Leica M11: Two Years Going on 70

[@thinkpadx60]

I enjoy photography and have recently got the M11P and M11M with the SUMMICRON-M 28 f/2 ASPH III and Summilux 50 1.4 ASPH II to celebrate my 50th and yes I gave up on the Rolex.. photography gives me a lot of joy and the simplicity of the Leica over my Sonys is getting me out of the door more often with the camera due to its small form factor. I love it and it's making me try new things everyday.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome, and congratulations on 50 👏🏾

[@SavedbybGrace]

I sold my Rolex GMT Batgirl to partly fund my M11P. It paid for the camera and an 28mm Summilux…. 75 APO Cron and a 50 Voigt came out of the slush fund. A big win in my book!!!

[@andreaxyz3959]

A Rolex can be pass onto your nexr generation and the same applies for a mechanical Leica and M Lenses..... But for a box full of caps and wires (in the style of an M11)? My watches stay where they currently are. :)

[@SavedbybGrace]

@@andreaxyz3959 I still have watches. Trading the Batgirl for an M11 system makes more sense to me. I've made more $$$'s in a month from photography than the cost of a Rolex GMT. I've made zero in the same time with a Rolex.

[@aciek]

I'm not in that financial league, but recently my "pocket" gear is Sony A7CII + Zeiss 55mm and I love that combo - extra small for the quality it gives. One day it'll be Leica, though. :)

[@filterfreephotography]

Your comment at around 18:40 is exactly how I feel about my M11. "It didn't make me a better photographer, but I am having way more fun." I feel the same way with my Leica M5 film camera that I just picked up. Having shot Nikon film previously, moving to the Leica just made it a bit more fun. I don't know why because the focusing and settings are still all manual, but it just has a differnt feel. A different emotion when shoting. Great video!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for sharing!

[@genesparks1589]

Thanks!

[@GajanBalan]

Truly appreciate the support ✌🏾

[@xiiiconcepts]

M11 mono begs for me to take it everywhere. I listen, and am rewarded! Thanks for sharing your journey Gajan, you’re one of the few YTers that live what you speak.

[@GajanBalan]

Truly appreciate the support. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@kpp80202]

Very entertaining video. Love it. And love my second-hand M11.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@kevinmallory5237]

Gajan - I enjoy an M11 and I am relatively new to the world of M. You have produced numerous videos on the M11 and I am smiling at the fact that I always learn something new from each. In addition, I really enjoy your captures. Bravo on your channel and your work.

[@GajanBalan]

Truly appreciate the kind words Kevin, thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@rossxjohnson]

Love this video. Had to watch till the end before commenting. I'm 1.5 years into my journey with my M11 and it's pushed me and challenged me to become better and shoot with more purpose vs just snapping away. It's not a perfect camera but it's good for me.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s so awesome. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@mjcatto]

🇫🇷&🇨🇦 your presentation is certainly one of the best in the Leica space. I have owed an M6, M10-R, Q-P, Q2, Q3, SL2, SL2-S and SL3. I get the most enjoyment from an M. I hear you and I get you. From Vancouver Island living in France.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching, looking forward visiting France again soon.

[@sailslikeagirl3154]

🇬🇧 Hi have wanted a M11 ever since I tried one while picking up my Q3 just after it was introduced. Still saving up. Really enjoyed your video thank you

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome. Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@Antwort2und40]

For me, it’s the SIZE and the rangefinder experience that make a leica desirable. Put an M11 w/50 lux next to a Canon w/50/1.2 and it’s like a Mazda Miata next to a F150. That size makes me have them more frequently, and makes people less likely to change their behavior when photographing them. And the rangefinder: looking through a window that’s larger than the frame instead of TTL has several advantages-including allowing you to see the photo develop in front of you, as well as feeling more like you’re participating in the event. Those elements allow me to craft better photos with a Leica. The wonderful glass, and the treasure trove of vintage. Is icing on the cake.

