IM 668 DAYS LATE! - LEICA M11 HANDS ON REVIEW

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Last weekend I picked up a Leica M11 having just owned the Leica M10 for the last couple of years! and in todays video I share my first impressions having hand the camera in my hands for one week!
Do I regret my purchase already or am I really enjoying it?
Find out in todays video!

[@DirkMenker]

5 month ago I went from Canon to an M11. The shutter sound alone makes me love it! But the rest is so enjoyable, too. Glad you made the switch and don't regret it. Me neither. Such a joy.

[@paulscr]

Started my Leica life with an M9-P (from a Canon SLR) in 2012 with a 35 ‘cron and 50 ‘lux. Learned a lot about taking photos in that first year and fell in love with the rangefinder approach and colours from that camera. A year in I decided to try film and swapped with an MP and M6 and spent a couple of years shooting a lot of Portra and Tri-X. Kids came along and didn’t have time to focus on photography (or get rolls developed - I still have a bag). From film - I went for convenience and bought the first Q, but found myself grabbing the iPhone in most instances (even more convenience)- coming from M’s - I just didn’t get that Leica feel. Eventually sold the Q and went cameraless for a few years - until last year when I decided to get back in the game with an m11 and the magnificent 21SEM - I’ve really enjoyed limiting myself and understanding one focal length. A year on, I think it’s time for my next - perhaps I’ll give the 50 ‘lux a try again. Enjoyed your review - thank you.

[@mauricerijnders3507]

21 SEM on the M11 m rocks 👍🏼

[@bsmukler]

The battery life is incredible and easily good enough to simply leave the camera on while walking about. I thought I might miss the traditional bottom plate when I first saw the new body, but in practice the new design is much better. I’ve also experimented with leaving the camera in center weighted mode (following a comment by David Farkas) which works very well. I have not encountered any problem with motion blur (hand shake) or rolling e-shutter. In fact, I was concerned about my ability to get sharp photos with a non-stabilized 60MP sensor, but it turns out to be relatively easy to use if you concentrate and also maintain awareness of your breathing. To me, the prices of the equipment reflect the costs of development (five years’ worth, after all), quality components and materials, and highly skilled workers in today’s European market.

[@GamachePhoto]

Nice picks and congrats on your M11 purchase. I have the M10-R and no plans to upgrade, was tempted with the M11-P but so far I have resisted, the M10-R is such a joy to shoot with.

[@davidcampbell1963]

Traded M10R for M11 two years ago. No regrets - improved battery life, usb c charging, built in memory, lower base ISO, BSI sensor with better dynamic range. Had no bricking problems unlike others. Only issues are related to always-on sensor - slower start up and sensor exposure when changing lenses (now fixed). No problems with lens resolution or camera shake related to 60 MP sensor.

[@dzkilnd]

I went from the M11 to the M9 and M8.2. I went the other direction for the CCD, smaller files and some texture from the smaller sensors.

[@Goughie]

I’ve never tried the digitals pre M240, maybe should one day!

[@bethewam]

I own a silver M11 since a year, I use it for shooting food (it's my job) and for document my travels, I totally agree with your review. The lack of the plate for both accessories and use is a big limitation, especially if (like me) you love to use the camera "naked". Last but not least I didn't like the choice to use (on the silver ones) the brass only in the upper part of the camera, I love aged M cameras and idk how this will look in the future. Thanks for your reviews

[@mauricerijnders3507]

Yep! Best camera for me. Maybe not for everyone 😅

[@descoat333]

Second hand at that price is reasonable and difficult to find. Don’t get back. Congratulations! In my case I’ve got many cameras, Fuji: 1 x100v, 1 E3, 1 X-H, 1 GFX 50SII, lots of lenses XF and GF, Nikon D700, Fujifilm finepix S3 Pro with many nikon lenses… but the best cámera for me is my Leica M8 with the 10 mp resolution. When I compare a DNG of the leica with any RAF from fuji xtrans with more than double resolution, it blows my mind the colors, beauty and crispy image that the Leica M8 offers vs any fuji except GFX… that’s on another league but the M8 offers me the experience of a shutter sound ad manual focusing than reminds me taking photos with my old nikon Fe and velvia 50. I’m looking for a M monochrom CCD sensor.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

It looks like a fantastic camera and the fact that it is 61 megapixels does give you the ability to crop as well and I think it's kind of useful in many circumstances as well. Especially if you're going to be doing some project work or product photography as well, I know a lot of people say oh Mega pixels don't matter in certain situations, they sure do.

[@bodythetan]

Congrats on your M11!! Gorgeous camera. Don’t listen to the haters. I recently switched back to the M system after years shooting Fuji. I always missed the manual focus and that true OVF experience only an M can provide. I rarely leave the house without my M10-p 😊

[@Goughie]

Thank you!

