Back to basics as Leica launched the third generation of its screenless rangefinder. The M11-D is a fully featured digital camera based visually on the Leica M11-P, with its top-plate engraving and absence of the red dot. Apart from the absence of a rear screen, the M11-D has a full set of features. They include triple-resolution technology, Contact Credentials, the familiar triple-resolution 60MP sensor and a 256 GB internal memory.
The M10-D was withdrawn four years ago in 2020 at the same time as the standard M10 production ceased. Many assumed the screenless rangefinder disappeared because it had not been successful. But that was not the case; on the contrary, the lack of a -D version has been a disappointment for fans of this back-to-basics camera. There was a steady demand for the M10-D throughout its life, and it is significant that used prices have remained extremely robust. There is likely to be strong demand for this near version, which is undoubtedly the best implementation of the screenless rangefinder yet seen.
Screenless rangefinder: The features
The most obvious change between the M10-D and M11-D is the absence of the familiar ISO dial on the left of the top plate. Instead, the camera boasts a finely crafted ISO dial on the back of the camera, similar to those found on film cameras. The power switch has reverted to a lever concentric with the shutter release, as on the other models in the M11 range.
Another notable absence is the faux wind-on lever, which was a controversial addition to the last model. The CMOS sensor offers triple resolution technology at 60, 36 and 18MP. The screenless rangefinder is the second camera, after the M11, to feature Content Credentials (CAI) which helps photographers to protect their copyright. There is a substantial 256 GB internal memory, similar to other M11 variants.
A scratch-resistant black-paint finish and aluminium top plate mirrors that of the M11; there is no complementary silver finish with brass top plate version. In a nod to the classic M11-P, the M11-D has a similar Leica top-plate engraving and foregoes the red dot on the front of the camera. It is therefore a very unobtrusive camera with a classic appearance, enhanced by the dark-chrome viewfinder.
The screenless rangefinder Leica M11-D will retail for a recommended £8,100 including UK tax. It is supplied with a USB-C cable, a carrying strap and quick-start guide. As is now standard with new Leica cameras, there is no battery charging pod supplied and the primary means of battery charging is in-camera via the USB-C port. New accessories include a leather carrying strap with shoulder pad (£115), a leather half-case (£245). Other M11 accessories such as the hand grip and thumb grip will fit the new screenless rangefinder.
PRESS INFORMATION
New: Leica M11-D
The New Camera in the Leica M-System Combines an Analogue Photography Experience with a Digital Workflow
Wetzlar, 12th September 2024. The Leica M-System is synonymous for legendary “Made in Germany” quality. Since the introduction of the Leica rangefinder system in 1954, the world’s best photographers have appreciated Leica M-Cameras and Lenses for their unique image quality and the intuitive handling, as well as their masterful manufacture and value preservation. The Leica M has remained true to its iconic design and the focus on the essential without compromise and today the same applies to the Leica M11-D, the latest camera in the M11 family. By removing the LCD display on the back and replacing it with a large ISO dial, photography with the Leica M11-D focuses on the elementary aspects of pictorial design such as composition, aperture, shutter speed and ISO without sacrificing functionality. With distinct customisability, modern connectivity and hardware-based authenticity technology, which was first introduced into the camera market with the M11-P as Leica Content Credentials, the M11-D proves to be a perfect combination of classic range-finder photography and state-of-the-art camera technology. Clean lines, matt black painted surfaces and the absence of the red Leica logo make the new M11-D a master of understatement in the timeless Leica product design.
The M11-D allows for images with a resolution of either 60, 36 or 18 MP, with the 3GB cache making continuous shooting of up to 5 pictures per second with 60MP possible. In combination with the full-frame sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, which has been exclusively designed for the Leica M11 family, as well as an ISO range from native ISO 64 to ISO 50,000, the Leica M11-D achieves brilliant image results with excellent noise performance even in low light. The 256GB internal memory and powerful battery provide ample space for the images, and at just 540 grams (incl. battery), it undercuts its predecessor by 115 grams, making it a comfortable camera to use for long periods of time. It is extremely convenient to use and, with individual function key assignment, can be made very personal. As an M-Camera, it also opens up the world of the unsurpassed M-Lenses and is compatible with all M fixed focal lengths made since 1954.
