The Best Digital Leica M to Buy in 2023?

It's 2023 and Leica just announced the new M11 Monochrom. It's only slightly more (around $200) than the standard M11, but we're still talking just under $9200 USD (current price at B&H). At the same time, Leica is still selling the older M10-R for the same price as the brand-new M11. Is it worth it? Which is the best value digital Leica M to buy right now? If you don't want to watch this 30-minute video, here's my answer. I suggest buying a used Leica M10 from a reputable retailer like Camera West and Leica Store San Francisco. They have weekly drops on top-quality pre-owned items every Friday. I've bought two items recently, and I'm checking every Friday for more! Get yourself on their SMS or Email list so you can grab the best in used gear.

Check out Camera West's most recent drop on used Leica gear:

Check out my previous videos on the M11:

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[_parkphoto]

you are a GENIUS. I never thought about just doing live view for a hot second to meter the scene and then jump back into the OVF to shoot. Good stuff!

[dhaug]

I can tell that you really enjoyed putting this video together. Great stuff! The silver M11 is apparently heavier than the black (aluminum top) M11.

[amg]

Been a minute since I’ve seen a bht video, damn yt algorithm! I’m really considering getting the base m10. 24mp is more than enough for me and since I’m primarily a film shooter (120 mostly) I sometimes carry a digital camera with me just in case I find myself not wanting to use film for certain shots. Great video as always Take!

[bsmukler]

I spent way too much energy trying to choose between black/aluminum and silver/chrome, and worrying about the weight difference (including whether it makes a difference in achieving sharp 60 MP images handheld). I finally traveled to a Leica store and played with both versions, as well as with a variety of lenses. Bottom line: no real difference. It is surprisingly easy to get sharp photos (a testament to how smooth the shutter mechanism is, I suppose, as well as the dense build), and, given that you are always using a lens, I don’t find that a few ounces lighter or heavier matters much either way. The M11 is a dream to use and is another engineering marvel, considering all that Leica has managed to pack into that slim, classic body. I have other camera systems as well, but always enjoy that slowed down, considerate process of using an M. By the way, the new battery is so good (and probably the whole system contributes to the low power usage) that I have not even bothered with buying a spare battery. Thanks for another entertaining and inspirational video, and kudos to your friends at Revolver Coffee for contributing the scale!

[Kusanosuke]

A very timely video. My mind was wandering in a dream-state Leica Store, weighed down with the dilemma of which M camera makes the most sense to get-- hypothetically speaking, of course.

[marcusnz]

I bought the last new M10R in NZ and got a stunning deal compared to an 11. Don’t regret it at all. I also have that excellent Kamerakraft grip.

[franciscosalas]

Personally I think that the M10 is the most balanced of all. It does a great job specially at its price point (compared to the other m’s)

[andre_]

I want to make a correction on the info at 9:00 min. M10-R and M11 are not weather sealed. Only SL and Q series cameras have weather sealing on the Leica lineup.

[silvestrocrino]

At the same price go with M11… but I got the silver M10-R for $6000 brand new from HK 5 months ago. For that, M10-R every day and twice on Sunday.

[izzyleicanut]

I am happy with my M10. I'm using my old but gold Mandler designed lenses. For that reason, the M11 is out of the question for me as the older lenses can't keep up with the 61mp M11. Mind you, that's a critical issue if you intend to use your old lenses

[lugentaubner]

22:11 the silver chrome leicas will only show brass as a result of damage or extreme wear. But cool video, enjoyed it very much.

[riswanc]

I really thought the m10r native iso was 100 and the M10 was 200? Having the iso 100 as a pull on the latter?

[GamachePhoto]

Great video… I’ll keeping my M10-R for while longer!

[MarcSR]

that is actually the route i went, got a new M10r for almost 3500 less than an m11 and happy with it.

[astrostl]

Nice vid! I'm still on a base M10 and torn on the upgrade. ReidReviews finds better edge and color drift performance on the M10R than M11, I already have an Arte di Mano battery door case along with several extra batteries that will no longer be compatible, and it's easy to find used. The biggest draw I find of the M11 is actually the internal storage, to have a better sense of safety that an SD card error won't ruin everything.

[GatorheadLuis]

Tempted to pick up a used M10R but keep convincing myself that the perfectly working m10 I own is enough… that electronic shutter on the m11 is tempting for fast glass shooting in daylight… that’s a frustrating limitation I run into often in South Fl, wanting to shoot 1.4 in daylight on the m10

[jesuslpgc]

If I had the means it would be the M-11 monochrome just released. Would go with the 35mmf1.4 and the 21mm… Well perhaps the lotto will give me a nice surprise soon.

[blackviking]

Leica makes such sexy looking cameras. From what I'm told, they're pretty high quality too. Not like I'd know, because I could never afford one.

[mahdiali]

I’m surprised that you mentioned that the M11 body is weather sealed. Is it really? The lenses don’t have any seal so I’m not sure how this body will be sealed when coupled with a manual unsealed lens!! Would you clarify please?

[poorpolarbear]

for me the turn off noise reduction for long exposure is a huge no for the m10 r