The Leica M10 Monochrom - Still Worth It in 2024?

[@lightloving683]

I’m in agreement with your assessment. The M10M was my first foray into digital in 2020. I’m still waist deep in analog BW and still have a fully working darkroom - that said, I’ve never regretted the decision. I’ve looked into the M11M. While yes, on paper, an upgrade. An upgrade in hardware and certainly resolution. But to my eyes, too clean. I’ll be sticking with the M10M along with an analog darkroom for the foreseeable future. Enjoyed your video.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@lightloving683 I like this opinion. Nice to have a few different ones. I’m sure there are others who would agree with you about it being too clean but again, you can rough it up in post where as you can’t clean up an image in the same way. What film camera do you mainly shoot? And what is your favourite b&w film stocks?

[@lightloving683]

@@jamie.dop_ I shoot multiple formats up to 8x10. When I do shoot an analog Leica a R (8-9-6.2) body for 50mm and longer. M (3-2-4-5-4p) for 50mm and wider. HP5+ or TriX, both at 640 to 800 with DD-X. Or 250 to 325, Rodinal 1+50 & D76 1+1, respectively. When I do shoot Leica, I keep it all in the Family when printing. I’m fortunate to own Leica enlargers as well for the darkroom - Focomat V35, 1C and a 2C. All with Leica enlarging lenses.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@lightloving683 you have got some class kit and a serious set up! Very jealous indeed. Glad to hear you explore many formats. Keeps it interesting too.

[@xiiiconcepts]

I have the M11M and really cant emphasize how useful the longer battery life is, as well the electronic shutter shooting wide open. It’s gonna be my daily driver for years to come. You won’t be disappointed mate.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@xiiiconcepts I know mate!! Gunna have to make the jump! Used the M11 lots but they are very different cameras I’m sure! Battery is just one of the reasons but it is a big one your right. Where can I see your images? J

[@xiiiconcepts]

@@jamie.dop_ most shot with m11 mono and few with q2 mono and SL2.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@xiiiconcepts I have both of them and love them also. Very different cameras to each other. Q is a great hybrid before using the M system and the SL2 is just a beast. Powerhouse!

[@r423sdex]

I have never loved a camera. Never will

[@chapsibnnoel3626]

Jamie, I’ve been looking specifically for the M10 Monochrome for months. Finally found two. The original M10 M and the Leitz Limited Edition. The latter was $2300 more than the original. Needless to say, my search is over. And I accomplished it with $2300 still in my pocket. Enjoy the journey. Continued happiness and success to you and yours. Be Blessed, Doc Chaps

[@jamie.dop_]

@@chapsibnnoel3626 great message to receive! Thank you. Had another play with an M10M two days ago. Lent my M11M to a friend for the weekend and very nervous bout it but know they take good care of kit. Just love these Monochrom sensors!! Have a lovely weekend ahead. J

[@josevalladares9472]

Thanks for the great information. Looking to enter the Leica world but cannot decide between the Q2 and M10. So your video brought out a lot of great point to consider. Best of luck to you and please keep up the great videos.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@josevalladares9472 thanks for watching! Have you come any closer to that decision? One question…. What focal length / lens would you go for with that M10?

[@jacobh5817]

Great video. The Q2M has long been one of my favs as well, but I traded it against an M11M. Also used an M10R for a long while, which I switched against an M11P, a few months ago. The main benefit of the M11 line is not so much the extra 20MP, but mostly the battery life and the new way of light metering (off the sensor vs. off the shutter curtain). That allows for highlight weighted metering, which is very beneficial for a monochrome M.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@jacobh5817 couldn’t agree more with everything you’ve said! I miss my Q2M already but love the M11M and everything about it. The only shame is I used to pass my Q2M around to friends at bbqs or party’s I was attending and they could shoot it with ease and autofocus. I don’t think it’s going to be easy with any M. But that’s a teeny negative. What lenses are you using on your Monochrom?

[@jacobh5817]

@@jamie.dop_ my main lens is the new 50 Lux (close focus version). Next to that I also use a 28 Cron v2 (a matt black special edition with light green lettering) and a silver 90 Summarit 2.4. All in all a classic reportage setup.

