Leica M11 Rangefinder Camera | Black Finish

The Leica M11 rangefinder camera seamlessly combines classic design with modern performance, featuring an enhanced sensor architecture and improved connectivity, all while preserving the iconic aesthetic of a Leica M camera. 

60MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor

The M11 is equipped with a newly designed 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor that boasts a higher resolution and incorporates a back-illuminated (BSI) architecture, enhancing noise performance and accelerating readout speeds. This increased resolution is particularly advantageous for applications requiring meticulous detail, such as landscape and architectural photography. Additionally, the noise-reduction capabilities of the BSI design contribute to improved clarity and color fidelity in low-light situations, especially when utilizing higher ISO settings. Furthermore, the sensor features an advanced ultrathin dual-layer filter glass that effectively absorbs UV and IR wavelengths, resulting in enhanced clarity and more precise rendering when using M lenses.

Triple Resolution Technology

In addition to the 60MP resolution and BSI architecture, M cameras introduce another innovative feature: Triple Resolution Technology. This distinctive pixel binning technique enables photographers to choose from 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP outputs, with each resolution utilizing the entire sensor area and delivering vibrant 14-bit color. By pixel binning, rather than cropping, the lower resolutions have improved dynamic range and noise levels:

• 60MP: 14 stops of dynamic range, highest resolution
  
  
• 36MP: 15 stops of dynamic range, best balance of resolution and noise
  
  
• 18MP: 15 stops of dynamic range, lowest noise levels
  
  

Maestro III Image Processor

The recently introduced Maestro III processor enhances the processing speed and incorporates Triple Resolution Technology in the M11. This advancement allows for a broader sensitivity range compared to previous M camera models. Users can now access an ISO range of 64-50000, which results in improved detail, quality, and more natural color reproduction at lower ISO levels. Additionally, the Maestro III supports continuous shooting at a rate of up to 4.5 frames per second and ensures rapid file saving, thereby providing a more intuitive shooting experience.

Imaging Improvements

The M11 remains a camera designed exclusively for photography, emphasizing manual control; however, it has undergone several enhancements and functional upgrades, establishing it as the most advanced M camera to date. The introduction of an electronic shutter allows for shooting at speeds of up to 1/16,000 sec, facilitating the use of faster f/0.95 lenses without requiring ND filters. Additionally, the mechanical shutter supports speeds of up to 1/4000 sec and offers flash synchronization at 1/180 sec.

The camera features two digital zoom options that can emulate the effect of longer focal length lenses by slightly cropping the image, available at 1.3x (39MP) and 1.8x (18MP) settings. These crops can be reversed when capturing in DNG format or remain permanent when shooting directly in JPG.

Furthermore, multi-field exposure metering is provided alongside spot and center-weighted average metering, which minimizes the necessity to meter and then recompose prior to taking a shot. Long Exposure Noise Reduction is also included to diminish noise visibility, although it can be turned off to expedite saving times.

Traditional Rangefinder Design

The M11 features a design that transcends time, drawing inspiration from the original M camera, the M3, which was introduced in 1954. This iconic and easily identifiable shape emphasizes user-friendly handling and shooting, all while maintaining a refined and minimalist aesthetic.

Optical Viewfinder and Rear LCD

The optical viewfinder features a spacious and luminous 0.73x-magnification rangefinder, equipped with automatic parallax compensation and bright-line frame lines that correspond to the image sensor size at a focusing distance of 6.6 feet. Additionally, the camera's front includes a viewfinder frame selector, allowing users to manually adjust the apparent image field and visualize scenes with different focal lengths. The available options include focal length pairs of 35mm/135mm, 28mm/90mm, and 50mm/75mm.

The rear 2.95-inch, 2.3 million-dot touchscreen LCD has been redesigned to enhance brightness, thereby improving visibility in bright sunlight. The revised menu layout aligns with the Q and SL systems, facilitating more intuitive navigation and quicker adjustments directly from the initial menu page. Additionally, live view stabilization minimizes the effects of camera shake on the rear LCD or the optional Visoflex 2, allowing for more precise manual focusing with longer focal length lenses.

Updated Body Design and Handling

Despite the M11's similarity to past M cameras, it features a variety of notable changes to its body design:

• This black finish version of the M11 features an aluminum top plate with a scratch-resistant coating. This design is about 20% lighter than the silver-chrome version, which features a brass top plate, and weighs 1.2 lb with the battery installed.
  
  
• First M camera to not feature a removable baseplate; instead, the M11 borrows a design from the Q and SL systems and uses a new BP-SCL7 battery that inserts directly into the base of the camera body.
  
  
• BP-SCL7 lithium-ion battery has 64% more capacity than the previous generation's battery and is CIPA-rated for 700 shots per charge. However, if working with the optical viewfinder only, approximately 1700 shots per charge is possible.
  
  
• Revised design also incorporates a single UHS-II SD memory card slot within the battery compartment.
  
  
• Built-in 64GB memory means you can forgo using a memory card altogether, or use the internal memory in conjunction with an SD card to simulate having dual card slots for splitting file types or for overflow storage. Image files can also be transferred from the internal memory to the SD card for easy backup.
  
  
• USB-C port on the base permits in-camera battery charging and file transferring.
  
  

Wired and Wireless Connectivity

• The USB-C port can be used in conjunction with the included FOTOS cable, which allows direct attachment to your smartphone via the Leica FOTOS app for easy file management and sharing.
  
  
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can also be used for wireless connecting the camera to an iOS or Android device using the FOTOS app.
  
  
• In-app geotagging is possible along with the ability to select favorites and apply ratings to images via your mobile device.