Loaded Question for M11 Owners

[blaaberkat]

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Enthusiast here. Currently have/have had: M6,M9,M10p, M11, Q2, Q2M. 

My M11 experience is very positive, and I would definitely buy it again. It’s my most used camera of them all. Whether it’s street, art, family or Landscape photography, it delivers! No freezing issues since the update. 
 

 

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[ianforber]

Yes, I would buy it again.

I bought it primarily because I have always aspired to have a Leica M and found myself in the lucky position of being able to afford one. The excuses I used to persuade myself to buy it rather than the M10-R or any other type of DSLR/mirrorless camera were:

- I wanted a small camera and small interchangeable lenses for travel and hiking (ie landscape) photography.

- I invested in the newest version to increase the chance of it being supported by Leica for longer.

- I hated the idea of the old style baseplate and wanted something similar to my Q2.

- I wanted a simple, analogue style external controls and as simple as possible menu system 

- The image quality was no worse than the Q2 or a Fuji, Olympus etc (people may argue that it’s better but any camera from the past 5 years is more than good enough for me)

Looking back, it has ticked all those boxes and I’ve had no freezes or other problems with the camera

[Leica Filmmatic]

I would buy it again and I wish I could afford a M11M.  I have the MP, M11 and the Hasselblad x2d my favorite camera by far is the M11 followed closely by the MP.when I want to run some celluloid. 

[Storm Chaser]

On 9/10/2023 at 4:46 PM, Bobonli said:

Would you buy it again?  (owners only, please)

I returned to the M ecosystem a few months ago with an analog body and 35 Cron. Unlike my past experience years ago (when things were considerably less expensive!) I've been more patient with the RF focusing and am getting good results. The camera goes with me everywhere because of its compact size and simplicity. Shooting color and B&W, will switch to developing my own B&W. But let's face it, the cost of developing and scanning color is not something to be ignored.

I'm thinking of keeping the analog body for B&W and adding the 11 for color and for situations where I don't want to wait to develop. I've read nearly every thread here and it boils down to: some people have had issues with the camera, others have not. In my experience the internet is great at disseminating gripes more so than praises. I also recognize that people who spend $$$ are likely to defend their purchases even in the face of glitches. So.....all things considered are you happy with the camera to the point you'd buy it again?

The short answer is a resounding Yes

For a while now, I had coveted an M, after having a brief spell with a Q2. And then bought an M11 earier this year. It is a long and steep learning curve and every time I use it I am becoming more and more used to the way it works. I am also becoming more and more in love with it - something I just have never had with any other previous camera. It sits in my hand like it was mean to be there. It is extremely rewarding to use - small, solid, quality build and can produce (in the right hands), some great pictures. The lenses are stellar and I recently treated myself to am APO-Summicron 50mm to go with my 35mm Summicron.

There are some downsides, and that is some peope in the community. It appears they believe that if they buy into Leica and an M11, then automatically they become a photographer superstar producing award winning photos. I have seen some shockingly poor examples of photos taken with an M11 (and other M versions) that woud be shockingly poor if taken by a first generation phone camera.  And NO - making your photo into B&W does not make it even better. Like buying a Ferrari makes you Michael Schumacher. 😉 

 

 

[colint544]

A yes from me too. I've had my M11 for five months now. It's really growing on me. The colours from the sensor are nuanced and nice. There is far more detail than even 6x7 medium format. The viewfinder is bright and easy to use. My old 1960 35mm Summaron 2.8 performs brilliantly on it. I'm thinking it's a great camera.

I have the black version. I know the top plate is aluminium. I'm idly wondering, does anyone know is the baseplate also aluminium, or is it brass?

[lct]

1 hour ago, colint544 said:

I have the black version. I know the top plate is aluminium. I'm idly wondering, does anyone know is the baseplate also aluminium, or is it brass?

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/328858-m11-base-plate-material/?do=findComment&comment=4626863

[colint544]

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7 hours ago, lct said:

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/328858-m11-base-plate-material/?do=findComment&comment=4626863

Many thanks!

[geotrupede]

Very satisfied here. Took some time to get used but now it is an essential tool for me.

 

[JTLeica]

Yes I would. I have not had a lockup once, didn’t know that was a think. But I have only had it 10 days, though in that time shot 1500 images with it.

Gorgeous camera.

 

[rich_]

I have been very pleased with the camera. Far more so than I was when i purchased the M10 which for me was only a small upgrade to the M240 and also had an inferior battery life. 

