Popular Post elmars Posted September 12, 2024 Popular Post Share #1 Posted September 12, 2024 Advertisement (gone after registration) Analogue photography has been experiencing a boom for years. One reason for this is that analogue film produces photos with a different look and feel than a digital sensor. But it is also largely due to the fact that the act of taking a photo is different. You don't have immediate control over the image. The associated waiting and the excitement of whether the photos are successful contrasts with getting used to the immediate availability. The moment when the pictures can be viewed after development is particularly enjoyable. The impossibility of control can also inspire photography itself. If you can't check immediately, you can perhaps concentrate better on the process of making the pictures and let yourself be carried away by the flow. A wonderful film about this is called "Grain: Analogue Renaissance". If you can understand these thoughts, but shy away from the efforts associated with film or find its results inadequate, then you certainly belong to the target group for a Leica M11-D. It offers an analogue photographic experience with the advantages of a digital image result. The M11-D has no display for image control or menu settings. With a few exceptions, only the exposure settings can be made in the camera itself; more is possible via the Leica Photos app (more on this later). The concept of the camera works. I had to get used to not looking at the display for a while. But then I felt a kind of liberation when taking pictures. The focus was only on taking pictures, on moving forward, no longer on dealing with the past. Of course, working in this way is not suitable for every type of photographer or every photographic task. Everyone has to find out for themselves whether a displayless camera suits their own way of working. 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! Design It's not just the photography with the M11-D that has been brought closer to analogue, but also the exterior of the camera. Without a display, it looks like a film camera. In my opinion, the lack of a display makes it the most beautiful digital M camera to date. Up to now, I didn't really like the fact that the top cap was straight towards the viewfinder window (as on the M8 or M240), I found the gradation on the M9 or the ISO wheel on the M10/M11 more successful. But the M11-D is different. I like the design here; maybe it's because the body is narrower than on the M8/M240. Nevertheless, the lack of the ISO wheel on the M11 has disadvantages. You don't need it for the ISO setting; on the M11-D this is done using the ISO disc on the back. However, the rotary dial on the viewfinder window could have been retained for adjusting the exposure compensation. Thumb rest (film transport lever) I really miss the "film transport lever" that the M10-D had on the M11-D. I have repeatedly pleaded with Leica to have it built into every M, but my pleas have not been heard on the M11 or the M11-D. The reason for this is probably that the "film transport lever" was ridiculed and derided as a fake lever at the time. Of course it doesn't transport film, it just looks like it does, but it still has a function. The "fake" film transport lever is the superior thumb rest. It does not protrude uncomfortably from the camera. When it is folded out, it offers more support than the projection on the thumb wheel or the thumb rests offered as accessories. The thumb cannot slip off. I always held the analogue M in such a way that I clamped my thumb between the body and the film transport lever when it was folded out. Please Leica, give us back the film transport lever for future M models. EVF Instead of the rangefinder, the M11-D can use the Visoflex 2 familiar from the M11 for image composition and focussing. However, menu settings and image playback are not possible. Only the last photo taken can be saved if you have configured the camera (via the app) so that it is displayed as long as the shutter release button is pressed. If you set the distance with the EVF on, the viewfinder magnifier is automatically activated. In my opinion, this should be switched off. Not only is the activation quite slow, but above all the viewfinder magnifier disturbs the concentration on the image composition every time. I would like to see the option of manually activating the magnifier function. Image results Not much needs to be said about the quality of the photos from the M11-D. It has the same outstanding 60 MP sensor as the other M11 models, the Q3 and the SL3: maximum resolution and yet a dynamic range and noise behaviour similar to that of a 24 MP sensor. Operation If a normal M is already reduced to "the essentials", this applies even more to the M11-D - you could call it the "essence of the essentials". The setting options in the camera itself are rudimentary. Of course, the exposure can be controlled in all its parameters. ISO adjustment is primarily carried out via the dial on the back of the camera in whole ISO steps. If you want finer control, you can use the M setting on the dial and the thumbwheel. Exposure compensation is also set using the thumbwheel. Otherwise, you can only set the USB mode in the camera, switch on connectivity (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) to the Leica Photos app, activate sensor cleaning, initiate a firmware update or reset the camera. The commands for this are quite complicated and difficult to remember (you have to press buttons or button combinations for several seconds). However, you hardly ever have to change these settings and a quick guide is to be integrated into the Leica Photos app. By pressing the function button to the right of the shutter release button several times, you can display some information about the status of the camera: remaining number of photos, battery charge, USB mode, storage options (SD and/or