M11-D review by an actual D photographer?

[Squidproquo]

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Coming from Sony A7IV and Leica Q2 - the M11D is my first M.

While I don´t want to hype it, for me, the search is over.  After the first quirks of setting it up (and hopefully almost never needing to use Fotos again), getting the feel for rangefinder: This is my camera.  I´ve sold all others.  I am solely with M11D.  Brilliantly small.  Mindfull photography. Excellent image quality. Does it take better photos than my A7IV? Nah....this whole "Leica look" is nothing I believe in.  Does it make me pick up the camera more, bring it with me more so that I actually *get* the shots I want?  Yes.  And that is what this is about.

For me, my unprofessional, enjoying the process of photography more than actually looking at my pictures, M11D is the closest to perfection the camera industry has to offer at this point.

[SrMi]

11 hours ago, LeicaM60 said:

 

Can we have a summary 😁?

[shirubadanieru]

I had all D variations and I actually think that if you want something purely focused on just shooting with no way to check photos etc until you get home, then only the original variant based on the m240 is the one that allows you to do that. It was by far the best version of the M240 to come out from my PoV and I did regret selling it. On the opposite end, it was a little chubby and results wise is a bit below what came after (and before, as I do prefer the M9 to the M240 lineup). 

The M10-D, I had it and loved the lever, and wish it was in all M cameras, not just the D. But that’s it, there is nothing else where the M10-D is better or equal. To go into more detail, here’s where I think the M11-D is a better camera:

• Body design: I don’t like the ISO lever on the M10/M11 actually…it’s hard to use, doesn’t look as nice or clean from a design perspective, so the M11-D going back to a clean top plate is great, I much prefer it. 
• Weight: No comparison! The M11-D with a small lens (ie less than 250g) is lighter than a Q3!! (& smaller too!). 
• Battery: No comparison again, the M11-D allows you to charge your camera with a USB-C cable, and if you don’t use a SD card (I don’t), then you will never ever have to remove your battery from the camera; especially when traveling, being able to carry one USB-C cable for all your gadgets is amazing.
• Back dial: This was actually my least favorite design choice in the M10-D, with the wi-fi button, and exposure control…felt too distant from a film Leica or the original M-D design; I much prefer the M11-D, going back to the D/film roots with the ISO dial on the back. 
• Fotos app: you can choose to ignore it completely in both the M10-D and M11-D after the initial setup; but if you do decide to use it, the M11-D is way better than the M10-D in terms of conectivity. With the M10-D I avoided the fotos app because it was slow and cumbersome, so I’d always prefer to get the SD card out to transfer photos, and didn’t use the app for anything else. With the M11-D, while I never use the fotos app to view pictures (as it defeats the purpose of the D tbh), I use it now to transfer photos, which again means I don’t even need cables to get the photos on my iPad / Lightroom.

 

All in all, the M11-D is a much more refined version of the D series when compared to the M10-D, and I definitely think it’s a step up.

[charlesphoto99]

On 10/9/2024 at 3:48 PM, setuporg said:

 Visoflex allows for close focusing lenses.  

 

I find it ironically funny that people buy a screen less camera just to then add a screen to it.

[Derbyshire Man]

Not really. Like any tool it has strengths and weaknesses. There is a freedom from being screenless much of the time, however if occasionally you want to focus up close or use a very wide lens or a long zoom, it means that you still have the option to purchase without cutting off your possibilities, rejecting the whole idea or needing multiple bodies. 

But superficially at least I see the joke!

[evikne]

21 minutes ago, Quarterpounder said:

Maybe there will be a M11-D "Pro" version with a rear screen?

I think no screen should be standard on M cameras, and then perhaps they could put a screen on some special models.

[hdmesa]

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2 hours ago, charlesphoto99 said:

I find it ironically funny that people buy a screen less camera just to then add a screen to it.

Honestly who gives a fuck what you or me or anyone sense thinks, lol. But since you seem bent on continuing to make fun of people’s camera choices, here’s what I think: The D is perfect for no Visoflex or Visoflex either one. I hate the rear LCD with a white hot hate for a few reasons, none of them having to do with the usual reasons for wanting a D. I can’t see things close up without putting on reading glasses, so the rear screen is useless for me because I don’t like to be constantly switching between my sunglasses and readers or readers and no readers (don’t need them for the rangefinder). The Visoflex has the diopter, so that works perfectly for me. Secondly, I hate the rear LCD because I don’t like having to keep it protected when strapped over the shoulder from anything on the edge of my pockets like knife and flashlight. I also don’t like how it gets fingerprinted up, etc. None of that is really a big deal, but it annoys me because I can’t make good use of the rest screen anyway.

Ok, now I’m off to look up what gear you have and start making fun of you in all those threads 🤪

[jaapv]

Good argument for a flip screen..:

[evikne]

10 minutes ago, jaapv said:

Good argument for a flip screen..:

Why not? It's been done before. 😉

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!