[Bobonli]

Thank you. Still on the fence. It's a lot of money and, let's face it, this forum is a bit schizophrenic about this camera. There's at least 4 active threads about malfunctioning cameras. It's not super-confidence inspiring to read about the issues the company is facing. The very best you could say is they have some QC issues with churning out new products and they cannot keep up with certain repairs. 

If I were buying any other $9000 item-like a car, or custom bike--I think I'd be looking elsewhere or looking for some assurance that the item I buy would be 100% stable. I've been taking pictures since 1983 when I bought a Nikon FM. I've had five Nikon bodies, a Canon 7d, some large format gear and a pro-level Sony video camera. All of them worked perfectly out of the box and only recently did I have the FM CLA'd. I don't recall any negative chatter about those other cameras, although obviously the internet wasn't around in 1983 as a platform for people to share their negative experiences. 

What I'd like to do but I realize it's super douchey is: grab a memory card and go to one of two local dealers with my M4-P and lens and ask to try out an M11 for a couple of hours. I know the one dealer won't allow it so that leaves the other shop, a Leica Boutique. Make some photos, get to know the camera a bit. Go home, analyze images. Order online from a shop known to deal fairly and expeditiously (meaning, replace camera versus sending it off for long repair) with customers whose cameras malfunction. 

The bottom line. I like the platform. I'm much more likely to grab the M4-P and bring it with me everywhere than the FM, primarily because of the size of the lenses. And I like the image quality. But film is expensive and a digital M would allow more instantaneous enjoyment of the images. 

[R4p70r]

1 hour ago, Bobonli said:

Thank you. Still on the fence. It's a lot of money and, let's face it, this forum is a bit schizophrenic about this camera. There's at least 4 active threads about malfunctioning cameras. It's not super-confidence inspiring to read about the issues the company is facing. The very best you could say is they have some QC issues with churning out new products and they cannot keep up with certain repairs. 

If I were buying any other $9000 item-like a car, or custom bike--I think I'd be looking elsewhere or looking for some assurance that the item I buy would be 100% stable. I've been taking pictures since 1983 when I bought a Nikon FM. I've had five Nikon bodies, a Canon 7d, some large format gear and a pro-level Sony video camera. All of them worked perfectly out of the box and only recently did I have the FM CLA'd. I don't recall any negative chatter about those other cameras, although obviously the internet wasn't around in 1983 as a platform for people to share their negative experiences. 

What I'd like to do but I realize it's super douchey is: grab a memory card and go to one of two local dealers with my M4-P and lens and ask to try out an M11 for a couple of hours. I know the one dealer won't allow it so that leaves the other shop, a Leica Boutique. Make some photos, get to know the camera a bit. Go home, analyze images. Order online from a shop known to deal fairly and expeditiously (meaning, replace camera versus sending it off for long repair) with customers whose cameras malfunction. 

The bottom line. I like the platform. I'm much more likely to grab the M4-P and bring it with me everywhere than the FM, primarily because of the size of the lenses. And I like the image quality. But film is expensive and a digital M would allow more instantaneous enjoyment of the images. 

Best way for you is to buy the M11, use it extensively everyday and see if one of the reported real bad issues appears. If not, be happy. Otherwise go with the camera to the dealer/shop you purchased from and demand for an exchange of a different new boxed M11 if you are still in the period that makes this possible instead sending the camera back to Wetzlar and waiting till it is "repaired". 

[newtoleica]

3 hours ago, Bobonli said:

Thank you. Still on the fence. It's a lot of money and, let's face it, this forum is a bit schizophrenic about this camera. There's at least 4 active threads about malfunctioning cameras. It's not super-confidence inspiring to read about the issues the company is facing. The very best you could say is they have some QC issues with churning out new products and they cannot keep up with certain repairs. 

If I were buying any other $9000 item-like a car, or custom bike--I think I'd be looking elsewhere or looking for some assurance that the item I buy would be 100% stable. I've been taking pictures since 1983 when I bought a Nikon FM. I've had five Nikon bodies, a Canon 7d, some large format gear and a pro-level Sony video camera. All of them worked perfectly out of the box and only recently did I have the FM CLA'd. I don't recall any negative chatter about those other cameras, although obviously the internet wasn't around in 1983 as a platform for people to share their negative experiences. 

What I'd like to do but I realize it's super douchey is: grab a memory card and go to one of two local dealers with my M4-P and lens and ask to try out an M11 for a couple of hours. I know the one dealer won't allow it so that leaves the other shop, a Leica Boutique. Make some photos, get to know the camera a bit. Go home, analyze images. Order online from a shop known to deal fairly and expeditiously (meaning, replace camera versus sending it off for long repair) with customers whose cameras malfunction. 

