Why I Bought a Leica M10R Instead of an M11

It's 2023, and the Lieca M11 is over a year old. I bought a camera made in 2020 instead. I'll explain why.

0:00 - Intro
1:49 - Reason 1
6:06 - Reason 2
7:26 - Reason 3
12:29 - Summary

Me:

[petereprice]

Great summary video on the M10R. I bought an M10R for similar reasons. The M10 was a great camera but I found the dynamic range to be very limiting and it felt weird having to protect my highlights so much, which ended up requiring me to do a lot of post after a shoot to get it looking right especially when I had to shoot very under exposed.
When I got my hands on the M10R I felt like they fixed it and I’m able to retain my highlights in a much more modern way and found the dynamic range of the M10R to be way nicer! I’m sure going to the M11 would yield even more dynamic range but to your point it’s not a current need. My only interest to the M11 is it’s reduced weight and the fact that it matches well with my recently purchased Q3. But it’s not a need.

I also like the fact that the M10R still meters like the film cameras using the shutter as opposed to the M11 which meters more like other mirrorless cameras on the sensor. I often shoot with an M6 so the M6 and M10R expose the same way, where as the M11 - you have to apply different exposure techniques. It’s not a bad thing but it’s just different and to your point honors the legacy of the last M series generation when using the M10R. 👍✌️

[johngorten]

I sold my M11 last year and exchanged it with a beautiful M10-R Black paint. Not looking back. M10-R is such a great cam

[DarcyOlManExtra]

For many of the reasons you mentioned, I did the same, and bought the M10-R.
Very well presented my friend 👍🏼👍🏼

[lvervoortify]

I bought a new M10R because it was available in Black Paint. I know it’s not a tech reason but I like the brassing. I use it a lot and I intent to wear it out for ever. To your point of the M11 being a new era : I recently added an SL2S, it is and feels equally like ‘new era’. These two camera’s are very nice companions to work with.

[eloquentlight]

I made the same choice - my reasons were the shutter lag of the M11 (and the concomitant metering difference), ongoing reliability/firmware issues of the M1, and this is trivial - I like the shutter sound of the M10-R better. I started with an M6 about 20 years ago, and the M10-R is closer to that than the M11 is.

[JohnRicard]

Excellent job of giving real-world reasons to not chase the latest and the greatest offering from any manufacturer. What you're saying here about the difference between the M10 and M11 could easily be applied to the iPhone 14 vs 15. I also appreciate that you speak in a normal tone of voice and at a normal speed. And finally, thank you for not having music play underneath the talking. Keep making videos.

[storydorie]

Love this. I've been saying for years that there is no such thing as a bag camera anymore.

[simonbnyc]

I agree entirely. This is why I have no intention of upgrading from my Leica Q2 to the Q3. The Q2 suits my needs perfectly and the Q3 doesn't offer me anything that justifies an upgrade even though it's a wonderful camera.

[Leicashootr]

Hi Dave, you’re right, one camera and one lens! The M10-R is and remains a great camera‼️
Every picture you can make look the same whatever camera you are using‼️

[Secretweapondoze]

I think you just walked me from the Q3 to the Q2. Love this channel!

[luluphoto]

I've used Leica for years, M6, M7, M8, M9, M10-D, M11, M10-R (current). The M11 has to be used to be appreciated, I had 2 and both bricked early on so I now have a reliable M10-R but I really miss the M11. There is something about the files which goes beyond specs. My most used Leica was the M9, I loved it but my favourite files came from the M8, until I had the M11 which matches the way it felt. The M10-R is very capable but about as uninspiring as my Sony A74 which with the new 50mm 1.4 GM lens is equal to the 10-R with 50 Lux asph to my eye. Despite being a long term Leica user, I'm not a lover of the rangefinder experience, it's about the compact size and output, hence the Sony for AF, but so far nothing beats the M11 output for me other than film, especially MF.

[xiiiconcepts]

I'm eagerly awaiting the launch of the M11p, which promises to be a game-changer in terms of features and design. By the time it's released, any initial issues or bugs should be resolved. Among its standout features are USB-C charging and file management through a single, travel-friendly cord. Additionally, the M11p is set to boast a 250GB on-board hard drive, eliminating the need for external SD cards. The back screen will be crafted from indestructible Sapphire crystal glass, giving it a robust quality. Completing its aesthetic, the M11p will be available in a sleek all-black design, adorned with the traditional Leica script writing on the top, reminiscent of previous 'p' models, without the need for unsightly stickers to conceal the iconic Leica dot.

[antoniorussell]

I purchased the m11 because it was the lastet model and intend to hang on to it for many years... in the same way as I purchase the latest iPhone and get as many years use out of it as possible. Its a nice step up on the M10 in many respects. In terms of cost, I am comming from a film background, digital cameras pay for themselves after just a few years.

[vampolascott]

I'm with you. I wouldn't even consider an M11 until the next big M camera comes out and the used prices drop. I just got a used M10 Monochrom for just a little over $5000. That's about $1000 less than they were going for earlier this year. The Monochrom is worth the hype, it really is all that.

[rochers]

This was very timely. Picking up an M10-R this week!

[timoplants]

I have just sold my M10R and Q2 but kept my original M10. I just didn’t need the massive file size for the books that I produce; the large file size also fills my storage spaces up too soon too. I liked the Q2 but just couldn’t get on with the 28mm; I usually use a 50 Lux so the wide-angle was way to wide for what I am used to.
My M10 is undergoing a service which includes fitment of a quiet shutter; I certainly missed that after using the M10R!

[adamcarter]

I’ve got a hot tip for your Leica macro product photos, the 100mm apo macro Elmerit R 2.8 lens. It’s insanely amazing and I bought one for about $700. I had it for years adapted to my Nikon cameras, even on my GFX, it was outstanding. I think you can get an R-M adapter. ✌️
* I believe there are companies who rehouse this lens for video, it’s got an amazing bokeh.

[wespettus]

I made the exact same decision between my M-10R over the M-11.

[joergkampers_photography]

same decision here. I got my M10-R with the Visoflex2 and two batteries for $6, 300 - while the M11(P) is still around $8, 000-9, 000.

[clawdawg]

Used both and sticking with M10R. You stated several years between them, but as I’m sure you know, it’s only a year and a half between launch dates.