangeable lens capabilities of the M 11-P I suggest you get a couple of extra lenses. I actually have 5, but find that I can get whatever I want with three. The 21mm Super-Elmar is just a phenomenal lens in every respect. It is my second most use lens. I strongly recommend you try this one out soon. Of course my base is the exceptional 35mm Summilux ASPH FLE II. Maybe the perfect lens for me. Finally, I use the wonderful Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton as my longest option. Amazing portrait and all around lens with just the right amount of personality, and interesting rendering (colors are amazing). Price is right as well. I also have the VM 28mm Ultron II, and the 50mm Summicron v5. Great lenses, but these are in between my base set so mostly stay home. I should probably sell them on to someone who would use them more. Also, be sure to download and use the Leica M11 profile in LightRoom and set it as your default profile for the camera. It will make a positive difference in your files when editing over the Adobe default profiles.. It will be interesting to watch you develop with the M system, and how it will affect your photography as it am surely will. Once again, congratulations, and good luck with your new journey.

[@bykennyk]

What a beaut! and oh deary me... what'll be next 😅

[@irenedp4947]

I don’t like the focal length, but that’s a personal quirk. The Summilux is a good lens. Personally would have bought an M10r.

[@NorbertVittel]

It's totaly crazy to sepnd all this amount of money for making the kind of pictures you make. You could do the same pictures with any camera who cost less than 2000 $ ! I am not jealous I've got a M10P with the 35 and 50 mm Summilux and I am using Leica camera for 30 years now, but when I see so many persons buying top gear leica camera for making so ordinary pictures, I tell myself that they are victims of advertising, who do not do photography but vlogs where they talk about equipment

[@ACM9407]

100% accurate

[@user-zg4cz7hr6c]

Well said - sick and tired of these so called photographer's turning out poor quality on their Leica camera and talking like they are experts. Yes like you I have been a Leica user for over 30 yrs.

[@JJ_Photo]

Love my M10p. But even after using it a year, I often find myself shooting a little in blind. Not so much with the focusing. But more with the exposure. Shooting manual is fine. But I must admit I often miss shots, because I forgot what the aperture and shutter speed was set to. With an evf, this is not the case. Also I find the center weighted metering that is the only option when Live View is turned off, often miss when shooting in A mode. Lately, especially in these low light times, I find myself to pick up my old Q and even more, my beloved SL2-S. The latter is such a fantastic camera and tool. So right now I am considering to leave the M system behind. But..... 🤔

[@andersphansson8335]

Nice camera! Any ”freezing” problems?

[@brafuptop9786]

Fair play mate you deserve it

[@alxblk.]

Great combination, enjoy the ownership experience. Appreciate the allure of buying in UK retail but global warranty for the nature of M product makes any support concern irrelevant these days. Even with HMRC VAT registration (assume you are a business), you will still get a better price due to the £/€ cross rate and the VAT rebate on export in France is virtually immediate. The Paris flagship store (Boissy d'Anglas) is excellent and for future fast glass, would be my recommendation. Leica is a Porsche GT3 with manual gearbox to complete your M metaphor, not everything that comes out of Stuttgart deserves that comparison. 😎

[@wylie_photo]

You will get quicker with an M body, it becomes second nature after a while. Practice focusing quickly from far to near (tab right to left), then you don't need to think about it when a person is approaching you!

[@bubbachua]

Coming from a Q2 -> M10D -> M11, I still intentionally stop down -2/3. Shadow retrieval on the M is really quite incredible! I thought you might have gotten the 35 Apo.. I think you will really like it Similarly, I got a 35mm lens instead of 28mm as I found myself cropping a lot on my Q2 pics

[@allena3430]

35 APO is the superior lens. Unfortunately, not very accessible to many people, long backorder or really expensive even used. But it is the jewel of the Leica M lenses for sure!