[@donjagoe]

Beautiful job. Have an M10-R, saving for an M11-M. Had and sold a 246-just couldn’t ever get used to the exposure challenges.

[@jamie.dop_]

@ I have heard someone else say that too, the M11M is unbelievable and unbeatable for monochromatic images! Good luck with you saving and remember it will all be worth it!

[@devlincook5741]

Great video! I’ve had my M10M for almost a year and have loved using it. I’ve come so close to selling it for the M11M but never went through with it. The upgrades like the storage and weight reduction and battery are so tempting but the issues with the freezing keep putting me off. I recently got the IDS walnut grip which makes a huge difference! Direct access to the battery compartment and makes it even more enjoyable to hold and shoot. I use a 28mm elmarit asph 90% of the time and can easily shoot the whole day with it. My other favorite lens is the 50 apo, something special about that combo. Look forward to seeing what you decide to do! Oh and Ivor is such a cool guy, bought a few lenses from him!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@devlincook5741 thanks so much. Yeah that grip is definitely appreciated. That with the thumb grip is like super glue! You have a great set up there, those lenses with the sensor is so nice and looks amazing to. Wanna pick it up everyday I bet? I haven’t used the 50 Apo enough but from what I have I love and used it ok the SL2. Yeah, Ivor and the team and class people and very knowledgeable. Appreciate the support Devlin. J

[@chapsibnnoel3626]

Jamie, thank you for making this video. I have owned all four of Leica’s monochrome M bodies. The M Monochrome was first but returned because the sensor was corroded. Next was the 246, M10 M, and lastly of course, the M11 M. I enjoyed them all but my heart was captivated by the mystique of the CCD sensor images. I was less impressed by the 246 or the M10 M. The M11 is killer. But unlike you, I am not a professional photographer. I am a theologian and photography enthusiast who is totally enamored with RF photography. So I struggled with investing so much money in a camera. But I’ve worked hard and this my gift to myself. 😇Right now I own the M3, M7, M8, M Monochrome, M11. But now I am seriously considering selling the M8 and the M9 and getting the M11 M again. That body is incredible! The information captured in the DNG files is insane. And given your willingness to crop, you will not be disappointed. This shared, I watched this video with great interest. Now I’m back on the M11 track. To you and your family, may GOD grant you continued happiness and success. Be Blessed, Doc Chaps

[@jamie.dop_]

@@chapsibnnoel3626 this a wicked message to receive! So much to unpack. What a collection you have had. You would be a great man to sit next to in the pub! I’d love to hear all their differences and what you like about them all. Also some lovely film cameras. Think how lucky you are to be able to use all your lenses across all bodies and get entirely different looks. Where can we see you work? Thanks again for the time and effort to write your message. J

[@chapsibnnoel3626]

@@jamie.dop_ PS: I am a retired Navy Chaplain and now live and work in Okinawa, Japan. So the bulk of my pics were captured on Oki or in Japan. My job also includes runs to Korea, Hawaii, and mainland Japan. So there are images from those areas as well. Be Blessed,

[@harrryw4004]

Absolutely loving your stuff at the moment Jamie!!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@harrryw4004 cheers Harry. Really appreciate you saying that and taking the time to inform me. Will keep trying to get the videos out! J

[@Shutterbugsontheroad]

Great video, thanks Jamie. I have the M10 Monochrom, the M10P and a M6. I carry most of the time the 3 cameras as sometimes you see colors which will malke a big difference to the photo and you do not want to miss it. But most of the time the colors do not make a difference, they are a distraction to the eye. The M10 Monochrom is the go to camera.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@Shutterbugsontheroad great collection you have there! Which lenses do you use with them? Yeah it’s nice to have the colour option every now and then:)

[@Shutterbugsontheroad]

@@jamie.dop_ Summicron 28, Sumilux 35 (My favorite) and I have a suite of voigtlander lenses such as 50mn 1.2, 75mn 1.7, 90mn 2.8 and 21mn 1.4.