[@IntrovertAmateur]

🇩🇪🙂👍 Epic long term review Gajan! After entering the Leica realm through the gateway of the Q system, I was curious about the M system and unfortunately tried it and now understand the magic of it. This special experience has it's high price tag, but due to it's heritage and history, it doesn't feel less of value, getting an old Leica M camera (but still expensive). It's even the opposite, I was very excited to get my old M9 and M6 cameras last year. This is also something you mentioned - only Leica can provide such an excitement, which other camera brands rarely do. Thanks for these long term reviews man. You portrait your experience so damn good, it makes me wish Leica releases more camera so you can do more of these videos :D

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, truly appreciate the kind words brother. Thanks for watching, enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@Jack-qn6vy]

Been photographing for half a century. The M11 has probably been around my neck more hours than any other camera, perhaps more than all previous cameras combined. It has never frozen on me. More discards and more keepers. More lessons in the light triangle. More fails with focus, exposure, framing than any camera, which has led to more lessons learned, and more rewarding “successes” from those failures. I will definitely sell this camera…when an M11D 70th anniversary edition lands in my lap.

[@GajanBalan]

Well said. Enjoy the journey ✊🏾

[@TheVFXbyArt]

It’s Beeb quiet on the m11 special edition front. Curious what’s next!😊

[@thomasjayprince]

🇨🇦 great video Gajan! Just been shooting Leica in film but can’t wait to get a digital body!

[@GajanBalan]

Nice! Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@paulkotsoglo7253]

🇦🇺 thanks Gajan, terrific video. The focus on the journey and experience rather than the tech and specs. I am enjoying your work. Thanks from Perth, Western Australia.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks Paul! Hoping to get out to Perth someday. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@AlexL-g6s]

Great video and review. Photography is about life and our short time on this earth and capturing pieces of it. I agree it is about the experience as much as the output. Gateway was original q in 2016 for me and I am hooked!

[@benridin1259]

1:01 "triggering for half the bearded dudes on threads..." 🤣You just got yourself a new subscriber! Best Leica video I'm seen yet and I've been watching a bunch. Dream system for me. Couldn't find a Texas flag so there you go. No emoji necessary.

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@writershootsfilm]

Damn, 2 years already? It feels like the M10 just came out yesterday. I'm still on a Leica film camera trying to make reels with an old phone. The production value on this video was off the charts. Subbing to lurk & learn.

[@TeteRecinos]

🇬🇹 You create extremely high quality and in depth videos but this has got to be amongst your top 3. Just excellent. Can’t wait to get my own leica kit.

[@GajanBalan]

I truly appreciate that brother, thank you 🙏🏾

[@gwynneharries7024]

🇬🇧 loving my M11. Yes it’s the fun it brings back to the experience. I’ve used Leica befit with film and I was an early adopter of digital with the M8. However, the M10 or M11 are awesome. I’m just loving my Leica.

[@GajanBalan]

Nice! Thanks for sharing ✌🏾

[@leviwelling2093]

🇺🇸 I recently picked up an M11 after having an M10 for 4 years, and to me, it is night and day different. Absolutely love it (M10 is a great camera too). I agree with basically everything you said here. Thanks for making this video.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome Levi. Enjoy the journey ✊🏾

[@gregspov]

Agree - I was the first on the list for the M11-P with my Leica dealer. As excited as I was to receive it, I am even more excited every time I pick it up to make pictures. The M11-P with the new 35mm Summilux is a wonderful combination. One other thing.... I've had a Canon R5 since it was released and it is a fantastic camera and sensor, but after shooting with the M11-P since October I have become spoiled by the raw image quality of the sensor, the 60 megapixel sensor has unbelievable latitude in the highlights that feels more film like. I recently used the R5 on a nature hike that required the Canon glass and during editing started noticing the relatively more limited adjustment capabilities of the R5 raw files as compared to the Leica files.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome and what a great pairing. Enjoy the journey Greg ✌🏾

[@makmak69L7]

Another great video. From Yashika, to Canon to FujiFilm to Sony to Nikon. I tried them all. However, with Leica M system, I feel that I am the master, I am in charge, it is my decision and my choice all the time, not the camera. I started to enjoy photography again, it is emotional more than rational I guess, and the fun factor as you mentioned can’t be ignored for sure.

