Leica M11-P - HONEST Opinions 30 Days Later

[@robertrice1689]

Thanks for the balanced impressions of the M11. I’ve taken photos for over 50 years with all varieties of cameras. My first real camera was a Minolta SRT-101. Manual focus, shutter, aperture and “fixed” ISO. I’ve been enjoying my M10/11 for the past 4 years and love getting back to this type of photography. However I often see posts of folks complaining about the price of the Leica cameras and lenses. Yet I don’t see car enthusiasts complaining about the price of Ferrari’s. My response to the Leica complainers is, If it’s not something you want or can afford, don’t buy it.

[@chrishb7074]

Taking pictures with just light, the simplest controls and finest quality is really pleasing. Who knew?

[@R0dan]

My first Leica (this year) after 50 of photography. I absolutely love this camera❤️❤️

[@Funktrainer]

Never had freezes and stupid quirks with my M8 and M9-P but I had some with the SL (Typ 601). Freezes on a 9k camera? A nogo. Maybe the companies should start testing and using their products again in the future before releasing junk.

[@Foto384]

Interesting opinions about the M11-P. I will say that I have the M11 which is basically the same camera except for the 256 internal memory, the rear LCD screen glass is not a tough and of course does not have the image authenticity function. Having said that there have been no issues with the camera freezing since the firmware upgrades. The issues with the SD card can be resolved if you use the correct SD card recommended by Leica and you format them in the camera itself for the first time. The M camera range is a unique experience like no other and takes the user back to having to work for the image. There are plenty of other brands if you want all the bells and whistles but that is not what the M range is about. The M range is trying as far as it can staying true to its roots hence no flip screen, video etc. Speaking of the flip screen if you do have difficulty focusing or taking a shot in a difficult position the camera as mentioned can connect to the foto’s app on your phone. In the app it is possible to control all the functions of the camera including taking the shot. My final comment is that you are right it is a very expensive camera. Leica is a premium brand and each camera is built by hand in Germany with premium materials. Put simply you get what you pay for, last a long time and they hold their value extremely well.

[@eugenheller4182]

The latest Firmware solved the freezing issue. I had mine for about 1 1/2 month now. I did several events. Did not freeze once.

[@Funktrainer]

Sounds great, maybe I will update to the M12 at some time. For now I am still pretty happy using the M9-P and M8.

[@kennethhouston4838]

I have a Leica Q (which I need to use more often) and a Leica M4 film camera with a Voigtlander 50mm (brand new) lens. If I shelled out $9200 and had a camera that froze up, gave incorrect meter readings in the vertical etc, I'd be pissed. i can have roughly 600+ rolls of film developed and scanned by my lab for that kind of money over the long run. Thank you for this article. I was poking around and thinking about saving up , selling most my existing camera gear and getting an M11-P. But at my age (59), I will continue to use (more) and be happy with what I have and put the money I will be saving into my Roth.

[@Antwort2und40]

I’d say you were fair and balanced here. Two thoughts: 1. If you like 28, try the 28 summilux sometime. IMO it has more character than the 28 cron. 2. The Q is amazing, but you’re stuck with that lens. With the M, you have access to a vast array of super characterful through clinical glass, both vintage and modern. Of course, at many focal lengths. Which can be super inspiring!

[@astraeusone]

Nice camera, but not because of ‘micro-contrast’-whatever that means. It’s great because it’s a slice of joy, luxury, and history, and it’s small and largely mechanical, which, in my opinion, is the most crucial part of its appeal. Among all the Leicas I’ve tried (M10, M10-R, M11, M Typ240), it would sit in the middle, with the M10-R and M10 still remaining unbeatable to this day. P.S. Sharp images bring a certain stillness, but they’re just one of many approaches to photography-not the pinnacle. For me, I use Leica for the sheer joy and experience of the camera, not because of any obsession with sharpness. In fact, sharp images can sometimes corner you into a specific style, but I could take sharp images with almost any camera-even a Nikon with a 35-105mm zoom lens. Sure, it’s not a Summilux, but the end result is what matters, not how it’s made. One part of me loves the precision and stats paradise of Leica, but another part of me just wants a small, usable camera. In that sense, the Summaron 5.6 is the perfect blend of usability and size. And yet, if size is all I cared about, I could just use my phone. So, why Leica? Because it’s more than just a tool-it’s an experience

[@thomashilmersen711]

The thing is that if you just want a camera that feels good and looks good, an analog M is way better. There is more of a tactical feeling, and none of the frustrating freezing and digital problems.

