Leica M11-D: The camera without a display enters the next round

[LUF Admin]

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Leica has launched a new model of its popular digital rangefinder camera without a display: the Leica M11-D.

Like its predecessor camera dispenses with a rear display and focusses on a minimalist design.

The price of the new Leica M11-D will be $9,395 - $400 premium over the standard M11.

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Technical details and design features

The Leica M11-D inherits many of the technical specifications of the Leica M11, such as

• the 60MP full-frame sensor
• the Maestro III processor
• It also has 256GB of internal memory - just like the Monochrom and M11-P.
• and the hardware-based Leica Content Credentials technology - like the Leica M11-P

There is no display or buttons on the back of the camera. Instead, there is a large ISO setting dial - on the M10-D this functioned as exposure compensation and on/off switch. The switch has been moved back to the camera's shutter release.

The red Leica logo is missing on the front, revealing the screw underneath - a design feature already familiar from other M models.

Which could lead to discussions: The fake film transport lever of the predecessor, which served as a thumb rest, has been removed from the M11-D.

In addition to the rangefinder, the Visoflex 2 can also be used on the M11-D. However, menu settings and image playback are not possible here either - only the last images taken can be viewed and the configuration of the few functions is made easier.

Settings via the Leica FOTOS

The settings via the camera are limited, but Leica has added further setting options - in addition to remote control - to the FOTOS app. Geotagging and time synchronisation are also possible via app.

Here is the complete press release:

NEW: Leica M11-D

The New Camera in the Leica M-System Combines an Analogue Photography Experience with a Digital Workflow

Like no other, the Leica M-System is a synonym for legendary quality “Made in Germany”. Since the introduction of the Leica rangefinder system in 1954, the world’s best photographers have appreciated Leica M-Cameras and Lenses for their unique image quality and the intuitive handling, for their masterful manufacture and their value preservation. Up to the present day, the Leica M has remained true to its iconic design and the focus on the essential without compromise. Of course, the same applies to the latest camera in the M11 family: the Leica M11-D. By doing without a display on the back, photography with the Leica M11-D focuses on the elementary aspects of pictorial design such as composition, aperture, shutter speed and ISO. In place of the display, there is a big ISO dial on the back of the camera. When it comes to functionality, however, the new M11-D does not sacrifice anything. With distinct customisability, modern connectivity and hardware-based authenticity technology, which was first introduced into the camera market with the M11-P as Leica Content Credentials, the M11-D proves to be a perfect combination of classic range-finder photography and state-of-the-art camera technology. With its clean lines, the matt black painted surfaces and the absence of the red Leica logo, the new M11-D also stands for maximum understatement in the timeless Leica product design.

The M11-D enables images with a resolution of either 60, 36 or 18 MP. With a cache of 3 GB, continuous shooting of up to 5 pictures per second with 60 MP is possible. The internal memory with 256 GB provides ample space for the images. In addition, the powerful battery makes sure that the M11-D is always ready at the crucial moment. The new member of the particularly compact full-frame system lies comfortably in the hand. With just 540 grams (incl. battery), it undercuts its predecessor by 120 grams.

The M11-D is extremely convenient to use and as an M-Camera, it also opens up the world of the unsurpassed M-Lenses and provides access to all M fixed focal lengths made since 1954. In combination with the full-frame sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, which has been exclusively designed for the Leica M11 family, as well as an ISO range from native ISO 64 to ISO 50,000, the Leica M11-D achieves brilliant image results with excellent noise performance even in low light.

Although the Leica M11-D transfers the analogue experience to the digital world, it does not confine itself to that. Each photographer decides for themselves at what time the digital workflow is to be integrated into the work with the M11-D. The new M-Camera offers seamless connectivity via Bluetooth or direct cable connection. As a certified “Made for iPhone® and iPad®” product, it provides a particularly fast and comfortable connection to iOS devices.

Further settings can be made with the Leica FOTOS app on the smartphone. Thus, the connection with the app enables an easy photo transfer, remote control and geotagging. In addition, pictures can be checked and assessed in the Leica FOTOS app on iOS or Android devices independently from the camera. Adjustments such as the white balance and the choice between the file formats DNG and JPEG can also be made in the app. Once saved in the Leica FOTOS app, the M11-D adopts the settings permanently. In this way, the new M-Camera can be customised to the desired requirements.