[@carlosmcse]

M10R black paint for me. 40MP is a good compromise. I also enjoy the classic base plate and that complication makes it fun to use for me. I have an extra battery but it lasts long. I’m on single shot mode and I don’t use any auto anything. For me the M11 will only make a difference in the meter modes off the sensor. But I don’t care about that. If I did I would just get a much cheaper mirrorless camera and have the benefit of auto focus.

[@jacobh5817]

I’ve just ordered an M11-P as a successor to my M10-R. Last year I came close to buying an M11, but the looks of the P, as well as the content credentials now sealed the deal. I’ll be using the camera mostly for personal work. For my professional fashion and beauty photography, I’m using the X2D as well as a couple of SL2 and SL2-Ss. For me the main reasons to switch are the highlight-weighted metering and the colour which are both very similar to my SL2-S (which I adore).

[@Goughie]

Congrats! I did consider going for the M11P! Head over heart in the end

[@theronsan]

I went from the Q2 to M11 (silver). The Q was like the gateway to Leica for me. After 1-2 years with the Q2 I wanted to have an M. Was looking for a film Leica first but then I decided that I rather shoot digital.

[@Goughie]

Silver gang! 😂 I still have my M6! They look so similar with 20 years between them! Forever considering moving it on for a mono as I just don’t use it

[@christopherrodriguez7223]

Love to see it bud! Enjoy the new kit. And sheesh that red dot! Haha.

[@Goughie]

Thank you mate

[@TomWangArt]

I didn’t see a noticeable difference in DR so far but a significant improvement in ISO performance when switching from 60 to 36 MP.

[@Goughie]

Ooooo interesting!! Can’t wait to get into the detail of it

[@acrummey85]

Way out of my price range, and not exactly a technological marvel but I do get it. Like another German product, the Porsche 911, it's biggest change came with digital (liquid cooling for the Porsche) but the form factor and experience stayed true to the original concept.

[@mdjmurray]

The quick release battery will get more use than you think. It’s the only way to reset the camera when it freezes up, and freeze up it will!

[@Goughie]

Yeaaaah there been so many horror stories that kept me away for so long! Loads of people I know with issues! I decided to commit and see what happens! I got a later serial that might have less issues but 🤞

[@jeffseltzer]

I'm a recent owner of the Q2 (sold all my Fuji gear to fund). I'm obsessed with the shooting experience and the files. So, now, of course, I'm thinking about the M11. Any thoughts on owning both? I understand the difference between the two. So, that's no what I'm asking. I'm wondering if both will get used and if there's some rational for owning both. Or, do I sell the Q2 (which I love) and just go with M11? I need help! lol.

[@Goughie]

A lot of people own both, ones far more casual than the other, It’ll all come down to what you shoot. I could see a world where I owned both, Q2 for all the casual stuff and then the M when I wanted to be in the zone a little more and have more fun with the process

[@ruben619448]

I have the m11 in silver. I really like it. A lot of my 60mp shots have a medium format feel. I shopped around quite a bit when I was looking for mine. I found an amazing deal at Walmart of all sites. It shipped through a 3rd party supplier but I got it for $7200 USD and they did not charge me tax. I had the discontinued m10d that I managed to sell for $8500 I’ve been wanting to get your presets. Let me know when it’s updated for the m11 and I’ll order it

[@Goughie]

I think having messed around with tweaking them this week I’ve decided that it’s just the warm white balance slider that I’ll be changing, which is part of how I use the presets any way! Just moving it a lot more now 😂

[@Holl.Mvrk.]

Glad you went with the silver. Silver m bodies look so damn good. 👍🏼

[@Goughie]

I kinda liked how my M10 and M6 were different colours! But decided that wasn’t a good enough reason to buy a different one at a higher price!

[@EdmondStreetzz]

I'm using the leica m10r, I noticed the shutter is more silent comparing to M11 and the wake up time is faster too

[@Goughie]

I’ve never used the M10R so wouldn’t know with the shutter! Not surprised it boots up quicker!

[@janfrosty3392]

‘Rangefinder experience’ in the past I had a couple of Bessa film, Zeiss Ikon film, M9, M9P and a M (240) rangefinders. And there where I said goodbye to that ‘Rangefinder experience’. Why, that somewhat primitive bottom plate, imprecise framing, out of alignment rangefinder. Purchase a SL with 24-90 zoom, 70-200 Panasonic zoom, but also kept using my M Leica, Zeiss and Voigtlander lenses. Now I have been using SL2-S and Panasonic S52 with AF and manual lenses. In the past like many others, I wish that Leica would make EVF only M mount camera, but that is unlikely. SL2-S used with M lenses is just that with extras like video and IBIS. M11 is very expensive for lots of people, but in my case, it is a realistic conclusion that I do not want M11even that I could get one this afternoon no problem financially.