[@2DogAle]

Love that camera for sure and I am in the "can never justify the cost" corner. I am now a non working photographer and will most likely not ever be able to justify shelling out almost $13,000 US but absolutely understand why you did. Leica products have been one of my favorites for over 40 years, have rented them, but just never made the jump due to cost. Can't wait to see more results from yours though. Congratulations! Oh, and I drive a Subaru, not even a BMW 😋 so that may explain why I don't get one. Cheers, Rob

[@peteb5461]

Congrats sir, i practically sleep with my M system ;) How on earth are you NOT on 100k subs yet? Come on people!

[@MikeChudley]

we're close! very close! haha thanks mate.

[@hamradioop5777]

@12:29 Does the Leica M11-P have autofocus??

[@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO]

Yes it does, in fact it's auto-focus is even more comprehensive than that of the Nikon Z9; plus the Leica M11P has a blistering frame rate of 213 FPS. And Leica will be launching a all-in-one lens which covers the entire range from 8mm Circular Fisheye to 800mm f1.4

[@gewglesux]

I've been worrying about the M11 or the P still have some research to do.

[@KaiBoogie718]

We share the same dream… yours came true…

[@jonesnax]

Young lad with GAS just bought a Porsche, ah bless him...

[@GastonShutters]

Same here. Q2, now I own a few M bodies and glass. For personal projects Leica is all I use. For work and I can’t miss the shot situations: Sony

[@kerrymatthew]

No need to justify your purchase decision. It's a beautiful camera.

[@michelecintramika8482]

The only interesting thing about this camera that others don't have is the design. It is the only camera in the world that has this Rangefinder design with a full-frame sensor. If design is not important, I would prefer the Sony A7CR or Sony A7R5. In APS-C we have the Fujifilm X100.

[@thomasstapel6824]

Another why the Leica M11 is Leica make the best lens in the world-no if and or buts. They are expensive -like the noctilux 50mm 0.95. But the similar lens on the Nikon Z series is very expensive also but it is gigantic and very heavy.

[@another8470]

Does it have autofocus? You: YES!! Me: No! (and I haven't even bought the camera and am not a professional). An observation re 'missing' a photographs If you miss a photo then you didn't really miss it, you just didn't record it. You still had the eye to see, and that's important.

[@MikeChudley]

Too many people didn’t realised that I was joking. I thought it was obvious M bodies don’t have autofocus. James Parsons who asked the question is a close friend (in many of my videos) - it was a joke 😂

[@hfsyu]

you will like the 28mm

[@mikehart5723]

Would be good to hear a review after 6 months real world use.

[@ynkkruse]

Congrats on an amazing peace of gear. I bought a M10-P 2 years ago and very much loved using it, but I never quite got along with the rangefinder, so I ended up selling it a few months ago. I guess I am a Optical / Electronic viewfinder person. I still love the looks of the M cameras though haha :D Maybe somewhere down the line there will be a M with a hybrid Rangefinder/EVF. I´d be back in a heartbeat.

[@ianforber]

The Q2 was also my gateway to the M system. I decided not to trade it and just get an M11 as well. I started with a 50mm f2 Summicron and only used that for 12 months before deciding to give 35mm a try. I couldn’t afford any of the Leica versions so I went for the Voigtlander 35mm f1.5 Nokton. I can’t see any reason to get a Leica 35mm now. Have you tried that and, if so, how does it compare to the Summilux?

[@MikeChudley]

I'll have to try it and see how I get on!

[@richarddutchholland4780]

My brother smokes 40 a day, costs him £24. That works out £8760 annually or one Leica M11-P body every single year ……..

[@MrPedalpaddle]

When a BMW is the example of a more shoddy way to get from A to B, I know that Leica land is a strange & alien place for most of us.

[@MikeChudley]

If the Leica is a Porsche, BMW would be the a Fujifilm, Canon, Sony, Lumix haha. More popular, they meet regular standards, every photographer from beginner to expert would shoot on these and they're excellent choices. Porsche, less people buy them in comparison. Built for style, experience, prestige. Not something a beginner driver (photographer) would use daily.

