Leica M11
Announced January 13, 2022
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Leica M11 is a refined, powerful rangefinder that blends traditional manual shooting with modern conveniences like USB-C connectivity and internal storage. Although it delivers exceptional image quality through its high-resolution sensor, the system remains a niche, high-priced tool that requires precision and patience from its user.
Weighted from 22 reviewer scores
Pros
- Premium, lightweight industrial design without a baseplate
- Internal 64GB storage acts as a reliable backup
- Improved battery life and convenient USB-C charging
- Intuitive manual controls and engaging rangefinder experience
- High-resolution 60MP sensor with excellent dynamic range
Cons
- Very high price point compared to competitors
- Occasional software freezes and system lockups
- Lack of in-body image stabilization
- Unforgiving resolution requires precise manual focusing
- Tripod mounting obscures battery and memory card access
- Launch price $8,995 (USD)
- Sensor 60.3MP Full-Frame CMOS
What the Reviewers Say
All 22 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9/10
The combination of all the elements here makes the Leica M11 the most complete and versatile M digital to date by a massive margin.
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In the end though, the Leica M11 Initial is just their most powerful rangefinder to date with all the new conveniences, honestly they're most enjoyable to use.
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For some photographers, that’ll be reason enough to buy it.
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It might look nigh-on-identical to every other digital M-series model that has been released, but rest assured that thanks to all the under-the hood improvements, the new M11 is the best ever Leica M digital rangefinder.
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The M11 is an aspirational purchase for most budgets, but if you love using a rangefinder and can justify the price, you walk away with a camera that's every bit as stunning as the images it captures.
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With great image quality, a beautifully minimal design and exceptional build quality, the M11 oozes quality. But its 60MP resolution is very unforgiving when it comes to focusing errors.
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The M11 is beautiful and so much of me loves it. A part of my brain gets excited just picking up a Leica, let alone taking it out on a shoot.
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At first glance, one might be tempted to think that the M11 is a small step up from the M10, but a longer look shows that it is improved in almost every respect.
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The camera and the M11P are absolutely wonderful and are Leica’s most versatile M camera ever. The firmware has improved dramatically fixing a lot of the little issues that made the camera difficult to use.
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After playing around with the Leica M11 for about two weeks, I can easily say that it is one of the most rewarding cameras I’ve ever shot with.
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The M11 represents the pinnacle of modern digital viewfinder cameras. It is the nicest camera I’ve used, and I have used many.
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The M11 is the most refined take on the digital rangefinder yet. It’s a precise piece of engineering and feels like it in the hands, even down to the ISO dial, which snaps down with a satisfying “ping” after you’ve selected your speed.
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By sticking with some traditions (like an intuitive menu interface) and eschewing others (like the baseplate), the Red Dot has hit a home run with its new high-dollar rangefinder.
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Ultimately, this is definitely a worthy upgrade from the M10. It's the most powerful rangefinder from Leica and it has a whole host of quality of life improvements, and that makes it just really a joy to use.
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I will absolutely say that for the price, the upgrade was worth it to me. It is just a much better camera.
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It is the most fun and enjoyable camera I have ever used for that.
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After two years with the Leica M11 and going into the 70th year of this system, I can't imagine a better tool that does that for me than this one right here.
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[T]he manual experience and engaging with the image yourself, being you the creator of the image, is something that really makes me look forward every single day.
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They took the soul of the Leica M series that has been perfected over time and created a new masterpiece. It is the friend that will always be there with you, no matter where you go or what you do.
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Having spent a month with the M11, I can confidently say it’s the best camera I have ever used, yet explaining why is considerably more complex.
- Dave Herring 10/10
[T]he M11 really is like a 10 out of 10 camera for me in almost every scenario.
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In terms of a conclusion then, I think it should be pretty obvious at this point: I absolutely love this camera.