[@davidbrighten2572]

Taking my M11-P and my M11 Monochrom on my European vacation. No autofocus cameras. Couldn’t be happier. Save money - only use Voigtlander glass.

[@nineteen76]

Voigtlander glass is great and value for money. However, IMHO and personal experience, you don't necccessaily spend money on Leica glass either. Find a good quality used Leica lens and you won't lose any money on it. In fact they may even go up in value.

[@MrQwertypoiuyty]

Extremely expensive camera and cheap lens?

[@Funktrainer]

I would rather save on the bodies and buy Leica glass....

[@chloescanlon1107]

Save money? Lol. You’ve got £16,000 worth of cameras there. Poser.

[@soulopticc]

Good analysis. I'm staying with my M10 for now. It's fun to use and solid. The sl3 seems a more sensible option if you want the image quality of the M11

[@janfrosty3392]

exactly, you get all the benefits using M lenses, IBIS plus is cheaper if that matters

[@mahidoes]

Few things i like about this camra 1) Small comapred to equivalent camera with f/1.4 prime 2) Design 3) Shoot DNG What I don't like Every thing else. Would I buy? Never! Even if i get free i'll sell it.

[@TyeMorrisVlog]

6:01 I've seen him around (I'm in Utah as well), that 944 is awesome! I was briefly talking to him on his IG about who helped him set up his safari conversion. After looking them up, I'm very seriously considering one myself as a workaday offroad fun car to pair with the GX 470 we're slowly turning into an overlander for our landscape photo work.

[@kylemeshna]

Haha awesome! Gotta get on the list for a refurb though, Jonny has started quite the waitlist with 944 Safari haha

[@paulow1624]

can your presets work on capture one instead of lightroom

[@mdjmurray]

Do the M11-P raw files have the same magenta cast that the M11 does?

[@techlist5049]

My 11-P froze twice, that was it, did a firmware update and switched to manual coding. Never had any issues since then.

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

The card must be formatted in your computer if you have use it in another camera like the Q3 or any other camera brand.

[@ronaldtremmel.mylifeafterc5686]

As a landscape photographer i would have the m11 or the m11 p tomorrow if it was wether proof. i have the Q3 28 and love it

[@john_murch]

You should always re-format an sd card in the new camera after you take it out of another camera. This may eliminate the freezing issue.

[@kylemeshna]

I couldn’t even get to that point without it freezing

[@john_murch]

@@kylemeshna Oh dang!

[@marcusnz232]

I loved the film cameras. Leica made them like a Swiss watch and they worked forever. The digital one not as much. It’s a question of trying to cram the new into the old. Users won’t like size changes (see the outcry when the M240 got thicker!) so it gets harder. In the end I’ve switched to the Hasselblad system. Still simple and traditional but much nicer to use and not actually that much bigger and heavier depending on lens choices.

[@Funktrainer]

@@marcusnz232 I don' t know what's not nice to use on a M body. They still operate basically the same as 1954. Still all Leicas are built like swiss watches.

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

Nice video. I'm surprised that they still haven't gotten the freezes under control. Then, just like with the M11, if you get a camera with freezes, you have to have Leica replace it with a new one. At least, many confirmed in my video that they had fewer freezes afterward.

[@blende5.693]

Nice video, thanks for sharing Metering is not a problem for me, I know where I have to meter the for example the portrait, push the button half to save the right shutter speed, frame the portrait finally and shut it. It is just a question of experience. I also don’t need a tilt screen , I prefer the slime body.

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

The M11 is made for photograph who are in 100% control of everything. Not the camera is in automatic stupid control.

[@ChrisBrogan]

I consider videos like this to be a booster shot to my vaccine of why I won't sell someone else's kidney to buy one. It's VERY useful. Because I do keep thinking "if only." So thanks, Kyle. I support YOU. Keep going.