[@brianatkinsphotography]

Great as always! Tuned in from portland oregon in the good ol usa. Im 1 year into leica with my Q1, m240, and m6(35 summicron and 35 summarit ASPH’s). Youre totally right about leica being a long term investment and being a camera that keeps you inspired. Not everyone has this experience but myself and many others have. My high end sony stuff became a “robot computer” one day and lost its magic, so I got into the M/Q system. Highly doubt these cameras will stop feeling like cameras to me, I just don’t see them losing their magic. The costs are hard to bear but it’s so worth it for the shooting experience and some of the older models are good starting points. In terms of the M system, I totally agree, the lens catalogue for M lenses(even adapted LTM lenses) is honestly nuts. Cheers to leica and the rangefinder experience(and the beloved Q for those that choose it). 🤙🏻

[@GajanBalan]

Well said Brian, appreciate you sharing this! Thanks for watching brother ✊🏾

[@jeanjoseph2288]

Man they should give you a position at Leica you nail it Everytime

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, thanks ✌🏾

[@nvenugopalan7003]

Very good review. Thank you.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@collinjorthner4172]

Really enjoying your channel! Watching from Alberta. Been using an M6 for the better part of 35 years and looking at a digital Leica now. Likely M11. Will be exciting to see what Leica comes up with this year, being their 70th anniversary of M!

[@GajanBalan]

That’s incredible! Putting some great mileage on that M6. And thanks for watching. I gotta get out to Alberta again soon.

[@expatant]

Briliant video. Have been shooting for 60 years and still love photography as much as I dId when I started with a Kodak Brownie 127. I'm shooting with Fuji and Nikon but am considering purchasing a Leica. It's a big decision to make due to the cost of acquiring one. There is a magic about Leica and the quality of the images it produces. I'm originally from London UK but now live in Florida.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@cshevlin]

Thank you for this video. I'm in Philadelphia. I have a Q2 and I am looking at making the jump to the M system.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching. Go birds 🦅

[@cshevlin]

@@GajanBalan lets goooooo!

[@bigheadtaco]

Great job on this video Gajan. I’m working on something similar to you about why I shoot with Leica…. Very similar thoughts….

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you brother! Looking forward to your Leica journey ✊🏾

[@mikehenkelman2111]

This is a wonderful tribute to the Leica experience, and like Leica it has heart and soul. Cheers to you mate.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@spooky_lights]

From Portland, OR🇺🇸, great video! I got my M11-P last week and have been blown away by the experience as it’s my first digital Leica. I had a moment of remorse because I felt like an imposter starting out in this ecosystem, but after using it daily for a week, I don’t know if I will ever go back.

[@GajanBalan]

Enjoy the journey!

[@jonathanfostr]

Still can’t wait to try my first Leica, this was another fantastic video Gajan 🇺🇸

[@GajanBalan]

You should! Thanks for watching brother✌🏾

[@Photinos]

Excellent video because it shows in practice the extraordinary minimalist virtue of the Leica camera, for the freedom it gives users to concentrate on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of the image with amazing results. In my opinion, as a photographer of many years; Working with a Leica has made me see, feel and think about what matters and interests. Definitely, photographing with a Leica, we get better images. Thank you.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@writershootsfilm]

🎌 woohoo, made it to the bonus round. Your wit & humor is top notch - had me laughing when you threw shade at Threads.

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, thank you brother. Appreciate you watching all the way through ✌🏾

[@AlexOnStreets]

Goat level review brother.

[@GajanBalan]

Appreciate you homie ✊🏾 Hoping I can make it out to your city in 2025.

[@meghanadganpule]

Thanks for the unbiased opinion about the camera and it's features . I am from Mumbai , India . I would love to use M11 for my next fine art photography exhibition . Thanks .

