LEICA M11 REVIEW - 139 DAYS LATER

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In today's video I update you with how I have been getting on with the Leica M11 that I have owned for about 4 months now. It feels like a great time to do a review as the honeymoon period has ended but I can still remember what it was like owning the M10 instead.
00:00 - Introduction
00:34 - My Biggest Fear
01:38 - Build & Design
05:17 - Image Quality
07:05 - Hands On
09:41 - M11 vs M10
11:00 - Conclusion

[@DirkMenker]

Hey Goughie, what a well done video. Structure and information are very good and the examples speak for themselves. My own opinion on my M11 is exactly as yours. The tactile experience which I think is really overwhelming is a little bit more important to me: I love the shutter! Thank you for this one, please do more like this!

[@jacktaylorphotos]

Thank you for addressing the issue I most wanted to hear about at the top!

[@Goughie]

I have no idea if it’s luck or judgement

[@shasha8900]

You are so clear. Love love your vids. Thank you

[@Goughie]

Thank you!!

[@p13579a]

Excellent review. Totally with you on the need for IBIS. My IBIS cameras have made me careless about my shooting technique but the M11 shows up all my bad habits unless I crank up the shutter speed.

[@Goughie]

Makes me feel better about! 💪🏻

[@thedarkslide]

A 60MP camera without IBIS that is meant to be handheld is a moronic concept to begin with.

[@p13579a]

@@thedarkslide well if it did not have exceptional IQ at high ISO values I think you would have a point. However it does so the issue can be easily managed. It’s just something to be mindful of

[@danielscheerer3032]

I was a Q2Mono user, and loved it so much I decided to go into the M (I think the whole point of their Q system!) and jumped right into the M11P. SUPER expensive, but I know in the long run it will be the right choice, especially since I love it already! So I agree with all your points. But I'm an older guy with the funds, so yes, a bit spoiled. Cheers!

[@alexradsby]

Great hearing your thoughts about this camera!

[@rogerhampton2844]

No camera at that price has any right to lock up or brick no matter the memory card or what you do to it. If it is down to software then the software was never right in the first place and Leica had no right to release the camera until they had it sorted.

[@Goughie]

Agreed! It’s awful

[@alexauga]

I have owned the M8/M9/M10 and every single one of them have had temperamental software. I think digital Ms make great second bodies or weekend queens, however IMO they're the camera equivalent of owning an Alfa Romeo. With all that said, M film bodies are as pure as a rangefinder experience can be.

[@JerredZ]

My man. You make me want one. I'll say that I've never been a big fan of Leica until your videos - super cool stuff!

[@Goughie]

Cheers mate! Hope you’re doing well!

[@stevieraveon]

Thanks for your thoughts, they are helpful. I came from the M9, so the M11 is improved in many ways. The image quality and metering are a shocker. I use 18 MP mostly as well for personal photos. I think of the wishlist items... it will be a push and pull though. IBIS is cool, but it will make the body bigger and eat up battery life, flip screen is handy but is a bit toy-like and techy feeling. Is that the right decision for the M form factor? I think Leica contemplates this a lot, the design of the M is sacred and Leica knows it, that's why the Q and SL is where they could have more play.

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Thanks for sharing your M11 experience! I think you are one of the few does NOT have any crashes with the M11, but I guess the latest firmwares also help. I will stay for now with my M9 since I simply don't have enough time to use a manual rangefinder camera every day to justify that M11 price tag and because I have the X100VI shooting the hell out of it right now :D Great to see you upload again and hope your new home is getting to an end regarding decoration and setting up :)

[@Goughie]

I’m on the X100VI waiting list… so far my local camera store that is an authorised Fujifilm dealer has received just two! It’s starting to feel a lot like home now! We are 12 weeks into waiting for our sofa to be made 😅😂

[@TomCelar]

Lovely video, well done 👌

[@marleenvandam6931]

Thanks for this review.I wanted so much the M11 as update for my M10R but decided not to buy one because of all the problems I heart about.A friend of mine told me his M11 was replaced 3 times.This not normal for such an expensive camera.

[@edovephotos]

I’m happy to hear that you are not experiencing the lock up or bricking issue. I bought my M11 in Dec 2022. Unfortunately, I regularly experience lock up and bricking issues. Even after purchasing the recommended SD card. I use the standby option and suspect that might be one of the causes. I also shoot at 60 MG.

