Leica M11 - Hope

Leica M11 (Silver Chrome) System Camera

The latest version of Leica's M series is here! The camera has been released in two color options, but with Leica the differences go deeper than just the color. This silver model uses brass for the upper body, as is traditional, and is the heavier of the models. The black version, which uses aluminum, is about 20% lighter, but otherwise the cameras are identical.

The Leica M11 respects tradition and those who have photographed with previous models (whether from the film era or newer digital bodies) will immediately feel at home, but Leitz has modernized the camera and user experience in subtle ways.

The preliminary information didn't really reveal the Leica M11's megapixel count, and it wasn't clear whether this was a Rolls-Royce-style 'there's enough of them' mentality or whether megapixels and technical tricks are essential in the M-Leica. But now, with the release, it became clear that the camera has a top-notch back-illuminated 60-megapixel sensor and that this amount of data allowed it to record images with three different settings.

• 60 megapixels: dynamic range 14 stops, best resolution
• 36 megapixels: dynamic range 15 stops, best combination of resolution and noise
• 18 megapixels: dynamic range 15 stops, lowest noise

This setting can be made separately for DNG raw images and JPG images. In addition, the glass surfaces on top of the sensor that filter UV and IR wavelengths have been redesigned to get the best possible image quality from the sensor resolution and Leica M lenses.

The new sensor has a minimum sensitivity of ISO 64 and the camera also has an electronic shutter (this works as an alternative to the mechanical shutter or as a hybrid), so you don't need ND filters when using fast lenses. So if you have a Noctilux or fast Voitgländer in your camera bag, you can use the shortest depth of field without any problems, even in bright daylight.

Instead of just center-weighted, light metering can be done from a wider area when shooting through the viewfinder. Light metering is done via the image sensor. The completely removable bottom cover used since the film era is now history and the memory card and battery can be replaced more quickly, in the style of the Leica Q2.

Leica pays attention to detail and instead of a flimsy battery door, the battery itself acts as the camera surface and memory card slot cover. This is a mechanically robust and stylish solution. The USB-C port is also located on the bottom of the camera.

Usability

More buttons! The restrained design of the Leica M series is very far from other manufacturers' products and the design has evolved over the decades to be exactly the same. But now there is a programmable button on the top of the camera near the shutter button and in addition the thumbwheel is now pressed, meaning you can program these for example the sensitivity setting. And in Leica the programming of these is very well implemented, by pressing the button for a long time a list opens from which you can select the desired function for the button.

The viewfinder itself is similar to the M10 models, with the same magnification and quality. The resolution of the rear touchscreen, however, has increased significantly. The menus have been redesigned in the Leica Q2 style and shortcuts can be accessed directly by touching.

The previously mentioned USB-C port is now quite versatile. It allows you to charge the battery using, for example, a phone charger or a power bank. The camera can also be used via a power source.

Additionally, the USB connection is Apple MFi certified, meaning you can connect the Leica M11 directly to an iPad or iPhone and transfer images directly to smart devices. Image transfer is also possible wirelessly, and as part of a future software update, the camera will be able to update its firmware wirelessly with a smart device.

The Leica M11 is a combination of decades of tradition and very modern solutions.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Leica M-mount lenses
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS, 60.3 megapixels
• Sensitivity: ISO 64-50000
• Shutter speed: mechanical shutter 1/4000, electronic 1/160000
• Exposure metering: center-weighted, multi-zone, spot
• Exposure modes: aperture-priority auto, manual
• Burst: 4.5 fps for 15 frames at full resolution
• Interval shooting and self-timer 2s and 12s
• Focus: manual focus using the viewfinder, zoom as focus assist when viewed through the monitor
• Viewfinder: Standard viewfinder, magnification 0.73x. Frame aids for 35mm/135mm, 28mm/90mm, 50mm/75mm focal lengths paired, automatically displayed depending on lens
• Display: 2.95' touchscreen, resolution 2.33 million dots
• Flash sync: 1/180
• 1x SH UHS-II black card slot and 64GB internal memory
• USB Type-C connector
• Bluetooth & Wifi
• Battery type BP-SCL7 (approx. 700 shots on a single charge)
• Size: 139 x 80 x 38.5mm
• Weight: 640g (with battery)

Sales package includes: Leica M11 Rangefinder Camera (Silver Chrome), Leica BP-SCL7 silver battery, Leica BC-SCL7 charger, body cap, Leica FOTOS cable, shoulder strap and accessory shoe cover