Leica M11-P Review: The World's Most Secure Camera, But Do You NEED It?

[@zkramez]

Just pulled the trigger on the M11-P. Can't wait to get it.

[@btonelli]

Congrats!

[@zkramez]

@@btonelli Thank you sir!

[@MarcAdesso]

100% agree that an M with an EVF is needed! Would be amazing if they can figure out an optical/EVF combo like the Fuji X100V too. IBIS would be a dream. I also hope that means they will be coming out with a non-EVF M11-D!

[@btonelli]

Totally agree!

[@jonaswicker6188]

Great video! The CAI is actually not intended for copyright issues in the first place. Digital signatures are there for authenticity. So when you see an image you can look at the digital signature to ensure that is is a real photograph that was taken at a certain time and place because the digital signature proves it. If there is no data then the picture might be real or fake. You just dont know. So a screenshot of the image also doesnt tell you whether it is real or not. But when a photograph with the CAI data is used on a news website or something then you can look up the digital signature and know that it is a real image :) digital signatures are a wonderful thing and really important for journalists. I hope that every camera will get in the future!

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching!! Much appreciated

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

I use the Visoflex 2 sometimes on my M11P. In the camera set up you can set it up in a way that this EVF is only activated when you look inside it. So the battery can handle it much more longer time that using the back screen.

[@IndraG81]

Hi Bobby, It’s Indra here from Perth Australia. Great video. I just got my M11P too. I Would love if Leica make M Evf. But they should be on the side of Traditional M. So both available, maybe call it MQ or something. And both should have the same shape etc, just swap the Rangefinder with the EVF. That way Leica still have M for the traditional, purist and still collectable and choice for people that want EVF. I still sometimes shoot with the rangefinder, but prefer EVF for like Noctilux lenses etc. Keep up the good work 👍

[@btonelli]

Hi Indra! Thanks for watching. I agree that aesthetics should stay the same if possible to keep the heritage intact. Hopefully they do this one day. Congrats on getting the M11P!

[@bsmukler]

I understand where you are coming from, and I am one of those aging photographers you mentioned, currently enjoying the M11 and M11M. Sadly, my Jeep has an automatic transmission, but none of my motorcycles do, which is one reason I love them, on and off the race track. Like many, I have other camera systems with all the modern accoutrements, but I enjoy the process of focusing the M bodies and, surprisingly, I have found the increase in resolution is NOT a hindrance to achieving sharp results, due to the excellent balance and just-right weight of the M bodies. Yes, my vision is not what it used to be, and I have had to adapt (I find contacts useless, so I make do with using glasses and not easily seeing the full corners of the frame.) I hope Leica does not add an actual EVF to their beautiful, mechanical rangefinder treasure, leaving the SL and other Q series for those who want the electronic features.

[@btonelli]

I respect your viewpoint and there is no right or wrong. I also ride motorcycles but do appreciate the quick shifter in my sports bike, but also appreciate the manual feel on my cruiser. It’s more about giving people the option and seeing where the chips fall so to speak.

[@bsmukler]

Yes, exactly.

[@marcusnz232]

I recently sold my M11 and bought a P. IMO the paint finish on my P is definitely different to the finish that was on my 11. My 11 was more textured than the P which seems smoother. The sapphire cover on the screen is a definite plus. I did this because I decided the the M11 series is about as good as they can get with this system. There’s nothing I need really. Ibis would kill the battery more than a high resolution evf and I really only need the Visoflex to focus my 75 Apo at f2. An EVF M to me is an SL3.

[@btonelli]

Congrats on the P. Yes it’s a bit more of a refined experience than the 11

[@Kevon420]

I personally think the removable EVF option is ideal. It allows for Leica to have a true rangefinder and brilliant optical viewfinder, as well now with modern hardware and processing the Visoflex 2 is actually pretty good. The purists can have a fully optical digital rangefinder, and all the more casual/new or older Leica fans can have their pretty camera and use an EVF to make it easier to focus critically. The problem you have at 5:30 is that you cannot move the focusing point quickly, which has absolutely nothing to do with an EVF-based M camera. What you want is an joystick on the back of the camera (which would be heinous in my opinion) or allow you to move the focusing point with the touchscreen during EVF use, which is something that can easily be offered in a firmware update. I believe Leica have commented on the hybrid OVF/EVF thing in the past and they said the compromises to both are not worth it for them. The hybrid viewfinder in the X100V is okay, but honestly with an autofocus camera I just use the EVF 95% of the time, and the optical viewfinder feels like more of a gimmick. Hell, Fujifilm's own $7500 GFX 100 II has a removeable EVF and it's possibly the best one in any of their cameras...at least far better than the ones in the X-Pro 3 and X100V. If people want an "EVF M" just buy a Sony a7C II, they're very good cameras.

