First ever digital M

[Vonnie]

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Hi everyone, sorry this is a question that pops up regularly but I've been debating this for 3 month I want to make the purchase this weekend.

I'm about to purchase my first Leica M camera. I'm trying to decide between the  M11 (8.820€) & the M10R (8.215€) Which one would you choose and why?

I'd appreciate any input.

[Hans-Dieter Gülicher]

M 10-R and the new APO-Summicron 35 mm, because it`s a very reliable system. I like it inspite of my S3.

[Storm Chaser]

Vonnie - I have just 2 hours ago solved the same dilemma I have been mulling over for weeks. I am an M and rangefinder newbie, but have had the Q2. Both are superlative cameras. Neither would be the wrong purchase. For me, it came down to increased battery life and some other minor aspects, plus, it cannot be denied, I rather fancied having the latest and greatest as I intend this to be my lifelong camera for the future. I fell in love with the Q2 experience and wanted to scratch that itch for an M

So I bought, this morning, a used, from MPB, M11 + Summicron 35mm ASPH - pretty much a perfect combination for my needs. Delivery Monday. I would have been just as happy with the M10-R I am sure, and would have saved about £1000 - but am looking to the future.

If you are on the edge of affordability, then M10-R and a decent lens.

Only you can answer the question, and the question has been posed many times on many forums. Some folk will have specific fixed views, due to their own needs. As I say, either is good. 

 

Am very much looking forward to my M journey, and I dont underestimate the learning curve. Enjoy yours, whatever you decide

 

[maxfairclough]

1 hour ago, Vonnie said:

Hi everyone, sorry this is a question that pops up regularly but I've been debating this for 3 month I want to make the purchase this weekend.

I'm about to purchase my first Leica M camera. I'm trying to decide between the  M11 (8.820€) & the M10R (8.215€) Which one would you choose and why?

I'd appreciate any input.

You won't go wrong with either. Peace of mind would be getting the latest M11 but really can't go wrong with the M10R if savings will go a long way with you.

[Vonnie]

5 hours ago, Hans-Dieter Gülicher said:

M 10-R and the new APO-Summicron 35 mm, because it`s a very reliable system. I like it inspite of my S3.

Thanks Hans

[Vonnie]

4 hours ago, Storm Chaser said:

Vonnie - I have just 2 hours ago solved the same dilemma I have been mulling over for weeks. I am an M and rangefinder newbie, but have had the Q2. Both are superlative cameras. Neither would be the wrong purchase. For me, it came down to increased battery life and some other minor aspects, plus, it cannot be denied, I rather fancied having the latest and greatest as I intend this to be my lifelong camera for the future. I fell in love with the Q2 experience and wanted to scratch that itch for an M

So I bought, this morning, a used, from MPB, M11 + Summicron 35mm ASPH - pretty much a perfect combination for my needs. Delivery Monday. I would have been just as happy with the M10-R I am sure, and would have saved about £1000 - but am looking to the future.

If you are on the edge of affordability, then M10-R and a decent lens.

Only you can answer the question, and the question has been posed many times on many forums. Some folk will have specific fixed views, due to their own needs. As I say, either is good. 

 

Am very much looking forward to my M journey, and I dont underestimate the learning curve. Enjoy yours, whatever you decide

 

Thank you Storm Chaser, an M11's been sat inside the shopping basket for about 3 weeks, my only concern was the issues some people have encountered. I've never had a problem with any photographic equipment I've bought so I'd be really disappointed if that happened.

 

[Vonnie]

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1 hour ago, 19and9 said:

I was in the same boat as you two months ago and I made the decision finally last month: sold my beloved Q2, bought a brand new M11, APO 35mm, Summicron 28mm.

there was not particular reason I chose one over the other. But deep under my heart I wanted a m10-r black paint but it was hard to get one. So I chose m11.

all of sudden last week a very good conditioned used m10-r black paint surfaced, now I’m itching for that.

lesson learned: when you can’t decide which one, just get both

 

I think my second choice  would be an SL2

[Vonnie]

4 hours ago, maxfairclough said:

You won't go wrong with either. Peace of mind would be getting the latest M11 but really can't go wrong with the M10R if savings will go a long way with you.

Thanks Max

[Jeff S]

I chose the M10-R for two reasons.  First, I primarily shoot B&W and own an M10 Monochrom for that purpose.  The M10-R was an ideal match. Second, I’m typically not an early adopter with any products featuring new tech, not just cameras or M’s specifically. My first digital M was the reliable M8.2, not the M8. I also own the SL2, but for different needs and a totally different viewing and shooting experience.  Horses, and all that. Only you can determine what suits your needs and tastes. I rent or demo first… and make prints…to figure out mine.