Although the Leica M11-D transfers the analogue experience to the digital world, it does not confine itself to that. Each photographer decides for themselves at what time the digital workflow is to be integrated into the work with the M11-D, with seamless connectivity offered via Bluetooth or direct cable connection. As a certified “Made for iPhone® and iPad®” product, it provides a particularly fast and comfortable connection to iOS devices.
Connection with the Leica FOTOS app enables a quick and easy photo transfer, remote control of the camera and geotagging, as well as the ability to check and assess pictures in app on iOS or Android devices independently from the camera. Adjustments such as the white balance and the choice between the file formats DNG and JPEG can also be made in app. Once saved in the Leica FOTOS app, the M11-D adopts the settings permanently. In this way, the new M-Camera can be customised to the desired requirements.
Thanks to the hardware-based Leica Content Credentials technology, the new M11-D helps to protect the authenticity of digital images. The technology is based on the framework described by the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and the open technical standard of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), which means the authenticity of the pictures taken with the M11-D can be checked at any time with a freely available tool or at https://contentcredentials.org/verify.
Alongside the new M11-D, two matching high-quality leather accessories are available. One is a black protector, specifically designed for the M11-D with a cutout for the mechanical ISO dial on the camera’s back. The other is a carrying strap available in black and cognac, crafted from a single piece of leather, suitable for all M-Series cameras.
With a sharp focus on the future, Leica is redesigning its packaging, launching a new packaging concept for Leica products with the M11-D. Produced in Germany, the newly designed boxes are crafted almost entirely from natural paper.
The Leica M11-D will be available globally at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorised dealers starting now, with a retail price of £8,100.00 including VAT.
SPECIFICATION
Read more about the screenless digital M over the years
Jonathan Slack’s long-term review of the M11-D
Thorsten von Overgaard on the Leica screenless Ms
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Thorsten Overgaard just published his review of this camera, if anyone is interested to compare what he and Mike have to say.
Thanks, Martin. I enjoy Thorsten’s reviews and will read it today. We have just published Jono Slack’s review. My piece yesterday was just the launch announcement and most of it consisted of what Leica had to say!
“..is compatible with all M fixed focal lengths made since 1954..” ..really? ..Including the Dual-Range close focus 50mm? Most (all?) of the digital M cameras since and including the M8 have NOT been compatible with that, as the cameras have had a lump in the chamber behind the lens which prevents the 2nd focusing cam from allowing focus beyond about 12 feet. Not to mention the lack of light metering with some of the early wide-angle, deep-set (21mm) lenses.
So I wonder if any of that has changed, or if the Press Info copywriters are simply unaware..
As for the absence of the screen on the back – sorry Mike – I just laugh and laugh at that. If you don’t want to see the pictures you just took ..just don’t look! ..Why would one NOT want to see what you’ve just taken?
Why not remove all shutter speeds above 1/1000th of a sec, to pretend you’re using 12 ASA or 25 ASA Kodachrome? Why not – for all those who want to, er, “..slow down..” as they put it, and be more deliberate – just put an electronic limiter inside, so that you must wait half-a-second (let’s call it ‘wind-on time’, pretending it’s a film camera) between photos?
Or – better still! – let’s ask Leica to put a full 36-shot limiter inside, so that after you’ve taken 36 photos you then have to wait at least a minute before taking any more ..reminiscent of the early M cameras which needed the film rewinding, removing, and a new film inserted, after taking 36 pics?
It’s the very antithesis of what camera manufacturers have tried to do for photographers since Edwin Land made a camera which let you see your photos sixty seconds after shooting them. Maybe we should all go back to black-&-white screens, oh, and black-&-white TV, and films, and video.
It’s insanity, masquerading as some kind of imagined ‘superior photography’.
I dunno; some people will buy anything, as long as it’s not what normal, sane people want.
P.S: ..Sudden idea: I know ..let’s simply NOT LOOK at ANY of the photos we take ..you know, like Garry Winogrand and Vivian Meier did ..never developing most of their films: just the taking of the picture was enough for them. So maybe for £10k, Leica could make a camera which doesn’t actually take any photos at all, but just gives you the feeling of having taken a photograph. That really should sell well..