[@btonelli]

The comments Leica made on the hybrid were years ago before the quality has improved. Now we are seeing 9.44 MP EVF systems and so realistically that issue is prob non existent anymore. This issue with the EVF and moving the focus point around has been ongoing for sometime but they never resolved it. I don’t think Leica will ever replace the OVF entirely, but I would argue to say an EVF M will sell better than the traditional especially with today’s technology.

[@Patrice48h]

Bobby, a hybrid viewfinder (optical and electronic) would be a game-changer. I own an M10-R and might trade it for the M10-P but would love Leica to address the limitations of an optical viewfinder, especially with large aperture glass. I do believe they are getting ready to launch something big in 2025 with the M-series. As always, you are bringing content with a different angle. Well done!!!!

[@btonelli]

Thank you for the kind words. 🙏 I hope they do as well.

[@Photojouralist123]

I just stick to my M10 it fine . Wife love her M11. I think your right EVF M like a Fuji X-3 pro

[@btonelli]

It’s time for that EVF

[@hwcanotabot]

I have never looked through an EVF that’s nearly as good as a Leica OVF. That’s your main portal of viewing the world through your camera and given Leica’s attention to detail in quality, I doubt they’ll put an EVF on M, but if they do, hope they will have an OVF version too.

[@btonelli]

@@hwcanotabot once you get to the 9.44m dot EVF range they are almost replicating real life but with brighter screens and the ability to use a diopter. Reality is the M market is shrinking due to older users that need eye glasses to see, challenges using fast aperture lenses in low light with the OVF. I’m sure they will always have a version that’s traditional but I for see and EVF M soon

[@sc1]

Great scoop. Do you like the red dot, or no red dot? Can the red dot be removed from the M11? Can the authenticity initiative spread to the M11 via future firmware updates.

[@btonelli]

Thanks. I’m ok with the red dot, but it’s more discrete without it especially in more sketchy areas. The red dot can be removed but the screw isn’t underneath like it is with the P version. The authenticity initiative is a special chip in the camera so it’s not firmware reliant

[@sc1]

@@btonelli thanks. Keep up the Leica videos, you are one of my most trusted Leica resources. I would be interested in a review of the new summicron-m lens.

[@btonelli]

@@sc1 thank you. I’m interested in trying it as well.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Totally with you on an M with an EV, brother. Trying to manually focus using a central focusing patch becomes progressively more challenging as you add megapixels, and limits the situations in which you can shoot with a camera like the M11. You have two technologies, separated by over 65 years, that aren't optimized for one another. As I've often said, it's akin to shoehorning a modern, 800hp Lamborghini V12 engine into a beautiful, mint 1968 E-Type Jag...but without bothering to upgrade the chassis, suspension or brakes. If there is to be a future 60+MP M with an EVF, I also hope it gets IBIS for the same reason.

[@btonelli]

Well said. I do hope IBIS comes as well!

[@crissignori7482]

I hate automatic transmissions .... all of them. Can't wait to see the SL3 when it comes out. Good review .... thanks

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@ghas4151]

An EVF Leica M with AI to automatically zoom into an eye when manual focusing, and having a tracking square on the eye that turns green when in focus would be awesome. Nikon already has this feature with the ZF. Just make it the best EVF experience with the best EVF optics.

[@btonelli]

Agree. Hopefully they do this

[@TheVFXbyArt]

6:00 Fuji’s xpro3 and x100v’s implementation of both an optical and evf is GENIUS!

[@btonelli]

Yes it’s a very good way to get the best out of both worlds, but I see Leica doing even more with it with their fantastic optics

[@Jalan84]

I agree, no way they are updating lens with close focusing just for live view/visoflex. They are building up a portfolio of lens with close focusing so when they release the M12 or M11R with EVF, there will be a stable of lens ready to take advantage and will also drive sales of those lenses. I just hope they figure out a hybrid option, as I still appreciate the OVF, but would like an option to use EVF. If it’s EVF only, it’s going to be tough to choose.

