Leica M11 Explained in Three Photographs

[@GajanBalan]

To read the full story and see the images in more detail, visit my foto club www.churchxstreet.com/p/the-leica-m11-explained-in-three

[@soholeica]

I'm a freelance Film Editor working in Soho, London and I always have my M11 with me. It sits underneath my monitors whilst i edit and after I'm done whether I'm gong to the pub to meet friends or just walking back to Waterloo, its on my shoulder and ready. I think I've only left the house without it my be 5 times in the last year, I panic if i don't have it, as i think I might have left it some where, although I have had an air tag sewn into my Billingham. Great videos, always a joy to watch a fellow photographer get out there and shoot, in that, i love the way we all do it in different ways.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome. And great call on sewing the AirTag. Thanks for sharing ✌🏾

[@Dkouki97]

The M11 is insane. Its my #1 travel camera and I treasure every photo taken with it .

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@debadri]

Hello from Kolkata. This city is a street photographer's paradise. Beautiful photos, and even better insights.

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

I am 71 yo now. I have started to use Leica cameras and lenses when I was 15 yo from my Dad photography equipment. Since then i have never used other camera brand for 35 mm. I use Hasseblad for different needs but 95% of the time I shoot Leica film and M11P cameras with many lenses from the past and more recent. It is always the same joy, pleasure and inspiration.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s incredible. Thanks for sharing.

[@andreaspretali]

Thank you for the inspiring video Gajan! I agree with you 100 percent: I own an M11-P and this camera is my absolute favorite tool. I carry it with me every day and almost feel 'naked' when I don't have it with me.

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, I know the feeling! Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@nyee1]

🇨🇦As I aspire to an M11, your experience of the experience resonates with me. While I have a collection of high grade, capable German kitchen knives, holding and slicing with my even pricier artisanal Samurai lineage Japanese knives is an experience in joy, discovery, and personal satisfaction. Friends and family won’t taste the difference from the slicing, but they do get to taste the craft, attention, and innovation when I prepare the meal from that state.

[@mjcatto]

For me it’s the M11. Simplicity. The 28 and the 50 lux. Watching this at the airport as i write. They capture my days for posterity not instagram. I’ve been watching your videos for several years. All the best.

[@GajanBalan]

That's such a great kit. And thank you for supporting.

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

Hey Gajan, after following your creative journey for years now, am looking forward to hearing about your next chapter, creatively. Those journalistic photos through India have been amazing

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you! Looking forward to speaking more about this in the months to come.

[@Holl.Mvrk.]

For me, it’s my silver Leica M240P. Every time I pick it up, it makes me want to get out on the streets and shoot. Even though I have my Sony A7IV for family photos I tend to find myself still picking up the M240P for the daily shots of my kids.

[@GajanBalan]

There’s so much to love about the M240 series. Love hearing people still putting in work on that body. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@prherman]

@@Holl.Mvrk. I am on a M240 too. Great camera still, although admittedly I am eyeing M10/M11 cameras. I really like the M10-R but at that point very close to cost of a pre-owned M11.

[@Holl.Mvrk.]

@ the M10R would be ideal as well, but I just can’t justify the price when I don’t make any money off the camera. lol maybe one day when the kids are a bit older !

[@chrisbogart687]

For me, it had to be joy, experience, and on a budget. I am retired on a fixed income. I had to choose carefully, I would have loved the M series, but there is that cost. However, I knew the experience I wanted and an excellent used Leica Q2M allowed me the joy. My favorite two pictures from last year was shot on it. As the journey continued last year I ended up going the Hasselblad route. A used X1D II and their P series (28P, 45P, and 75P) followed suit. In total, for less than the X2D or M11 w/o a lens. I know the feeling of joy and can experience it with limitations, but that has spawned more creativity and joy. I wish I had your budget, but I know the feeling you felt. Great video and I can relate to it,

[@GajanBalan]

I’m glad to hear you’ve found a system that sparks creativity. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@raymurakawa]

The saying “The Tool Shapes The Hand” can be used to describe the way the rangefinder has influenced the way I visually compose in my day to day life even when I’m not holding my M. No other camera has had that influence over me, nor shaped the way I see as the M has. When you find a tool that resonates with you it becomes irreplaceable.

[@GajanBalan]

Well said. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@ab185]

Leica Q2 Reporter is my creativity sparker. Might be an M11 if I stay subscribed to this channel!

[@GajanBalan]

Love the reporter series. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@rossxjohnson]

Great video. Had the M11 since October 2022 and completely agree with all of your points. For me additionally it's the process and experience of shooting which makes me want to use it more.

[@GajanBalan]

Nice! Thanks for sharing.