[@tomklein_photo]

I have an M Monochrome (the original one, aka M9M) and an M10M. When I bought the latter 4 years ago I thought of selling the M9M right away, but for some reason this never materialised. In Summer, the shutter of my M10M broke and I got an M11M as a replacement camera. When the M10M came back from repair I had all three at home for a couple of days and made some comparison shots in my home town: same lens, same manual settings, same ISO. The M11M is - technically - for sure the best of the three (ok, depends on how you define "good" or "best"), as it offers more versatility: the battery is fantastic, the extra MPix don't hurt and the electronic shutter helps shooting wide open without ND filters. Having said that, when considering the trade-in value of my M10M, the delta would probably be around 4k EUR....and considering that, I think that the difference in performance between the two is not big enough. Granted, if I would have no M10M, I would probably go for the M11M right away, but since it is there, I think it's gonna stay. Now...during the past months I have rediscovered my love for the M9M with its CCD sensor. It is and always will be the original - the first time that Leica had the guts to release a monochrome-only camera. I love it for being radical! And the image quality, while only 18MP, is fantastic in my eyes. Yes, the limits are much more strict than with the M10/11M, but the overall look and feel is just wonderful. The images have some, how to describe, "warmth" to them... I believe that the M9M would be the last M that I'd sell - and am lucky that I kept it!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@tomklein_photo what a great comment! Not many people at all will be able to say they have had all off them and certainly not at the same time. I understand fully why you made the decisions you did. I have heard quite a few people choosing the M10M over the M11M and I can assume the same reasons people would go for the M9M. Is there anywhere people can see the comparison images you took on all three cameras?

[@jamman85]

Great video, Jamie! Love your stuff and have been wondering about the M10M vs M11M, as well!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@jamman85 thanks you. Appreciate you taking the time to watch. Yeah those two cameras are ones you can lose sleep thinking about. I have no acquired an M11M and it is more than a level up from the M10M and if you are serious about wanting the best possible b&w image then this camera won’t disappoint. Only shot it for a week now and just love the tones it captures. Thanks again, J

[@xjr1618x]

I'm a nikon enthusiast and I have a full array of analog and DSLRs and mirrorless ones. I got an M5 a few months ago in pristine condition and just got an M10M a few days ago. I just love it. Still learning the menus and the handling. So simple and luxurious at the same time, not ostentatious or flashy, for me that's the best, and of course I love the files. Great video, thanks for sharing your thoughts! cheers!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@xjr1618x ahhh good on you! Such a great purchase, I just think the M10M feels right. The look, the weight, the feel, the images and the process all 10/10. Nikons have some class cameras too. The F line is wicked and my friend shoots the Z series for his safari work and I’m always blown away by the quality of them. Thanks for watching and also commenting. J

[@patrickdumont7302]

Good evening Jamie, interesting assessment. I had done mine earlier this year and decided to complement digitally the film M7 I had been using for over 20 years. After all I had the suite of Leica M lenses already . this present to self (am not a professional) turned out to be a joy to use. I had feared my old lenses would not have been up to the task. Simple forum angst, not real world. For me the next step is platinum printing from these gorgeous files. Also I realised with the screen and visoflex, I am much more able to actually nail focus on my 75 1.4 summilux (and even shorter focal lengths). it really complements my other digital set up with its autofocus and long lenses bias. For documenting life, friends and family though, (and street portraits) it is plainly amazing.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@patrickdumont7302 first off, thanks for the message. I love reading them. Secondly, that 75 1.4…. SERIOUS! I would love to try that lens. I have heard great things. I bet those files will look insane on platinum! Iv picked up a Visoflex the other day and yet to use it. I look forward to finding what situation I best like using it. I was tempted to adapt the Leica 510mm R lens to my now ‘new’ M11M and go shoot some surfing. I saw someone the other day with the M7. It’s such a beautiful camera and I don’t see enough of them. I still prefer the M6 and MA more but M7 and MP close behind. Thanks again, J

[@patrickdumont7302]

@@jamie.dop_ahah, putting on long lenses thanks to the visoflex. I admit not having thought about that. Now visoflex use case for me is due to less optimal eyesight. I recently realised though that there are some specific viewfinder magnifiers, which I may in the end prefer to keep natural vision. Will have to test that. Otherwise the rather low definition visoflex of the M10M does the job. One remark as I see you made the jump to M11M: As a professional you probably are not bothered by file size. In my case, M10M files are ok but borderline with my 4 years old mac book air. M11M would not be possible. As you say, platinum is likely to be lovely, (was already fab owith files from micro 43, yes Micro 43!) .