Thanks to the hardware-based Leica Content Credentials technology, the new M11-D helps to protect the authenticity of digital images. The technology is based on the framework described by the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and the open technical standard of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). Thus, the authenticity of the pictures taken with the M11-D can be checked at any time with a freely available tool or at https://contentcredentials.org/verify.

Alongside the new M11-D, two matching high-quality leather accessories are available. One is a black protector, specifically designed for the M11-D with a cutout for the mechanical ISO dial on the camera's back. The other is a carrying strap available in black and cognac, crafted from a single piece of leather, suitable for all M-Series cameras.

The Leica M11-D will be available globally at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorised dealers starting now. The retail price will be €9,350.00 including VAT.

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[Ko.Fe.]

Good they returned iso dial to original location. 

[lousapienza]

As a Leica M and R user since 1980 (!), when will Leica ever "get it" that there are those of us still photographing professionally who have been waiting an incredible amount of time for a tool (camera) with the same form factor and simplicity of the M that incorporates an EVF?  The lack of an M EVF camera that takes M lenses - and expands upon the range with longer focal lengths and zooms is beyond comprehension!  I own an SL2, and while I find it a versatile tool, it is overly complicated in its attempt to be all things to all photographers and videographers!  It and the SL3 remains too large, with huge, heavy, and bulky lenses. Leica once asked me why I did not customize my camera settings and lock them into a profile.  Why?  Because I want to spend my time making photographs, not reading elaborate instructions and then following menus to program the camera and then, in an additional step, save them.  That is the opposite of a simplistic camera.  I want to pick up a camera and USE it not be distracted by elaborate menus and procedures.

Leica's development time would be better suited to producing an M-EVF camera than one without a rear screen.  Is Leica only for Leica devotees? Or is it for photographers?

When I added a Hasselblad digital back to my V -System I found that my brain bandwidth opened up a full 85%. Simplicity!  No longer did I have to second guess the SL menus and settings or find that the camera inadvertently shifted into some other mode.  The M11 is a much more simplistic, high-caliber camera, and yet, I do now want to rely upon the mechanical rangefinder for focusing.  The add-on EVF is slow and cumbersome and, quite frankly, a joke for the professional! I do not expect autofocus in an M-EVF camera - only a simplistic, small form factor, focus-peaking camera that performs as I expect and want it to.

COME ON Leica! At the very least, build some prototypes (I'm sure you have already) and let us test them.  I promise you, if you let me test it, I'll purchase it and never return it!

[M11 for me]

Here a few images taken with the M11-D:

https://www.alexuehlinger.com/Leica-M11-D-2024

Enjoy the quality of this superb product.

[PeterD]

Sorry, Leica. At that price, no way. That is very regrettable. With each generations prices increase, menus get more complex. Once upon a time there was a straight forward camera called the M3 that was the essence of Leica. Build that again in digital form, make it backward compatible with M-lenses, but keep it simple, elegant and hardcore Leica. The M11-D ain't it.

I know you won't listen, but I can at least hope!

[elmars]

vor 3 Stunden schrieb lousapienza:

As a Leica M and R user since 1980 (!), when will Leica ever "get it" that there are those of us still photographing professionally who have been waiting an incredible amount of time for a tool (camera) with the same form factor and simplicity of the M that incorporates an EVF?  The lack of an M EVF camera that takes M lenses - and expands upon the range with longer focal lengths and zooms is beyond comprehension!  I own an SL2, and while I find it a versatile tool, it is overly complicated in its attempt to be all things to all photographers and videographers!  It and the SL3 remains too large, with huge, heavy, and bulky lenses. Leica once asked me why I did not customize my camera settings and lock them into a profile.  Why?  Because I want to spend my time making photographs, not reading elaborate instructions and then following menus to program the camera and then, in an additional step, save them.  That is the opposite of a simplistic camera.  I want to pick up a camera and USE it not be distracted by elaborate menus and procedures.