[@whfowle]

If you can match a rangefinder camera to the kind of photography you want to do, then a Leica M11 is a good choice.

[@GajanBalan]

Agreed. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@IntrovertAmateur]

For now it's the Leica M8. It's just came back from Wetzlar service :) Awesome story Gajan! I really love these kinds of videos specially from you, since I really love how you tell your stories with a sprinkle of gear "review" :) Can't wait for more videos from you for this year!! :)

[@GajanBalan]

A fresh M8? That’s incredible. Enjoy. And thank you for the kind words ✌🏾

[@mlseawell]

Another great, heartfelt video from you! The moment you captured of the young girl sitting on the desk is...iconic. For me the Fuji X-T5 is the camera that inspires me to capture the world. We recently visited Thailand and the X-T5 along with my 18/33/35 did me right for my documentary/street photography. Looking forward to your next video.

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you. And the X-T5 is such a powerhouse. Enjoy the journey!

[@RobiePunsalan]

Feel the same way about my M11-P. Thank you Gajan!

[@johnpoulter]

What a lovely video, thank you Gajan. Regarding that favourite camera you mention, mine is the Fuji X-T1. Even after years of use it continues to surprise me over and above anything else I have used, and I've used many. I love the portrait of the girl and know why you have it on the wall. And yes, I understand your comment about the M11 feeling as if that's what it was built to do. It's a subtle difference because yes, all cameras are built to take pictures but often there's zero connection with them. Yours even feels purpose-built. Best wishes🙏👍

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching. And love hearing the X-T1 still getting reps! That’s awesome.

[@richa2495]

Hi Gajan, M10. The rangefinder experience gives me a renewed passion for photography(been shooting for about 45 years). The more I study the school girl photo, the more I see into her face about life growing up there. Also, her curiosity for you. I enjoy the camera and shooting with the close focus Lux's.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome, and thank you for sharing.

[@ka_sh_iif]

Always value your insight, the M system has hooked me and it will never not be in my life. Looking forward to seeing you at Leica store NY this week.

[@prherman]

Bummer. Didn’t know this was going on until I saw your post and now no more tickets.

[@ka_sh_iif]

@ I signed up for the alerts through eventbrite, after I missed a previous event I wanted to see.

[@prherman]

@ Thanks.

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you. And see you there!

[@GajanBalan]

There will be a second event on Sunday at B&H. Details to arrive later this week.

[@benjie_edmonson]

I’m always so incredibly inspired by your videos/images. Today my m240p and 50 lux arrives. I couldn’t be more excited to go shoot!!

[@GajanBalan]

Nice! Enjoy the journey.

[@JosdeHorde-py3rz]

For a long time I didn´t know what you guys and girls were talking about. A camera that want´s you to go out and take pictures? My Canon R6mk2 didn´t. Living in Norway and driving a lot for my work brings me to interesting places and light. But I never had my camera with me, just my iPhone. Because of this I bought a Q3 in October 2024 and I almost immediately knew what you were talking about. The Q3 is now always with me and at home it is always at my dinner table. I do go out much more often than before to take pictures, because the prosess of taking pictures gives me joy again. But already now I am beginning to look for a used M11. Først the picture was the most important and now the prosess is.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome. Thanks for watching. Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@shy-guy5544]

Very interesting video with much food for thought. Thanks

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@nickditoro]

Thanks for the great video, Gajan! Unless I'm shooting sports, architecture, or my youngest granddaughter, I grab my M11, with usually a 50mm on it. I have never learned to trust my ability to range focus, so I rely on using the rangefinder. The effect of that not only makes me slow down, it invites me to find photographs that I wouldn't otherwise take with any other camera.

[@GajanBalan]

I think you're spot on with that philosophy. The way you describe your workflow is brilliant. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@PeterJehle100]

Love the photographs, especially the school photograph. I’ve owned and used Leica Ms in the film day but moved away when I went digital. Now I know that it doesn’t make sense to want back in on the Leica train because I have cameras that will do so much more and in many ways better BUT I was never happier than when just using my MP film camera and 35mm lens, just walking, looking and capturing whatever caught my eye. There is something special about using an M camera and I may well be heading back in that direction. Once again, beautiful images.

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you Peter. Truly appreciate the kind words.

[@A1000Truths]

I’m in between the SL3 and M11 both for the quality and image rendition. Recently took photos of my daughter with the SL3 playing in the snow for the first time and those images just make me feel certain emotions.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s incredible brother. Enjoy the journey!