[@malcomjhy]

Just amazing!

[@mickeef31]

Thanks so much for this video Jamie. Really connected with the idea that a monochrome image is so much more timeless and precious than a colour one. I shoot a lot of live music and feel exactly the same. Any thoughts on the M246 with a 3rd party lens like a Voigtlander as a place to start?

[@EvilTeddie23]

Do you crop your analog shots? Case in point ;)

[@jamie.dop_]

@@EvilTeddie23 some of the yes. I’m never afraid to crop digital images. Especially with all those megapixels. As for film I don’t touch the crop :)

[@Super.Quasar]

I've been a Hasselblad film shooter since 1978 and so square, B&W negatives and prints have been my diet. Since the early '80s I've had Leica M and S cameras and attempted to capture the square B&W images, but failed, or barely succeeded. I had the M9-Monochrom, but when cropped square it became a 12mb file. I eventually sold all my Leica gear and bought Hasselblad H digital and later the X2D. . Then the M11 Monochrom appeared and it's 60mpix sensor and 256mb internal memory seemed to be what I've been looking since about 2000. So, with just a Voigtländer 15mm lens in stock, I bought one and have added various lenses up to 50mm. My first few outings have been very productive and I'm really happy with it. A couple of firmware updates have resolved a few issues and it's now 100% reliable. . To duplicate a square image from an 80mm lens on a Hasselblad film camera you need to shoot a 35mm lens on the Leica, not a 50mm as is often quoted. This means I'm largely shooting 35mm and 24mm in square, but always with the option of 3:2 and panoramic if called for. . With generally underexposing scenes, the files tend to need more work than normal, but the rewards are fabulous. Obviously much less effort than processing and scanning film. The M11-M is an expensive camera, but I've managed to fund both cameras by selling existing gear and have an Imacon scanner that's not getting any use at the moment. That's worth a few bob too. Whatever you decide to buy, enjoy it.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@Super.Quasar I can only imagine the images you must have captured over the years. So many cameras and lenses leading to such varied results. You really have lived through leaps and bounds in camera technology. Fascinating. Thanks for the update in the M11M. Very helpful and iv since this video used it and picked one up from Red Dot Cameras. Yet to shoot anything meaningful as I haven’t had the chance. But WOW.. it’s a beautiful camera. Everything about it. But yes, files do need some work if you have been shooting to save the highlights. Appreciate the thought you have put into your message. Where can people see your images? J

[@Super.Quasar]

@@jamie.dop_ I added my photo details here and they’ve been removed. :-)

[@mjcatto]

Jamie, This is another well-thought-out and presented video. I am hoping to get an M11-M tomorrow for a week from my friends at Leica. I will let you know if it becomes possible. I have never had the Q2 Mono, but I have enjoyed converting the raw images from my Q2, Q3 and SL3 into monochrome in LR. Cheers, Mark from walkacrossitall blog.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@mjcatto another person with a great set of cameras! Serious stuff! Let me know about the M11M. Just picked mine up and shot some stuff today. It’s so so so nice! J

[@GamachePhoto]

Like you I have the SL2 for most of my colour work, while I use my M10-R for daily carry and mostly shoot for BW output, so I’ve been considering getting the M11M (would trade the M10-R). I grew up shooting film, 35mm, 120mm and 4X5, processing and printing my negatives, so I’m no stranger to BW. I’m 65 this year so why not ! Great video and love your input. Cheers from Canada.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@GamachePhoto Canada! Amazing, you have some great lenses coming from your hometown! If you are 65 you lived through some of the best years for photography. You’ve seen them all from amazing classics to massive advancements in technology and the beginning of digital. What a time to be alive! Let me know if you do make the jump the M11M. Would love to hear more opinions. Thanks for taking the time to leave a message. J

