The New Leica M11 Camera Release
The Release of the New Leica M11 Camera
One Sensor, Multiple Resolutions
Thanks to the layered sensor, the Leica M11 allows its users to switch between 60, 36 or 18 MP image resolution as they choose. Importantly, this change of resolution does not crop the sensor, it remains full frame coverage for each mode. Additionally, the 18mp and 36mp modes eek out another stop of dynamic range, according to the specifications (15 stops). We will do some testing to see how apparent this extra stop vs the 14 stops of dynamic range is with the full rez 50mp mode.
Goodbye Base Plate
One of the most notable differences for our dedicated Leica users is the omission of the traditional base plate. This change was designed to give photographers easy direct access to the battery and SD card, which now make up the bottom of the M11’s body. We eagerly await feedback from clients reminiscent of the good ole’ film days on the removal of this classic feature. Note, when ordering batteries, they now come in choice of black or silver.
IR + UV cut filter
To block and correct for unwanted incident light, two extremely thin, cemented layers of glass make up the new additions of a UV cut and IR filter. This sandwiching of IR and UV cut filters is a first for Leica and an upgrade from the M10 which only included the IR filter.
Internal Storage
Up to 64 GB can be stored internally on the Leica M11. This makes the M11 the first M model to save image files simultaneously onto two different storage media. The sample files we have seen from the M11 seem to average around 90mb as DNG files, so internally, you’ll be able to store around 700 images.
Touch Screen Display
We saw a touchscreen first on the Leica M10-R, however, if you’re upgrading from any other M body, this is a new feature. In addition, the touchscreen from the M11 is brand new, and doubles the resolution of the previous screen from the M10R (1.0 ppi vs 2.3 ppi).
More Juice!
Leica estimates the 1800mAh battery or the M11 stores 64% more energy than before. They say a single battery charge is now sufficient for around 700 exposures with the use of live view. Using only the rangefinder, that number rises to 1700 exposures.
Multi-field Metering in Rangefinder Mode
In an effort to help users to shoot in dynamic lighting conditions while also conserving battery, the M11 has the added capability to use multi-field metering in rangefinder mode.
New CFA Technology
We debated including this as a notable “new feature.” However, we hear frequently from our dedicated Leica users that color is one of the things that keeps them coming back. Leica notes their advancements work towards more accurate color reproduction, while at the same time not draining the scene of the environmental color that exists in that scene. Here at CI, we are excited to bring in a fine tooth comb to see if the difference is noticeable from previous models.
Want to hear what CI’s Leica users have to say about their experience? Click here to checkout our Medium Format Experience : Leica Edition.
Comparing The Leica M10 & M11 Side By Side
| Specification | Leica M10 Camera Body | Leica M10-R Camera Body | Leica M11 Camera Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Leica M | Leica M | Leica M |
| Sensor Format | Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor) | Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor) | Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor) |
| Sensor Resolution | 24 Megapixel (5976 x 3992) | 40.89 Megapixel (7864 x 5200) | 60.3 Megapixels ( 9528 x 6328 ) |
| Maximum Resolution | 5976 x 3992 | (7864 x 5200) | 9528 x 6328 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 24 x 36 mm | 24 x 36 mm | 24 x 36 mm |
| Image File Format | DNG, JPEG | DNG, JPEG | DNG, JPEG |
| Image Stabilization | No | No | No |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100 to 50000 | 100 to 50000 | 64 to 50000 |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 8 Seconds | Mechanical Shutter : 960 Secs to 1/4000 | Mech. shutter : 60 min to 1⁄4000 s Electro. shutter function: 60 s to 1⁄16000 s |
| Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot | Center-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot | Center-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual | Aperture Priority, Manual | Aperture Priority, Manual |
| White Balance | Auto, Color Temperature, Manual | Auto, Color Temperature, Manual | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shadow, Tungsten, HMI, Fluorescent (w), Fluorescent ©, Flash, Manual Metering, Full Manual (2000 K to 11,500 K) |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 5 fps continuous at 24 MP | Up to 4.5 fps continuous at 40 MP | Up to 4.5 fps continuous at 60 MP |
| Self-Timer | 2/12-Second Delay | 2/12-Second Delay | 2/12-Second Delay |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus Only | Manual Focus Only | Manual Focus Only |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical | Optical | Optical with Electronic Overlays |
| Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.73x | Approx. 0.73x | Approx. 0.73x |
| LCD Resolution | 1,036,800 Dot | 1,036,800 Dot | 2,332,800 dots |
| Display Type | Fixed LCD | Fixed Touchscreen LCD | 2.95" Active Matrix Touchscreen |
| Built-In Flash | No | No | No |
| Maximum Sync Speed | 1/180 Second | 1/180 Second | 1/180 Second |
| Flash Compensation | -3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps) | -3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps) | -3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps) |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) + 64GB Internal Storage |
| Interface Ports | N/A | N/A | USB C |
| GPS | No | No | Geotagging via Leica FOTOS app using Bluetooth |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
| Battery | BP-SCL5 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.4 VDC, 1300 mAh | BP-SCL5 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.4 VDC, 1300 mAh | BP-SCL7 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.4 VDC, 1800 mAh |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 139 x 80 x 38.5 mm | 139 x 80 x 38.5 mm | 139 x 80 x 38.5mm |
| Weight | 660 g (Body + Battery) | 660 g (Body + Battery) | 640 g (Silver Body + Battery) 530 g (Black Body + Battery) |
| Filter | IR | UV / IR | UV / IR |
| Pixel Pitch | 6.05 microns | 4.59 microns | 3.76 microns |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes | Yes |
| Metering Mode | TTL | TTL | TTL |
Leica’s Answers Frequently Asked Questions for the M11
If your questions are opinion based, we recommend you take a look at the article linked HERE, written by one of our CI experts, Dave Gallagher. The FAQs we’ve included below are taken straight from Leica, and mostly for practical application needs.
