The new Leica M11 rangefinder: does it live up to the legend?

Among certain photographers, the Leica brand needs no introduction. Leica’s legendary M series of premium rangefinders dates back to 1954, and nearly seven decades later many still consider the original M3 model one of the best cameras ever made. Each successive generation offers a slate of thoughtful improvements and refinements, and the latest in this series – the stellar new M11 – continues the tradition of keeping a timeless classic relevant in an era of whirlwind advances and heightened expectations. So what sets the M11 apart from other recent offerings?

New sensor and processor
For starters, there’s an exclusive new full-frame BSI CMOS sensor featuring innovative Triple Resolution Technology that lets you choose from 60, 36 or 18MP image resolution for both DNG and JPEG recording, with an advanced algorithm ensuring that you’re always using the full area of the image sensor. Imagine the possibilities.

As you’d expect, the 60MP option gives you the best possible image quality in finest detail, with the lower resolutions delivering faster performance and smaller, more manageable files. The newly developed Maestro III processor works in tandem with the sensor, allowing for high-speed image processing and ample data storage.

Enhanced light gathering
Comprising two super-thin cemented layers of glass, there’s also a new IR + UV cut filter plus a new colour filter array: the former offers exceptional incident-light correction, while the latter ensures more accurate colour reproduction. And multi-field metering in rangefinder mode now serves as useful tool for curating light.

View Leica M11 Pricing and Availability at Vistek

Bases covered
In another welcome departure from earlier versions, this new model deliberately eschews the traditional but somewhat cumbersome baseplate, giving you easier access to the SD card and battery – plus a new USB-C port for more convenient charging and data transfer. The M11’s 1800 mAh battery also stores 64% more energy than its predecessors, enough power for up to 700 shots on a single charge.

Designed for improved ergonomics, an optional new handgrip similarly provides unobstructed access to the card and battery – and it conveniently doubles as a tripod mount.

What hasn’t changed?
Developed and manufactured in Germany to Leica’s world-renowned standards, the M11 boasts an unparalleled level of build quality and craftsmanship, guaranteed to deliver reliably robust lifelong performance. For anyone who enjoys rangefinder photography and all its unique creative advantages, the new Leica M11 doesn’t mess with what isn’t broken while keeping the updates practical, straightforward and simple, setting a new standard that will be hard to beat.