[@gayleruble6529]

Dude…love your stuff. Spot on

[@jamie.dop_]

@@gayleruble6529 appreciate that. Glad it’s hitting the spot :)

[@hodgesathome4444]

Legend 🚀

[@jamie.dop_]

@@hodgesathome4444 short and sweet. I like it. Cheers fella :)

[@dayzpast]

The m10m is my first digital Leica, having first experienced the m3. Never ever thought how much I would enjoy a black and white camera. Paired with the elmarit 28 asph v2

[@jamie.dop_]

@@dayzpast great set up. Do you have any accessories on the M10M? What are your thoughts on the elmarit?

[@dayzpast]

@@jamie.dop_ I’m keeping it bare bones atm, have consider the thumb grip for extra support. I really like it with the macro Elmar 90mm f4, as it really lends itself to the sheer amount of resolution and in your case portraits. The M3 has become the colour camera 😂

[@dayzpast]

@@jamie.dop_ elmarit is perfect

[@tripswithgriff]

Really interesting video and discussion. Got my Q2M last summer and absolutely love it, and as you said....gateway drug..... and am developing a bit of an obsession with the M despite never having used one. Next thing is to try and get hands-on with one of them to see if I can even enjoy using one. Getting older, eyesight not what it was, does that make a MF rangefinder a bad idea? Did you grab a M11M in the end?

[@jamie.dop_]

@@tripswithgriff some good points here. Good news is that the Q2M is the best Q out there is my opinion! Just class, so you can’t go wrong with keeping or moving / adding an M camera to the shelf! Yes, I did pick up an M11M and love it! Just love it! J

[@richarddenise3886]

Seller's remorse after letting my M10 M go! Big mistake! ... Excellent video!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@richarddenise3886 thanks for the comment. Appreciated. What did you sell the M10M for?

[@richarddenise3886]

I don't remember precisely as it was probably in trade for an M11. It was and still is a truly great camera despite the newest update to the M11M.

[@IntrovertAmateur]

If money wasn’t the limiting factor, I would definitely had picked up an M11 Mono today, when I visited my nearest Leica Store in Germany 😅 Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jamie, really enjoyed watching this. I owned a Q2M for about a year and sold it, because my environment such as friends and family do expect Color images when I take family memory moments. That was one of the main reason why I turned my back on monochrome cameras. I really enjoyed using the Q2M and the files are so insane, but one purpose of my personal photography hobby is to share the moments with my loved ones and if e.g. my parents prefer Color pictures of their grandchildren, it takes a bit the fun for me away to shoot b/w exclusively, since Mono cameras are expensive and should be used everyday to make it worth it. Today my default setting of my M cameras (for digital, and thinking about, it’s all my cameras 😀) is black and white, but because I have the Color raw files, I can still great b/w images for me and color for others. But yeah, true monochrome is just a different experience and I do miss it. Why do you consider the M11M although you experienced the freezing issue on the normal M11? Depending on online reports the M11M also does freeze. But I would prefer the upgrades on the M11 such as internal storage, bigger battery and USB c charging. Keep rocking mate!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@IntrovertAmateur love this comment. Big thanks. You have fully justified your need for colour and it sounds like the right call. Nice for your friend and family to have someone document moments like that and be able to share them with loved ones. Makes the money and time so worth it! And of course you still can create near the same by conversion to b&w so makes total sense. I found the M11 freezing to be very irritating but I haven’t yet experienced that with the M10Mono and have heard it does happen with the M11M but no where near as often. I know it’s poor form to have that happen when spending that much on a camera but I still feel it’s worth it even if that is going to happen every so often. If I get the M11, for sure I will make note of how often it happens and share that with everyone…. But we will have to see! Thanks again for writing a message. Best, J

[@TonyEbikemeJr]

I currently shoot with the Q2 monochrom. i really like it at the moment.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@TonyEbikemeJr not surprised… it’s a little beast! My favourite thing about the Q2M other than the way it looks and the images it takes is that whenever I take it places, friends house, a bbq or bring along to a mates wedding, they see me with this little ‘disposable’ type camera (to their non camera brains) and then see the images and are blown away. That camera will always be one of my favourites and I will miss it when it goes. Though if I am successful enough in life then I will for sure buy it back again when the time is right. Enjoy it and take it everywhere. J