[@mistagregory]

Hi from southern Ecuador. Here with my M6TTL and 35mm f1.4 ASPH.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾 I need to spend more time across South America in general. Ecuador would be amazing.

[@stevenchivers5787]

Hi Gajan. Enjoyed hearing your thoughts. You know I am preaching from the same hymn sheet and have been all in on Leica for many years, both digital and film. For me it’s all about the glass combined with the simplicity of the M. It makes photography a joy. I still use a Type 246 monochrome which is 8 years old. Great content and love your imagery. All the best from Plymouth UK. Steve. 🇬🇧

[@GajanBalan]

Absolutely. Also, at some point I’m gonna have to make it out to Plymouth.

[@stevenchivers5787]

Always welcome👍

[@eugeneBai]

Thanks a lot for these amazing videos and content! 🙏

[@goldfinch2283]

Good video and some really beautiful images.👍👏🇨🇭

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you ✌🏾

[@charliewaterman816]

You hit it on the head, brother.. Shoot what you enjoy, and the out will show it. I actually just stepped back from the gfx system to the nikon zf.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome, congrats! Enjoy the journey ✊🏾

[@ShawnPBruce]

I’m still using the M240 and M246. There’s something so incredible about the system. I have other cameras but I’m always pulled back to the Leica. I’m hoping I can use these for years to come. They’ve become an extension of me. Also, I’m in NYC 🇺🇸

[@GajanBalan]

That’s such an awesome pairing, congrats! The M246 has some legendary durability to it. Thanks for watching brother ✌🏾

[@ryanthigpen]

Watching from New York City. I’m contemplating a Q3 or a M11. A new Leica store has just opened in the Meat Packing District and I spent 2hrs in there earlier today contemplating if I want to jump in and if so, which system. I have a Canon R5 and the trinity of L lenses, so I don’t NEED to buy a Leica, but as a passionate photographer living in NYC, I’d love to try it out. Thanks for your videos, they’ve been helpful. I’ll be making a decision shortly.

[@GajanBalan]

Good luck and enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@wolfgangpieper4530]

🇩🇪 a happy user with M10-R + M10-M Keep on with your great videos ☀️

[@GajanBalan]

Such an awesome kit, congrats! And thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@000dreamweaver]

Hey Gajan great to see you with the Leica M11. We have met in Porto in front of the Leica Store if you can remember :) This video came for me at the right time. I can´t do a decision between M10, M10r and a M11. Think i would left the GFX System for Leica. Thank you for this video.

[@GajanBalan]

Of course I remember. Appreciate you sharing. I’d say try borrowing or renting to see which gives you the best experience. Good luck and thank for watching ✌🏾

[@RahulMajumdarPhotography]

I was wondering if you could share your experience with using the M11 in dusty environments -- given that he lens is not weather sealed along the mount, do you experience a bunch of dust settling on the camera?

[@GajanBalan]

I haven’t had any issues where dust has impacted the performance of my camera. I’ve used it in really dusty and sandy situations, and things have been good so far.

[@RahulMajumdarPhotography]

@@GajanBalan Thank you for responding. I'm relatively new to the Leica M digital system and I was quiet surprised with how much dust I took in with just a couple of weeks of shooting (in NYC). I was hoping to make this the go to carry system for my trips to India and other places. Great to see your videos and your work. Thank you.

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

9:45 Exactly. I work with Sony and Canon bodies in my professional work but my Leica.....its my personal camera. It is my LIFE camera. There is just something special about holding it, using it......I know this sounds silly but the other cameras are just work tools......my Leica is my friend and is with me all the time. It's just the way I see it.

[@GajanBalan]

Well said, couldn’t agree more. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@OpenDGuitar]

I teach an Introductory media Technology class, and just today showed Barnack’s first Wetzlar photo today. I’m a Q2 user and the M is so enticing…but so beyond my ability to pay! When I got into Leica, it made my love of the craft flourish…it felt like joining in on a rich heritage.