Ah, David, the M11-D is clearly not destined for the overburdened shelves of Babsky Bothy. It’s a good job we don’t all have the same needs and wants! As for the PR copywriters, I take no responsibility. That’s what they say, guv.
Try the Fujifilm X-Pro3. It has a hinged cover on the back to hide the screen when you don’t want to look at it. Plus the cover itself has a small screen the size of the end of a traditional 35mm film box. So you can have that screen show the film simulation currently selected, or other bits of information.
I once suggested on the leica user forum that since we had a faux wind on lever, a faux brassing M, and a faux cable release socket on the Q3, perhaps we should have Leica make a faux camera so the Hipsters could put it on the table at the cafe while sipping their lattes without having to stress over what to actually photograph…
That put some noses out of joint.
I prefer to see and review my digital images on a much bigger screen and don’t need the instant gratification of seeing what I just took on a tiny rear screen.If you do uou can use your phone and the Leica photos app, right? I also love that in a camera like this you are not wasting battery power on a rear screen or for autofocus mechanisms because there aren’t any. As Leica says you get all the digital goodness, functionality and capability of the M11. You get this without the battery drain. I think it’s a great idea. Just to reminnd you David, when we took photos with film cameras the smallest size we generally reviewed our photos was postcard size. The screens on digital cameras including the regular M11 is much smaller than that. I’d prefer this M11-D and mu iPad. In fact the more I think about it that seems like an excellent combination..
Does the Viso work with it? If so, that would allow some flexibility when needed.
If they made an M11-D Monochrom, I just might be interested. Of course it would need the faux rewind for an essential grip.
But I have almost the same thing: an M10 Monochrom, Hobby Japan faux rewind / thumb rest, Arte de Mano half case with snap on back panel. Looks just like a film M, works like it too if you want.
Yes, the Visoflex does work with it. Although, as you will see, Jonathan Slack reckons it is almost sacrilege to use a Viso on a -D camera. Now a monochrome -D might be too esoteric for Leica’s appetite…
Way back, around the time of the M8, Tom Abrahamsson and I tried to get Stefan to persuade the powers that be for a monochrome digital. Tom would have liked what has been offered, but much more have liked an M11 DM. At least that is what I am channeling. That is what I would like.
Ed
I have read the sales pitch MaxMax gives for monochrome conversions, but looking at the examples they give I don’t see a big difference. Is the Leica all that different?
MaMax wants 2500 U$D to convert my Df. I can shoot a lot of real B&W film for that. Besides, i really like the monochrome JPEGs my Df produces.
A gorgeous camera. A beautiful tool for the purist which I consider myself. However, being long in the tooth I am now a cheerful OM system man as I can only carry one camera system. There has never been a better time for photography.
While I understand your view, Brian, I nevertheless have to take the M11-D seriously and will buy one. Otherwise, with nothing to write about, Macfilos will wither on the vine…
I would love the M11-D even just to hold at home but my wife is pressing me to be more conscious of my age limitations these days. Anyway, enjoy that amazing tool.
Thanks Mike. What will be interesting will be to see how the M11-D and the Pixii Max compare when both are available. They both seem to follow the same minimalist philosophy, both full frame and both take M mount lenses.
How does one set manual white balance on this? The manual suggests you cannot. That seems like a step backwards from the “essentials”
“Two options are available:
– automatic control
– fixed presets”
The short answer, Mahesh, is that I don’t know. Jonathan Slack might read this and give you an answer. His full review of the camera will be published early tomorrow morning. Mike
Hi Mike, thank you for replying. I’ve read jono’s review and checked the manual from Leica website as well. The above text I pasted is from that manual. There is absolutely no option of setting white balance manually like you can with any other digital M , except the D models. So yes, there is no manually setting of White balance. It is an improvement over M10-d one could say if we want to be positive about it.
I.e. at least we can set white balance for other situations such as cloudy, indoors etc
I never set white balance. There are presets in raw processors.
Hi there!
You’re right. For the time being there´s no possibility to set the white balance manually. It`s just AUTO or using the usual presets via the Fotos App. In general nothing you couldn’t fix with Firmware as the hardware is identical to the M11-P.
Write to Leica customer support and they might give you an outlook if a release is planned in the future or at least be happy for your input.
Cheers,
Andy