[@ernestthomas9406]

Iam invested fully in B&W from tri-x B&W film in my Leica m-a to B&W film simulation in my Fuji x-pro3👍👍

[@jamie.dop_]

@@ernestthomas9406 love the MA. Think it is the best looking Leica film camera. How’s the X-Pro3? I have a little run around XT20 which I often adapt M lenses

[@ernestthomas9406]

@@jamie.dop_ the x-pro3 ticks many boxes for me just to name a few film simulations, highbred view finder, size, and love the screen, it moves out of the way then you can flip it down if needed. I don't use the screen much. That's just some.

[@StreetsWideOpen]

99% of the pictures I shoot are bnw, I’ve been using the fujifilm system for years now and love the black and white images I can get out of the Fuji files. But around 18 months ago I bagged a leica Q2M and that thing is just magic!! and now I want more 😀 and I’ve also been thinking about the M11M, I’ve used a range finder before but it was many years ago, so getting used to not having auto focus might take a little time. But then what does Leica go and do? they release the Q3 43, which has got me wondering if I should wait for a Q3 43M, I am just assuming they will make a monochrom version 🤔 Now I don’t know what to do 😆

[@jamie.dop_]

@@StreetsWideOpen thanks for taking the time to write this all out. First off… almost everyone loves Fuji until they try Leica… fact. Secondly, the Q2M has this weird extra Leica magic, just an unbelievable camera and I’d pick one over almost any Leica other than M11 and M11M bar a few specialist Leicas or rare one off models. I owned one for around 4 years. Was an amazing time. Finally, I don’t know if they will or won’t make a Q3 43M but it won’t be for a long time now. So if you have the patience then good on you and I’m sure it will be worth the wait! J

[@lucadilazzaro240]

Which a fast 64 or 128 gb sd card do you recommend with Leica M10 monochrom?

[@jamie.dop_]

@@lucadilazzaro240 well anything above a 280mbs read and write speed will do the job! The Sandisk Extreme Pro are expensive but incredibly reliable! Best, J

[@paulhogden7454]

I have the 246M although only 24MP I find it amazing. Yes you can lose the highlights - but - I prefer the battery life to the M10M. I have an M11 as well but find I leave it on the shelf a lot as I prefer using the monochrom. I have toyed with the idea of chopping them both in for the M11M - but I’m not entirely convinced I’ll conclude it was a good enough upgrade. Would be interested in a test in an M246M to compare against the M10M and M11M

[@jamie.dop_]

@@paulhogden7454 I like this test a lot… I shall put it on the list and try sort comparing them all soon. What would you like to see shot? And would you like a general comparison or taking the exact same image on each camera?

[@paulhogden7454]

@@jamie.dop_ thanks for the response! I think real world stuff Jamie. Whilst it’s great pixel peeping - I like it when people have that experience of shooting what they’re used to and then concluding their experience. You love street and architecture - certainly my bag too. I’d definitely be interested in your experience shooting all 3. I’ve been thinking about those M11M’s in Red Dot and keep wondering if trading 2 for 1 is the best idea. Would love to know an experience using the cameras they way I would use them leads to a does and againsts for each. I really enjoy my 246M but I wonder if I’d get much more benefit other than larger files with an M11M or M10M for that matter. You do a great job Jamie - and I’m a big fan of Red Dot Cameras traded with them several times.

[@vinylisland6386]

Allan Schaller prefers the M10M, because of the metering. I have both. The M10M has problems with highlights, the M11M can lose detail in the shadows. Play to the strengths of both cameras.

