Leica M11 Review: A Superb Digital Rangefinder Camera

Product: Brand Name: Leica
Product: description: Digital Rangefinder Camera
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Product: title: Leica M11
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Article: description: If you’re in the market for a rangefinder camera, there is no better choice than Leica. The Leica M11 is just one model worth considering for your photographic needs.
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Digital rangefinder cameras are high-end interchangeable lens cameras heralded for their incredibly sharp images, precision focusing, and compact bodies. And while they have been around forever, they have only recently become more popular in the mainstream photography market. 

Many factors have led to this boom in popularity, but the primary one is the jaw-dropping imaging capabilities of the most recent Leica M-Series cameras. The newest model is the Leica M11, and if you want to learn more about it, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we share everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind digital rangefinder camera!

One amazing resource with loads of used Leica M11 cameras in stock and a place I have bought and sold countless camera gear over the years is MPB. They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling used photo and video kit at unbeatable prices.  

Furthermore, all of their cameras are meticulously hand-inspected by expert product specialists and backed by warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free. Another outstanding feature of MPB is its online platform, where you can trade in and sell your old camera equipment to help offset the cost of new-to-you gear you want and need.

What are we waiting for? Let’s jump in and take a closer look at the superb Leica M11 digital rangefinder camera!

Check out the video above by DPReview TV to learn more about the Leica M11 and see some example images shot with it.

Table of Contents

Leica M11 Review: Specs and Features

The brand new Leica M11 launched earlier this year and replaced the M10 as the company’s flagship digital rangefinder camera. Its signature specs are its high-resolution 60-megapixel full-frame sensor and powerful Maestro III image processing engine. The pair combine to make the M11 the fastest and most advanced digital rangefinder ever.

The image sensor features back-side illuminated (BSI) technology, which improves the camera's low-light performance, reduces noise, and leads to faster readout speeds. Additionally, the sensor features two layers of filtered glass which boost clarity and overall image quality.

Other highlights of this camera include 64GB of internal storage, live view stabilization, a large optical rangefinder, and built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Two important things to note are that the M11 doesn’t have autofocus or any video capabilities.

Here’s an in-depth look at the Leica M11 specs and key features:

  • Camera Type: Digital Rangefinder
  • Sensor: 60MP Full-Frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO: 64 - 50,000
  • Lens Mount: Leica M Mount
  • Speed: 4.5 fps
  • Autofocus: None
  • Video: None
  • Leica M11 Size: 139 x 39 x 80 mm
  • Leica M11 Weight: 640 grams
  • Battery Life: 700 shots
  • Stabilization: No
  • Touchscreen: Yes

Leica M11 Review: Build and Handling

Turning to the physical construction of the Leica M11, the first thing that jumps out is its beautiful retro design. From the outside, it has the look and feel of classic Leica rangefinder cameras, but it’s jam-packed with advanced technology on the inside. It’s the best of both worlds! Also, its compact and lightweight body makes it perfect for travel and street photography.

Moreover, I absolutely love the handling and ergonomics of the M11. There are two exposure dials, a function button on the top plate, and four additional buttons on the camera's rear. Three of the buttons are fully customizable, which allows you to best match the camera to your needs, and increases workflow speeds.

Two more unique build features of the M11 are its large rear LCD and the elimination of a battery door. In lieu of having a battery door, the camera batteries have base plates that act as part of the camera’s exterior. This allows you to change batteries quickly and provides easy access to the memory card slot. 

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Leica M11 Review: Photo and Video Capabilities

Shot on the Leica M11

In terms of imaging capabilities and performance, the Leica M11 is off the charts! Its 60MP max image resolution is impressive and is only matched by a handful of other professional mirrorless cameras like the Sony Alpha a7R IV and Phase One XF. With so many megapixels, your images will never suffer from a lack of quality, even if you have to enlarge them for printing. 

Another cool imaging feature of this Leica digital rangefinder camera is the never-before-seen Triple Resolution Technology. It’s a state-of-the-art process that uses pixel binning and allows users to choose from three different-sized RAW images, 60MP, 30MP, or 18MP. Resolution drops as you lose megapixels, but the dynamic range and noise levels improve.

Photographers love a few more imaging features: the new electronic shutter, two steps of digital zoom, and long exposures of up to one hour. The electronic shutter tops out at 1/16,000 sec. The zoom steps are 1.3x and 1.8x. And the long exposure settings are great for creating time-lapses.

Once again, please remember that the M11 is a stills-only camera. It is not a video camera and has no video recording capabilities.

Leica M11 Review: Price

Lastly, let’s talk about the Leica M11 Price. For a new camera, you can expect to pay in the ballpark of around $9,000. However, if you are willing to consider buying a used Leica M11, you can knock off $1,000 or more from that price. We know that’s still a staggering amount of money to pay for a camera, but trust us, if you have the money, it’s worth every penny.

Final Thoughts on the Leica M11

As you can see, the Leica M11 is a premium digital rangefinder camera with tons going for it. It’s an unbelievably well-made camera with a boatload of advanced features and specs, ideal for professional photographers who crave quality above all else. The lack of autofocus and video capabilities might scare some people away, but if you have the money, it’s unquestionably one of the best cameras on the market!

If you like the idea of shooting with a digital rangefinder camera but aren’t 100% sold on the Leica M11, here are a few more highly-rated options to consider:

And as a final thank you for reading our Leica M11 review, here are some of my favorite rangefinder lenses to use when working with digital rangefinder cameras. You can get killer deals on them now over at MPB!

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