The Leica Look: Comparing M11 vs. Canon R6ii/R5 & Fuji XT5

Let’s acknowledge the amazing capabilities of each camera, focusing on what sets them apart in practical photography scenarios. While my Canon cameras deliver outstanding performance with their sharp, clean images and versatile shooting capabilities, there’s something uniquely satisfying about the film simulations from my Fujifilm XT5 that brings a special character to photos reminiscent of traditional film photography.

However, the star of today’s video is my Leica M11. Despite the exceptional output of the Canon and Fuji systems, the Leica M11 offers a distinct challenge and charm. Using its rangefinder, especially as someone who wears corrective lenses, brings a level of engagement and difficulty that truly makes photography feel like an art form. This process reminds me of my early days in photography—capturing images that, while not technically perfect, carried a mystical and dream-like quality that felt like snatching scenes from a dream.

We’ll look at specific image comparisons to highlight how each camera’s unique properties influence the final photo, from color rendition and micro-contrast to bokeh and the overall ‘feel’ of the images.

Join me as I delve into the nuances that make each of these cameras fantastic in their own right, and why the Leica M11’s challenging yet rewarding operation holds a special place in my collection.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more photography reviews, comparisons, and tips. Share your thoughts and experiences with these cameras in the comments below!

[thierrylanger]

The way you talk, what you talk about, the precision of the words you use to describe and convey your feelings, emotions, thoughts process, fist gave me the goosebumps, and they made me cry. I mean it. really. Thank you!

[davidbrighten]

Thanks. I have my M11-P and M11 Monochrome along with my Fuji X-T5 and XPRO3. I love them all. The camera and the lens changes the way I compose. An iPhone in my hands leads to crappy, poorly composed photos. The Xt5 is next, a bit too easy to use. The XPRO3 and the M11 with manual only, now I am having fun, thinking about the composition and light and what the final image will look like.

[nickditoro]

Thanks for the excellent video. I often make the same comparisons, particularly between my M11 and R5, and come to the same conclusions that you expressed. As for which eye I use to focus the rangefinder, I use my dominant left eye rather than my weaker right eye. While I can focus ok with my right eye, for which I use a 1.2x diopter, , I have to close my left eye to do it, whereas when focusing with my left eye, I can keep my right eye open. I think this is the difference between dominant and non-dominant rather than stronger/weaker.

[hughsydney]

when you have 40mp something, when it’s blur it is out of focus . When you shoot film you can little off the focus. That is way of different medium representation and characters.

[qashouri]

I'd recommend everyone to watch the video at x1.5 the speed.

[eek]

Ironically M11 is the most closest to those 'modern' cameras like canon R / Fuji X due to its changing metering system. Not sure you already used prior Digital M but if not I highly recommend use any Digital M before M11. You will see definately different look made by 'inferior' metering system than other modern cameras these days.

[f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

This is very subjective, yet poetic take on the subject 🙂