[@btonelli]

I would also hope for the hybrid system but even if it’s an pure EVF, Leica has done such a good job with their EVF’s on the SL series it will further push sales of the M cameras and lenses

[@bluebox303]

Hybrid system would make the most sense. If EVF only, then it's hard to see why someone would purchase it over the Q series.

[@btonelli]

@@bluebox303 interchangeable lenses is a big factor over Q. Also if it maintains the M design then you have that lineage

[@arshotsphotography]

Bobby, I have been asking and saying the same thing about Apple incorporating the metadata into the screenshot. I cover a ton of sports and when I post some shots on Instagram, the athletes screenshot it and post away. All my info is already in the metadata because Canon has that function in the menu system already, so I have been asking and wishing it would be part of an update. No idea how they would it to make it possible, but it would be great. Wish Leica would provide a firmware update to the current cameras, been asking for that as well.

[@btonelli]

Supposedly this is a chip that does it. It’s like a biometric print to the image. Hopefully though Apple and Google do something for screenshots

[@CalMukumoto]

I love my M11 but I do use the Visioflex on my 90mm and 21mm, difficult lighting, and when I use the Leica magnifying glass. I guess an M with an EVF makes some sense, but I don’t feel the need. However, I do enjoy the Q.

[@btonelli]

Difficult lighting is also a big factor for EVF. I was using the visoflex but the refresh rate was a bit slow compared to the performance of the SL2 -SL2S

[@Millicente]

People call me stupid but I for one would jump on an evf M. They're so clear and responsive now that I would lose nothing. I'm sure they could even (if they wanted) create the software to mimic the rangefinder patch in the display. You hit all the right points, as someone who wears glasses, my eyes won't get any better sans surgery, and the M is more than just rangefinder focusing. You still get all the rest of the goodness but with something that would expand the lens capabilities and also make it so much easier to focus at night.

[@btonelli]

Exactly. 💯 agree with you

[@btonelli]

@@AIP404 not really, if it’s done well. It will enhance the rangefinder experience

[@datdudeinred]

I would love an evf but the Rangefinder has to stay in same spot & add evf in the middle. Maybe i am hoping fuji xpro4 might just do it. Also give an option to turn off evf to save battery (best of both worlds) Ps love the 21:9 aspect ratio. Do you guys crop or use anamorphic lens? Doesn't look like anamorphic 21:9 to me.

[@btonelli]

Thank you for noticing! Actually this was shot on the GFX100 II at 5.8k 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Non anamorphic. I’m sure it will come and how they implement it I’m guessing will be seamless

[@datdudeinred]

​@@btonelliomg. That gfx is a beast in video. That's some great looking video for sure. I can only imagine what it'll look like with arri signature primes + gfx100ii especially considering they have larger than ff coverage 😍🤔

[@TheVFXbyArt]

6:45 Hear about the Vw DSG automatic manual transmission? Thats what leica needs, and what fuji did with the hybrid viewfinder

[@btonelli]

Agree. I think Leica will come with an even more elegant solution though and looking forward to it if it happens

[@eyemodeo]

Bobby. I had to have my M11-P replaced. So many freeze up issues.

[@btonelli]

I’m sorry to hear that. Hopefully the new camera is much better

[@yannisvaroufakis9395]

An M with a hybrid viewfinder would be great. Winning Powerball so I could buy one would also be great. But the burning question is why would anyone who is not a pro and can deduct the cost of one as a business expense, or someone who is wealthy, pay close to $15,000 just to walk around to do "street" photography? Perhaps maybe for the same reason people pay as much for a Rolex that doesn't keep time more accurately than a Swatch or Seiko. It's a piece of jewelry that makes you feel good to wear. I understand that photography is also about the experience of interacting with your camera. The M11-P would be nice to travel with, but not at that expense, for me. In any event, I was never able to get the hang of the optical viewfinder. I could never find the two images to superimpose, especially if the scene has a lot of busy stuff in it and no well-defined vertical lines. With the technological advances and optical improvements today, I see nothing relevant in Leica. Of course, what I'm saying probably won't resonate for those who are leica collectors. For those of you who are, make sure you get on the 2-year waiting list to pay $7,000 for a Q3 with a fixed 28mm lens.

