I love my M11 Monochrom

[Chaemono]

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The other "I love my Monochrom..." thread is for pictures of the different Monochroms and I thought this camera deserves a dedicated one. 

Let's not get hung up about the linear tone curve as a default in LR for rendering the M11M DNGs - sometimes C1 may work better - which makes for these rich, creamy, and flat looking files as a starting point. The M10M files can be made to look pretty much the same. I still have to check more carefully how much more DR and exposure latitude it has than the M10M but my sense is, the difference is not material. What I really love about it is the weight. I think it's a game changer because one doesn't mind as much to carry it along.

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[Budfox]

I did not realise that removing the Bayer filter would make it that much lighter!

[Chaemono]

The black screw that replaces the red dot adds it more than back, though. Also, Leica apparently is shipping the M11 Monochrom with a heavier battery than the M11. For a second battery, I’ll insist that they give me the M11 version. It cuts 6 g in total weight  

https://leica-camera.com/sites/default/files/pm-93570-DE_Datenblatt_M11-Monochrom.pdf

https://leica-camera.com/sites/default/files/pm-63967-Leica_M11_technical_data_DE.pdf

 

[Budfox]

Well spotted. But maybe the missing 6g was the cause of all the M11 crashes?

[mediumformula]

8 hours ago, Chaemono said:

The black screw that replaces the red dot adds it more than back, though. Also, Leica apparently is shipping the M11 Monochrom with a heavier battery than the M11. For a second battery, I’ll insist that they give me the M11 version. It cuts 6 g in total weight  

https://leica-camera.com/sites/default/files/pm-93570-DE_Datenblatt_M11-Monochrom.pdf

https://leica-camera.com/sites/default/files/pm-63967-Leica_M11_technical_data_DE.pdf

 

Has anyone confirmed these weights with a scale?  Leica is notorious for errors on their spec sheets when it comes to weight and dimensions. 

[lpeeples]

9 hours ago, mediumformula said:

Has anyone confirmed these weights with a scale?  Leica is notorious for errors on their spec sheets when it comes to weight and dimensions. 

I just weighted both.... the M11 battery was 2.9oz and the M11M was 2.8oz. 

[mediumformula]

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Have any M11M exhibited any of the freezing issues that some M11s dealt with?

[Chaemono]

vor einer Stunde schrieb mediumformula:

Have any M11M exhibited any of the freezing issues that some M11s dealt with?

Briefly once or twice.

[John Black]

M11-M's battery = 82g.  Brand new battery for the M11 with silver colored base = 82g.  Margin of error with the digital scale is +/- 1g.

Definitely not a 6g delta   

[digitalfx]

Both the M11 and M11M bodies (black models) weigh the same 450g w/o battery

[Chaemono]

I asked Vicuna-13B, the open-source chatbot https://lmsys.org/blog/2023-03-30-vicuna/  and ChatGPT to write a love poem about the M11 Monochrom.

Vicuna-13B poem:

Oh Leica M11 Monochrom,
Your black and white beauty,
A photographer's dream come true,
With your stunning detail and hue.

Your shutter clicks with precision,
Capturing moments in time,
The way you handle light and shadow,
Is simply divine.

Your minimalist design,
Is both sleek and chic,
But it's what's on the inside,
That truly hits the spot.

Your 60 MP sensor,
Produces images so fine,
With a tonality and depth,
That will leave your heart entwined.

Oh Leica M11 Monochrom,
You are truly a work of art,
A tool that helps me see,
The world in a new smart.

With you by my side,
I know I'll never stray,
From the beauty of black and white,
That you help me capture every day.

 

ChatGPT poem:

In a realm where light and shadows intertwine,

There exists a love affair so sublime.

It's not of hearts and souls, but of art and frame,

A tale of passion fueled by a camera's name.

Behold the Leica M11 Monochrom, my dear,

A vessel of dreams where emotions appear.

Its ebony silhouette, elegant and pure,

Whispers tales of love that will forever endure.

With each click of its shutter, a world takes shape,

As monochrome wonders begin to drape.

Black and white strokes, a dance of contrast,

Capturing moments, memories amassed.

In your presence, dear camera, secrets unfold,

A bond between artist and instrument untold.

Through your lens, a gateway to emotions untamed,

A medium where love's essence is forever reclaimed.

In your heart lies the power to freeze time,

To capture love's essence, both sublime and divine.

Your sharp focus pierces through the haze,

Revealing truths, basking in nostalgic days.

Oh, Leica M11 Monochrom, you're a creator's delight,

A companion that ignites passion day and night.

With each exposure, love's symphony plays,

Whispering stories of love in your mesmerizing gaze.

In your hands, dear artist, let love bloom,

Through the Leica M11 Monochrom, banishing gloom.

Capture the beauty, the tenderness, and the pain,

And let your photographs eternally reign.

For in this timeless bond, a love affair is formed,

Where the Leica M11 Monochrom is forever adored.

A marriage of artistry and devotion, it seems,

A love poem inscribed in monochromatic dreams.

Edited May 15, 2023 by Chaemono

[mediumformula]

Picked up my new M11M today at the Leica store in SOHO.  Just installed the latest firmware.  Was having trouble getting it to sync with my Fotos app on my iphone in order to install the firmware update via the phone and fotos.  I finally had to just put the update on the memory card and do it the old fashioned way.  Now it seems to be syncing better with the phone app, so hopefully that was just a version 1 firmware issue.  I sold my M10M a few weeks ago to a nice photographer here in NYC.   I haven't had a chance to shoot with the M11M yet but just holding it I really like the reduced weight and the finish has more grip to it which makes the camera handle really nicely.  With the reduced weight and added grip I don't think I will even need to use the thumb grip that I used on my M10M.   With the tack sharp 50 Summarit 2.5 the whole kit comes in at only 730grams.  If Barnak's original vision was to build a high quality light weight portable camera for hiking and travel, the M11M with a compact lens on it is the ultimate realization of this dream.  Looking forward to taking some pictures this weekend.

 

 

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[FranciscoChung]

Just got my M11M, overall a happy camper. Great sensor performance & improvement over M10M. As a particular person myself, there are few minor cosmetic things I wish Leica did...

1. ISO dial base should've been Grey or Black

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2. Battery should've been at least partialy charged

3. Debosed lettings are not as sharp & crisp like M11 (much more noticable in person)

4. Leatherette is still bit sticky like past Monochrom models.. wish they remedied that this time around.

[WALTERIO2000]

Hi... I have a leica m11 Monochrome... but I can't find the ideal lens for this camera, thanks for advising me which would be the best lens for this camera that gives me real black and white images...

[mediumformula]

On 7/17/2023 at 7:45 PM, WALTERIO2000 said:

Hi... I have a leica m11 Monochrome... but I can't find the ideal lens for this camera, thanks for advising me which would be the best lens for this camera that gives me real black and white images...

That's going to be highly personalized.  The cool thing about the monochrom is that it looks amazing with lenses of any era from vintage character lenses to the most modern apochromatic.  Put whatever you have on it and try shooting.  I recently picked up a 35 Summicron v4.  It's super light and compact and a great mixture of vintage and modern.