The digital camera with no Autofocus.

The Leica M11 isn't your typical camera these days. No autofocus, no video recording, and no EVF, some would wonder why anyone in their right mind would pay ~$10,000 for this camera. Let's take a look.
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Big thanks to Xiaoxing Han for all of her help on this video.
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00:00 Cinematic Garbage
00:29 Overview/Sample Images
01:40 What you don't buy a Leica for/Sample Images
02:43 The Modern Leica/Sample Images
03:58 Bye Bye Bottom Plate.
04:41 Nostalgia for Times Gone Past.
05:15 A Message Lost to Time
06:08 Sample Images/Film is for Rich People
07:42 Conclusion
08:22 An Ode to the Replicants

[@NightfallMedia]

No channel has ever inspired me this much to get out and shoot cinematic clips and photos. The way you present info and the cinematic experience of your videos are unmatched!

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much my friend :). That makes me really happy to hear!

[@itsbeaker6571]

SAME! Literally the first video I ever shot was a few weeks ago and before that I never wanted to. I made a lens “trailer” with close to the same vibe as these videos. I want to get into it so much more.

[@nicholasli4800]

I’m on the same boat. Wtf am I watching??? This is incredible

[@gregorpetri5575]

Cant describe it better!

[@analogandnot]

I absolutely love the way you make videos, mixing different between styles of telling the story is very enjoyable to me

[@FoxTailWhipz]

Dude you are seriously in your own lane with this content. This was a masterpiece!

[@GxAce]

Haha, thanks man!

[@MarcEstrella]

I agree 100% here!

[@lessteza]

Lane? Highway!

[@GxAce]

So it’s actually 250 rolls of Portra 400 ($16 per roll to buy the film + $20 per roll scan/dev) to equal the cost of this camera (or 50 5-packs which is apparently what I calculated for). I apologize for the error, it looks like a solar flare flipped a bit on my calculations. Still not a crazy amount of film though!

[@stevenstevensteven4]

Yes not that crazy. Especially if you consider that 250 rolls is 9000 shots, and that an m11 with 9000 shots retain all its resale value ! Only problem, the photos look too digital.

[@sullivandamn]

Keep in mind you still also have to buy the camera lol

[@GxAce]

@@sullivandamn Yeah, film cameras are cheap though ;)

[@MarcS4R]

@@GxAce the Leica ones are ?

[@GxAce]

@@MarcS4R Some of them! You can get a leica IIIf for like $300

[@misty6481]

Honestly some of the most well produced content on the platform

[@HiroIndo16]

*one of the

[@Rresenden]

A litle cringe lol

[@GxAce]

I know right?

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much, Misty :)

[@X99Zero]

Every second was intriguing. And we are talking about a camera review…

[@howiefeltersnatch69]

You labeled the opening 30 seconds as “cinematic garbage”. Seriously, it’s anything but. This particular opening had a real Blade Runner 2049 feel to it. Absolutely LOVE your work. I really don’t care about cameras but really enjoy your content. Amazing.

[@mattdayphoto]

Been considering buying this camera all year now and have talked myself out of it from a practicality standpoint, but your video reminded me they’ve never been the practical choice to begin with. Haha. Great video, man.

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much, Matt! Yeah, Leica is definitely anything but practical, but again, neither is art. It’s great getting a comment from you! You are one of the OGs of camera KZbin! Cheers from Michigan!

[@mattdayphoto]

@@GxAce ah, thanks so much, man! If you ever pass through Ohio, reach out!

[@raksh9]

Matt Day and GxAce having a conversation in KZbin comments warms my heart 😊

[@SolosHold]

I have to wonder how many of these cameras were, or are being made?

[@illicit008]

A Sony A7RIV has the exact same sensor as this camera. It's like $2000 for one used. Autofocus, evf, video capabilities and the same sensor for 1/5th the price.

[@noahconcepcion1623]

I discovered this masterpiece of a channel recently. And I must say I watch these videos over and over and over and over again. They're so amazing and artistic! Can you do a tutorial on how to light and color grade your footage

[@elliotwalker4182]

I think your maths might be off on the film comment? $9000/50 would be $180 for film+dev+scan, which would be very steep... Nonethless, amazing video, always love your content :)

[@GxAce]

Indeed I was wrong on the math. I used the price of a 5-pack instead of per roll by accident. Really sorry for that. Thanks for watching though!