[@btonelli]

Yes a hybrid viewfinder would be ideal if they can keep the resolution high enough to replicate the optical viewfinder experience. In regard to value everyone will have their limits on what they will spend or not spend on. For me I couldn’t justify spending 40-50k on a watch. Others won’t blink an eye. As for Leica cameras it’s really the build quality and optical experience one gets using them. Does this mean other cameras are lesser quality? No not at all, all personal preferences. Perhaps one day when you are ready try one out and see if it’s for you. Either way photography isn’t about flexing with the most expensive camera, it’s about capturing moments

[@etvow]

I would hate EVF on M cameras. But I would love IBIS on M cameras to better stabilize that high megapixel sensor. Or revert back to the 24 mpixel version as 60+mega pixels is too much for me.

[@btonelli]

With this and the M11 you can revert to 24MP if you choose. Yes IBIS would be ideal though

[@carlosmcse]

Hopefully the M11P is an M11 that won’t lock up. I’ll never change my M10R black paint. It’s everything a digital Leica rangefinder needs to be for me. But, Leica has (a rumored) patent that has a way to change from EVF to rangefinder mode with a switch on the back (and a diopter like on the Q). Similar to the XPro it would let you switch from the OVF to the EVF. But a more elegant solution. Maybe they’re looking at that in the future. And I still won’t buy it. I’m interested in lenses. I shoot all manual anyway and the rangefinder experience is what I want (which is what M = Messsucher means in German. Rangefinder). So anything more than the m10R just doesn’t interest me. The M was never about critical focusing and close focus and all that. Hopefully what they’re planning is an M mount version of the Q and the M will be left alone as a rangefinder camera. But again, I don’t have a dog in this fight so I honestly don’t care what they do.

[@btonelli]

I understand. The lenses are to the limit I feel of what can be done with them coupled with the current range finder system. Close focusing is supposed to give these already fantastic lenses a boost, but seems without a camera that can maximise them it seems a bit pointless. This is why I feel they are designing or have already designed an EVF M to maximise the lenses potential.

[@carlosmcse]

@@btonelli Could be an XPro style M or just a mirrorless camera with an M mount and not necessarily an EVF Leica M. Either way it’s fine with me. 😀 I don’t see them killing the rangefinder completely. If they leave it for film only, then when and if my M10R dies I would either go film and go with another system. No need to spend 10k on a camera with an EVF. There are plenty of those on the market much cheaper.

[@btonelli]

@@carlosmcse I don’t think they will ever end the OVF completely. If anything they will probably (I’m guessing only) come out with an EVF edition and see how it performs in the market. If it does very well then perhaps something more permanent. But let’s see.

[@carlosmcse]

@@btonelli Yea I’ve heard that rumor also. 1 EVF and 1 Rangefinder. But what I think will happen is they’ll integrate their “optoelectronic rangefinder” patent they came out with years ago. It’s like a rangefinder but it’s electronic so that it doesn’t have that limitation of 0.7m. It’ll still be a rangefinder but a new 21st century electronic one. So instead of mirrors it’ll be “Two electronic recording modules” according to the patent. And the focus will be spot on every time. Something like that. The service time and the delays due to demand going beyond their ability to make them as it is, I’m not sure if they want to make a separate M. Can’t imagine how long the service times will be then. Send your Leica M to service and wait 2 years. 😀

[@MarcS4R]

i would love an M with EVF

[@btonelli]

Same 😊

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

For me it is fantastic to have the flexible choice to use the Visoflex 2 or not. I have the choice that you dont have with the SL system.

[@davejenx]

if they can make it look like an xpro maybe but an interchangeable Q no the xe line didn't work , its a style thing , I still rock my M8

[@btonelli]

M8 still a workhorse 👍👍

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

This will not be M system camera anymore if Leica produce a new camera with an integrated EVF. They will use a new brand. Not sure they will.

[@AmbercoolPhotography]

I really hate the screw dot. I’d rather have it flushed completely.

[@btonelli]

Understand but that screw dot area is where rangefinder adjusting is

[@ApertureViews]

If that is the mindset just being back the CL and make it fullframe.