[@npdady]

Very artistic. Explaining art via the text placard or via a video is what makes art, art.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@npdady]

@@GajanBalan very interesting video! 👍👍

[@camloff]

Nice video from you on M11 & shots and your views on your country and its people. Thanks , Gajan.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@trevorpayne2749]

Great hearing the story behind the images and why they mean so much to you.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@jordanlmiller]

I plan to buy this camera this year, 2025 is the year I go all in, similar to what you said about your realization in 2020 for your creative pursuits I've been shooting with the fuji x100vi and have been absolutely love shooting rangefinder style great video!

[@GajanBalan]

Good luck, and enjoy the journey. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and story 😊

[@GajanBalan]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@Chandler_29]

Nice job

[@kilohotel6750]

I shoot 99% wildlife so Leicas really aren't my thing but love your videos. For me the camera that makes me want to get out has been the Canon R3 over the past two years. The feel in the hand and the look of the files to me are just great. I had picked up a Fuji GFX 100 II this past summer hoping to expand my shooting and the files looked good but shooting it was no fun. I really wanted the Hasselblad 907X with the 100C back but my mind said go with Fuji, I should've listened to my heart and got the Hasselblad.

[@GajanBalan]

That R3 is such a phenomenal body for wildlife work. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@TonyEbikemeJr]

For me, it's the Q2 and Q2M. Sadly, when I lost my job, I had to trade in for a cheaper camera (Fuji Xpro2 graphite). Since then, I have struggled to pick up the Fuji, which is crazy, as I used to love the Xpro2.

[@GajanBalan]

I hear you brother. We find a way. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@theday2learn]

I picked up an m10-R a few days ago, it’s amazing

[@GajanBalan]

Congrats! Enjoy the journey.

[@donjagoe]

M10-R, so obviously, I totally agree!👍

[@GajanBalan]

Great camera. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@SamAbram-dl1mg]

I agree with everything you mentioned 1000% and I think your saying it from your heart, my only issue with this camera is the colors and white balance compared with Leica sl2 sl3 I think Leica messed upon this one compared even to the Leica m10, m11 has magenta cast white balance colors seem to be more yellow or orange with skin tones, the sky color looks off I hope the m12 will have a much better color balance, love your videos 🙏🤗

[@GajanBalan]

Yea I’ve heard people mention this a few times. I can understand where they’re coming from. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@sultanabran1]

i love your opinions and experiences withe Leica M. i'm not a professional but an enthusiast, however my experiences are more or less the same as yours. whether you're using the M11 or M9, in my case, it's the same experience. yes of course the M11 is technical far superior. the M9 is the one for me out of my cameras. i have a nikon d610, which is great and a technical marvel, plus a few other cameras. however i only ever pick up the M9. it's the one i want to shoot with and the one i look forward to shooting with. Love your videos! keep sharing.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome. Thank you for sharing.

[@larrylouie4384]

Great video Gajan. For me the go to camera is the Leica Q3. It also has great quality and small size, but I like the autofocus feature and the tilt screen on the Q3

[@GajanBalan]

Such an awesome camera. Enjoy!

[@carlfranken7906]

And with the new firmware you can lock the AF for many fotos as using a rangefinder M

[@ShirazChanawala]

Your narrative is second to none.

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@polygoncoco]

Main thing to take away from this video - get something that inspires you to shoot. it doesn't have to be £10,000+ or from a specific brand or whatever, it just has to be special to *you*. also it would be nice to actually see the images you're speaking about for more than 5-10 seconds, I understand it's probably a KZbin algorithm thing - but still, better to see the thing you're talking about than just you speaking about it.

[@GajanBalan]

I hear you. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@elliotresnick5433]

I agree with their statement, this came across more as a commercial for Leica. I more interested in the images rather than another influencer’s “pitch”.

[@GajanBalan]

​@@elliotresnick5433 maybe this channel isn't for you. But there's a link in the description to my photography stories where you can better appreciate the visuals.

[@elliotresnick5433]

@@GajanBalan interesting reaction..

[@madtom67]

SL3 with SL lenses or M lenses, and an M11 Monochrom! You should try the 21mm Super Elmar-M f3.4 ASPH, it's a really great little lens and it's 300g lighter than the 21 Summilux! Thanks for the interesting content!

[@GajanBalan]

I played with that lens before and it’s incredible. Deceptively good. I opted for the Summilux only because of the lighting conditions of some of these environments.

[@RockdownPlus]

Your passion is great😊

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you

[@qwiththephotos_]

Loved the video, for me I love my Fuji X-T5 and before that the X-T2 but, I am not sure they make me feel the way you talk about the Leica. It is definitely my favourite tool for the Job, but as I have only ever used this brand and style since starting photography I am not sure if it is THE camera for me. I have been dreaming for a long time of getting a Pentax 67 as I feel it will have this feeling for me, but we will see when I finally can get it if that is the case.

