Camera manufacturer Leica is launching the fourth version of the M11 rangefinder camera in the market. The M11-D comes without a display on the back and aims to give the user an even more analog experience when taking pictures. Instead of the display, the user will get a large ISO adjustment wheel. Apart from the thumbwheel, there are no buttons or wheels on the back. On the top of the camera, next to the shutter button, there is only the wheel for exposure time (including automatic). An accessory shoe can be used if necessary. The aperture must be adjusted on the lens; auto aperture is still possible.
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The back of the Leica M11-D is nearly empty except for the two control wheels and the viewfinder.
(Image: Leica)
The original model of the M11 came out in 2022 with a digital display. So far there have been two versions: the M11 Monochrom, which records only in black and white, and M11-P (from €8950)A type that should primarily appeal to press representatives and photographers who want to verify their images as genuine (not AI-generated) via a digital signature according to CAI.
M11-D also offers certification through CAI. About the website https://contentcredentials.org/verify The photos are worth checking out. Like the M11-P, Leica has removed the red dot on this model and instead uses a Leica engraving on the top of the camera.
However, according to Leica, the user should not give up comfort. Additional functions can be set using the Leica Photo app that are not possible using the analog elements. Once saved in the app, they should be permanently saved on the camera. In addition to the remote control, a geotag can also be integrated. In addition, photos can be transferred from the camera to a smartphone or tablet and therefore examined immediately. Leica promises particularly good connectivity with Apple devices, as this camera, like all current Leica models, is a certified “Made for iPhone and iPad” product.
Simple without a red dot: Like the M11-P, the Leica M11-D comes without a red dot to be less noticeable. It’s no less expensive.
(Image: Leica)
technical features
There is no autofocus. Sharpness is adjusted via a cross-sectional image between the rangefinder and the focus ring on the lens. The rangefinder itself is optical, so it does not have a digital display, but it does have a digital display and an illuminated frame. According to Leica, the viewfinder image and the actual image must match. The corresponding light frame is displayed in the viewfinder. The optical magnification of the viewfinder is 0.73 for all lenses.
The M11-D – like its sister models M11 and SL3 – can take pictures in three different image sizes: 60, 36 and 18 megapixels. Leica says the M11-D comes with three gigabytes of buffer memory, enabling a continuous shooting speed of five images per second (DNG format, 14 bit). The internal memory holds 256 gigabytes of image data. It is possible to use UHS-II-enabled SD cards (XC up to two terabytes).
Despite the analog feel, the Leica M11-D still offers familiar functions. It uses a mechanical and an electronic shutter and various exposure and white balance modes. Interval shooting, exposure bracketing and exposure compensation are also possible as usual. The ISO range starts at a native ISO of 64 and ends at ISO 50,000.
The housing of the M11-D is made of aluminum and magnesium alloy and covered with synthetic leather. The lenses use the Leica M bayonet.
Price, Accessories & Comparison
The M11-D is now available for 9350 euros (without lens), which corresponds to an additional 600 euros over the original M11. There are leather accessories to match the camera, including a black protector and black and cognac coloured carrying straps.
(CBR)