1) What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica M11 and the dynamic range?
The Leica M11 has a sensitivity range of ISO 64 to 50,000; it records at 14-bit color depth and has a dynamic range of up to 15 stops. The Leica M11 thus opens up entirely new areas of photography and delivers exceptional imaging performance even in difficult lighting conditions, especially while shooting with fast lenses in very bright light situations.
2) What connectivity features does the M11 offer?
The Leica M11 is an Apple “Made for iPhone and iPad” certified accessory and as such, offers unique abilities with the included Leica FOTOS cable. Upgraded connectivity features of the Leica M11 will be available through a new firmware version in the second half of 2022. This will enable the new M11’s advanced connectivity capabilities that will elevate users’ mobile workflows and enhance the Leica FOTOS app with the possibility to embed location data, access images via Bluetooth connection, and allow increased transfer rates.
3) Can the M11 also be focused with Live View?
The Live View function of the Leica M11 offers two convenient focusing methods. Focus Peaking, which automatically marks in-focus edges as colored lines, and Focus Aid, which offers the ability to magnify the subject on the monitor screen. The area of the image to be magnified can also be freely selected.
4) What processor type is installed in the new Leica M11?
The latest-generation Maestro-III image processor in the Leica M11 reflects the state-of-the-art of advanced processor technology. In combination with the equally new Triple Resolution sensor, this ensures that all exposures captured reveal exceptionally brilliant picture quality. Thanks to the latest sensor and processor technology, the Leica M11 delivers images with very low digital noise levels, true-to-life detail and a tender and elegant image look. Thanks to a 3 GB buffer memory and sequential shooting at up to 4,5 frames per second at full resolution, photographers will never again miss the decisive moment. The Maestro-III processor processes all image data arriving from the sensor with exceptional speed and, if required, can write them simultaneously as individual image files in two formats: a high-quality JPEG and a RAW file in DNG.
5) Can settings still be made when the camera is switched off?
All essential exposure parameters, such as focusing distance, shutter speed, aperture and ISO sensitivity, can be set when the camera is switched off. This enables photographers to make settings in anticipation of the photographic situations they expect to encounter.
6) Why doesn’t the M11 have an electronic viewfinder or an optical viewfinder with
electronic overlays?
Every Leica M camera stands for rangefinder photography; therefore it is particularly important to us that new functions don’t negatively influence the characteristic properties of a rangefinder camera. The current state of technology makes it impossible to construct an
electronic viewfinder with the optical quality, high focusing precision and compact dimensions of the combined rangefinder and viewfinder. This is why no changes have been made to the functional principles of the rangefinder of the Leica M11. With the optional Visoflex 2 viewfinder however, we do offer the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of an electronic viewfinder if needed or required by customers.
7) What is the latest firmware version?
The final Firmware Version for launch is Version 1.2.0.0
8) What accessories are available for the M-System or especially for the Leica M11?
With the evolution of the Leica M comes new accessories to enhance the rangefinder experience. The new Visoflex 2 electronic viewfinder features 3.7-megapixel resolution to provide outstanding image control in Live View mode. Encased in a metal exterior, the Visoflex 2 perfectly matches the M11 in terms of design and functionality. Full-frame viewing and the precise focusing of Leica lenses is supported by the Visoflex 2’s large diopter adjustment range of -4 to +3, and better comfort is experienced with the 90 degree tilt function. To improve ergonomics without obstructing access to the battery and SD card, photographers will have the option to complement their M11 with a newly designed handgrip. The new handgrip doubles as a tripod mount, where the Leica M11 can be attached to Arca-Swiss-standard tripod heads without the need for any additional equipment. The thumb support is also available for the M11 and enhances the ergonomics of the camera. It makes single-handed shooting much steadier and enables the use of longer shutter speeds without the risk of camera shake.
9) Does the M10 Visoflex work on the M11?
No, the M10 Visoflex is not compatible with the M11.
10) What is the difference between Live View Stabilization and IBIS?
The Live View image stabilization is a pure electronic image stabilization. It is not intended for taking still shots. An in-body image stabilization is a hardware function that moves the image sensor. Unfortunately, there is not enough space for this feature in the body of the M11.
11) Does the M11 Visoflex 2 work on the M10?
Yes, but this requires a camera FW update. This is expected to be available in mid-March. The M10 will then be able to run the Visoflex 2, but only at the 2.4 megapixel resolution available in the M10. This will result in a slightly smaller viewfinder image in comparison to the use at the M11.
12) Is the M11 weather sealed?
It is protected against light rain, but because the system (lenses and lens mount) is not sealed, we can not state any IP rating.
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QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CI SALESMAN
Steve Hendrix – 404.543.8475 – Steve@Captureintegration.com
Chris Snipes – 813.335.2473 – Chris@Captureintegration.com
Dave Gallagher – 770.846.5223 – Dave@Captureintegration.com
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