M11M or another lens?

[Steadimann]

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Hello all,

it's one of the topics - which is better and which can only be answered by myself, but I would love to hear what others think...

I enjoy my M11P very much (to which I stepped from Q2M) and currently have 28 Summilux, 35 Apo, 35 Steel rim reissue and 50 Summilux lenses. I'm on the verge of getting M11M, which makes very much sense these long winter night dark days and nice weather without any leaves etc.. So basically for 5 more months it's black and white for me  

Should I go for it? Or stay with P converting to BW and get 50 or 75 Noctilux? I wish Leica made 35 Noctilux

As a side note, I would love to get myself M11D instead of my P

Edited November 6, 2024 by Steadimann

[lexffm]

Definitely the M 11 M. It's just amazing...

[jaapv]

If you have to ask about getting a Monochrom it is better to spend your money elsewhere IMO. 

[DadDadDaddyo]

How much of your output do you currently convert to monochrome? If a lot of your work is already monochromatic in the end that's one thing. If conversion is something you do only occasionally, that's another thing. 

If the latter, why do you do the conversion, typically? Do you regard monochrome as an effect? Is it something you try on a shot sometimes to see if it looks better to you in monochrome? Is monochromatic output the "powdered wig" you put on to make your appearance in the court of aesthetic style and opinion?

If so, buy the lens. Bodies come and go, lenses are forever. 

If you're drawn to monochromatic work because that's where you're the most instinctive, if you see monochromatic output as a medium in its own right, with its own rules and aesthetics, and, if forced to choose, you'd be ready to commit to monochromatic output before you head out to take pictures, rather than deciding while you're editing, go ahead and buy the M11M. If what I've tried to describe in this paragraph is true of you and your work, you'll never look back. 

Edited November 6, 2024 by DadDadDaddyo
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[caloosajo]

Owning a Monochrom is a very unique experience, however transient that time may be. I had M10M for a little over a year, and decided to sell it alongside my M10 for an M11–which I’ve since sold haha. At the time, I gained more ready access to a dark room so I was enjoying the process of silver gelatin fibre prints for my B&W work. But then my child started Kindergarten, my wife started a new job, and we got a puppy. Not the most conducive setup for hours spent wet printing!

Fast forward to last weekend, where I just spent half a day drooling over my Monochrom files both in Lightroom and as inkjet prints. I’d say if you have any proclivity for pseudo-serious B&W work and can afford it, definitely make the leap for the Monochrom. You’ll discover a different kind of magic with the lenses you already own (especially the Steel Rim), and I hope you consider even a basic inkjet print setup to get the full experience.

My 35 Lux Pre-ASPH wide open on an M10M showcased the Mandler magic, including how beautifully it resolves on a high resolution sensor. 

Now I want an Monochrom again!!!

[hdmesa]

Given your current gear, I would much rather add the M11M. Noctilux are unique, but are you ok with the size, weight, and possibly having to rely on the Visoflex 2 for perfect focus?

[Jeff S]

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The only solution to GAS is to buy all of it.

Jeff

[leica5]

Excellent and sage advice from  competent Leica users. It just boils down to % utilization of Monochrome in photographic hobby. otherwise it is just GAS/hoarding, what ever you call it.

I have been guilty of It, yes I traded in M10M for M11M  and did not have time to use it,I use M11  here and there.

I have 75/1.25 bought 2years ago when it came out, it is heavy and special purpose lens, seldom used; I had 50/0.95 that I had traded in to Leica store.

What ever do think , what are your needs? and How often you gonna use it?

just for the kicks; I now have Q3/43 in the stash.( i forgot to mention all the M and SL lenses and one 100mm S lens.

 

 

[Steadimann]

Thank you.

I went through my photo catalouge and 80% of pictures I love is in black and white :)) they were made either with Q2M or converted, this does say alot I guess. I am on of those persons to whom devil is in the details... I remember when when I had just Q2M, there was no issue shooting only black and white, I loved it. And then I grew into Leica, naturally M came to mind, but this was wayyyy more expensive, I had no lenses, so it was hard to choose M11M + lenses in the very beginning. But I guess there is no way around it  I love shooting colour in summer, other than that - it's all black and white! Annd... i have lenses to pair.

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[nameBrandon]

I realize this may not be practical, but just throwing it out there.. I have an M11M, which I primarily shoot with the close-focus 35 lux. On either "side" of the focal length, I have a Q3.. the 28 and the 43. Depending on the goal of shooting, I take 2 of the 3 with me. Either Q3 gives me color and AF as needed. If the shooting is "for me", I primarily shoot with the M11M. If it involves family, kids, etc.. I end up using one of the Q3's more, but still have the M11M/35 in case I see something that triggers my monochrom spidey-sense.

I've tried to go single camera with a monochrom and always ended up selling it because there were instances I felt I was losing something without color (typically with family/kids stuff) and others would always ask for the color versions, and then I have to have the "monochrom conversation". 

The combination of Q3 + M11M offers a really good balance for me. 

[Derbyshire Man]

Yes buy the M11M.

My journey was similar. Q2M as I love monochrome primarily. Great camera but I wanted the focal length flexibility of the M. I felt that as it was a punt (I’d never had a rangefinder before) and very expensive I’d go M11P due to more flexibility per £. Great though that is it still led to the sale of the Q2M and replacement with the M11M. It’s heaven on earth. 

You already have plenty of lenses!

WRT the M11D, I cracked and bought one, also fabulous, I had half a mind at purchase on selling the M11P but I like the ability to spread focal lengths across the bodies, that utility and flexibility mean it’s currently going no where! I rarely use all 3, although did recently on a dawn trip around Chania in Crete where I had 28mm and 50mm on the colour cameras and 35mm summilux pre-asph on the M11M - it was one of the most blissful 2.5 hours of my life! Two is a much more  common scenario.

 

[Chris_Jenks]

I have a Q2M as well my M11 and would recommend you seriously consider that as an option.