[@btonelli]

Well the CL was inspired by the Leica III in some ways

[@antovega2]

this guy just said that he wants a Leica M with an EVF.. the SL’s already exist. what’s the point for destroying the M system (a rangefinder) like that? (i know he probably said it for these comments to come in, but if he means it 🤦‍♂️)

[@btonelli]

Yes I mean it. It’s time to have that option. They can always have the OVF or give us a hybrid like the X100 series from Fujifilm but it’s time. Close focusing lenses to use with live view only? Doesn’t make sense

[@antovega2]

@@btonelli let’s agree to disagree. don’t buy an M then. they already have cameras that fix that little issue you have

[@btonelli]

@@antovega2 It’s all good. I know I have an SL2-S and a series of M film cameras

[@Millicente]

@@antovega2 What's wrong with choices? Don't dismiss someone's wishes or desires for a product because they don't align with what you "think" a camera should or shouldn't be. The truth of the matter is that leica's lenses are moving in a direction that more and more would benefit from an evf of some sort aside from the ugly brick you stick on top of an M. Leica have said themselves in interviews that they have been trying to figure out a way to incorporate an EVF for years, they're just trying to find a way to do it that doesn't destroy the iconic look of the camera by eliminating the OVF hole at the front. Even I agree that with Leica releasing closer focusing lenses and the sensor metering of the m11 that they're stepping closer and closer to just using an EVF or at least offering a model that includes one built in. This would also allow them to one day have 1x magnification and allow people with glasses to not have to use magnifiers or external viewfinders for wide or long lenses. People like you also said for years "don't buy a sports car then" when people wanted them in automatic, but look at the market now. It's inevitable.

[@__-lt4hm]

So you say an SL is M with EVF? It’s not the same to me.

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

SL system is there for some who want an EVF. Marketing wise it would not be smart from Leica to modified the M viewfinder for an EVF. Makes no sens. I am 71 yo and shoot Leica M since i was 16 yo.

[@PiotrPavlov]

I would hate an M with an EVF

[@btonelli]

Like I said, some will hate this idea, but it’s also about growing the M system to a new audience

[@helge540]

The perfect camera: Leica Q3 with interchangeable optics.

[@btonelli]

Perhaps one day 😊

[@marleenvandam6931]

It’ll probably take 2 years to get the bugs out of it?

[@btonelli]

Didn’t notice many bugs on my unit I tested

[@marleenvandam6931]

@@btonelli a friend of mine had his M11 3 times replaced and runs fine now.

[@btonelli]

I think the P prob has the kinks worked out

[@laurapodrasky9687]

I use the SL system of manual focus. I will never buy an M with an EFV.

[@btonelli]

Yes it’s a good option. Well remains to be seen if and when Leica does this with the M. Some say they won’t but curiosity may win in the end

[@laurapodrasky9687]

I do see a lot of people want and EFV in the M. Just of myself it would ruin the experience of a true rangefinder. I think the learning curve of using a rangefinder does limit for a lot of people. Having worked with M cameras for so long I just could not use and EVF with it. @@btonelli

[@jacobh5817]

Ah…you mean a Q with an M-mount 😉

[@btonelli]

Which could be the M’s future. The Q is Leica’s best selling camera. To have interchangeable lenses would open up an even bigger audience.

[@HN-sk2lr]

I'll stick with my m11 monochrome

[@btonelli]

One of my favourite Digital M cameras ❤️

[@fishwomanyvr]

what has secure have to do with photography? what a strange title.

[@btonelli]

Did you watch the video? The camera has technology in it to secure the photos

[@REMY.C.]

@@btonelli I wouldn't say "secure" but "authenticate". Yes the authentication is encrypted but the camera is not. And as soon as you temper with any photo the authentication is lost. It's not gonna protect the photo in any kind as there's no encrypted locking system.

[@btonelli]

@@REMY.C. for a title of a video you can’t put a paragraph in to explain and Authenticate doesn’t really work in a title. But what this technology does is essentially secure your photo with your information, a fingerprint ID. Secure is more in line with this from a shorter word, easier to understand and creates interest.

[@REMY.C.]

@@btonelli I agree with both of you, authenticate would be better but "secure" is a more common and understandable word in a title.

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

M will never have an evf. Dream on.

[@btonelli]

@@GillesQuennevilleGQ 😉

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

@@btonelli It will be a new brand. Not an M series.

[@gurugamer8632]

The new firmware 2.0.1 for Leica M11 is causing it to freeze up and lock up.

[@btonelli]

Haven’t tried so I can’t comment on it

[@gurugamer8632]

@@btonelli please test

[@swcblad]

another iphone…..

[@btonelli]

Hmmm 🤔