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Leica M11-D: A Digital Camera for Analogue Hearts


Kristian Dowling

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I'm afraid I don't get Leica's thinking. If they'd wanted to be truly revolutionary in terms of digital camera design they ought to have included a film advance lever to activate the camera before the next shot.

But in any event, I think one should just shoot film instead.

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53 minutes ago, philipus said:

I'm afraid I don't get Leica's thinking. If they'd wanted to be truly revolutionary in terms of digital camera design they ought to have included a film advance lever to activate the camera before the next shot.

But in any event, I think one should just shoot film instead.

I'm not sure being 'truly revolutionary' is the goal of this camera, however I agree the lever should be added, even if it's use could be disabled for those who don't see its value.

This is definitely not for someone who wants the film look with digital conveniences...more so the pure experience of shooting without so much focus on the result.

Edited by Kristian Dowling
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1 hour ago, Kristian Dowling said:

[...] Leica intentionally designed this camera to force you [...]

A camera for people liking to be forced then, thanks no thanks but i see why it can please to others.

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On 9/12/2024 at 2:25 PM, Kristian Dowling said:

By the time I had adjusted to the M11-D’s limitations, I found myself enjoying photography more than I had in years

Why?  Shame you missed the opportunity with the previous 'D' versions.

 

Edited by pedaes
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On 9/12/2024 at 9:25 AM, Kristian Dowling said:

Who knew that by removing one simple piece of glass, the entire experience of photography could change so profoundly? This camera certainly isn’t for everyone, but for those willing to embrace its constraints, the M11-D offers an unparalleled experience, albeit with limitations that demand a good attitude and old-fashioned discipline. For me at least, it's not just a nostalgic nod to analog photography - it’s a challenge to be present, to trust yourself, and to fall in love with the process all over again.

Great review and images Kristian.

I would love to see Leica go back to the M60 concept where there is no external screen or hot shoe EVF and  DNG only option for a price of about $6k US. A good price for those who want just the basics.

As an added bonus for the purists. Leica could use the little button by the shutter release to give you the option of either color or BW preview when the DNG is imported.

It could something as simple as when the button is pressed the red dot flashes 3 times in the viewfinder to remind you that you are in BW mode when you turn the camera on.

 

Anyway just dreaming...

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Nice review, thanks Kristian.  I hope you’re coming back down to Auckland some time.

It’s amazing how Leica owners, since time immemorial, have been sensitive to change.  I guess I count myself in that, but for different reasons - I like change, provided it’s change in a direction I like.  I didn’t like the M(240), with its video, thick body and Swiss-Army Knife approach, and I don’t like the “improvements” in the M11, the majority of which don’t seem to me aimed at the simplicity of improving the final image.  But that’s a digression.

When the M60 was released, I was impressed, and I ordered one immediately, but with a threaded release button for a cable release (which Stefan Daniel kindly agreed to do for me).  Most of the reaction here was mockery, despite the fact that the M60 was very reasonably priced if you considered the included 35 Summilux (FLE), also milled from stainless steel.  I loved that camera, but sold it eventually as I have never liked the 35 Summilux, and I had better use for the money (I bought another lens, from memory).

On the forum, however, one member took exception to my enthusiasm, saying I was being a hypocrite for dissing the M(240) and yet raving about the M60, overlooking the fact that it was never the CMOS sensor that I had an issue with.  I put the poster on my ignore list after tiring of reasoning with him, only to have him follow me around the forum taking issue with every post, until someone here told him to pack it in, as he was getting boring.

I’m not particularly interested in this event, and I raise it only to point out that Leica cameras are not the Holy Grail, never to be doubted.  Each iteration is interesting in that it indicates a different way of thinking, and perhaps where the company is going.  Like so many niche products which the internet brings to the World, it’s refreshing to see different thinking.

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20 hours ago, pedaes said:

Why?  Shame you missed the opportunity with the previous 'D' versions.

 

I didn't miss them as such. I was merely too busy to devote the time to them. One thing I knew before shooting with the M-D is that it's not a camera I would use professionally. Therefor it had to be the right time. I've been looking to purchase a new M digital, so when the opportunity came, I was all for it.

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19 hours ago, evikne said:

Thanks for a great review! It was refreshing to read about real user experience rather than just technical specs. 

Thank you, I appreciate that. For me, the thought process behind the purchase and motivation to look deeper into such a camera was much more intriguing than anything else, so I decided to explore that. Appreciate the feedback. kD.

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19 hours ago, Kwesi said:

Great review and images Kristian.

I would love to see Leica go back to the M60 concept where there is no external screen or hot shoe EVF and  DNG only option for a price of about $6k US. A good price for those who want just the basics.

