Saying Goodbye to My Leica M11-P: A Difficult but Wise Decision

In this heartfelt video, I share my decision to part ways with my beloved Leica M11-P. While it's tough to let go of such an iconic camera, this move is driven by both financial prudence and a need to enhance my productivity. My daily driver, the Fujifilm XT5, with its 45MP cropped sensor and versatile lens collection, competently bridges the gap, closely mimicking the quality I cherished in the Leica. This video isn't just about bidding farewell; it's about making smart choices for my photography journey. Join me as I reflect on my time with the Leica and look ahead to the future possibilities with my Fujifilm setup. Remember, it's not a permanent goodbye to Leica, but a pause until the time is right.

Tags: Leica M11-P, Fujifilm XT5, camera review, saying goodbye, photography gear, Leica vs Fujifilm, camera transition, smart photography choices

[CrispyFrenFry]

I have the Fujifilm X-T5 and the Leica MP-240 for digital photography. My personal approach to photography as a creative outlet is to recognize one is more capable of accomplishing image making more efficiently while the other forces me to slow down but is more rewarding. Ultimately, I’m glad we all get to capture life with the tools that make us most happy regardless of the manufacturer.

[RobiePunsalan]

I'm glad you were able to make a decision with your M11-P and move on to gear that better suited your needs. Honestly, I think you will like Leica's SL series. It's a lot closer to other mirrorless cameras.

[jdebultra]

Your key word in the beginning was "tool". You have developed a unique bond with the XT5, so that is understandably the best tool for you. FWIW, I'm brand agnostic. My favorite tool is my X100V.

[MilmidStudios]

Minority Leica M11-P user here 👋🏽!! Good points and respect how you came to your decision. It is an absolute luxury, but not a necessity… (like a Rolex) I use it for daily captures, family, YouTube content etc. but the camera I use when I need run and gun capabilities, quick, sticky AF… it’s the Canon R3! If I didn’t have a modern mirrorless camera with AF, I don’t think I would consider the M11-p. But owning it has really helped me appreciate the process of making photographs and the options for glass is just incredible! All the best on your journey, my friend. 🎯💯📸

[MARKLINMAN]

I Love LONG ISLAND and shoot with an M6 and the XT5! The North Shore is a BEAUTIFUL place to visit and Photograph. I am a Latino from The BRONX. I agree with you here.

[TheVFXbyArt]

Fuji XE4 Camera (used $1200)

Voigtlander Fuji X 18mm F2.8 Color-Skopar (28mm FF)

Voigtlander Fuji X 27mm F.2 Ultron (43mm FF)

With the Fuji’s dr400 mode, you get 3-5 stops of hilight detail

20 film sims

Customizable film curves

Log video

Leica-like streamlined minimized body

Forget autofocus, the two above lenses are manual with focus tabs! More M than the Q!

Btw, the XE4’s MSRP was $849, today it sells used at $1200
The market has spoken!

I love the m11, and the two Q’s and monochrome, but there is a working man’s Leica with filmic images…. Fuji!

[MrSpiff]

I applaud you for continuing your photographic journey and using the tools that help you create your vision! When we find the right fit (gear) for the creation of images our mind's eye has, it allows us to put our efforts into creation instead of worrying about the gear, settings, etc. I shut down my studio at the end of 2023 and am trimming down the "work" I do, which in turn is allowing me to do a big sell off of gear. Funny thing, I'm going back to using smaller gear with lower MP count (i.e., my Olympus PEN-f, Panasonic S1R instead of my Fujifilm GFX 100 II, etc.). Wishing you all the best and keep creating amazing images!

[RobertJPerry-fcui]

Sorry that you’ve gotten rid of it. I wanted an M11-P before I wound up buying preowned M10-R and only Voigtlander lenses. Perhaps that would be an option when you’re ready to step back in.

[TristanColgate]

The idea of using a rangefinder for event photography fills me with fear, let alone if I was being paid for the result! I've only shot a couple of old soviet rangefinders, and I just don't like the process, using different focal lengths get convoluted, doing anything close up is just a crap shoot. Some people can get good at it, and Bresson and Capa didn't really have too many other choices. I use an old technical 4x5 sheet film camera, so It's not like I'm lazy, I just don't find the awkwardness that rangefinders brings to actually come with any real advantages (and no, seeing what is outside of the frame lines, isn't enough).

[antonius]

Thank you Uche. It has been a great series.

[FawltyExposures]

None of this matters. Take photographs, the mechanics and medium do not matter.

[makmakL]

Come on Man… seriously!!! There is nothing like a Leica camera. Anyhow, I won’t unfollow you, but waiting for you to get another Leica in the near future.

[ForeverBrooklynNYC]

Looking forward to the "Why Don't Black Photographers Use Fujifilm Cameras?" video

[justo_photography]

Mimicking Leica with a Fuji?! Heresy!!! Jk. Sad to see the Leica go but look forward to your work on the Fuji.

[TimofejNenarokov]

Remember, Leica sells not cameras but user experience. Keep making pictures with that tool witch you think is wight for you.

[ziggy]

I know it hurt - especially if you had to sell it and lost $$

[GastonShutters]

It looks like you got the wrong camera for your needs. And you already had the cameras you need.

[hey_im_him]

What does a camera have to do with being a person of color? Is it bumping up exposure to see them at night? Don’t you have to do this with any camera? You alluded to talking about it, share video link.

[aidstiches]

Leica, showing you how bad of a photographer you are. Carry on.

[AIP]

Minority black photographers using leica... wtf? So fuji is more pro black and leica more racist?

I guess we all need to market what we have... even if its the old minority card.