 

[hdmesa]

30 minutes ago, jaapv said:

Good argument for a flip screen..:

One the most overlooked benefits of the flip screen is being able to completely hide and protect the rear screen. But it would be better suited for some sort of small M-SL hybrid with an M mount.

What I hope they never do is add the thick SL3/Q3 tilt screen to the M12.

[setuporg]

6 hours ago, SrMi said:

Can we have a summary 😁?

I sense an executive:)

[SrMi]

54 minutes ago, setuporg said:

I sense an executive:)

Not really  :-). I fought against being a manager my whole career.

However, I feel watching YouTube videos is often a waste of time, though Gaston is typically not that bad. A summary could entice me to watch it.

[evikne]

42 minutes ago, Quarterpounder said:

Why is there no demand for a b/w "D"?

It is. If I had the money, I would gladly buy one. But it would be a niche within a niche within a niche within …

[Derbyshire Man]

12 hours ago, SrMi said:

Can we have a summary 😁?

He prefers the M10; on the M11 you cannot format in camera (shrug), slower start up from off (let's be honest, start from standby, also they are all rubbish), he complained that you couldn't use the function button to set up magnification with the visoflex (you can using the thumbwheel), likes the thumb rest, the M10D is cheaper.

It was honest though, he doesn't mind the smaller files, 4 batteries for day out and no USB charging on the M10D.

I've never had an M10D but I can't imagine any of that would do it for me! One battery, easy charging, easy to use clean interface, much better potential for Foto's/background transfer as needed, large ISO dial on the back. I think the M11D is gorgeous! The only problem I have is that without the power to see in the dark, when I change the shutter speed dial I have no clue what the shutter speed is in dark situations. Not a problem probably if you're 18 but I don't suppose many 18 year olds own M11D's and it makes it impossible for me. Just like when I change ISO that appears for a second in the viewfinder I'd like the same with shutter speed. Aperture I can do by feel.

[fenykepesz]

vor 39 Minuten schrieb Derbyshire Man:

Just like when I change ISO that appears for a second in the viewfinder I'd like the same with shutter speed.

i actually find this an excellent, very helpful suggestion, @Derbyshire Man !  a change in shutter speed gets displayed in the OVF for a second - perhaps possible with the next firmware 2.1.4 ?

Edited November 3, 2024 by fenykepesz

[Derbyshire Man]

20 minutes ago, fenykepesz said:

i actually find this a very helpful suggestion, @Derbyshire Man !  a change in shutter speed gets displayed in the OVF for a second - perhaps possible with the next firmware 2.1.4 ?

Maybe drop a line to Wetzlar, I just have, after finding it a real PITA trying to guess shutter speed on the M11D during our annual firework season! See also gigs, night time street & available light portraiture. 

[fenykepesz]

vor 6 Minuten schrieb Derbyshire Man:

Maybe drop a line to Wetzlar, I just have, after finding it a real PITA trying to guess shutter speed on the M11D during our annual firework season! See also gigs, night time street & available light portraiture. 

i can absolutely agree with that, @Derbyshire Man !  i was just two days ago in this situation at the usual Halloween outing in our neighbourhood - it was pitch black at times !

but what address should one use for Wetzlar ?  info@leica-camera.com ?  or customer.care@leica-camera.com ?

[LeicaM60]

13 hours ago, SrMi said:

Can we have a summary 😁?

Skip to 11:52 and watch the last minute and a half.

[charlesphoto99]

21 hours ago, hdmesa said:

 

Ok, now I’m off to look up what gear you have and start making fun of you in all those threads 🤪

M10-R black paint, M10M, M9, M3, Nikon D850, and Leica digital CL (which I never use and need to sell). Flame away! 😅

But, yes, I get it. The M11D looks like a fantastic camera in all intents. I'm more poking fun at Leica about the 'purity,' 'back to analog' aspect of having no screen as a premium selling point, just to have people slap a video box on top or ping it into a phone. But that's okay. I do have an 020 Viso sitting in a case. Maybe used it once. Can't stand the blackout or just about anything else with an EVF. Tried the new Viso on an M11. Ho hum, just not the true M experience, for me. I can see how others like it, though it is a bit of a sludge compared to purpose built EVF cameras like a Q, SL, Nikon Z, etc. I personally find it way easier to focus with the rangefinder, even a 135.  The few times I've used LV I use the back screen - typically odd situations like leaning over my son to shoot out a plane window (because the kids always get the window seats). 

Anyway, I apologize for the ribbing. I'll go easy(ier) in the future. Enjoy that M11D. 

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[charlesphoto99]

13 hours ago, Derbyshire Man said:

The only problem I have is that without the power to see in the dark, when I change the shutter speed dial I have no clue what the shutter speed is in dark situations. 

This has been an issue going all the way back to the M6 (and even black paint M3 and M4's.). I do think Leica could make more use in other modes of the LED's in the rangefinder. For no, if you know you're going to be working in dark environments, wearing a little led flash light on a lanyard is your best bet. I always thought a little led light on the body that splays over the shutter speed dial when pressing a recessed button (or say, function button) would be interesting.