[@thomassarver7638]

I sold my Q2 and bought the M10M. I find that the 40 mega pixel is enough resolution for my needs. As for battery life on the m10m, I find that it last long enough for my needs.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@thomassarver7638 perfect. Someone who has figured out they don’t need the best, they just need enough. And that M10M is more than enough for almost everyone. What a camera. So was the Q2M… iconic’

[@Vladimir-hd5nn]

These monochrome M bodies look amazing, but colour is too important to my photography. I’ve decided to approach it from a similar way to you but the other way round; I have my Leica M11, as my daily driver, and I’m shooting B&W (mainly HP5) with my M6 and developing at home. Usually I got out with both cameras with 28 Summicron on one and a 50 Summilux on the other. Also just wanted to say how much I appreciate your videos, great to see a real photographer put gear through its paces and like your unpretentious style.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@Vladimir-hd5nn this is a kind comment. Thank you. Yeah I think you’ve nailed it with that set up. Gives you options. I have the same cameras and lenses in theory, just my digital can’t do colour and will leave the SL to do that. I love the M11 and it was a hard choice to go for the a Monochrome sensor but I know it won’t be the last time I use an M11 for sure. Such a great camera. And the M6 is the best companion to digital. If you had to glue those lenses onto the camera. Which lens would sit on M6 and which on the M11?

[@Vladimir-hd5nn]

@@jamie.dop_ Ohhh that’s a tough one, but I’d probably say 28 on the M6 and 50 Lux on the M11; I use the latter camera and lens combo way more for nighttime street photography and tend to keep a distance (turns out people don’t like you getting up in their faces at nighttime).

[@janromo9753]

Yeah it’s inevitable to get one… one day…. Vids like these just move fwd the date…

[@jamie.dop_]

@@janromo9753 they certainly do… lose sleep about it! Haha

[@johndewhirst3089]

The m10m is a wonderful camera but mechanically the M11 is by far superior and worth the upgrade. To get the best of any Leica monochrome camera you need a fast M lens and be prepared to be blown away. A great investment!

[@jamie.dop_]

@@johndewhirst3089 I have recently sold the 50mm Noctliux 0.95 and regret I won’t get to use it on the M11 Mono if I purchase that camera. But I’m sure the 50 Summilux will do some damage! Thanks for the comment John. Much appreciated. J

[@paulmanning8945]

I just watched this video on the Leica M10/M11, a big thumbs up. Already I hate you ;-). I've been shooting with the Q2Mono for a while now and like you I'm torn......... I also have a Q3 but I find that I'm not using that as much as the Q2. So for some weeks I've been arguing with myself as to wether I keep the Q2M and sell the Q3 to buy a Q11 or sell the Q2M and buy the M11 Mono. I haven't used a range finder for some 40+ years which means shooting with one will be a huge learning curve but I'm so tempted to go for the M11. I see you have Leica lens on the camera you're using which will significantly add to the cost. I would have to go for Voitlander or Typoch(?) lenses to keep the cost's down. Do you have any thoughts on this, please bear in mind I'm a 70y/o amateur?

[@jamie.dop_]

Ahhh thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment Paul. Means a lot. Well..... This is only what I would do... Keep the Q2 Mono and get the M11 and a voigtlander lens. Typoch aren't there yet in terms of quality, size and design. I know they are very cheap but I would stay away from them. I stand by the Q2M being my favourite camera iv ever used and love the images. I was just sad I couldn't put my other lenses against that sensor! If you are looking for the M11Mono I know Red Dot Cameras got two second hand ones come in last week and are in excellent condition. Are you based in London? I would happily take you to the store and talk you through options. If you went for the Q3 and M11 Mono that will be equally as beautiful, it's just personal preference. I hope I am still shooting into my 70's!! Well played you! Keep in touch. Jamie

[@paulmanning8945]

@@jamie.dop_ @paulmanning8945 0 seconds ago Hi Jamie. Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Arghhh I thought I'd talked myself out of spending lots of money but you have just said exactly what I'd decided from watching your video. I got my Q2M from Red Dot and not only was the camera in excellent condition Red Dot service was spot on. They'll be my first port of call. I may have to wait a couple of months as I have to sell my other cameras and lenses to help with finances, I've accumulated so much gear over time much of which doesn't get used. Voitlander is probably going to be my chioce for lenses, I'm thinking 28mm or 35mm mayb the 50mm and either the 75mm or the 90mm but I'l; have to wait and see how deep my pocket is. When I die my bank manager will have a heart attack I think :-). BTW have you checked out Paul Reid site? He is a Q2M user and like me it's the first camera he picks up when leaving his home. Take Care Paul