[@GajanBalan]

I'd love to see what you would do with a 67. No doubt, phenomenal scenes. Thanks for watching brother✌🏾

[@bullpaintbullpaint8439]

Apotheosic. You have a new fan. Greetings.

[@GajanBalan]

First time someone has said that, thank you.

[@bullpaintbullpaint8439]

@ 👍

[@drandrewtan]

Nice video Gajan. I'm still trying to decide between the M11P and the X2D.

[@GajanBalan]

Find the one that you'll enjoy the most. Good luck.

[@riswanc]

Call it a tool or whatever, one to each own.. but yeah this is the camera i would always carry and one that always makes me wanna shoot.. even when the situation aint’ permitting .. thanks mate

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@theonlyredspecial]

M11 is great. Use it a lot with my Hasselblad 907x 100c.

[@touchtennis]

That barbershop street shot though. Wow.

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you

[@photoipster]

I really enjoy your channel. I’ve photographed in India for a couple of weeks, and it is a special place for faces, colors, activity. Would you ever offer a photo workshop there?

[@GajanBalan]

I will be announcing an India workshop. It will be a limited and extensive experience across multiple cities. Stay tuned!

[@peetje28021970]

Leicas don’t produce better pictures, Leicas makes you take better pictures, aside from the experience which is on another level compared to other brands.

[@GajanBalan]

Well said. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@luluphoto]

I loved the M8, M9 and M11 but had to sell my last M, the M11 due to lack of funds and have been without a camera for a while. I recently bought the Q343, I like it but it makes me miss the M's with a 50mm Summilux asph.

[@ByJ.Francois]

Great video. We need to hear your voice more !

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you brother!

[@dhaug]

Agree 100% with your take on working with a camera that makes you want to pick it up. QQ: I recall that you once had an M with your name (and a map?) etched onto the top plate. Do you still have that one, because for some reason I seem to recall it being an M11? Thanks!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching. And yes, that's my M11 that I still use to this day. It has a map of my homeland engraved on the top. Opted to show some unaltered details shots of the camera for this video.

[@nymzoindian7250]

It’s the M10-P and 50 F1 (circa ‘86) for me.. 4 years and counting. I’m a believer 💯. Added the modern 35 lux and 21 sem along the way.. only the lux sees light of day, sometimes. This year does feel different! I see an M11-D coming. It is time to liberate the chimp 🦍 Will have both for now.. 50F1 on M11-D 35F1.4 (CF) on M10-P Any gassy ideas? 😅 Perhaps the 50apo or 28f2?!

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, thanks for sharing. Whatever you choose, enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@iamhassan9943]

I am still on that road searching for “that” camera. For now the closest I have come is the Lumix S9. Almost Leica like. For now, I’ll keep shooting and keep searching.

[@GajanBalan]

Nice. Good luck!

[@rogerhampton2844]

It’s a great camera and clearly exites you to take photographs and suits your work, but there are many cameras that will do the same thing.

[@GajanBalan]

Agreed. This is the one that does it for me right now.

[@alexmcdowell8281]

In fact, there are not many cameras that will do the same thing, Roger. Thank you for being that person on a Leica post.

[@SourPlanet]

How is "it doesn't matter what camera you use" a comment with any point at all? Anything where particular camera doesn't matter... It need not be stated that the camera doesn't matter. Anything where it does matter which camera is used .. then you're wrong. Good job?

[@GajanBalan]

@@SourPlanet thanks Nietzsche

[@SourPlanet]

@@GajanBalan 😅

[@ReneGrothmann]

Well, today kids take their smartphones and experience the scene life, because the camera is not at their eye. You can do that with any modern mirrorless.

[@stephanegainche8235]

I'm waiting for the new GFX fujifilm génération. GFX 50 RII . The same présentation and cheaper

[@Caballeroshot]

The M11 is just a Sony A7r5 (same sensor) but you won't find me reaching for a Sony!

[@roxikoko3744]

Ricoh GRIII

[@GajanBalan]

Nice! Enjoy the journey

[@jeffreytaveirne]

Nikon ZF

[@GajanBalan]

Nice! Solid camera.

[@Bikes-n-Stuff]

For perspective, my M11 is one of the biggest disappointments of the decade. But appreciate many love then and are happy to forgive all their shortcomings and faults. 😀

[@GajanBalan]

That’s too bad.

[@easygoingbutgoing]

Evidently , yours does not freeze constantly forcing folks to wonder why they would drop $11k

[@GajanBalan]

For whatever reason, I’ve been fortunate in my journey with this. Touched on this topic in the past though.

[@Postelnikov]

I got a great time in Kolkata with my M, what a city! and M is the best camera to explore it

[@GajanBalan]

Miss the city so much. Thanks for watching ✌🏾