[@rwalshphotos5626]

This channel has been an absolute saviour when it comes to inspiration, I have been in a rut photographically and now feel excited and inspired to get back out there and shoot video and photos in a much more cinematic way. But first let me pick up an XT-3😂

[@ledheavy26]

I love that you use Mini-discs to showcase your preset packs. The Sony Mini-disc recorder/players have always been one of my favorite tech objects in terms of design. Mine still works beautifully even after 20 years.

[@PapayasTV]

I am always BLOWN AWAY at the quality of your videos, the audio, the editing, the photos, the lighting, everything is perfect about all of your vids.

[@deejdman9431]

I won't even watch these videos on my phone because your content is an experience. On mobile now saving for later. Just found your videos like a week ago but you've already inspired me as a creator more than anybody else I've seen in like a decade. Good work man

[@transmissions1135]

seeing a GxAce video pop up on the feed is the highlight of my day

[@JohnGulish]

No one on KZbin is making content like you… period. Your videos are a joy to watch. From the color grading to sound design and music they truly are on another level!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@_GhostGarden_]

Loved this video but can't say I agree that this camera, or any digital camera, can give you the film experience. Its not all about the look of the results or the tactile feel of the camera. For me, and I'd say many others, the process of not being able to know your results instantly and having the time between shooting and developing is very important and shooting film is a way for me to disconnect from the digital experience which makes me feel more present and calm. On top of that, the cost barrier you brought actually makes me take far less photos which I think forces me to be a lot more critical of what I am looking at, and taking photos of, which I believe has made me a better photographer overall. I shoot both film and digital but the process of the two is totally different and for me yields completely different results. Love your videos, thank you for all the work you put into them!

[@akaManiac]

I found your channel a few days ago, literally blown away man. I have been debating really taking the leap into photography, on a small scale at the moment I shoot with a GoPro. You have definitley inspired me to get behind an actual camera. Thank you for these masterpieces.

[@Whois2th]

Fantastic content. Always enjoy your perspective and cinematography.

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much!

[@BadChaker]

I am always amazed at the way your videos are made. They put me in a kind of trance. Fantastic. Please keep it up!

[@kg4135]

So I randomly found the channel, I had never ever seen something that different on KZbin, everything from cinematics to sound design is something else. I'm blown away by the quality of content on this channel!!

[@lollybo3]

I love your videos. The cyberpunk style and narration is so unique. Makes people excited about photography. Keep up the great work!

[@AnthonyBoettcher24]

Great channel its always a pleasure watching your videos and your take on things. It focuses more on the experience and interaction with the tool rather than the technical aspects. Keep up the great work!

[@rio_nakayama]

As always, your channel is one of if not the best camera review out there. Another great review, beautifully put. Keep up the the great work!

[@justinbabcock3128]

This is quickly becoming my favorite youtube channel. your storytelling is insane!!!!

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much, Justin! Now I just need to make actual stories and not just gear reviews hahah ;)

[@yaaaaaaaannick]

Maybe the M10 (and their variants) is the best digital M for your needs. You get the slim M6 body type, the good rear screen and it still has the bottom plate. And on the German used market the classic M10 is slowly going for sale for under 4000 Euros, the M10-R for roughly 5500 Euros (don’t know the prices in your region)😉

[@berndvandecruys]

These videos are truly superb! Loved my time testing out the M11 as well. The 50 rolls of Portra calculation took me by surprise. Puts things in perspective for volume film shooters.

[@GxAce]

Thanks for watching! So I realized my math was off a bit. I accidentally was using the price of the 5-pack of film so it’s actually 250 rolls, but still that isn’t a crazy amount.

[@amsneo]

Calculation is wrong 50x20 is 1000 not 10000

[@berndvandecruys]

@@GxAce if inflation keeps rising at the current rate, the orginal calculation might become correct at some point 🙈

[@deonvnzl]

@@GxAce I came here to say, in the UK it is about 190 rolls as an estimate. I stopped shooting film when I got my Leica SL2-S 2 years ago. I find that the experience of using that camera with manual lenses is very similar to what I was used to shooting SLR 35mm cameras with none of the film headache. I used to shoot quite a lot of film so I imagine that I am round about break even with my SL2-S purchase. (not to mention the money I recouped selling my contax t2 and other film bodies)

[@maxfairclough3600]

@@berndvandecruys no because the current rate of inflation would also increase the cost of the M11. It’s relative.