[@Goughie]

That’s so annoying! I know I’m very fortunate!

[@shawnj8765]

Try taping the lens detection with a tape that has a white face facing the reader. Sometimes it's the lens detection messing up. The tape solved the issue for me. White tape, not black, not transparent. Cut into a shape that fits and covers exactly the sensor, don't have it stick out onto the mount.

[@shawnj8765]

Not a full fix, only a compromise of course.

[@edovephotos]

@@shawnj8765 Thanks for the suggestion. I contacted Leica to ask whether I can get a replacement or repair. I don't want to spend $9k USD for a camera that requires the use of tape.

[@isaiahrw]

I had the same issue after watching tons of videos and reviews like yours. Was even gaslit a bit by mpb when I initially complained. My M10 never had this issue. I would unfortunately not recommend this camera or price.

[@boblozano]

Solid video, thanks. I'm about 60 days into an m11p. Like it a lot as well, though most of our choices are different!. differences: - went with black, like the weight savings and appearance, *especially* with silver lenses! - always shoot 60 mp. On balance bits are cheap and no apparent dynamic range boost. to lower resolutions. - mostly use LR classic, though adding in lr cloud for work in progress (hybrid workflow) - use the leica grip / arca plate. Very clean, helps handling a lot, protects bottom without interfering. - for an m12 would love an internal evf. Indifferent on IBIS atm. - use a q2 for point n shoot. I'm one of those for whom the q2 was the gateway drug for leica. - 1000% apply firmware updates. Most of the lockups / freezes are probably due to bugs and other problems that are slowly being fixed. So by this time in the maturity of the product it is very likely that releases will reduce the probability of future problems, not be the cause. Points of agreement: - image quality is excellent. - for an m12 tilt screen would be nice. - use the back screen *a lot* - excellent battery life, satisfying battery mechanism, silly usb port placement. - internal memory is the best - should be done by everyone, way better than a second card slot.

[@Goughie]

Interesting! Thank you for sharing! We’ve had very similar experiences! Hadn’t considered getting a grip! I had one on the M240 and it was frustratingly designed My camera doesn’t crash, and there’s been nothing really worth updating for so I think I’ll leave it as it is for now

[@GamachePhoto]

Great video review! I came to Leica late in my career, I purchased my (second hand) M10-R in 2021, followed by SL2, again second hand in 2023. I love both cameras no question. Now if I look at it as strictly a camera investment, should I be upgrading the bodies as a soon as a new version arrives? Upgrading to a new camera while the older is still valuable, or simply keep it since it is all the camera I need and still very happy with both. As Leica issues a new version every 18 months or so, obviously the older cameras loose more and more value. Thanks.

[@bsmukler]

I place mine on the desk or counter face down (on the lens) for charging. It’s perfectly stable and doesn’t hurt anything.

[@boblozano]

Can't quite get myself to do that tbh, glad it works for you.

[@forgottenamericana]

Welcome to the club! 🙂

[@Millicente]

Bought and sold an M10 for similar reasons as the improvements you'd like to see. I want IBIS in a camera I pay that much for which will increase its use cases and even more heinous, I want an evf

[@Goughie]

I’ve been really enjoying the EVF hotshoe attachment!! Let’s both not tell anyone

[@Flachtonly]

Any updated presets coming? If not, how are you dealing with the magenta look out of the m11 to give it the warm Leica look?

[@MulliganAl]

I just purchased an m11-P as my first Leica and I can't wait to get started with retraining my motor skills which are rusty from my MF film days some 40+ years ago. I went with the m11 because of the 60MP which will give me the same flexibility as my Sony a7rv, and as a street photographer I do love having the ability to crop.

[@larsvadgaard]

Yo Goughie! Thanks for the video. What is your go-to adjustment for neutralising the magenta tint of the M11 and Q3?

[@Goughie]

The usual white balance and tint mainly! I do sometimes change the green/purple tone curve, mid tones tweaked slightly towards greens

[@raytbrown2]

Thank you so much for the video. I appreciate the review and comparison. Plus, you shared some really nice pics. That said, I take hundreds of pictures a day when I'm out shooting, maybe as much as a thousand. And I off-load them to the computer when I get home, or to the cloud when I am traveling. As I never need to change SD cards for this style of shooting, I don't understand why anyone ever takes their SD card out of the camera - ever. I never do. And never have! (And my latest camera is a 40mp.) So, forgetting to put them back in is a mystery to me, as I never take them out. Never.