[@Tychoe1]

which version lux did you get?

[@elliotresnick5433]

I began my photography journey in my youth using film SLR’s. During the past few years I’ve owned several mirrorless cameras and honestly they all feel like computers and don’t motivate me enough. Currently I have an XH2S kit and am thinking about transitioning to Leica although I don’t have the budget for an M11P. How did you like the tactile experience and files of the Q2 vs M11P? Finally, what are your thoughts about Q2 vs Q3? I do primarily street, family/travel and architectural. Cheers!!

[@jakubhambalek]

Any advice which colour of M11p take? :-) I will buy one end of the week, but still cannot decide which is better to buy?

[@MikeChudley]

I much prefer the black over silver.

[@Pablomache]

If Leica is a Porsche, what does that make Hasselblad?

[@simonbnyc]

A Bugatti.

[@tomgoggin3865]

Did you use grip extension or thumb extension on the Q2?

[@MikeChudley]

I did use a thumb extension 50% of the time

[@sergiuveredin4729]

isn't that weird photos from it don't look any better from fuji x100v ? please critisice me

[@MikeChudley]

In your opinion, what criteria makes a photo “look better”?

[@sergiuveredin4729]

@@MikeChudley yeah of course that is subjective, but first 3 images dynamic range and depth look awful. And overall it just doesn't look like something expensive

[@brianatkinsphotography]

Take out a m11 with a good leica lens, take your x100v out next to it, compare the raws, only then will you see that the leicas blow the x100v out of the water. I sold my 100v for the Q1, no contest - the Q outperforms it in terms of image quality. Always hard to tell looking at youtube photos though.

[@SomeUnremarkableGuy]

So why m11p instead of m11?

[@b.peppercorn739]

Porsche has an e at the end which needs to be pronounced

[@slothsarecool]

I want to love this camera but digital feels too boring these days, I think landscape is the only type of photography I prefer digital aesthetics, maybe that’s even a stretch

[@Old-School-Liberal]

Canon,Nikon,Sony=Honda,Nissan,Toyota Leica=Porsche

[@leonardlister4087]

Think Dan had something To do with that 😂

[@MikeChudley]

Absolutely he did!

[@danielgill3453]

You said yes to Auto focus, really? M11?

[@MikeChudley]

I was clearly joking

[@nomimidzu8984]

I have heard information that in 11 Leica there is a revolutionary sensor that working without artificial improvers, is able to capture the most plausible realistic color that the eyes see. Is that true?

[@ju-ju982]

auto focus???🤔

[@thomasclark631]

Leica forgot to include autofocus on their spec sheet. 😊

[@JacobChristiansen1]

How long did it take you to choose between silver and black? ;)

[@MikeChudley]

Never even considered the silver

[@frankphotography8470]

I’m an M user looking at a Q 😂.

[@douglasmccart8963]

You have joined a cult you need saved

[@andrewbabington]

Buys $20,000 camera, takes most average street photos you've ever seen

[@MikeChudley]

Hahaha thanks - really pleased you liked the photos

[@Mamo878]

Sure, but wait until your eyes age or eyesight changes. Then whole rangefinder focusing experience becomes ridiculous.

[@photoautomax]

Not with the M11’s LCD screen (and presumably glasses to actually correct your vision) though?

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

He looks healthy at the moment so no worry for some time 😉 and then you can buy electronic visor 😉

[@axelkeuchel5728]

Why? I am shooting Leica cameras with heavily corrected glasses - and I don’t have any problems with it. Yes, if my eyes would be okay it probably would be a nicer experience, but even with glasses it’s still fine.

[@SourPlanet]

Yes, that's a major concern for him, decrepit old man that he is.

[@shawnj8765]

Yes, in 40 years he'll find out, but for the foreseeable lifespan of his M11P, he'll be fine. Does he look old?

[@withwolves100]

…what a delusional user who wants to waste all his money 🤪😂🤪

[@MikeChudley]

facts.