Even though the first models of Leica’s M-series cameras were introduced in the 1950s, the Leica M11 is the company’s most up-to-date and feature-packed model. It maintains the superb build quality and simple appearance you would anticipate from a camera of this type (and price). Still, in addition to that, it incorporates a new 60-megapixel full-frame backside-illuminated sensor and other advancements such as 64GB of built-in storage.
This makes the Leica M11 the model with the best camera resolution in the M-series to date; in fact, it may have the same sensor as the Sony A7R IV, which we’ve seen in other cameras in the series. Compared to the 40-megapixel Leica M10-R, this significantly improves and makes it possible to create significantly larger prints. But, on the other hand, such a high resolution is highly unforgiving of even the most minor focusing errors and lens flaws.
Leica M11 Digital Rangefinder Camera (Black)
- High-performing Processor: A full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology lies at the heart of the M11. DNG and JPEG raw picture files can be captured at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels, always using the entire sensor area
- High-performing Processor: A full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology lies at the heart of the M11. DNG and JPEG raw picture files can be captured at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels, always using the entire sensor area
- New Features: A special IR + UV cut filter comprised of two extremely thin, cemented layers of glass, achieves an especially effective correction of even the most oblique rays of incident light
- Ergonomic Controls: The controls have been arranged in a unique layout next to the 2.3 million pixels high-resolution touchscreen
- ISO Range: The ISO sensitivity range of the Leica M11 is 64 to 50,000, with a 14-bit color depth and a dynamic range of up to 15 stops
- Durable and Lightweight: The top plate of the Leica M11 in black has a scratch-resistant coating and is composed of high-quality aluminum
Therefore, the M11 is a specialized version of a camera that was already specialized. Still, it maintains many endearing qualities that have made the M-series desirable. The housing of the black model is partially built of aluminum, in contrast to the more traditional brass and magnesium used in producing the silver model’s housing. It is offered in both silver and black iterations.
These stealthy rangefinders are recognized for their more conventional shooting experience, which is maintained by the camera’s basic controls. This not only keeps “pure” photography at your fingertips, but it also preserves the experience.
Leica M11 Features
Even though it is a far more cost-effective option, this gives photographers an unparalleled shooting experience – not even Fujifilm’s X-Pro3 matches it. But even though it preserves this equilibrium between traditional and modern design, the M11 is undoubtedly the most technologically sophisticated camera in the M-series to date, owing to several remarkable and practical features.
The M11 has the best camera resolution in the series, thanks to its full-frame, backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that can record 60 megapixels. Furthermore, because the sensor in the M11 is equipped with Triple Resolution Technology, it is possible to capture DNGs and JPEGs at resolutions of either 60 MP, 36 MP, or 18 MP. This allows you to choose the solution most suited to the shooting situation. In addition, since the sensor is now responsible for metering, more metering options are available than in earlier models in the M-series. These new options include spot, center-weighted, and multi-field metering (evaluative).
Leica M11 Build Quality
The M11 is unmistakably geared for photographers who wish to maintain a conventional rangefinder shooting experience while benefiting from straightforward control options. Using the split-image rangefinder visible through the optical viewfinder is the sole method for manually focusing the camera. Focus peaking is accessible while using Live View and gives an option. It is simple to use, but not everyone prefers it; it is certainly not as quick and effective as autofocus; nonetheless, it is available and offers an alternative.
The top plate of the black version of the camera is made of aluminum, while the one with the silver variant is made of classic brass. The camera may be purchased in either a black or silver finish. This results in the black M11 being 110g lighter than its brother, which is a big difference considering how light such a physically compact camera is at 530g (black) or 640g (silver). Despite this, the camera body measures just 139 by 38.5 by 80 millimeters and has a sturdy build quality and a stunningly simplistic appearance.
Leica M11 Image quality
Regarding the M11’s image quality, its qualifications are excellent on paper. There is a 60-megapixel backside-illuminated sensor with a claimed 15-stops of dynamic range, a base/native ISO of 64 with a range that goes up to ISO 50,000, and 14-bit DNG raw file support. In addition, there is a UV cut filter and an IR (infrared) cut filter, which Leica asserts can correct oblique rays of incident light that strike the sensor.