internal memory, which has 256 GB), connectivity on/off, content credentials on/off (like the M11-P, the M11-D enables proof of copyright and modification of the image file via content credentials), WiFi mode. If you want to change the displayed settings, this is not possible in the camera (except for connectivity and USB mode), but only via the Leica Photos app. I think that's a pity. In my opinion, it would have been possible to programme the firmware so that changes could also be made in the camera, as follows: While a setting is displayed in the viewfinder, you can change the setting by turning the thumbwheel and confirm the change by pressing the thumbwheel. This would be a simple adjustment option for USB mode, storage options, connectivity, content credentials, WiFi mode and perhaps a few more things. Even if this would be desirable from my point of view, it is not a particular weak point as it is now. After all, you always have your smartphone with you, the connection to the app is established quickly and is stable. The following camera parameters can be set via the app: Lens type recognition Drive mode Noise reduction Metering mode Shutter type File format (DND, JPG) DNG resolution JPG settings White balance Self-timer USB mode Camera standby Memory options Auto playback (relevant for using the EVF) Max-ISO M-ISO Max exposure time for Auto-ISO The camera can also be controlled remotely via the app (exposure parameters and shutter release). There is no option to format the internal memory or the SD card. Instead, you have to delete the photos using the app. It may not be technically so easy to implement formatting using the app. I don't miss it myself, but there are probably many users who have made a habit of frequently reformatting the SD card in the camera because deleting it can supposedly disrupt the SD card's file system. But this is a misconception. In the Leica Enthusiast Podcast, an engineer from Western Digital (the manufacturer of the SanDisk cards) explained that deleting files in the camera has no negative effects and does not lead to image loss. So all you have to do with the M11-D is change your routine and delete photos instead of formatting the card. That was quite a lot of text on how to use the camera. This is due to the unusual nature of its concept and should not obscure the fact that the M11-D is one thing above all else once you have configured it: Reduced to the max and easy to use! Just focus, release the shutter and carry on taking pictures. Nothing distracts you. You won't be annoyed about what you've failed to do until much later. 19 13 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Design It's not just the photography with the M11-D that has been brought closer to analogue, but also the exterior of the camera. Without a display, it looks like a film camera. In my opinion, the lack of a display makes it the most beautiful digital M camera to date. Up to now, I didn't really like the fact that the top cap was straight towards the viewfinder window (as on the M8 or M240), I found the gradation on the M9 or the ISO wheel on the M10/M11 more successful. But the M11-D is different. I like the design here; maybe it's because the body is narrower than on the M8/M240. Nevertheless, the lack of the ISO wheel on the M11 has disadvantages. You don't need it for the ISO setting; on the M11-D this is done using the ISO disc on the back. However, the rotary dial on the viewfinder window could have been retained for adjusting the exposure compensation. Thumb rest (film transport lever) I really miss the "film transport lever" that the M10-D had on the M11-D. I have repeatedly pleaded with Leica to have it built into every M, but my pleas have not been heard on the M11 or the M11-D. The reason for this is probably that the "film transport lever" was ridiculed and derided as a fake lever at the time. Of course it doesn't transport film, it just looks like it does, but it still has a function. The "fake" film transport lever is the superior thumb rest. It does not protrude uncomfortably from the camera. When it is folded out, it offers more support than the projection on the thumb wheel or the thumb rests offered as accessories. The thumb cannot slip off. I always held the analogue M in such a way that I clamped my thumb between the body and the film transport lever when it was folded out. Please Leica, give us back the film transport lever for future M models. EVF Instead of the rangefinder, the M11-D can use the Visoflex 2 familiar from the M11 for image composition and focussing. However, menu settings and image playback are not possible. Only the last photo taken can be saved if you have configured the camera (via the app) so that it is displayed as long as the shutter release button is pressed. If you set the distance with the EVF on, the viewfinder magnifier is automatically activated. In my opinion, this should be switched off. Not only is the activation quite slow, but above all the viewfinder magnifier disturbs the concentration on the image composition every time. I would like to see the option of manually activating the magnifier function. Image results Not much needs to be said about the quality of the photos from the M11-D. It has the same outstanding 60 MP sensor as the other M11 models, the Q3 and the SL3: maximum resolution and yet a dynamic range and noise behaviour similar to that of a 24 MP sensor. Operation If a normal M is already reduced to "the essentials", this applies even more to the M11-D - you could call it the "essence of the essentials". The setting options in the camera itself are rudimentary. Of course, the exposure can be controlled in all its parameters. ISO adjustment is primarily carried out via the dial on the back of the camera in whole ISO steps. If you want finer control, you can use the M setting on the dial and the thumbwheel. Exposure compensation is also set using the thumbwheel. Otherwise, you