[@motographyslovakia2943]

For me the best photography and videography channel of all times. Nothing isnpires me to go out and shoot more like you. You were the reason WHy i bought Fuji x100 to acompany my canon DSLR and I simply love it ❤ keep up the good work 😊

[@drhannibal7737]

Man I can't get over how beautiful your videos are i have never seen such a cinematic review before you nailed it with your shots and your own style . Especially the colorgrading you should make a LUTS pack for the looks you're using in your videos it's gonna sell like crazy !! Hope you the best times am glad i know your channel now

[@feath3rs]

Awesome vid, the way you keep giving us such refined content so often is mesmerizing.

[@1337ghomri]

Omg ... that was just amazing yet again. These videos with those epic shots and images. And the sound a music. It just all blend so well together.

[@skudak]

Man the quality you're putting out just gets better and better, it's insane, keep it up!

[@w00tw00tish]

Your videos are breathtaking and beautifully crafted! It's like I'm in the bladerunner universe! I watch them start to end just because they are so amazing! Thank you! And on top of that, your videos make me want to go out and shoot all the time - photography is beautiful and your videos are an inspiration!

[@dj_wilson]

Your production quality is O U T O F T H I S W O R L D!! Amazing. Thank you for literally going all out for us.

[@hellatightdude]

Hell yeah. Glad to see you got your hands on one for a review.

[@JJtoob]

I recently discovered this channel and it's a strange but good feeling to see what is basically a camera review but in very polished cinematic style that fits my ultrawide screen.

[@paracidicapple]

Love your content, I just purchased the liminal space preset pack and its added quite a bit of character to some of my photos. Love the feeling it creates.

[@HonJazzz]

This is such a fun and refreshing take on the camera review format. Agreed, it’s more about the experience than the tech.

[@GxAce]

I’m glad you think so! :D

[@szajbsonbm4506]

Excellent video as always! It doesnt matter if im interested in the topic, the way you make your videos makes me want to watch them anyways! Keep up the good work!

[@LuisDmlr]

Every video of yours looks, feels and sounds like some of the best movies I’ve ever seen. Without question one of the best channels on the platform. I would love to watch your videos in cinema!

[@dustingillard8819]

That orange opening was next level. I can’t recall seeing such beautiful and moody imagery in a cinema and here you are doing it on your KZbin channel. I’d love some video content or even a blog post on any other projects you are working on with these skills!

[@csisbw]

Keep this up man - I love the style of the videos, gives me Matrix, Altered Carbon, Blade Runner and Ghost in a shell all mixed together. I think you've earned another patreon in me!

[@rossxjohnson]

Your video was recommended to me and damn man. The creativity and cinematography and pure creativity. Subscribed instantly. What a production.

[@hettekloosterman16]

This channel beats litarly every single channel cinematic wise, this is movie quality stuff, im a photographer for 4 years now and you've inspired me to do cinematography.

[@halgrynshaun]

Coming back for old content from GXACE. I tell myself that his busy with another masterpiece, cant wait for the next video.

[@malinhiles]

The ONLY channel on KZbin where I genuinely look forward to the Patreon segment. No other channel does it like this 🙌🏼

[@bounw21]

I swear every time I find your videos in my feed, you turn more and more robotic lol. Great stuff man.

[@derrenleepoole]

I’ve just got the Leica M9. Moved everything on to get it. No regrets. Looking at the M262 next, when finds permit. Great video as always mate.

[@fredericdiserens7208]

All in all, this is probably the best camera review video I have ever seen! I got my M11 last friday🤩

[@eyeofalchemy]

I don't even have words RN. Your work is just... wow man.

[@kingsamvisuals]

I tried a Leica M11 in store and immediately I understood. It was my first time using a rangefinder too and I loved it. If I was rolling in cash I'd buy one but it's a pipe dream.

[@noshiAEP]

Just found your channel and I gotta say your videos are amazing! Feels very unique and interesting If there's one suggestion I could make, I would love having subtitles available. With such overwhelmingly beautiful visuals, I think subs would help to follow the narrative, especially through the talking head scenes. They don't have to come now, but I think at some point down the line they're worth the effort :] Keep it up and excited for more!