[@4WHEELBIKER]

I definitely think the M10 Mono is worth it because the images are in a class by themselves assuming you can tell the subtle differences and you can afford the price.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@4WHEELBIKER very well put. They are very subtle and once posted online they are almost unrecognisable, but to see on a big screen or even better, a print… that’s when you can see the difference in tones I’m sure. Thanks for the comment. J

[@brickftl9196]

loved the video, just posted this on the LSI Monochrom Moments discussion on What'sApp: great video, I agree with everything he has to say including (from personal experience) that the Q cams are a gateway drug to the M system. One thing he said that really struck a cord, something deep down I’ve inherently believed but never consciously realized until he articulated it: color images from a digital camera are sort of meh compared to color film images. I know that’s controversial, but I feel that way. Every morning I check out the film images on the Fred Miranda Leica forum - love them. I got my first monochrom just a.couple of weeks ago - a M11M - absolutely love it. Yes I do keep a color camera for those less and less frequent times when I'm in the mood for color - a M11P.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@brickftl9196 ahh thanks for that. Really appreciate you taking the time to comment. Hearing so many great things about the M11M. What do you mainly shoot and what lenses do you like best on the M11M? Yeah, I love film and I love digital, but we share the opinion of digital B&W is simply class!! No real explanation… more of a feeling. What colour camera do you shoot? Thanks again. J

[@brickftl9196]

@@jamie.dop_ my first M camera I got in February, and then a few weeks before getting the M11M I got the M11P. Love that camera, but again it's a color cam, 90% of whose images I converted to b/w because I'm primarily a street shooter. For all the reasons you stated so well, for me, the monochrome camera was a no-brainer.

[@stayuntilforever]

Get a Fujifilm set it to Acros and put on some vintage glass.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@stayuntilforever is Acros a film simulation? If you had to pick a Fuji and a lens to go with it what would your set up be? What do you mainly shoot? Thanks for commenting. J

[@stayuntilforever]

@@jamie.dop_ yes.. I set my filmsimulation to Acros + red and then +3 on highlights and shadows, -4 in NR. Acros even adds filmgrain over ISO 800. I love vintage glass and manual lenses so the Konica Hexanon 40mmF1.8 and 50mm 1.7 are my go to vintage lenses but the 7artisans 35mm1.2 mark2 is an amazing small and cheap lens. But if I could only own 2 lenses for Fujifilm forever it would be their own XF 18mmf2 and 35mm1.4 . Storytelling lenses with vintage rendering just like film.

[@jacobh5817]

While Fujifilm is definitely great value for money, it’s no comparison to a real M. I’ve used Fuji X (alongside Leica) since 2012 and used many of their cameras incl. all iterations of the X-Pro, but viewing monochrome files from Acros vs. real monochrome from an M10M is a day and night difference.

[@stayuntilforever]

@@jacobh5817 I print my images and what looks great on a screen is very different from print. I've printed 130cm prints shot on Fujifilm and sold them to mediumformat photographers who could not see any difference. I've sold 16mp XE1 images to a Leica photographer, in black and white white, who thought they were shot on a Leica. I'd love a monochrome sensor but once I put on vintage glass and print, then the difference is not that big if I shoot on under ISO 2500

[@earvinquero2037]

This is just like half of the m11mono.😂 M10mono is not really an upgrade to the m246 for real. M11 mono is the mind blowing monochrom camera.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@earvinquero2037 cheers for the message. I haven’t used the M246. What’s it like? How is it better or as good as the M10M? J :)

[@powderedtoastman3093]

Still worth it… it’s a year old … get a grip. It’ll be around for 8 yrs before it’s considered old.

[@jamie.dop_]

@@powderedtoastman3093 it’s been around 4 years and Leica have released 9 cameras since that camera came out and it now has a bigger badder brother in the M11 Monochrom. So no need to come in guns blazing. Plus…. You thought it has been around 1 year. Then you say give it 8 years. So you are saying a camera is considered ‘old’ after 9 years. Tell me… how did you arrive at this conclusion?