[@Goughie]

It’ll be interesting to see! I’m pretty sure some there was some news a while back of Leica applying for some EVF based patents! Lots of people wanting one! The demand seems to be there!

[@derrenleepoole]

Oh man…. So happy for you. I can only dream to get one one day. I’ll have to stick with me Leica M9 for now, even though I just had a fall and smashed it on a rock. Still works, but my heart did stop for a few moments… sod the near broken wrist that went with the fall ;)

[@Goughie]

Wait what?! You saved your Leica but nearly at the cost of a broken wrist?! I remember droppibg my Xt4 and my heart stopping too! It’s not a good feeling 😂

[@derrenleepoole]

@@Goughie nah… the Leica flew a fair way… made a brass though, so tough as old boots. Miraculously still working. The Canon 50mm LTM took a fair knocking.

[@Goughie]

@@derrenleepoole ahhh nightmare!!

[@kristoffergo6294]

Amazing photos man!!

[@Goughie]

Thank you mate

[@blende5.693]

Nice video, I have a M10R in black paint. The M11 is not my camera, I don’t like the shutter.

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Congrats on your M11! That was fast :D Since I have the Q3 I can't justify to upgrade my M9 to a M11. The Q system led me into the M system, which seems to be Leica's strategy :D But only reason why I got the M9 to enter the M system was because of it's low price because it has the corroded sensor :) Q3 uses the same sensor as the M11 so in principal I get the same image quality, just not the same experience :) What is your experience regarding the 60MP regarding sharpness in context of manual focus? I saw videos where people said they had "more difficulty to focus", because the 60MP just reveals more, if you are out of focus compared to 24MP? Anyway great video and can't wait for more M11 videos, since I'm not going to purchased one :)

[@Goughie]

I didn’t hang around did I! 😂 can’t say I’ve noticed at the moment tbh! I’ll bear it in mind when I’m looking at the files next time! The 35mm lux I use is supposed to be awful for focusing shifting! Can’t say I’ve really noticed that either.

[@jrmkni1406]

Will you be releasing a stackable preset pack specifically for the M11? That magenta tone was a serious surprise

[@GastonShutters]

Hell yeah. Good choice 👍

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Oddly enough, online it's effectively impossible to tell the difference between 24MPs and 60MPs, unit you zoom into 100%. Even in prints, it can be difficult to discern the difference, until you go up to the largest print sizes, and then you can definitely see more fine detail when you look closely. But at normal viewing distances, not so much. On the other hand, where those 60MP are going to bite one is in one's shot discipline - the camera better be rock steady, and/or at a higher shutter speed when you trip the shutter, or every little movement will translate into softly rendered pixels, obliterating any benefit of a higher resolution sensor, and becoming more of a detriment. At least the M11 offers the benefit of allowing you to switch down to 36MP or 18MP modes (and also gain a stop of DR in the process). I'd be more interested in your thoughts on the dynamic range and high ISO performance, which will probably be more useful in the real world.

[@Goughie]

And I guess the other big win is cropping and still getting good resolution! I’m super interested in the iso and dynamic range too! I’ll test them over the next month or so

[@RobertFalconer1967]

@@Goughie Yes, definitely a benefit if one crops a lot. But I gotta say, today's resolution enhancement software - like Gigapixel AI, for example - does an incredibly impressive job of adding more resolution if you need it. The trick is to start with a clean, sharp file to begin with.

[@Eliehbk]

I had both the black and silver version. I started with silver, it bricked and then got the black. I HATED it. I think it feels cheep. The metal is like sand paper. Well done on getting the silver. I would do the same..

[@Goughie]

So far I’ve not experienced any crashing or anything! I have my fingers firmly crossed! 🤞

[@GrahamBridgemanClarke01]

I have an M11 which I purchased in August 2022. I have had all Leicas from M3, M4-P, M6, M6 ttl, M7, M8.2, M9-P and by far I like the M11from the digital range. Easy to use, very enjoyable and by far the easiest to get great and large images from.

[@marleenvandam6931]

My friend's M 11 had to be replaced 3X 🤔I'll stick to my 10R with a bunch of M lenses!

[@Goughie]

Yeaaaah so many horror stories kept me away for so long! I’ve decided to commit and see what happens! I’ve got a later serial so 🤞

[@brotherbrosluke1426]

Enjoying your video’s. New M11. New M3?? Space black?

[@Goughie]

Thank you! I’m all good with my M1 Pro on the MacBook front! Does all I could want for now!

[@alanplatt888]

Enjoy, You have a great channel, thanks.

[@Goughie]

That makes it sound like you’re leaving! Dont go! 😂

[@alanplatt888]

No Way Jose', it's what's behind the camera, the M11 is off the M25 ;-)@@Goughie

[@Goughie]

@@alanplatt888 phew! That would have been a sad day 😂 oh I know the M11 well… I spent 2 1/2 hours going 10miles two weeks ago 😂

[@AmbercoolPhotography]

I just got this last Thursday!