can only set the USB mode in the camera, switch on connectivity (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) to the Leica Photos app, activate sensor cleaning, initiate a firmware update or reset the camera. The commands for this are quite complicated and difficult to remember (you have to press buttons or button combinations for several seconds). However, you hardly ever have to change these settings and a quick guide is to be integrated into the Leica Photos app. By pressing the function button to the right of the shutter release button several times, you can display some information about the status of the camera: remaining number of photos, battery charge, USB mode, storage options (SD and/or internal memory, which has 256 GB), connectivity on/off, content credentials on/off (like the M11-P, the M11-D enables proof of copyright and modification of the image file via content credentials), WiFi mode. If you want to change the displayed settings, this is not possible in the camera (except for connectivity and USB mode), but only via the Leica Photos app. I think that's a pity. In my opinion, it would have been possible to programme the firmware so that changes could also be made in the camera, as follows: While a setting is displayed in the viewfinder, you can change the setting by turning the thumbwheel and confirm the change by pressing the thumbwheel. This would be a simple adjustment option for USB mode, storage options, connectivity, content credentials, WiFi mode and perhaps a few more things. Even if this would be desirable from my point of view, it is not a particular weak point as it is now. After all, you always have your smartphone with you, the connection to the app is established quickly and is stable. The following camera parameters can be set via the app: Lens type recognition Drive mode Noise reduction Metering mode Shutter type File format (DND, JPG) DNG resolution JPG settings White balance Self-timer USB mode Camera standby Memory options Auto playback (relevant for using the EVF) Max-ISO M-ISO Max exposure time for Auto-ISO The camera can also be controlled remotely via the app (exposure parameters and shutter release). There is no option to format the internal memory or the SD card. Instead, you have to delete the photos using the app. It may not be technically so easy to implement formatting using the app. I don't miss it myself, but there are probably many users who have made a habit of frequently reformatting the SD card in the camera because deleting it can supposedly disrupt the SD card's file system. But this is a misconception. In the Leica Enthusiast Podcast, an engineer from Western Digital (the manufacturer of the SanDisk cards) explained that deleting files in the camera has no negative effects and does not lead to image loss. So all you have to do with the M11-D is change your routine and delete photos instead of formatting the card. That was quite a lot of text on how to use the camera. This is due to the unusual nature of its concept and should not obscure the fact that the M11-D is one thing above all else once you have configured it: Reduced to the max and easy to use! Just focus, release the shutter and carry on taking pictures. Nothing distracts you. You won't be annoyed about what you've failed to do until much later. ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/408485-leica-m11-d-an-analogue-digital-camera-review-by-elmar-streyl/?do=findComment&comment=5604736'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 12, 2024 Posted September 12, 2024 Hi elmars, Take a look here Leica M11-D - an analogue digital camera - Review by Elmar Streyl. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jonoslack Posted September 12, 2024 Share #2 Posted September 12, 2024 (edited) Excellent Elmar - I quite agree with you about the wind-on lever, but I didn't put it in my bit because I didn't want another argument with my son about it! Great pictures as well - you have a really distinctive style! All the best Jono Edited September 12, 2024 by jonoslack 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leon_B. Posted September 12, 2024 Share #3 Posted September 12, 2024 Thank you for your review, Elmar. Wonderful pictures - I just ran past the Cathedral last Sunday at the Cologne Triathlon 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elmars Posted September 12, 2024 Author Share #4 Posted September 12, 2024 vor einer Stunde schrieb jonoslack: Excellent Elmar - I quite agree with you about the wind-on lever, but I didn't put it in my bit because I didn't want another argument with my son about it! Great pictures as well - you have a really distinctive style! All the best Jono We should threaten Leica not to write reviews any more if they don't bring back the fake lever. 3 1 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitze Posted September 12, 2024 Share #5 Posted September 12, 2024 Very nice review, thank you for sharing this. It made me think about being in that moment of capture, fully immersed. Yes, we did lose that a bit with a photo display, but we do get to check exposure in tricky situations and not "waste a roll of film with poor exposure". There is that. We can turn off the preview and make some adjustments (speaking about my Q2). However, I think this new model very correctly points out a direction for future software features for the Q's and other digital models, with greater user control over displayed info. It could be a "classic mode" to turn everything off. Some photogs might prefer that. chriskitze.com 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edax Posted September 12, 2024 Share #6 Posted September 12, 2024 The wonderful pictures say it all. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elmars Posted September 12, 2024 Author Share #7 Posted September 12, 2024 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) vor 1 Stunde schrieb Edax: The wonderful pictures say it all. Thank You! That‘s what it‘s all about. Edited September 12, 2024 by elmars 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mboerma Posted September 12, 2024 Share #8 Posted September 12, 2024 Thanks. Enjoyed reading it and looking at the photos. Thanks also for the link to the film. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