Leica's development time would be better suited to producing an M-EVF camera than one without a rear screen.  Is Leica only for Leica devotees? Or is it for photographers?

When I added a Hasselblad digital back to my V -System I found that my brain bandwidth opened up a full 85%. Simplicity!  No longer did I have to second guess the SL menus and settings or find that the camera inadvertently shifted into some other mode.  The M11 is a much more simplistic, high-caliber camera, and yet, I do now want to rely upon the mechanical rangefinder for focusing.  The add-on EVF is slow and cumbersome and, quite frankly, a joke for the professional! I do not expect autofocus in an M-EVF camera - only a simplistic, small form factor, focus-peaking camera that performs as I expect and want it to.

COME ON Leica! At the very least, build some prototypes (I'm sure you have already) and let us test them.  I promise you, if you let me test it, I'll purchase it and never return it!

As far as I remember: Stefan Daniel has announced that the work on a EVF-M. So You can hope for Christmas. 2024? 2025?

[jps1]

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I hope Leica will never release an M with EVF screen!

Buy a Q if you want an EVF.

[jonoslack]

5 hours ago, jps1 said:

I hope Leica will never release an M with EVF screen!

Buy a Q if you want an EVF.

Well, as long as it’s not instead of a rangefinder, and as long as you don’t have to buy it, I don’t see your problem. One thing I am absolutely certain of is that Leica intend the rangefinder M to be the main camera forever . . . . So if some people want an EVF version, then why not. . . . . Personally I don’t want one, but I do understand that others do, and it won’t hurt me!

[IkarusJohn]

19 minutes ago, jonoslack said:

Well, as long as it’s not instead of a rangefinder, and as long as you don’t have to buy it, I don’t see your problem. One thing I am absolutely certain of is that Leica intend the rangefinder M to be the main camera forever . . . . So if some people want an EVF version, then why not. . . . . Personally I don’t want one, but I do understand that others do, and it won’t hurt me!

Looking forward to getting my M10-D back, and relieved it won’t morph into an EVF based camera!  I’m more concerned about the prices …

[LUF Admin]

Folks, this thread is about the M11-D. Not mortgage rates.

Please stay on topic.

[marknorton]

For me, a completely pointless and preposterously expensive camera. The part of the M11 they should be dumping is the clunky and expensive optical viewfinder and rangefinder and replacing both with a state of the art EVF. That might not suit all users but it is just as valid a development direction as removing the rear screen.

After time away from the M enjoying the Nikon Z9 and their newly designed lenses, I came back to my M10 and bought the Visoflex hoping it might renew my enthusiasm for the M. It did, sort of, but it served to underline how irrelevant the rangefinder now is, how the Visoflex is itself below par and how poor the battery life is when you use it. On the other hand, I appreciated the compact camera and lenses compared to the Z monster.

in my opinion, the whole “das Wesentliche” thing is just so much brand positioning nonsense. I have no idea how the M is doing commercially - or Leica for that matter - but a visit to them this year was a pretty disspiriting experience. I feel sure that an M-EVF would open up the M to a much larger user base and to those who say that an M without a “Messuche” is not an M, I say, get over it.

[elmars]

There will be an EVF-M. Stefan Daniel said so. But why should there be an EVF-M only? There are enough people for a M, a D and the normal rangefinder M with display. The latter are the most I think. 

[swatch]

M11D, I like the product concept from MD262(unfortunately I didn’t understand / appreciated this concept at first and didn’t buy MD262).  The evolution is adding more functions as electronic technology allow from model to model since MD262 to M10D then and now to M11D.

ISO disc on back or ISO dial at upper corner is visually direct and quick compare with MENU button fist then scrolling through the options until finding ISO … unfortunately ISO dial is being too small to label all possible ISO value literally (ISO dial IMO should be changed to be EC instead of deleting the dial at all).

It is just a matter of choice.  It is just a matter of priority.

A choice just want to have quick access of control to key elements of taking a picture with willingness to give up easy assess to other controls such as adjusting sensor’s resolution, WB, reviewing pictures that a user may want to adjust / confirm focus etc during a single photographic session / trip.