The bottom line. I like the platform. I'm much more likely to grab the M4-P and bring it with me everywhere than the FM, primarily because of the size of the lenses. And I like the image quality. But film is expensive and a digital M would allow more instantaneous enjoyment of the images. 

When I used to shoot Nikon about 20 years ago I had to try 4 zooms before I found a good one. I used to take the body a laptop and a card into the shop and try them. Never had that problem with an M lens. My guess if there is a QC issue it’s with a camera part supplier. 

[Jeff S]

3 hours ago, Bobonli said:

What I'd like to do but I realize it's super douchey is: grab a memory card and go to one of two local dealers with my M4-P and lens and ask to try out an M11 for a couple of hours. I know the one dealer won't allow it so that leaves the other shop, a Leica Boutique. Make some photos, get to know the camera a bit. Go home, analyze images. Order online from a shop known to deal fairly and expeditiously (meaning, replace camera versus sending it off for long repair) with customers whose cameras malfunction. 

 

Or, if in US (I think you are), rental is another option. Cheap relative to the significant purchase decision, and more time to seriously evaluate. I also recommend buying from a trustworthy dealer that will honor return policy. They exist.

As an aside, while I’m not personally interested in the M11 (M10M and M10-R user), it’s nice to hear from these satisfied owners, given so much negativity in other threads regarding the camera. Leica’s continued success serves us all well.

Jeff

[algrove]

On 9/10/2023 at 11:46 AM, Bobonli said:

Would you buy it again?  (owners only, please)

I returned to the M ecosystem a few months ago with an analog body and 35 Cron. Unlike my past experience years ago (when things were considerably less expensive!) I've been more patient with the RF focusing and am getting good results. The camera goes with me everywhere because of its compact size and simplicity. Shooting color and B&W, will switch to developing my own B&W. But let's face it, the cost of developing and scanning color is not something to be ignored.

I'm thinking of keeping the analog body for B&W and adding the 11 for color and for situations where I don't want to wait to develop. I've read nearly every thread here and it boils down to: some people have had issues with the camera, others have not. In my experience the internet is great at disseminating gripes more so than praises. I also recognize that people who spend $$$ are likely to defend their purchases even in the face of glitches. So.....all things considered are you happy with the camera to the point you'd buy it again?

OP

Yes and I bought it again since I own 2 M11 color. Never had one problem with either camera and the first I received on day one of introduction.

[bcaslis]

The M11 was my first M. I've lots of Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm DSLRs and mirrorless. I want a small camera (small including the lenses), high image quality, high build quality. I bought the M11 12/29/2022 from a local dealer (not a Leica store).

Would I buy it again? Yes, absolutely. What are advantages:

• Great build quality
• Impressive size for camera and lenses (find an equal quality lens the same size from anyone)
• Fantastic image quality. I shoot primary RAW and the manipulations you can do in Lightroom are right up there with best Nikon and Sony systems I have used.

Neutral Items:

• I have had 4 freezes in 11 months. Not a big deal but needed to pull battery to restart camera. More than other systems I use but not a show stopper.
• My dealer treats Leica differently. Once you open the box, forget it in terms of returning other than the item is completely non-functional. I understand this as far as cost but it means you are committed once you buy and most items are not available to try before buying

Negative Items

• Cost. I have the M11 and 4 (new) Leica lenses. I shudder at how much I have spent but if you like the camera, one or two lenses will not be enough.
• I have not had to have anything serviced but the horror stories on forums are enough to make you not commit to the system.
• Forums. I have never seen a forum so hostile to a product. You would think every camera is terrible. But my experience has been positive except for what I read on forums (mostly this one).

I should also say that some the things the people on this forum seem to hold dear are not issues for me. I'm glad it doesn't have the base plate, I would never have bought one if it did. The 60MP images are great and image sensor is likely a Sony and has all the positive attributes with that. Previous M system sensor always seem a step or two behind. I have gotten used to the rangefinder focusing and can manage it fine, but if they replaced it tomorrow with an EVF I would not shed a tear and buy that camera instead.

 

[londond]

Hmn…

Until this firmware upgrade, I would have said yes. Nearly 25 years an M film user, 3 years ago I moved from Canon DLSR to Leica SL2 and a Q2M. All good and, wanting to enjoy the M experience digitally, early on 2023 bought M11 then added an M11M. Super, for me it’s the user experience rather than IQ, which was already fine on SL2 and its lenses.

An experience which has nosedived since the new firmware, with apparently different problems (freezes and image loss) on both - have reported to Leica and on other threads on this forum. 