[@indradinho88]

Extremely fine production as usual, GX. About "film experience", I shamelessly tape my Fujifilm X100 screen with a black, fake leather sticker. I always use OVF, then I only see the photographs when the files have been transferred to my laptop. If I want to go extreme, I put a 1GB SD card to my X100 --that's only enough capacity to fit about 37-40 RAW files, roughly the same as 1 roll of film and I have 5 piece of 1GB cards (with my snail pace of photography, it's more than enough for a week of traveling). My X100 only cost me US$300, about the same as 20 rolls of Kodak Vision + ECN2 processing cost on my country. 20 rolls = 720 pictures and my X100 have been taking tens of thousands picture for about 4 years. You are miscalculating the cost of Portra vs Leica M11, but you are absolutely right about one thing: nowadays, shooting film is for rich people.

[@driedink]

Fucking phenomenal. I love how your review style is very unique, it's almost like watching a movie with how cinematically you frame your shots and use music. Your close ups show so much detail I can practically feel the camera through the screen, your voice over is very calm and feels grounded, your style is dark and gritty. It's awesome

[@Tony16610]

My heart skipped a beat when I heard 50 rolls? I've shot and had scanned/developed 30 rolls during the past few months and was like "Was I more than halfway to an M11?!?!". Glad to see the correction which immediately made me exhale a sigh of relief.

[@greentothebone]

I’ve got an M6 and would love to try an M11 🎉 Props on the accompanying music on this episode 👍🏻😁 I watch every single one of your videos and keep coming back 🔥

[@diablocds1]

You march to the beat of your own drum and it's great. Really cool stuff!

[@davidak_de]

I'm very happy with my Fuji X-E3 i bought for 300 Euros used. You can probably have a similar experience with a Fuji X-T that also have a dial for ISO. You can get a Fujifilm X-T1 for 290 Euro on ebay and some say it had the best X-Trans sensor. I tested it and the photos where great, but i missed a clean HDMI out. I also want to do video work with it.

[@MARKLINMAN1]

I am an X-PRO3 shooter and i agree with you. I still cant get my head around a 9 grand camera with NO AUTO FOCUS, I love LEICA but this M11 is a NO go for me. And lets not forget the FUJI recipes are AMAZING. I am waiting for the LEICA Q3 to be announced, i will get that ALL DAY, Auto focus is THE KEY.

[@wictor1992]

I love that picture of the Sears Tower through a window. Amazing shots!

[@ViniciusAmano]

This channel is so ahead of its time. Freaking amazing

[@jimovr7248]

keep up this style of videos and you'll get millions of subs in no time. i love it when a video is so extra it becomes an aesthetic

[@leonardoluna8943]

hands down the best content out there... thanks!!!

[@jeez0r]

The more we treat it like the holy grail , the more expensive they are going to make them .

[@kpafucakpafuco1796]

Agree. but it doesn’t really affect anything. I can get practically the same result for work with my Sony and I can get practically the same fun with my Fuji. I consider it as any other luxury item, I want it, but doesn’t mean that I need it.

[@joalmaor]

Current status: Running to my TV room to watch this! As I said before, this is large-screen-worthy. Nice one Gx!

[@BlueHourVisions]

There's got to be a "0" missing from your "55k subs" cuz i don't believe you have so few. not even for a second. Thank you for providing such cinematically breathtaking content every time.

[@BrownToth]

I really like your channel. Thank you for this amazing quality content Sir!

[@Chillgaming_1]

masterpiece of a content , i always love the message lost in time

[@AsianWithHat]

Loving these weekly episodes GX!

[@williwillyyy4927]

This videos are sick!!! Love this channel

[@ilTagl1a]

A work of art. Keep it up man

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much!!

[@JaymesMedia]

New video first thing in the morning? I know I’m going to have a good day. Beautiful work

[@GxAce]

Thanks, Myron! :)

[@JaymesMedia]

@@GxAce you’re more than welcome

[@MattJackson_YouTube]

Love your stuff, man. So inspiring

[@Novak596]

Dude, I get so hyped to see a new video by you, for the cinematic garbage, I love it

[@quattro30]

Great production, always enjoy your story telling

[@kevinacla8291]

speechless on cinematic style of video. so unique, salute.

[@Bryle_P.]

I am new at your channel, new to photography, and I'm loving your cinematics and reviews.

[@rickbiessman6084]

I refuse to call what you make "videos". To me, they’re video essay/short film hybrids. But while "video" is technically the correct term for the medium, it falls very short of conveying your creativity and dedication to your craft that makes each of your uploads a uniquely inspiring experience. I’m amazed yet again.

[@Meziplyn]

Great, *great* video as allways. Question: how do you add the filmgrain, in post? Would be VERY interested in post/grading methods used. Thanks!