[@GajanBalan]

That history is so hard to ignore. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@LeePierre]

I was wondering how much percentage a Leica M user (10 and above) shoots with the screen instead of the OVF. 65 % screen vs 35% OVF? Great pictures btw 💪🏼🙏

[@GajanBalan]

I have to imagine there’s an environmental factor too? But yea, I’d be curious to know as well. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@jakobjohannsson1045]

Thank you for a great video. Greetings from Iceland.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching Jakob. Hoping to come back to Iceland soon.

[@Shephard1978]

🇬🇧 Great vid and loved the interviews. Love my M11 and had a few freezes which seems to have been fine since the last firmware. I moved from an M10-P and the battery life is just huge. Love the clarity but it still has that really nice filmic look to the pictures when you want it. My only hang up from the M10-P is the shutter sound. The shutter on the M10-P was so quiet and silky it’s been difficult to adjust from this.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome, thanks for sharing. And yea, there’s ‘stiffness’ to the M11 shutter sound that make some people miss the old P models.

[@Youshinaka]

French watching from Japan here, wishingyou the best!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks! Hoping to get back to Japan next year.

[@kaushalkashyap4306]

Gajan, What is the slang bag that you are wearing at the beginning of this video?

[@GajanBalan]

It’s the Clever Supply Sling. Great travel bag.

[@silvestrocrino3256]

I have an M10-R and don't really feel the need to upgrade... but the built in SSD, upgraded LCD and USB-C are indeed nice on the M11.

[@GajanBalan]

Most probably don’t need to from the M10-R because that’s still a great camera. What’s special about the M11 though is that it’s a great entry point for a lot of people into the M system because of all the new additions.

[@donharrington576]

Really great analysis of the M11. I have M240 and Q3 . So fun to use. Thank you for your thoughts on Leica.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@jharrelphoto]

Amazing video! Thank you!

[@xhynetuseinovski]

Thank you for this video, very well produced. Your videos ignite very strong emotion, arguably the best thing you can do to get someone to buy a product (if you're sponsored i'm sure they're happy). Nonetheless as these companies grow, their products must grow as well, typically away from what made them special to begin with (just look at Porsche, BMW, etc). People forget the price tag is for the red dot, not the tech. Same with Rolex. How is it that a $20K watch needs to be adjusted every few months because it cannot keep time as good as a Seiko can? Prestige products. They are more than that though. Once you hold a Leica and shoot with it, it's an experience like nothing you've had before. Have a great day Gajan!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@RadioTonreg]

Very interesting video - watching it in Vienna/Austria/Europe 🇦🇹

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@donjagoe]

M246 guy, but totally agree. Great video! 🇺🇸

[@GajanBalan]

Nice! Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@arnodimmling9237]

I noticed that in some of the clips you had an on camera flash. Would you share what the brand is and why you chose it? Thanks

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

I really enjoyed this even if it’s only about Leica. Would be great if you did another about Fuji!

[@quintonmckimm]

The Third Benefit... shouldn't piss anyone off at all - that's a huge part of my experience on a day-to-day basis. 🇺🇸

[@GajanBalan]

You’re absolutely right.

[@Maninthewoodsx]

Hi Gajan thanks for the video i am from québec, canada

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching brother! I gotta spend some more time in Quebec 🤌🏾

[@yeape82]

well-produced video! Indeed "fun" is the word and what makes Leica unique

[@GajanBalan]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@garyshawnahart6655]

Canada 🇨🇦 - great videos - keep them coming!

[@GajanBalan]

Canada doesn’t pop up in my top five, so it’s always great to hear from a fellow Canadian in the comments. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@sashasadovnikov6343]

we have the problem in the lab - what to do with the problem that The "live view" stopped working suddenly after 1 year... .After 1 year of operating in the clean condition the camera doesn't work - live view is blocked and autoexposure doesnot work. it could only be used in manual exposure regime and cannot find focus. So liveview dont work, because the shutter won’t open. Firmware is the latest at the moment. Maybe you can help me with this. I cannot send camera and need to continue to work with it. With 0.95 ... 1.2 it is impossible to focus wide open without liveview.