henning Posted September 12, 2024 Share #9 Posted September 12, 2024 5 hours ago, elmars said: We should threaten Leica not to write reviews any more if they don't bring back the fake lever. As long as the threats include the proviso that the lever has to be easily removable, not leaving any wart behind and exchangeable for an extra battery. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RF’sDelight Posted September 13, 2024 Share #10 Posted September 13, 2024 Great review, perhaps visually a little too Kölner Dom fixated. 😉 Thank you Elmar! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smudgerer Posted September 13, 2024 Share #11 Posted September 13, 2024 (edited) On 9/12/2024 at 3:27 PM, jonoslack said: Excellent Elmar - I quite agree with you about the wind-on lever, but I didn't put it in my bit because I didn't want another argument with my son about it! Great pictures as well - you have a really distinctive style! All the best Jono I do agree fully with you Jono and Elmars regarding Leica dropping the faux winder / camera support.............It was so emblematic of what a "D" M camera should be, bringing good mechanical design into the fore and yes some whimsy too. I too feel they should have kept it as part of the signature of the "D" versions, a pity they did not do so. Cue Thumbie now to fill that role. With my recently too often troubled, now departed yet still missed M10-D it was my favourite feature of the camera if only offset by the nasty rear on/off/wifi switch/exposure compensation dial so I am happy to see that Leica have come to their senses with the 11-D and returned to the older pure analogue style ASA only dial on the back. Edited September 13, 2024 by Smudgerer 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knutwichtig Posted September 13, 2024 Share #12 Posted September 13, 2024 M10-d was much more charming giving the real Leica-feeling with it‘s false lever. what a pitty that the top left ISO-Wheel is missing as well as the possibility of correction by visible dial on the back. Sorry Leica, the charme and the feeling of the M10-d is completely missed and gone lost with this M11-d. This one will make the M10-d much more looked for in the market. I will Never change my M10-D into an M11-D…… Regards and Regress, Knut 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knutwichtig Posted September 13, 2024 Share #13 Posted September 13, 2024 Just meant regrets… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
weevi Posted September 13, 2024 Share #14 Posted September 13, 2024 I wish they kept the film advance lever, but make it function as a power switch. The M10 style ISO dial should also be kept and repurposed to something because it resembles film M's rewind knob. Perhaps B&W mode switch like the Nikon Zf. I sold my M10-D to fund my M11 purchase and missed it every now and then. I also had the M-D 262. I'm not quite sure how I feel with the M11. Once a demo unit arrive at my local shop, I'll give it a try. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMF Posted September 13, 2024 Share #15 Posted September 13, 2024 I wished they kept the built in thumb support as well. If you use the OEM thumb support you get a partial obscured “Made in Germany” . I’m nitpicking here but the designer in me seems that this is a odd decision as previous Ms added this much more thoughtfully. 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! 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/408485-leica-m11-d-an-analogue-digital-camera-review-by-elmar-streyl/?do=findComment&comment=5608377'>More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 13, 2024 Share #16 Posted September 13, 2024 6 minutes ago, RMF said: I wished they kept the built in thumb support as well. If you use the OEM thumb support you get a partial obscured “Made in Germany” . I’m nitpicking here but the designer in me seems that this is a odd decision as previous Ms added this much more thoughtfully. 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! Oh dear, someone at Leica didn't think that one through when they moved the text to the centre of the camera. That does not look too good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdmesa Posted September 13, 2024 Share #17 Posted September 13, 2024 5 hours ago, Corius said: Oh dear, someone at Leica didn't think that one through when they moved the text to the centre of the camera. That does not look too good. They were passively telling us not to ruin the look of the D model by adding a thumb grip. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ymc226 Posted September 13, 2024 Share #18 Posted September 13, 2024 I never use a thumbs up or similar Leica product but use the Thumbie instead and it works wonderfully. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMF Posted September 14, 2024 Share #19 Posted September 14, 2024 😀Thumbie would work great too… whatever works for the user. Btw- If you mount it on a M11-D, it might read ‘Made in Germ” 😀 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elmars Posted September 14, 2024 Author Share #20 Posted September 14, 2024 vor 15 Stunden schrieb Knutwichtig: Sorry Leica, the charme and the feeling of the M10-d is completely missed and gone lost with this M11-d. Even though I miss the fake lever and would have kept the ISO wheel, I really like the M11-D. In my opinion, it is a real and better successor to the M10-D. But that is of course a matter of taste. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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