For those who appreciate the tactile nature of photography, where the feel of the camera and the process matters as much as the final image, the Leica M11 is intriguing. But this blend of old-school charm and new technology comes with its share of quirks.
Coming to you from Jacek Sopotnicki, this detailed video dives into the Leica M11’s build quality, design, and functionality. The M11 has a solid metal construction, with design choices that harken back to classic film cameras. This includes features like the metal ISO dial and the lever that releases the battery, which resembles mechanisms used to open film doors on older cameras. While the build is sturdy, some design decisions have sparked debate. For instance, the battery release system requires two steps to remove the battery—likely a precaution to prevent it from falling out unexpectedly. However, this can feel cumbersome, especially when you’re trying to work quickly.
Another point of contention is the USB-C port placement. Located at the bottom of the camera, it can be inconvenient for users, particularly when charging or transferring files. This design choice prevents the camera from sitting upright. While Sopotnicki acknowledges the attempt to keep the M11’s aesthetic minimal, he also notes this setup isn’t ideal in practice. Despite these quirks, the M11 is fundamentally a camera for those who love the essence of a classic Leica design.
The video also touches on the M11’s performance, emphasizing the image quality. The sensor offers three different resolutions—60.3 MP, 36.5 MP, and 18.4 MP—allowing you to choose the resolution that best fits your needs without sacrificing full sensor readout. This means there’s no cropping, even when dropping the resolution, which can enhance dynamic range and low-light performance. For users who want to shoot at 60 MP, the M11 offers a high level of detail, but if you prioritize dynamic range or need better low-light shots, you can step down to a lower resolution. This flexibility can be a game-changer for those who want to adapt on the go without changing gear.
Sopotnicki notes that while the Leica M11 excels in image quality, it isn’t necessarily designed for absolute color accuracy. Unlike brands like Panasonic, which focus on precise, true-to-life colors, the M11 leans into a more analog, film-like aesthetic. This means the colors can appear slightly more vibrant or tinted, adding a unique character to the images. If you’re after a camera that brings a touch of nostalgia to digital photography, this could be a major draw. On the other hand, those who want true-to-life colors straight out of the camera might need to make adjustments in post-production.
Software and connectivity are also covered in the review. Leica has developed software that pairs seamlessly with Apple devices, making it easy to transfer photos and manage the camera’s settings. However, Sopotnicki mentions that despite several updates, the camera’s firmware can still be prone to glitches. This includes issues like occasional freezing, requiring a manual reset, and repetitive prompts when switching storage from an SD card to internal memory. For a camera at this price point, these flaws can be frustrating, but firmware updates may continue to improve the experience over time. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Sopotnicki.