[@Goughie]

Hope you’re enjoying yours!

[@Stickybutton]

It is a great camera. I love it to bits moving from M4 M6 M7 MP M8 M240. M240 did my head in. Didn't like it. Skipped M10 and now got M11 which is highly predictable as for as digis are concerned.

[@CrispyJacketStudios]

Another great video & refreshingly NOT on the Sony A93 😂

[@aobane841]

Silver brass is way more beautiful. Those black bricks look like a Fuji X.

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

You finally pulled the trigger. :D Silver looks pretty good. The electronic shutter is absolute garbage. Even with still standing subjects the motion of your hands can destroy your photo. Just wanted to warn you before you accidentally ruin some photos. 😅 60MP is really handy for landscapes at f5.6. for portraits at 1.4 you wont see any differenrces. Photos looking pretty ncie. 👌

[@Goughie]

Ahhh thank you! Ooooo googling suggests it’s as slow as 1/10th read out speed! That’s awful! I didn’t realise much in my images! Might have to go back and look harder! 😂 Yes! I’m hoping landscapes is where it’ll shine for a project next year! 👌🏻

[@thanyawong]

Nice video. Thank you. I just got M11. May I ask you? Can you connect mobile phone with Fotos app to the camera while it is turned off. I can do with Leica Q3. When I connect Fotos app, it will wake up the camera and they are connected. Once I finished download images and disconnect, the Q3 will turn off automatically. RightNow, I have to turn on my M11 first then I can connect it. I would appreciate for your advice.

[@ianforber]

Like you I’ve tried connect my M11 to FOTOs and it doesn’t work when the camera is turned off. My Q2 can be turned on by FOTOs. I think it’s just a different way the cameras interact with FOTOs. I wonder whether it’s something to do with the Q series being autofocus. I can switch my Q2 on, focus and take a picture. Obviously, no way to focus an M11 so less use in a remote switch on.

[@tonyhayes9827]

I don't own Leicas but FWIW the image at 5:23 with the horse is stunning IQ. My Leica jealousy will just have to rumble on. Lol!

[@Goughie]

I’ll claim it was a good edit, the Fujis would have done 99% as good!

[@Leicahartt]

Thoughts on the M11 Monochrom?

[@Goughie]

Never tried any of the monochromes! Would love to! I’m forever considering selling my M6 to fund one

[@Leicahartt]

@@Goughie I’ve ordered one along with the 35mm 1.4 summilux 🙏

[@Goughie]

@@Leicahartt in that case… let me know your thoughts in a couple weeks!!

[@Leicahartt]

@@Goughie I will do.

[@Millicente]

I see no reason why Leica couldn't give us features from the M11 or even just the UI to the people who bought their M9 or M240. The M10 is only the last generation so surely they could. For people who say they value their heritage and their users this just screams cash grab.

[@Powerland56]

M11 + Summilux 50 1.4 for over 10.000€? For what?

[@Goughie]

Enjoyment? Do I need a better reason?

[@Powerland56]

@@Goughie No, no better reason 😃. But für under 10k€ I enjoy a X-H2s and many lenses including a 150-600, 3 other Zooms and a lot of prime lenses.

[@Goughie]

@@Powerland56 I too have an XH2S and multiple lenses

[@bernardlesperance742]

Shhh. Can you hear Leica laughing all the way to the bank? . . . LOL . . . LOL . . . LOL

[@JJ_Photo]

Have you checked the prices on different brands lately? They are all laughing. I would rather spend that kind of money on a Leica M than on any new Sony, Nikon or Canon, that is selling for 1/4 the price or less, after 2 years. I have lost so many money on these brands. Also on lenses. With Leica you can buy used M lenses and sell them for the same price two years later. Yes Leica is not for everyone. But neither are a Sony A1 or Nikon Z9..... Even Fuji has ridiculous high prices now...

[@Goughie]

I bought used so poor point 😂

[@bernardlesperance742]

@@JJ_Photo Completely agree, they are all laughing. But Leica is laughing loudest. I take your good point about resale, though.

[@ThomazMartinez]

so much BS talk here, i had m11 and i had so many issues that you have not mentioned, just goes to show you are so bias to Leica that you cant properly rant about its issues.

[@Goughie]

Beyond crashing and magenta tint, what other issues did you have then? Clearly haven’t watched my other videos where I rant about gear, Suprised you didn’t comment on my head size again…

[@ThomazMartinez]

@@Goughie clearly you like using different lens or something hence the head size, issues, getting to hot, to remove sd card you need to remove battery, slow to startup, freezes, slow to take picture when pressing shutter button i feel there is lag, screen flickers when camera cant decide what exposure to use so its like disco screen, iso button is pain to use, usbc input possition