Leica M11-P - HONEST Opinions 30 Days Later

Over the last 30 days I've taken photos with only the Leica M11-P. It's been the most fun I've had taking photos in a long long time. But while there are a lot of things to love about the Leica M11 and the M system in general, I have a hard time justifying this for most people.

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[robertrice]

Thanks for the balanced impressions of the M11. I’ve taken photos for over 50 years with all varieties of cameras. My first real camera was a Minolta SRT-101. Manual focus, shutter, aperture and “fixed” ISO. I’ve been enjoying my M10/11 for the past 4 years and love getting back to this type of photography. However I often see posts of folks complaining about the price of the Leica cameras and lenses. Yet I don’t see car enthusiasts complaining about the price of Ferrari’s. My response to the Leica complainers is, If it’s not something you want or can afford, don’t buy it.

[Foto]

Interesting opinions about the M11-P. I will say that I have the M11 which is basically the same camera except for the 256 internal memory, the rear LCD screen glass is not a tough and of course does not have the image authenticity function. Having said that there have been no issues with the camera freezing since the firmware upgrades. The issues with the SD card can be resolved if you use the correct SD card recommended by Leica and you format them in the camera itself for the first time. The M camera range is a unique experience like no other and takes the user back to having to work for the image. There are plenty of other brands if you want all the bells and whistles but that is not what the M range is about. The M range is trying as far as it can staying true to its roots hence no flip screen, video etc. Speaking of the flip screen if you do have difficulty focusing or taking a shot in a difficult position the camera as mentioned can connect to the foto’s app on your phone. In the app it is possible to control all the functions of the camera including taking the shot. My final comment is that you are right it is a very expensive camera. Leica is a premium brand and each camera is built by hand in Germany with premium materials. Put simply you get what you pay for, last a long time and they hold their value extremely well.

[thomashilmersen]

The thing is that if you just want a camera that feels good and looks good, an analog M is way better. There is more of a tactical feeling, and none of the frustrating freezing and digital problems.

[eugenheller]

The latest Firmware solved the freezing issue. I had mine for about 1 1/2 month now. I did several events. Did not freeze once.

[Rdan]

My first Leica (this year) after 50 of photography. I absolutely love this camera❤️❤️

[chrishb]

Taking pictures with just light, the simplest controls and finest quality is really pleasing. Who knew?

[jeremyqin]

Yes. Totally agreed! LEICA has been way behind in sensor technology than SONY and the M11 series is just Leica’s experiment on advanced sensor technologies. Glitches aren’t surprising. I would definitely wait till M12 before even considering switching to the M system.

[techlist]

My 11-P froze twice, that was it, did a firmware update and switched to manual coding. Never had any issues since then.

[GillesQuennevilleGQ]

The card must be formatted in your computer if you have use it in another camera like the Q3 or any other camera brand.

[mdjmurray]

Do the M11-P raw files have the same magenta cast that the M11 does?

[blende.]

Nice video, thanks for sharing
Metering is not a problem for me, I know where I have to meter the for example the portrait, push the button half to save the right shutter speed, frame the portrait finally and shut it. It is just a question of experience. I also don’t need a tilt screen, I prefer the slime body.

[john_murch]

You should always re-format an sd card in the new camera after you take it out of another camera. This may eliminate the freezing issue.

[Funktrainer]

Never had freezes and stupid quirks with my M8 and M9-P but I had some with the SL (Typ 601).
Freezes on a 9k camera? A nogo.
Maybe the companies should start testing and using their products again in the future before releasing junk.

[Antwortund]

I’d say you were fair and balanced here. Two thoughts:
1. If you like 28, try the 28 summilux sometime. IMO it has more character than the 28 cron.
2. The Q is amazing, but you’re stuck with that lens. With the M, you have access to a vast array of super characterful through clinical glass, both vintage and modern. Of course, at many focal lengths. Which can be super inspiring!

[davidbrighten]

Taking my M11-P and my M11 Monochrom on my European vacation. No autofocus cameras. Couldn’t be happier. Save money - only use Voigtlander glass.

[astraeusone]

Nice camera, but not because of ‘micro-contrast’—whatever that means. It’s great because it’s a slice of joy, luxury, and history, and it’s small and largely mechanical, which, in my opinion, is the most crucial part of its appeal. Among all the Leicas I’ve tried (M10, M10-R, M11, M Typ240), it would sit in the middle, with the M10-R and M10 still remaining unbeatable to this day. P.S. Sharp images bring a certain stillness, but they’re just one of many approaches to photography—not the pinnacle. For me, I use Leica for the sheer joy and experience of the camera, not because of any obsession with sharpness. In fact, sharp images can sometimes corner you into a specific style, but I could take sharp images with almost any camera—even a Nikon with a 35-105mm zoom lens. Sure, it’s not a Summilux, but the end result is what matters, not how it’s made. One part of me loves the precision and stats paradise of Leica, but another part of me just wants a small, usable camera. In that sense, the Summaron 5.6 is the perfect blend of usability and size. And yet, if size is all I cared about, I could just use my phone. So, why Leica? Because it’s more than just a tool—it’s an experience

[ronaldtremmel.mylifeafterc]

As a landscape photographer i would have the m11 or the m11 p tomorrow if it was wether proof. i have the Q3 28 and love it

[GillesQuennevilleGQ]

With the new firmware it does not freeze. I got mine in February 2024 and never freeze.

[kennethhouston]

I have a Leica Q (which I need to use more often) and a Leica M4 film camera with a Voigtlander 50mm (brand new) lens. If I shelled out $9200 and had a camera that froze up, gave incorrect meter readings in the vertical etc, I'd be pissed. i can have roughly 600+ rolls of film developed and scanned by my lab for that kind of money over the long run. Thank you for this article. I was poking around and thinking about saving up, selling most my existing camera gear and getting an M11-P. But at my age (59), I will continue to use (more) and be happy with what I have and put the money I will be saving into my Roth.

[paulow]

can your presets work on capture one instead of lightroom