What Is the Appeal of the Leica M11?

Probably no camera brand is more polarizing than Leica, with some photographers being incredibly loyal to the brand and others seeing their cameras as overpriced niche products. So, what is it about their cameras that keep photographers coming back to them over and over? This interesting video takes a look at the Leica M11 and discusses why it is such an alluring camera. 

Coming to you from GxAce, this interesting video takes a look at the Leica M11 rangefinder camera and why it is such an interesting camera. With specs like a 60-megapixel sensor, Triple Resolution technology for increased dynamic range, 64 GB of built-in storage, and more, the M11 is certainly no slouch. On the other hand, at $9,000, one could argue it is overpriced from a pure specs standpoint; after all, you can buy a 100-megapixel medium format camera and accompanying lens for the same price or a top-of-the-line full frame body and lens. But as the video and most Leica users will tell you, it is not about the specs so much as it is the images the cameras render and the experience of using them. Are they worth the price? That's up to you. Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

Log in or register to post comments
4 Comments

No ibis rolling shutter a non starter

You're right, nobody will ever buy it because of that. Alex is totally wrong that "it is not about the specs so much as it is the images the cameras render and the experience of using them" it's actually all about the lack of IBIS and the rolling shutter, which has made countless other cameras that have sold tens of thousands of units "non starters."

Had to log in just to like this.

Leica for me is quality in a compact form. Often they're the only full frame option that's not a mega dslr body. In the right conditions, they are better and get out of the way more.

However, no AF and not really being able to see the RF patch in dull or low-contrast light — then, relying on zone focusing, which means closing the aperture down means it's not for me. I like to shoot at night. $10k for a fair weather camera with such a low potential hit rate just isn't value to me. I'd probably get much better as a photographer with something like a Ricoh GRIII instead.