GPS/GEO Tagging on M11 is really Bad...

[LikameLeica]

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...Ass feature for the M11.

I was reading an article recently about "Negativity Bias" and it made me think about the post/activities on this forum.  I love this forum, but at times it feels like there is so much focus on the negative, as opposed to the positives.  We are all susceptible to "negativity bias" and being attracted to headlines/information that highlight the negatives as opposed to the positives.

Here is a quote from article on the topic of negativity bias.

"Negativity bias is the tendency to give far more attention to negative details than positive ones. This is different than confirmation bias, which is our tendency to selectively look at information or see information that confirms our preexisting notions. All of which are fine, except that our preexisting notions are typically negative, and therefore, we’re reconfirming our negative expectations."

As an example of this, for a long time, myself included, there was a lot of negative sentiment around the Leica Fotos app integration with Leica cameras.  It has long been glitchy implementation for the Leica SL line of cameras.  Since M11 Firmware V1.6.0.0 provided GEO Tagging for the M11, there has been essentially no talk about this feature that for me has been primarily positive.  It is certainly not perfect, but for me it is really helpful feature that works well once set-up properly.

There are so many other things that I could list out that are all positives on the M11, but thought I would start with this negative headline to see what attention it gets.  I could also list out negatives as well, but that's already been done extensively.

Positives (to name a few)

• 60MP Resolution and ability to do single lens with ability to tightly crop
• Flexibility to set to lower resolutions
• 64 GB Internal Memory
• Exposure Metering 
• Menu System Improvement and consistency with other Leicas (SL2, SL2-S and Q)
• Weight of the Black M11
• Ability to program the thumb dial for Manual ISO
• Additional function button next to the shutter button
• Battery Life dramatically improved
• Battery Access (no base plate, I know controversial but for me much better/modern design)
• USB-C for connectivity and charging
• Lens Detection for non 6 bit coded lenses and ability to filter only your owned lenses
• Improved Low Light 
• Improved Dynamic Range
• Hybrid Shutter allowing for wide open Aperture without ND filters

Oh and did I mention "Bad Ass" Geotagging feature now available with Leica Fotos since firmware V1.6.0.0

I ❤️my 📷 M11!!

 

 

 

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[robsonj]

The geotagging is the best I've ever come across imho, it just works, and really useful when you're exploring backroads for photos

[maxpower]

I have to say I'm also pleasantly surprised by how well it seems to work, for me at least. 

[Guest]

I had the Q2 where geotagging was really flaky, but with the M11  the geotagging is faultless.

Fotos works transparently in the background and I don't even think about it any more.

[davidmknoble]

Very well written introduction!

I like to use the term “trade-off.”  For me there are several trade-offs about the M11 where I believe the positives outweigh the negatives.

I loved the GPS in the SL 601 and I am glad I have them in my S bodies.  I would have preferred, even in the EVF, that the M11 have this capability, but I love the files and output too much - my trade off.

I love the slim batteries because extra ones fit in my pocket or small battery holders.  I would have preferred the lip on the battery for the M11 not exist as it gets in the way, but the battery life is so well extended and I can charge it in camera with a USB-C cable - my trade off.

As technology changes we either accept the trade-offs or we reject them.  Thus, the decision to upgrade / buy or not! 

I love film and still use an M3 and two MP’s, not including some R bodies - my trade off to digital!!

Nice thread!

[Steve Harris]

Just wanted to say that this is really useful information.

The lack of GPS was one of the things putting me off the M11, and stopped me getting an M10 - the viewfinder I find quit annoying, but the M240's grip was OK. I was a bit sceptical about the phone bluetooth link, as those haven't worked too well on other brands of camera.

The more film-sized thin body is a big improvement though, and the other things the OP listed sound great.