As an added bonus for the purists. Leica could use the little button by the shutter release to give you the option of either color or BW preview when the DNG is imported.

It could something as simple as when the button is pressed the red dot flashes 3 times in the viewfinder to remind you that you are in BW mode when you turn the camera on.

 

Anyway just dreaming...

Thanks Kwesi, I love your ideas. It can't be easy for Leica to make such decisions that have address the design aspects, the features customers want, and what the brand feels best represents the historical values of the M line and the brand overall. The M-D line has evolved over the years and frankly, I am a little surprised it's doing so well. When the M60 first came onto the scene I didn't believe the Leica customer was ready for a wider release, however I believe the increase in both film shooting, and the increase in cost of film shooting has contributed positively towards the concept which people are adopting at a pretty good pace.

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12 hours ago, IkarusJohn said:

Nice review, thanks Kristian.  I hope you’re coming back down to Auckland some time.

It’s amazing how Leica owners, since time immemorial, have been sensitive to change.  I guess I count myself in that, but for different reasons - I like change, provided it’s change in a direction I like.  I didn’t like the M(240), with its video, thick body and Swiss-Army Knife approach, and I don’t like the “improvements” in the M11, the majority of which don’t seem to me aimed at the simplicity of improving the final image.  But that’s a digression.

When the M60 was released, I was impressed, and I ordered one immediately, but with a threaded release button for a cable release (which Stefan Daniel kindly agreed to do for me).  Most of the reaction here was mockery, despite the fact that the M60 was very reasonably priced if you considered the included 35 Summilux (FLE), also milled from stainless steel.  I loved that camera, but sold it eventually as I have never liked the 35 Summilux, and I had better use for the money (I bought another lens, from memory).

On the forum, however, one member took exception to my enthusiasm, saying I was being a hypocrite for dissing the M(240) and yet raving about the M60, overlooking the fact that it was never the CMOS sensor that I had an issue with.  I put the poster on my ignore list after tiring of reasoning with him, only to have him follow me around the forum taking issue with every post, until someone here told him to pack it in, as he was getting boring.

I’m not particularly interested in this event, and I raise it only to point out that Leica cameras are not the Holy Grail, never to be doubted.  Each iteration is interesting in that it indicates a different way of thinking, and perhaps where the company is going.  Like so many niche products which the internet brings to the World, it’s refreshing to see different thinking.

Hi John, nice to hear from you and you have some interesting thoughts. In terms of NZ, man I'd love to come back anytime there's an opportunity!

The M60 is a grail for me. A beautifully executed camera, ahead of it's time, and some may argue a little behind also 😉

Leica is in an interesting position, but one thing will always remain - the M will always be at the top of their tier pyramid. It is the ultimate nod to their legacy that started the ball rolling for every other brand who manufactured cameras on the 35mm platform, including phone manufacturers. That in itself will always keep Leica forever in conversation.

All the best, kD.

 

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6 hours ago, jakontil said:

Mate, your pictures make me miss the old M60… 

Wow, did you own one? What an beauty it was!

My condolences...I also have a camera I let go of - traded my first Leica M6, purchased at age 15 for a Nikon D1h - that camera kickstarted my career, so I guess it was a worthy sacrifice.

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2 hours ago, Kristian Dowling said:

Wow, did you own one? What an beauty it was!

My condolences...I also have a camera I let go of - traded my first Leica M6, purchased at age 15 for a Nikon D1h - that camera kickstarted my career, so I guess it was a worthy sacrifice.

To be honest, lots of ur articles influenced me, including the freiburg at that time 🫡😂

Im still keeping the freiburg till now and using it 
always love to know your thoughts..

Edited by jakontil
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It's a beauty, but just not sure if I can make that leap (financially, though also pragmatically).

As I was 'chimping' an image on my M10-R yesterday, and seeing the flashing red of blown out highlights, I was thinking it would be cool, with the new operational led's in the viewfinder, if one could set it up so they get a blinking red light in the OVF if highlights are blown out. Like two or three blinks after taking the shot. Or perhaps go even further - one blink for one stop over, two for two and so on. Overexposure is the only thing that really worries me about using a D model. With film, there's 'info' there, but with digital, once blown and that's that (unless doing it on purpose, of course). 

Edited by charlesphoto99
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7 hours ago, jakontil said:

To be honest, lots of ur articles influenced me, including the freiburg at that time 🫡😂

Im still keeping the freiburg till now and using it 
always love to know your thoughts..

Oh interesting Jak. Thanks for the feedback. While I certainly don't see myself influencing, it's always nice to know if I got through with my articles.

 

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