Leica M11 Monochrom: Black and White 60MP Photos up to ISO 200,000
Leica has announced the M11 Monochrom, a digital rangefinder that features a multi-resolution full-frame BSI sensor that only captures black and white images.
A New Monochrome Rangefinder
The camera uses the body of the M11 and is made of all metal. Leica points specifically to the aluminum top plate, sapphire glass display, leatherette covering, and scratch-resistant black finish as contributing to what it calls “timeless appeal.”
The camera is fully monochrome like the photos it will take and doesn’t have the Leica logo but does have a dark chrome plating on the optical viewfinder that the company says accentuates its understated, iconic design.
The M11 Monochrom can shoot in three resolutions: 60, 36, or 18 megapixels. It shoots to JPEG and DNG RAW and has an expanded ISO range of 125 to 200,000.
“As a result, creators are able to capture images with an unprecedented rendition of even the finest details, an exceptionally natural looking definition even in difficult light conditions, and an extremely low noise even in the high ISO range,” the company says.
The M11 Monochrom again features internal storage but Leica has expanded it to 256GB. It can also shoot to an SD card which can be inserted into the battery compartment. Pictures taken with the camera can be transferred via the Leica FOTOS app either via USB-C or Bluetooth.
“The Leica M11 Monochrom is built on a tradition of excellence, from a legacy of exquisite craftsmanship, innovation, and iconic design to the ethos of the Leica M family: ‘Made in Germany’ with a focus on the essentials: Das Wesentliche,” Leica says.
The Leica M11 Monochrom is priced at $9,195 and is available starting today.
A New Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4
In addition to the new Monochrom, Leica has also announced a refined, new version of its Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. A reimagining of a “legendary” optic, the lens has been remade with the latest technology while maintaining the compact and lightweight design the original was known for.
It features 11 instead of nine aperture blades and the close focusing distance has been extended from 70 centimeters to 45 centimeters. The latter is only made possible by the double-cam gear especially developed by Leica engineers.
As a result, Leica says the rotation angle of the distance ring could be greatly expanded compared to the previous model so that focusing has become even more precise over the entire setting range.
“At the same time, neither the frame size nor the sensitivity of the focus has been changed, which makes the lens particularly comfortable to handle even when focusing within the extended close-up range. Up to 70 centimeters, focusing is done, as usual, via the rangefinder of the digital and analog M cameras. For focusing within the extended close-up range between 70 and 45 centimeters, it is necessary to use Live View on the screen, the Visoflex, or the Leica FOTOS app,” Leica explains.
The new Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH is available in silver or a black anodized version. The black version will be priced at $4,495 while the silver version will retail at $4,795. Both will be available starting April 13.