These are all desirable qualities, but the situation is not as black and white as it seems. For example, a sensor with a resolution of 60 megapixels may be too high-resolution for a camera of this kind because it is highly unforgiving of focusing errors.
If your focus is slightly off, the pictures you take may not be usable after you process them. When sharp images are reviewed on the LCD screen, they appear to be razor-sharp; however, as soon as they are imported into Lightroom, it is immediately apparent that they are not quite as sharp as they initially appeared, making it more critical than ever to get the focus just right.
Leica M11 Specs
Body type | Large SLR |
---|---|
Body material | Screen/viewfinder |
Sensor | |
Max resolution | 9528 x 6328 |
Other resolutions | (M) 7413 x 4928, (S) 5272 x 3498 |
Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
Effective pixels | 60 megapixels |
Sensor size | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
Processor | Maestro III |
Color filter array | Primary color filter |
Image | |
ISO | Auto, 64-50000 |
White balance presets | 8 |
Custom white balance | Yes |
Image stabilization | No |
Uncompressed format | RAW |
File format | JPEGDNG (14-bit) |
Optics & Focus | |
Digital zoom | No |
Manual focus | Yes |
Lens mount | Leica M |
Focal length multiplier | 1× |
MultiCenter-weighted spot | |
Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
Screen size | 3″ |
Screen dots | 2,332,800 |
Touch screen | Yes |
Screen type | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes |
Viewfinder type | Optical (rangefinder) |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.73× |
Photography features | |
Minimum shutter speed | 3600 sec |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
Exposure modes | Aperture priorityManual |
Built-in flash | No |
External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
Flash X sync speed | 1/180 sec |
Continuous drive | 4.5 fps |
Self-timer | Yes (2 or 12s) |
Metering modes | UHS-II type SD |
Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
Videography features | |
Microphone | None |
Speaker | None |
Storage | |
Storage types | UHS II type SD |
Storage included | 64GB |
Connectivity | |
USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
USB charging | Yes |
Microphone port | No |
Headphone port | No |
Wireless | Built-In |
Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n |
Remote control | Yes (cable release) |
Physical | |
Environmentally sealed | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack |
Battery description | BC-SCL7 lithium-ion battery & charger |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 700 |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 640 g (1.41 lb / 22.58 oz) |
Dimensions | 139 x 39 x 80 mm (5.47 x 1.54 x 3.15″) |
Other features | |
Orientation sensor | Yes |
GPS | Optional |
Leica M11 Final verdict
Leica M11 Digital Rangefinder Camera (Black)
- High-performing Processor: A full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology lies at the heart of the M11. DNG and JPEG raw picture files can be captured at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels, always using the entire sensor area
- High-performing Processor: A full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology lies at the heart of the M11. DNG and JPEG raw picture files can be captured at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels, always using the entire sensor area
- New Features: A special IR + UV cut filter comprised of two extremely thin, cemented layers of glass, achieves an especially effective correction of even the most oblique rays of incident light
- Ergonomic Controls: The controls have been arranged in a unique layout next to the 2.3 million pixels high-resolution touchscreen
- ISO Range: The ISO sensitivity range of the Leica M11 is 64 to 50,000, with a 14-bit color depth and a dynamic range of up to 15 stops
- Durable and Lightweight: The top plate of the Leica M11 in black has a scratch-resistant coating and is composed of high-quality aluminum
The Leica M11 provides the distinctive shooting experience typical of these manual-focus rangefinders while embracing new technology, such as a new 60MP full-frame BSI sensor and 64GB of internal storage space. In addition, the M11 exudes quality thanks to its excellent image quality, beautifully understated design, and outstanding construction quality.
However, this camera’s resolution of 60 megapixels is very forgiving when it comes to focusing errors. Because of this and the high price tag, the M11 is a very specialized camera that is only appropriate for photography enthusiasts.