[@kylemeshna]

Gotta be careful out there… weather is getting colder, leaves are starting to change, leicalust season is upon us. stay up to date with the latest booster. now available at your local Meshna pharmacy

[@ChrisBrogan]

@@kylemeshna - I smell merch: "Leica Vaccine Sold Here." (I mean, might muck up future sponsorships, but we'll make up for it in shirt sales.)

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

With the new firmware it does not freeze. I got mine in February 2024 and never freeze.

[@kylemeshna]

My firmware is updated and I did experience the freezing issues unfortunately

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

@@kylemeshna format your sd card in your computer.

[@rbmads5619]

What were the lens specs for the pictures?

[@hoppesfilmt]

14:35 this just nailed it. I am still trying to justify my purchase and it is still against all my logics, but I do not regret it at all. Makes no sense, but fun

[@Bikes-n-Stuff]

I don't think the cost of Leica will ever make sense but even within the realm of 'collectables' or 'experience' Leica need to be careful. That heritage will soon be lost if they continue to release products that simply aren't fit for purpose or cutting edge, while remaining staggeringly expensive. Their products need to work reliably, every time, and better than their rivals. And if they break, they should be serviced quickly, not sit in a queue in Germany for months. While I'd love to try a M longer term, I'll also stick with Q3 43 for now, its the only camera in the lineup that seems like 'good value' (in the context of Leica).

[@tundrusphoto4312]

Leica needs to fix the freezing problem. That said, people don't buy Leica cameras because they have the most advanced features. They buy them for that luxe Leica experience and the limitations the brand's products impose.

[@BrandonTalbot]

It sucks that it’s still persisting for some. I’ve had mine for a few months and have not had a freeze 🤞🏽

[@ab185]

5:41 doesn't even look real it's so beautiful.

[@kylemeshna]

One of my all time favorite moments

[@pixelespepe]

If you don't like the rangefinder and focus system, it's not the camera for you. If you want Tilt screen go buy a Q3.

[@beyourself9162]

May someone is interested in my findings. A friend gave me his Summicron 50 mm and I shoot with the Fuji XPro2 the first thing I recognized was the colors were looking like the Leica shots I can see everywhere today. I assume it’s more the lens instead of the camera. And in terms of sharpness the Summicron is by far not the best lens. But exactly this definitely has a character…maybe the slight blur has to do something with the Leica impression… who knows….

[@DAVCOHPHO]

I really enjoyed your review and besides, I love your style. Subscribed! 😀🙌🏽

[@kylemeshna]

Stoked to hear it! Welcome aboard

[@cornellouis]

Mine just died. Repair order says "pcb-h" needs repair / replace. Seems like a looooot of people have m11 problems in the first year.

[@Funktrainer]

Seems to be just another banana product like so many things these days.

[@SourPlanet]

Current gen Leicas are not worth the price, imo. Leica cameras remain totally usable for decades, so it generally makes sense to buy back models. This way you can keep ONE of your kidneys. I picked up the M240 right here in 2024, 12 years after its release. Works perfectly fine, take it out in the city every day. Metering on the M11 is weird. I find the M10 to peak Leica. They shouldn't mess with their classic features like metering off the shutter, which works flawlessly on prior Leicas if people just RTFM. The tiny lag on the m11 as it goes from sensor meter to shutter fire is nowhere near as bad as my M240 (feels like i could grab a coffee beteeen shots).. but it's def irksome. Anyway. Glad you made this video. Leica is often just the price conversation but this focuses more on just how damn fun they are.

[@D.Trider]

I have the m-p typ 240 and it’s awesome

[@SourPlanet]

@@D.Trider MP240 is my bucket list camera. Same great body, but quieter shutter. Regular M240 shutter sounds great.. but loud like a shovel on concrete.

[@learnwithlegends07]

Please tell me the best camera for shooting videos. Money is not a problem.

[@frankbregulla564]

Arri35

[@stogies3]

I miss my M6 and M lenses

[@bodythetan]

Q3 dominance

[@MadusankaPathirana-xo5zs]

My dream 📸 leica...❤❤❤

[@nohaybandaninguna]

I first heard about these M11 freezing issues more than a year ago, and they’re still happening…? Leica seems to really have dropped the ball.