[@Schulz1392]

Thanks for a great review! Do you get the same issue with camera shake at the 36mp mode?

[@Goughie]

I use 36MP about 1% of the time so I have no idea I’m afraid

[@jacobh5817]

Most of the early crashing and bricking was due to incompatible SD Cards and incompatible on-camera flash and flash triggers. The firmware updates have solved the vast majority of issues and I can wholeheartedly recommend doing your FW updates. I’m now using the M11-P and no issues whatsoever anymore. My M11 (one of the first batches) is now used by a friend and it hasn’t had an issue since an early 2023 firmware release.

[@Goughie]

That’s super interesting to know! Thank you

[@edovephotos]

I replaced my SD card with one that Leica recommends and my M11 still locks up and bricks. My firmware is up to date. I'm glad you are no longer having any issues.

[@jacobh5817]

@@GoughiePS for my M11 I bought a USB-C PD cable with an L-connector. It makes a 90° hook, so you don’t have to put the camera on its side.

[@anthonymiller8979]

I don't know why so many criticize those who crop images in post. Photographers work over every aspect of an image in post so the end result looks more like a Thomas Kinkade painting than a photograph then freak out if you crop yours. I have some limited mobility and a tremor in both arms and often get a crisp shot but not aligned well.

[@RikMaxSpeed]

There’s a good argument against cropping in post: you lose a lot of the lens character (which is why you may be using a Leica to start with). Impacts vignetting, but also the shape of the bokeh at the edges, and probably other subtler effects. Of course if you enable all of LightRoom’s lens correction tools, you won’t notice that, but you’ve now possibly lost your photo’s sparkle.

[@JenHamon]

The whole point of having 60 MP is ability to crop

[@mr_cramberry]

Can you tell the firmware and sd card used? And workflow when formating? M cameras are quite temperamental

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Interesting video: I’m shooting on a Sony A7CR, with Voigtländer lenses - meets all your M12 dreams: tiltable display, IBIS, similar (identical) 60MP sensor, and then it does loads of other stuff too, like video and auto-focus. All for less than a single Summilux lens. Maybe it’s time to switch?

[@user-gl9bj1zc9o]

Hi Goughie, I have been a subscriber to your channel for some time now and have always been interested in the content of your posts. I have previously owned a Q2 then an M-A, both now sold. I want another camera, having a combination of the best elements of these two. While I loved the build quality and handling of the Leica's I would prefer something perhaps bit cheaper if possible? Consequently, I am considering a used X100V or if not, a used M10 + lens. However, having never held or used a Fuji, what are the manual and zone focusing capabilities and feel of the X100V? Many thanks.

[@kimhansen2185]

Hi, thanks for the good inputs with leica M and Q. I see them with great pleasure. I myself am a leica q and m user. May I ask what camera you use to film for you tube?

[@Goughie]

In this video it’s basically all shot on the Fujifilm XH2S

[@PenNBrush]

8:09 I dislike tilt screens on all cameras, they cheapen them. The Leica M has a lot of disadvantages for professional use, but makes up for it with its classic design. A tilt screen would insult an M’s raison d’être and weaken its statement, something it needs to keep its appeal and high price tag. Keep in mind I am not a professional photographer, and although I understand those who value getting the shot over all else, I proudly place my value in the experience a camera gives me, aesthetics being an important part of it. I work to afford my cameras and lenses not the other way around.

[@jonohersey]

Nice video, Goughie! BUT I reckon a silver lens on a black body is absolutely 👌🤞

[@Goughie]

I’m not all that against it tbh! But I know some people hate it!

[@jonohersey]

@@Goughie I was initially like that but then it became the opposite as the black on the lens is different to the black on the body. Funnily enough this now bothers me more! Fingers crossed for IBIS in the M12. Cheers mate

[@BrandonTalbot]

I'd love an M, but I'd like the EVF/OVF implementation of the X100 - I know (how dare he) but that's what I want.

[@Goughie]

I think a lot of people want this!

[@andrewzuckerman1165]

If the M had a tilt screen, Leica couldn't sell you a visoflex.

[@cornellouis]

What SD card are you using?

[@genobambino]

The magenta cast is the biggest problem. It makes flesh tones really hard to get right.