[@neil_armweak]

Magnificent as always!

[@GxAce]

Thanks!!

[@NunoAlmeidaPhotography]

That camera looks soo clean, love it.

[@RishikeshKankal]

Never knew these kind of creator exists, this is far beyond imagination! League of his own now and forever.

[@ggn1]

Every video a journey. Bravo!

[@nick-w]

Your photos are always incredible to see

[@SvenPiper]

Great video and very inspiring.

[@AkshayBhavsar1989]

You have by far the best production on KZbin. I need a future Denis Villinueve or a Ridley Scott film with you doing cinematography

[@uniworkhorse]

I guess this is why some musicians love the cult-classic OP-1 vs a computer running a DAW - the limited but tactile experience really just inspires you to actually make things rather than fiddle with settings. Then again, I've never experienced either, but must be pretty cool either way.

[@kurtlwrr]

stunning as always, and great point on how many rolls of film would equal the price of a Leica

[@TimLavreniuk]

The music during the end titles is fantastic.

[@Bo_Hazem]

Top class, as always!

[@Visualmeditations2024]

Gosh I love your videos!!!

[@samvarleystephens]

one of your best yet! i'd be curious if you've ever tried the leica sl - it's a huge camera, but it also has a built in 3:1 shooting aspect ratio, which i think is something only the gfx cameras have a similar option for

[@floppydisk921]

Amazing video and as a person that does film photography and thinks that if im every buying a (good) digital camera i'll want one that does it all this does seem very very enticing. Never thought I would want a Leica digital... Though dont forget that the lenses for these are really really expensive as well bringing you up to like 15k :)))))))

[@georgemadalincirjan]

Your content is top noch man! Really love you style.

[@mayank2564]

This is not a youtube channel its a netflix production level mini documentary seires hell its even better than netflix, discovery channel, natgeo??? i am in love with this channel

[@wright96d]

Wonderful work as always! Have you ever considered mixing your videos in 5.1? I feel like your style lends itself to a surround mix, especially all the music, and KZbin recently started supporting 5.1 on Android TV and Apple TV. Maybe more, but that's all I know of.

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much! I’d love to but I don’t have a setup to actually monitor 5.1

[@MartinZimny]

@@GxAce If that’s something you want to try (because, if someone is absolutely mad when it comes to production quality, it’s you!), you can check out a VST Plugin called “Dear VR Monitor” it allows you to monitor 5.1 setups (and higher) binaurally through headphones. Your productions must be one of three channels that makes me actually comment on stuff like that. Glad to have found you!

[@JasonLawrenceNoel]

Damn Damn damn.... Really! Enjoy your videos so much

[@fakepotato4875]

I don't care at all about cameras and cinematography but your videos are so interesting and makes me wanna get into the hobby as well

[@lukemossbarnett336]

1:33 absolutely love that shot. Na all of them, I love all of them.

[@GxAce]

Thanks!! :D

[@Gj_frames]

I have had my M10 for a year now, before I had different Fujifilms. The past weekend I got a chance to try the Leica SL2 and when I had my fujis I couldn’t complain about an EVF, but after 1 year with my M10 I couldn’t use the great EVF in the SL2. I couldn’t focus my Voigt 35mm Ultron with focus peaking, I disliked that the display where BnW just because I had BnW settings for the JPEGs. I realized I looked more at the focus peaking and all the settings in the EVF than the actual object. It was a barrier between me and the world. I’ve heard M-shooters talk about this before I bought my M10 and I thought it sounded a bit silly/fanboy-ish.. But after a year with no EVF, I can’t say something else. And the dials … physical dials that tells the settings. I don’t need 6 FN-buttons, I don’t need any FN-button actually. To see the settings together on a screen is way more fuzzy than look at the specific dial you’re interested in. That past weekend learned me alot! The M is THE camera for me, it’s ridiculous how the camera manufacturers hunting perfect EVF:s and AF system for all categories of cameras when Leica made the perfect one almost hundred years ago 🤷‍♂️

[@HiddenFiles]

Those sample photos are incredible!!

[@hao198151]

leica camrea Science fiction film and techno music, these are my favorites，thank you guys , so cool!!

[@dhelquin]

While having the bottom of camera sans bottom plate might be less in the "spirit" of the old film leicas, the addition of a USB-C port that can be used to make the camera viable for tethering to a PC (in my case using Capture One) has been a huge improvement, making it more viable for working professionals who rely on that tech.