[@mhaustria]

Before I bought my M11, I was concerned about the freezing. But interesting wise it never happened to me (no matter what firmware I used). I use an Sandisk 128gb SD Card and write images simultaneously on internal and SD storage. I always format it in the camera. And I shoot a lot with it. Interesting wise I get more excited to shoot with my M2. It's just a quicker and more satisfying experience. I posted some thoughts between these two cameras here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnrRdZimpM5sa7s

[@RS-Amsterdam]

M10 is the best 😂

[@blende5.693]

me too

[@Funktrainer]

No, M9 and M8 😂

[@RS-Amsterdam]

@@Funktrainer Those are all time bests ,. M10 and M11 are the newer ones, and then the M10 is a better choice.

[@FART-REPELLENT]

Not for battery life it isn’t; due to crap battery life one is forced to solely rely on rangefinder focusing; which is far from ideal when shooting landscapes.

[@Funktrainer]

@@FART-REPELLENT If you don't like rangefinder focusing there are tons of other options out there other than using a M body for landscape shooting.

[@davidkipperman5218]

Leica: You pay more for less, and less is more!

[@kylemeshna]

We should change the slogan

[@blitzkopf7267]

this is the best camera when you see the results in your photos but you will buy another camera because you don't want to feel awkward because your camera froze in front of clients, because photography is about capturing moments because the model, the wedding, the nature will not wait for the camera to work again because no one knows when the camera will work again and this camera disease is not curable this is not a problem with the processor or software this is a deeper problem this is a problem with the new management of the company, because this problem is more than 10 years old this problem is in every new model of the company M or SL

[@Roar.]

Leica makes no sense. But they're fun. 🙂

[@estebanpenovi315]

5:25 mosquito attack!

[@JohnRicard]

The crazy thing about this video is that some of the issues you mentioned -camera freezing, inconsistent WB from shot to shot, slow to turn on, inconsistent exposure from shot to shot have been an issue since the M9, and then continued through to the M240 and even to the M10. My 2009 Nikon D3 turns on and fires immediately,.

[@Funktrainer]

Never had those issues with the M9. Perfectly instant to use and more reliable than any of my Nikons (D3/D4), especially the auto white balance and colour reproduction in general are on a totally higher level.

[@JohnRicard]

in my experience, if I am in auto WB on the NM9 and I shoot say, 10 photos of someone talking, the images will not have a consistent WB. It will change from shot to shot. I’d be happy to provide real world examples as this is instantly reproducible with either my M9 or M10 cameras. This isn’t the case with my Nikons which always deliver consisten WB. Also, the M9 often makes Caucasian skin tones purple in situations where my Nikons do not. Have you experienced this?

[@Funktrainer]

@@JohnRicard The Auto White Balance on every camera is not consistent as it is Auto. I had my Nikons always on preset white balance as they were horrible to edit in post because of the lack of colours that the Nikons are able to reproduce. The original D3 had an oversaturated blue channel and the D4 had pronounced yellows.

[@Vedrajrm]

The “editing” made it poop in some cases

[@b.peppercorn739]

It’s not Porsch it’s Porsche

[@danikcz]

Of course, lovely GERMAN sports cars 👍😃

[@rjbiii]

5:26 oh no

[@moneytalks3559]

thats a big ass mosquito on your forehead 5:27

[@kylemeshna]

Lmao I’m glad someone noticed. I had a big ol bite mark for a few days 😂

[@fincrattanaka4633]

ten years ago,when i saw a man use leica,wow a photographer! now, o saw a man use leica,wow!a rich man

[@IDaumI]

Never trust a guy that says "Make photos". 🤣 Also, everyone hates the ISO dial on the M10/M11 cameras. The good thing about the M11 is you can program the rear dial to select your ISO so you never have to deal with the ISO dial or have it up all the time. This is why I still love my M240, I wish they would update the M10 firmware to match the M11 custom functions. And no I do not want to upgrade to the M11 as I'm somewhat of a purist. The M10 is the last model with the bottom plate and brass top plate on the black models.

[@kylemeshna]

Typically I take photos. The M series makes it feel more like making photos

[@Funktrainer]

Yes, I also hate that stupid, always-locked ISO dial and the super annoying LED lit framelines. Therefore will always keep the M8 and M9-P. So much superior cameras.