[@kennyward5252]

Man I strive to be this thoughtful and well spoken😅 great video!

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, I appreciate that. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@chrismeetschris]

🇨🇦 first John Mayer watch, now the Ebbets field hat. 👌 👌 👌

[@chrismeetschris]

also I agree with everything you're saying about Leica. the rangefinder system has improved my photography immensely, mostly because with an EVF I tent to want to shoot everything wide open. with a rangefinder, I tend to focus alot more on the frame, light, and exposure. You're more focussed on whats actually in front of you instead of the brain crack that is ridiculous bokeh :)

[@GajanBalan]

Well said, it really does change how you work and in turn, the range of your storytelling.

[@mifcnm]

Just a question, would you recommend the 50 apo or 50 summilux?? Thanks for you help.

[@GajanBalan]

It really depends on the type of work you’re capturing. I went with the Summilux, it just renders beautifully. Most of my work is people and it’s a lens that never disappoints.

[@-grey]

I love the idea of the M because I've noticed that large gear gets left at home. I always end up talking myself down though. 😅 The size of the bodies are great, and the lenses are awesome quality, but I think I'd end up only getting compact lenses like the elmarit 28, because the larger glass looks a bit bulky for me. I'm also worried I would struggle to get good focus at those brighter apertures with the range finder patch in low light when I'd want it. So I'd probably just end up zone focusing a 28 in good light only. Which is what my Ricoh GR does for me currently. I can't never figure out where it would fit in for me. I would love to see a cousin to the Leica Q though. Maybe a compact fixed lens 40f2 or 2.8. To make it more squish than the Q, and closer to the Leica CL. It will probably end up with around the same depth of field as the Q anyway. I'd take that over the GRIIIx for sure. 😎

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, I hear ya. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@dunkkid23]

The champ is here! 💪🏾😎

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, thanks for watching brother ✊🏾

[@razorthought4]

🇨🇱 you did it again, Gajan , Great informative video and very unique and spot on discription of owning a Leica 👌🏾

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching, and I’m hoping to visit Chile soon!

[@_parkphoto]

Great video bro, absolutely agree that it’s a holistic experience that leads to loving a camera and creating amazing work with it. We petty humans always try to boil things down into ONE factor or ONE reason but it’s always more complex than that. 🇺🇸 ALSO I had no idea the ASC had those framelines and cinema jpg modes that is SO sick and I absolutely love your proposition and reason for integrating into future cameras

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks brother! And yea, there’s some cool stuff locked to special editions that I wish they’d open up. Fingers crossed.

[@prestonsmead7609]

Have you found it harder to get your images in proper focus with the M11 versus other cameras? Some seem to find this to be an issue. I'm a new sub to your channel. Your vids are great, man. Keep it up! You have a great sense of humor too : )

[@GajanBalan]

It takes work, but eventually it just becomes second nature.

[@TheVallenAlexander]

The stash!!!!! Keep up the great work Gajan.

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, it was an interesting start to the year 😂

[@mrtony3729]

Just subbed after watching several videos - wonderful perspective and street videos! Sold my Q2 last year and now considering a return to Leica with the M11p - can I ask what camera and lens are used to film you in India?

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾 Most of this was filmed with the Canon C70 and RF 15-35 lens.

[@markusbuechter3766]

🇦🇪 Nice Video, what the M11 is to you is the M10R to me. It all started in 2012 with an M9M.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s awesome. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@JosiahMy]

Another great informative video. 🫡 watching from 🇺🇸 Burbank, Ca

[@GajanBalan]

I didn’t know you were based outta Burbank. We gotta link up when I’m on the west coast. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@kishanpatel2331]

Really loved this history lesson and review! Well done 👍

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@jefr5241]

🇦🇺 great vid, as always !