So now am not sure - depends how this all pans out. I understand from delivering complex software that sometimes releases go wrong and scale usage reveals things that evade testing. To be fair Leica support response is prompt and appears to be asking sensible diagnostic questions.

However my confidence has been undermined by the different problems I and others have encountered. It doesn’t feel like a few edge cases.

So I’m really hoping Leica fix this promptly and I can return to being a happy M11 user. Otherwise tbh I could have stuck to a reliable M experience on film and saved the money for SL3s etc…

[la1402]

On 9/11/2023 at 3:24 PM, Al Brown said:

Let me just shed a light on the "would you buy it again" question:

It is one of three classic questions regarding material posessions many lifestile coaches use. The other two are "does it make me happy" and "do I use it regularly". The first one is the key question and the most important, but if the answers to the other two are also positive then the item is a keeper.

So whenever you are trying to get rid of a Leica M or a M lens, ask yourself these three questions and ponder the answers carefully.

So then in that order.

1. Does it make me happy - YES
2. Do I use it regularly - YES
3. Would I buy it again - YES (but today I would buy the M11P)

It is the best digital M yet. For some, it is too much mirrorless, but I am no Rangefinder native, so I don't care. I still find the concept of the rangfinder too limiting, and would go for an EFV-M with IBIS and global shutter immediately (keeping everything else the same). I like it for its small form factor and the wonderful, even if sometimes quirky but small lenses. Some may scream blashpemy or call it bastardization, but then you may ask if digital ist not already too modern for an M. I would just call it more practical.

 

 

 

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[bcaslis]

50 minutes ago, londond said:

Hmn…

Until this firmware upgrade, I would have said yes. Nearly 25 years an M film user, 3 years ago I moved from Canon DLSR to Leica SL2 and a Q2M. All good and, wanting to enjoy the M experience digitally, early on 2023 bought M11 then added an M11M. Super, for me it’s the user experience rather than IQ, which was already fine on SL2 and its lenses.

An experience which has nosedived since the new firmware, with apparently different problems (freezes and image loss) on both - have reported to Leica and on other threads on this forum. 

So now am not sure - depends how this all pans out. I understand from delivering complex software that sometimes releases go wrong and scale usage reveals things that evade testing. To be fair Leica support response is prompt and appears to be asking sensible diagnostic questions.

However my confidence has been undermined by the different problems I and others have encountered. It doesn’t feel like a few edge cases.

So I’m really hoping Leica fix this promptly and I can return to being a happy M11 user. Otherwise tbh I could have stuck to a reliable M experience on film and saved the money for SL3s etc…

I don't doubt that you are having issues, but I have the latest firmware installed (2.0.1) and have seen no issues so far.

[algrove]

1 hour ago, bcaslis said:

The M11 was my first M. I've lots of Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm DSLRs and mirrorless. I want a small camera (small including the lenses), high image quality, high build quality. I bought the M11 12/29/2022 from a local dealer (not a Leica store).

Would I buy it again? Yes, absolutely. What are advantages:

• Great build quality
• Impressive size for camera and lenses (find an equal quality lens the same size from anyone)
• Fantastic image quality. I shoot primary RAW and the manipulations you can do in Lightroom are right up there with best Nikon and Sony systems I have used.

Neutral Items:

• I have had 4 freezes in 11 months. Not a big deal but needed to pull battery to restart camera. More than other systems I use but not a show stopper.
• My dealer treats Leica differently. Once you open the box, forget it in terms of returning other than the item is completely non-functional. I understand this as far as cost but it means you are committed once you buy and most items are not available to try before buying

Negative Items

• Cost. I have the M11 and 4 (new) Leica lenses. I shudder at how much I have spent but if you like the camera, one or two lenses will not be enough.
• I have not had to have anything serviced but the horror stories on forums are enough to make you not commit to the system.
• Forums. I have never seen a forum so hostile to a product. You would think every camera is terrible. But my experience has been positive except for what I read on forums (mostly this one).

I should also say that some the things the people on this forum seem to hold dear are not issues for me. I'm glad it doesn't have the base plate, I would never have bought one if it did. The 60MP images are great and image sensor is likely a Sony and has all the positive attributes with that. Previous M system sensor always seem a step or two behind. I have gotten used to the rangefinder focusing and can manage it fine, but if they replaced it tomorrow with an EVF I would not shed a tear and buy that camera instead.

 

Sorry for your problems. It can happen that when downloading a FW upgrade there is a glitch. A friend of mine had this happen when downloading his SL2S FW. He sent it in to Leica USA who reinstalled it and he has had no problems since. Might be worth a try in the UK.