A priority of having a camera you feel right in the hands and feel of bonding (some are just sensitive enough of feeling it).

After all one wish that I have with D model.  MD262 is more hardcore than M11D and wish Leica could offer an upgraded MD262 to lower megapixel BSI sensor with EVF option for critical framing (not for the reason of being a focusing aid),  metering off the shutter blades, brass top with glossy black paint  for traditionalist along with the offer of the current 60 megapixel M11D for youngers.

[newtoleica]

I’m sure there is a market for an EVF M, probably bigger than the D version, but the reason I use an M rather than put an M lens or some other decent glass on say a Nikon Zf is because using the optical rangefinder and VF is far nicer, far more immersive, more controllable and far faster than any EVF (and indeed AF system) I have tried or owned for a bit. I’m a dinosaur perhaps having cut my teeth on a Zenit E in 1976 and used Olympus OM for decades after, I never got the hang of auto focus and its effect on my creativity. The M serves that critical purpose of supporting my being in the perfect ‘zone’ when doing street photography. The camera is a tool that is simply an extension of my mind/eye, I don’t need to think about it just becomes invisible. I can control it like riding a bicycle. I can see the value of a fully modern system for some commercial work and sports etc, but the M IS DIFFERENT in the way it supports a certain way of visualising the world. That is (almost) priceless. An 11D would be nice but I have an M10M instead as an add on this year and I didn’t think the 11 platform would add anything for me  for the extra cost. I don’t chimp anyway and keep the screen off so it’s just haptics, and I can live with the fact the ordinary M is not so nice under the thumb on the back. 
if you want an EVF M, sure, you’ll get one eventually, but I think many who ask for that and use the clip on EVF a lot would do better immersing themselves more in the RF experience…..

[SNJ Ops]

The way I use my M10 most of the time (to save battery life) the M11-D makes sense to me however the M11-P makes even more sense.
 

I'll be very surprised if the M12 family doesn't introduce an EVF variant. I'd want a 5.6m dot EVF with a high refresh rate at minimum to consider buying one. And to those who say buy a Q if you want an EVF that is not a valid answer at all. The Q is larger and has a fixed lens. 

[Derbyshire Man]

I've always felt the place to start is the M11M-EVF. I found the Q2M much easier to focus via the EVF than the M11 via Visioflex 2. My guess is that is because just like the sensor tripling resolution by not needing RGB the same goes for the EVF, resolution is so much better. There's the added advantage of 'seeing in monochrome' to boot! This isn't a new idea, broadcast electronic news gathering cameras had monochrome viewfinders for exactly the same reason. Colour appreciation being nowhere near as important as control over focus. That is possibly seriously niche however!

Back on topic, great camera but menu and images review via visoflex seems to me to be essential to ensure longevity of the M11D. It's such an iconic piece of industrial design, it's a true descendant of the culture of Bauhaus.

[costa43]

I would like an evf M alongside the regular line but not a replacement. I think it would make sense for Leica to lose the shutter and use a really fast reading lower mp sensor and have it as a second product line which can grow in its own right. Sure it will do well. Losing the shutter will free up space for ibis too which many are asking for.

Edited September 13, 2024 by costa43

[T25UFO]

16 hours ago, M11 for me said:

Enjoy the quality of this superb product.

No doubt the photographer enjoyed using the "D", which is probably the main point, but I don't see any special characteristics in the photos that say "M11D".  

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[elmars]

vor 21 Minuten schrieb Al Brown:

100% sure EVF Leica has to happen, if nothing more for two reasons - young people and older people. Both need EVF for different reasons. But it would have been brand suicide to ditch the OVF and the classic principle of M. These two will have to coexist... surely Leica learned a lesson from SAAB.

Or Leica makes an improved rangefinder for better focussing. 

Edited September 13, 2024 by elmars

[Viv]

4 minutes ago, elmars said:

Or Leica makes an improved rangefinder for better focussing. 

For mle, focusing with the M11 is really easy.

I'm 77 years old.

Edited September 13, 2024 by Viv