[@MrSpiff9]

For some weird reason, I don't have a USA flag (and sometime later this year, it will be the Italian flag!). Thank you for sharing your experiences with the M11, as the M series has peaked my interest for some time. I think I need to rent one for an extended time frame to truly experience it. It's kinda funny, I've been shooting professionally since 1976, have owned multiple studios and have spent over 1.5 million dollars on equipment but never purchased a Leica. Presently using the Fujifilm GFX 100 II/50s as well as Olympus M43 (with the diminutive Pen-F and small lenses and my favorite walkabout kit). Have you gotten rid of your medium format gear or are you using it along with the M11?

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for sharing and have fun in Italy! I’ve moved on from the GFX. My M11 and SL2s see the most reps, and I’ll bring in my Hasselblad X2D for portraiture and client work.

[@benoitpiret9065]

Great video. Note that one of the reason for these amazing lenses is at the time it was thought that these small 35mm cameras wouldn’t produce work that could be enlarged. So Leica used their knowledge in optics to develop portable optics that would provide so much resolution for film there wouldn’t be an issue to enlarge them. And rival with larger formats. And it’s still the truth today. You even made a comment on that in your sl2s review

[@GajanBalan]

Well said. Thanks for sharing brother ✌🏾

[@MichaelBoelton]

fantastic Leica infomercial.

[@GajanBalan]

😂

[@kurocamera]

🇯🇵 thanks for the videos and for sharing about the most unique photography brand out there : )

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾 I’m hoping to be in Japan next year, fingers crossed.

[@BobbyAnwar]

really enjoyed that Gajan thanks!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching brother 🙏🏾

[@makmak69L7]

After using the Leica Q2 Monochrom for more than one year, I decided to buy my second Leica Camera, which is the Leica M11-P along with the Summilux 50mm F1.4 ASPH. 🇧🇭

[@GajanBalan]

Congratulations. Enjoy your journey ✌🏾

[@makmak69L7]

Many thanks Gajan

[@delmav4358]

I was trying out a second hand M11 at Calumet Hamburg a few weeks ago and after 2 Minutes had a freeze. It's really unbelievable that a camera this expensive has flaws like that. I had most of the M10 Leicas (M10-P/-M/-D) and used them for documentary photography. They are wonderful tools. But the M11 is flawed. Leica changed the system to Live view only and it simply isn't ready. There are freeze ups and the shutter makes a series of clicks (shutter closes, opens, closes, opens). Videos like these try to hype this new generation but I feel we don't really get top quality. Rather a product which hasn't finished its final testing phase. And this raises my doubts in this brand. 70 years wonderful but this is not the way to go Leica.

[@ka_sh_iif]

He was hyping his own experience. I do agree with you on the frustration of owning such an expensive camera and dealing with issues that kill the experience for you. I own one too and have had to send it in twice. I shoot with another system that is much cheaper and I’ve never had issues. With that said, my issues seem to have been resolved…for now🤞🏾. But the M11 is my first digital Leica, and when things are going right the joy and results I get shooting with this camera, can’t be duplicated. Gajan can only speak on his experience not yours or mine. So I respectfully disagree that he made this video to hype the camera, he made it to reflect on his journey with the M11. I hope things turn around for you and it’s smooth sailing going forward.

[@GajanBalan]

I hear you. I can only speak to my experience but like I mentioned in the video, there’s still a several individuals that have an inconsistent experience. Hoping it gets resolved soon. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@michaelacedeno]

Freeze ups happen on Phase One too 👀 As someone that’s seen it happen a lot on said cameras.

[@benjhaisch]

🇦🇶 😉

[@Gvacam1222]

In my case I had 5 m11 iterations (classics, 1 mono and 1 M-P) all were freezing many times a day 😂 I sold all of them and bought back a m10m and a sl2-s

[@apmcintyre]

Still loving my Fuji XE-2 & 35mm F2... Poor man's Leica 🇮🇪

[@GajanBalan]

Poor man’s nothing. That’s a solid kit! Keep enjoying the journey ✊🏾

[@apmcintyre]

By the way Gajan, what's the red inscription on the top plate of your M11? Some special edition or custom?

