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I can’t believe these problems are still happening with the Leica M11. The main one being the intermittent freezing that will inexplicably occur, necessitating a stoppage of use and a battery removal to reset. Despite a few firmware updates from Leica to correct it, the problem (aka “fatal flaw”) persists.
The video above is a single data point but you can find many such accounts from frustrated photographers.
As you know, I love M rangefinders and used them for many years, documenting my trials and tribulations here. On the whole, my experiences were positive. With them, I have created some of my most cherished personal photos, and also content for paid/professional work. I still believe that Leica M digital cameras and their accompanying lenses are a wonderful piece of photographic kit… when things are working.
Over a year ago I switched back to Nikon and into a Z9. It’s obviously a completely different animal — the opposite end of the spectrum as far as cameras go. However, if I’m going to shoot with AF and use big lenses, I prefer a large, robust body. The output I’m getting with this set-up is simply wonderful.
But…
As expected, I no longer carry my camera everywhere I go. Not an insignificant penalty to pay.
This lack of portability has been tempered by the fact that I now have a system that just works. All the time. Moreover, despite its size, the Z9 gets out of my way in use. I’m no longer distracted by the camera (specifically, its bugs/limitations); it is completely transparent in use. Which is interesting, because that was the promise of the digital Ms, and that promise was not far-fetched, since it was already fulfilled by the film Ms before them.
People often wince at the price of Leica gear, but in years gone by the price was less bitter to swallow because you knew you were getting a premium product that would last a lifetime (and beyond). That’s of course no longer true with digital cameras. But is it too much to ask to have a camera that you can depend on?
I hope Leica fixes this. I’ve been silently hoping that since the M11 was released, and the bug(s) first reported. I haven’t commented about it until now. But something about the fanfare accompanying the release of the cosmetically nicer M11-P with, reportedly, the same internals (except for more memory) struck me as a little tone-deaf.
Maybe the reports are false and the M11-P has been quietly sorted out, with respect to whatever software/hardware issues plague the M11.
One can continue to hope.
—Peter.
Prosophos 
Still making photos with my ME. The black paint M10-R has my interest and have seen it priced reasonably on occasion. However, I just like the images I’m able to create with my tried and true “antique”.
Hi Duane! Can’t fault you for still using your “antique” ME.
The M10 and more so the M10-R seem to be the best bet for digital Ms at the moment, if you’re buying used and want a dependable camera. I wouldn’t hesitate on purchasing either of those. Too bad the M11 has reliability issues because the sensor is more advanced however.
Peter, I agree completely. I had m11 demo in my hands and it hanged. Granted, it was right after the world premiere, bot sure how it works now, but it did not inspire confidence. My M10 never hanged. I mean not once ever since I started using it in 2018. And recently when I discovered DxO PureRAW software with its DeepPRIME XD feature, the files look better and more analog to my eyes than ever before, especially when exported to 16bit TIFF files. I don’t know why but DNGs just feel digital and artificial in comparison. I can send you some samples if you’d like if you don’t have a digital M anymore. For me, together with the Leica APO 50 this is the most wonderful camera. Marcin
That experience with the demo M11 must have been quite disappointing to you at the time.
The DxO PureRAW and DeepPRIME XD are interesting, thank you for your offer to send over files. I’ll definitely take you up on that at some point, but work right now has been pressing (it’s one of the reasons I haven’t been posting as much) and I don’t intend to experiment with other software/equipment in the next little while. It’s amazing what the development software is doing these days… maybe too amazing when it comes to AI and other features, if you know what I mean.
If you’re getting what you need from M10 files and still have your M10, it seems like an easy choice to stay with what you have.
Peter,
Hope all is well! I read your post today and wanted to comment. I’ve been shooting with the M11 since it came out and yes I occasionally will have a problem with it locking up but it has been rare. Probably no more than any other camera system I’ve used.
Probably the most frustrating problem I have with the camera is that the “focus” hash mark that is used during live view both on the LCD and EVF routinely moves to the upper right hand corner after a picture has been taken. I assume it moves because I focus and then re-compose. I wish there was way to stop it from doing it. I know others have complained.
Last, I went away from shooting the Leica cameras for a while. I felt the image quality just wasn’t there especially when compared to other mirrorless cameras. When the M11 came out, I immediately notice a better quality in the images. I find myself carrying my camera much more and I’m excited to take pictures. I have no plans on changing platforms for a very long time (I do shoot other camera brands but this is my primary camera).
The M11 really has brought more enjoyment to taking pictures again and absolutely love the experience!
Gage
Gage!
Thanks for your input!
It’s good to hear that you’ve had a positive experience. I suspect the majority of M11 users have as well.
—Peter.
I think the concern for most people is the will I, won’t I get a good M11 “lottery” factor.
Hey Peter, I’ve been a longtime lurker and admirer of your photography 🙂 First discovered your work years ago through the once mighty Steve Huff blog. You truly are a master of light!
Since 2011 I’ve been shooting my M-E and 50 ‘lux; (with an original un-corroded sensor!). Finally succumbed and bought an M11 about two months ago, once I heard that the newest firmware updates have largely mitigated the bugs/freezing. It’s only been a couple months and a couple thousand shots, but so far no freezing (knock on wood). And that’s with me largely shooting in bursts. They released yet another firmware upgrade for it when the M11-P was announced. The M11 is an absolute joy to use, so many great new features that i’m sure you’ve read about. It was the first model that interested me since the M9. Surprisingly, one of the new features that i’ve come to love is that “tri-resolution” option for RAWs. I find myself using 18MP for street, really high ISO, and 36MP most other things outdoors.
The one thing I don’t like about it so far, is it has a tendency for Magenta shift. I’m sure you’ve read about that too. It’s obviously quick to correct in LR with the colour sliders, but it would be nice if they could iron out their Auto WB in a future firmware upgrade. I like the colours otherwise, and those new generation of lenses are spectacular. The new 35 ‘lux with close focus has been a great pairing (although the add on viewfinder is required to focus it closer than 0.7m). Also acquired the Voightlander Nokton 50mm F1, and oh boy has it blown me away. Really strong performer for the $$, and the add on viewfinder makes focusing it at F1 much easier.
Anyways, just wanted to say hello and share my thoughts!
-Michael
Hi Michael! Thanks for taking the time to post here for the first time (and for your kind words). It’s nice to hear another positive experience with the M11. On a different note, how are you finding the shutter mechanism? I forgot to ask Gage about that.
Ah yes the shutter mechanism, it’s definitely elaborate and complex as it begins whilst open. The timing of the sounds and slight delay in the shutter completing its cycle after you take your finger off, was definitely a bit strange at first. But I honestly got used to it after a couple of days and don’t think twice about it anymore. Coming from the M-E – while it’s “whiny” shutter sound is certainly charming :), I prefer the refined, precise sound of the M11.
Thank you Michael for elaborating on the shutter cycle/mechanism.
One of the things that has spoiled me this past year is being able to shoot silently with the Z9. Completely silently. Without banding and without the rolling shutter effect. Believe it or not, this was the main selling point for me. I wanted to take photos of my children last spring during their graduations without drawing attention to myself. And that’s exactly what happened despite the fact that I was holding a giant camera!
Even at a noisy baseball diamond when I’m photographing my son, the ability to shoot silently has been very useful. I no longer draw attention in the dugout. It allows for the capture of more natural/candid moments. At the risk of using an over-used cliché, it has been a game-changer and I don’t think I could ever go back to anything less than that.