Jeff

[Storm Chaser]

36 minutes ago, Vonnie said:

Thank you Storm Chaser, an M11's been sat inside the shopping basket for about 3 weeks, my only concern was the issues some people have encountered. I've never had a problem with any photographic equipment I've bought so I'd be really disappointed if that happened.

 

I am hoping firmware 1.6 has fixed most of the reported issues that are of major concern

 

[Overgaard]

You go to the store, stand in front of them and let your hands guide you. 

These pictures won't help calm you down. Just can't help myself ...

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Buying new digital camera, if intent is to keep it, is simple.

If you have to choose between two cameras what happens to be released a while ago, get one which was released more recently. 

Because with digital cameras support time is limited 

I got new M-E 220 in 2016, people paid LCAG for refurbished M9 in 2019, only to be told - no repairs in 2020 or so.

Even if you will not like camera after year or so, it is easy to sell latest model.

 

Edited February 10, 2023 by Ko.Fe.

[Photoworks]

M11 all the way.

M10R slow live view, crappy EVF, carry extra battery, no GPS without visoflex when it works, 1 min to make a connection to smartphone, no BT. 

If you are planing to use a camera, the M11 is better.

The SL2 is a work horse, but there is something about it, I use it for work, but don't like to carry it around, not even with M lenses.

[Herr Barnack]

@Vonnie I would choose the M10R.  Why?  I have an M10 Monochrom that has been 100% reliable.  The problems that some M11 users have experienced are IMHO cause for concern.  Reliability is something I want in my M cameras.  Down the road when the M11 has demonstrated a track record of reliability equal to that of the M10M and M10R, I will not be standoffish regarding the M11.  We are not there yet, though.

The M10R has a 40 mp sensor; that is certainly "enough" megapixels for print making.  My 24 mp M-P 240 can produce exhibit quality prints at 24x36 inches.  If you want to make large prints, the M10R will be able to make exhibit quality prints 2x the size of my 240.  48x72 inch prints are usually big enough for most of us these days, given that not many photographers make prints of any size in this digital age.

I am not anti technology; at issue is the fact that the M11's new tech still has some kinks that need to be ironed out.  I prioritize reliability over new tech, which brings me to the M10R at the present time.  Therefore I have adopted a wait and see outlook for the M11.

[Jeff S]

7 minutes ago, Photoworks said:

M10R slow live view, crappy EVF, carry extra battery, no GPS without visoflex when it works, 1 min to make a connection to smartphone, no BT. 

 

Illustrates different use cases, styles and preferences.  Not a single one of your issues applies to my approach… no need for EVF, GPS, phone connection, etc.  Extra battery takes hardly any space in a pocket…far less than the rolls of film I used to carry.
 

No right or wrong choice for anyone; just different priorities and assessments.

Jeff

[Herr Barnack]

43 minutes ago, Photoworks said:

M11 all the way.

M10R slow live view, crappy EVF, carry extra battery, no GPS without visoflex when it works, 1 min to make a connection to smartphone, no BT. 

If you are planing to use a camera, the M11 is better.

The SL2 is a work horse, but there is something about it, I use it for work, but don't like to carry it around, not even with M lenses.

It seems that all of these M10R complaints can be negated by simply using the camera's OVF and adhering to traditional M camera technique.

What is a "BT?"

[SrMi]

6 minutes ago, Herr Barnack said:

It seems that all of these M10R complaints can be negated by simply using the camera's OVF and adhering to traditional M camera technique.

What is a "BT?"

If I want to shoot wider than 35mm (I wear glasses), I need LV. External optical viewfinders are too cumbersome for me.
I would have to limit myself to the 35-70mm range with RF-only shooting. Others may have good eyesight and can use 135mm with the rangefinder.
I prefer using an optical viewfinder when possible.

[Herr Barnack]

2 minutes ago, 19and9 said:

bluetooth, I guess?

 

More stuff we really don't need.

Thus spake David Vestal:  “Compensating for lack of skill with technology is progress toward mediocrity. As technology advances, craftsmanship recedes. As technology increases our possibilities, we use them less resourcefully. The one thing we’ve gained is spontaneity, which is useless without perception.”

[lct]

None . If you have no experience with RF cameras i would begin by a s/h M10 to make my own experience. Could be that you're happy with the RF mode and LV is not your cup of tea, for instance, then keep the M10 or go for the M10-R. Or you may find that you need a Visoflex and the M10 is too slow in LV mode, then go for the M11.

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[charlesphoto99]

3 hours ago, Photoworks said:

M11 all the way.

M10R slow live view, crappy EVF, carry extra battery, no GPS without visoflex when it works, 1 min to make a connection to smartphone, no BT. 

If you are planing to use a camera, the M11 is better.

The SL2 is a work horse, but there is something about it, I use it for work, but don't like to carry it around, not even with M lenses.

Might as well wait for the M12 which will check your emails, show you the weather and news, and post instantly to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Oh, and games too when you're bored. 😆