[@GajanBalan]

@@apmcintyre Had my homeland custom engraved back in 2022.

[@apmcintyre]

Cool, haven't seen that done before. Nice way to personalize it!

[@SavedbybGrace]

Poor men don’t own cameras. Enjoy the Fuji… nice camera.

[@guyloughridge4628]

🇺🇸Gajan, Something has changed… was it the M11 for me? I think it was. Maybe the M11 took me to a new place. I started slowing down to find the fun and the art of photography. I am enjoying the art.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s great to hear. Thanks for sharing (and watching) 🙏🏾

[@singhonthestreets]

Newly discovered, when somebody from your country and now your new hometown(toronto) creates such qualitative content, I feel like that people like me have someone to look upto. #representation

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you brother. Appreciate you watching ✌🏾

[@stephenbourne2631]

Currently using Q2, hopefully M11 next on list couldnt add a flag but watching in UK

[@GajanBalan]

Nice! Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@nilx4781]

Hey Gajan, I been a subscriber for a while now but this video you made look twice with your moustache, you look like a typical 80s uncle or you work in local police department. Keep it up with the content. 😊

[@GajanBalan]

😂

[@t.rich.pictures]

I mustache you a question! How much better is the M-11 than the X-Pro3?

[@GajanBalan]

First of all, how dare you 🤣🤣🤣 Second, I find it significantly better for the work I do. From the user experience to the final result, everything feels better. But again, it’s based on my style of work. Hope this helps!

[@t.rich.pictures]

@@GajanBalan It helps Gajan! Thanks! Love & Respect...

[@Racsophoto]

Congrats for the video. My question is: if someone buys a Leica body and use’s Voigtlander glass is then compromising the experience?

[@GajanBalan]

I wouldn’t say so. Different lenses give different results. For example, there’s plenty of proof that some Voigtlander lenses give you sharper results than their Leica equivalents. Like I said in the video, pick the lens for your story and enjoy.

[@Racsophoto]

@@GajanBalan thank you 🙏

[@LA.Black.]

M11M and the X2D is the best travel setup 🇺🇸

[@GajanBalan]

Killer combo. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@ianforber]

Another niche request is to use FOTOS to allow for the quick printing of images just like Fujifilm. I would like to be able to give a pic to people whose portraits I’ve taken on the street.

[@bunnytobin]

There is a definite difference that comes about in your work when you have a serious tool to do a specific job. Like when I bought a Festool powertool to treat myself. I started paying closer attention to my measurements and making my cuts more precise, perfectly square etc. A similar thing happened years ago when I was in school and bought my first Hasselblad and I started paying far more attention to the composition in every photo and nailing exposure. Using a tool that is an exacting instrument but REQUIRES your attention, it can't not improve your work. I never took worse pictures in my life than during my short time using a SONY setup. Using their perfect optics and incredible telepathic autofocus that did everything for me, completely disassociated me from taking the picture. Because I didn't have to pay attention. Unfortunately I don't trust my ageing eyes enough any more to use a rangefinder, but my SL2 and M lenses with focus magnification have gotten their hooks in me for good.

[@GajanBalan]

I love this, thank you for sharing brother. Enjoy the journey ✊🏾

[@buffalo003]

Do you own the 21 Lux? Would love to hear your thoughts on it!

[@GajanBalan]

I don’t, it was a loaner but I tell you, I feel like I *need* a 21 of some kind soon. I thought it would be too jarring but it was absolutely elevated a ton of my work.

[@Rewsky21]

Agree with everything, the camera has got what no other has, and that’s soul ❤

[@maartenmidden1651]

How do you deal with walking around with such an expensive kit. I see you are wearing a messenger bag but that bag is also not so low profile. I'm traveling in South Africa with my XT4.

[@GajanBalan]

Part of a larger conversation but I’m following best practices wherever I go and most people are genuinely kind individuals.