[@devroombagchus7460]

Since I want a range finder, the electronic screen is secondary and most useful in awkward or difficult positions. What’s the point if it doesn’t tilt? A second problem for me is the inferior reliability of Leica electronics. The only Leica I have now is the MP, which is mechanical, so no electronics! All the other cameras went. At the price Leica cameras go for new, I should be entitled to the best state of the art. That’s what I paid for.

[@ScrappyPoontachat]

I never set a camera on its back, as thanks to gravity, dust could settle on the sensor.

[@dzkilnd]

The file numbers for your image (I noticed it on your M11 LCD), that usually comes from another card with M files already on it. Unless you've really shot that many?! :)

[@Goughie]

I’m not entirely sure what numbers you’ve spotted! But… this card did have some Fuji photos on it as well, so maybe that’s caused it?

[@happygolucky1833]

appreciate your channel G and your photography too (just found your instagram). Tony 🇦🇺

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

I love my black M11, but if I was buying today using my head I’d buy a Nikon Zf which has IBIS, but my heart will always want a Leica.

[@Vladimir-hd5nn]

I bought an M11 after already owning a Zf.

[@romaingautier2986]

Almost 2 years with my M11. A few crashes (which disapear when I change my very old SD card).

[@Goughie]

Sounds like we are the lucky ones looking at the comments!

[@romaingautier2986]

@@Goughie maybe :) I know other photographers who are 100% happy with no crashes :)

[@joebrown479]

My second M11 is bricking now and showing the file name on a black screen. Very odd. So far I’ve heard recommendations to turn off… a whole host of features. And of course buy new SD cards - which is what I did in response to my first M11 problems.

[@Goughie]

It’s so so so frustrating at this price point something we shouldn’t have to deal with

[@webersteve1547]

The best of the M11 is that the prices of older cameras go down

[@hunterhart1]

You could cut a hole in the bottom of your desk for your USB-C charging! Great video as always Goughie!

[@Goughie]

Would be cheaper than a screen replacement! 😂

[@LAURA-oz8ls]

I did on M9, and I swore never again.

[@rf8221]

Dang I should have jumped on an M11 that went for $5700 local to me.

[@donnellyguitar]

I’m not a Leica hater (currently shoot an M10, M7 and Q2 with a few different Leica lenses) but there is absolutely NO way I would spend 8k on a body alone. Also, I hope to never ever see a flip screen on an M. 😂

[@straddlemyvarius]

Many would say the same about your M10, M7, and Q2. It’s called “buying whatever the heck you want within your means”.

[@ditruter]

Leica guys hate IBIS and autofocus because they are great photographers and don´t need all of this ;)

[@Goughie]

I’m terrible, I need all the help I can get

[@torchbox]

😀😀

[@payperview714]

please update your firmware.

[@Goughie]

Why?

[@payperview714]

@@Goughie kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5SrZpWoeqejZ5o&ab_channel=RedDotForum

[@Goughie]

@@payperview714 is there anything in any of the firmware updates that you’ve seen that you’d run the risk of upgrading for, based on you currently having a camera with zero bugs?

[@payperview714]

@@Goughie I have 2 M11's and 1 M11M. I have had no problems with any of them. The link I shared really says it all as towards new features and bug fixes. They say it all better than I can at Reddotforum here and on their website regarding firmware and all things Leica. Glad you are enjoying your M11, it's such a great camera!

[@darkfeign]

I can't imagine spending so much on a camera, only to be scared about updating it...

[@straddlemyvarius]

Don’t imagine then. Go buy one.

[@Goughie]

It’s a sad state of affairs tbf!

[@Powerland56]

8k€ for what? 😂

[@Goughie]

No autofocus! I know! Absolutely wild

[@janfrosty3392]

unreliable performance

[@straddlemyvarius]

It’s not that difficult. If something is within your means and you love it, you buy it. How far do you want to go with this comparison? Why would someone buy Adidas track pants when you can buy ALDI ones for a fifth of the price?

[@Powerland56]

@@straddlemyvarius with the difference, that a camera for 2k€ is not a Lidl model is, it is Adidas. And for 8k€ it is Gucci.

[@SourPlanet]

I mean, all camera gear is expensive. You're just telling us where you draw the line for whatever bananas bias reason you do. Tell someone struggling to make rent that you paid $2k for a camera.