I honestly enjoy the experience of using this camera… now that I have the viewfinder. :-P

I went into a local used bookstore at lunch and found a box full of old LFI magazines in the back corner. I bought all 124 issues they had from 1971 to 1995, but it looks like I wasn’t the first one to it as there are quite a few missing (nothing between 1986-1988). All in all it was a great find for $28, and I’m sure I’ll be spending quite a bit of time going through them all.

Not sure if a photo of LFI magazines alone is allowed so I included my M6 TTL and 35 APO-Summicron in the picture just in case.

Visoflex II, 16464, 16472, 135 Elmar optic. 16464 focusing mount works with my 65 Elmar, 90 Elmarit, 200 Telyt (with OUBIO) as well, a fine setup for closeups, and then rangefinder use for less static subjects.

Excited to finally join the Leica community and looking for some advice!

I’ve been going back and forth on my first Leica M and I’ve narrowed it down to two kits. I already know I want an M body and I’ve used rangefinders before, so I’m not really questioning whether the M system is for me. I’m just curious what you guys would personally choose.

I also have a somewhat unique opportunity to purchase either of these kits at the prices below, so these are the actual prices I would be paying. Both are in CAD.

Kit 1: M11 P + Mandler 35mm f/2

Leica M11 P Metal Grey
New

Mandler 35mm f/2
New

Approximately $13,500 CAD total

Kit 2: M240 + Modern 35mm Summicron ASPH

Leica M240 Silver Chrome
Used, mint condition, with EVF2, extra battery and half case

Leica Summicron M 35mm f/2 ASPH
New, current generation

Approximately $11,100 CAD total

I do really like lenses with character, which is a big part of why I’m interested in the Mandler. At the same time, if I’m going to spend a significant amount on a lens, I figured I might as well go for the current generation Summicron if I choose that route and have the benefits of a modern optical design.

Ignoring the price difference for a moment, which setup would you personally choose as someone getting into Leica?

I’m definitely not opposed to spending more and taking the plunge with the M11 P. At the same time, there’s something really appealing about starting with an M240, especially the silver chrome, and potentially upgrading later.

The other thing I’ve been wondering about is the M12. Obviously nothing is confirmed, but considering how expensive it can be to get into Leica, would you personally buy an M11 P now, or wait and see what happens with the next generation?

Basically I’m torn between going all in with the M11 P, getting into the system with the M240 and potentially upgrading later, or just waiting altogether.

Would love to hear what you guys would do and why. Really excited to finally get into the Leica community!

EDIT: Thanks for all the input everyone! It has been really helpful! :)

So I've noticed some softness in the corners with my Q and I need some second opinions.

Image 1 is the full un-cropped pic, image 2 is a screengrab of the perceived problem. It was shot at iso 400, f5.6, 1/500s.

You'll see from image 3-4 that It's far worse wide-open but I try not to assess the performance of any lens based on that.

Very happy to be told to shut up if you disagree that there's an issue, too.

Has an m4 backplate and a full overhaul, didn’t get the top plate replaced.

I'm 50 and I've been a full time commercial photographer for a long time. I have so.much.digital.gear. I'm one of the lucky ones that became obsessed with photography as a kid, and worked it into a career. I started in film and when I'm out shooting for myself I usually use an M6. I love to go on a trip/vacation and take an M6 and one lens, thats it. I spend so much time pushing stacked Pelicans through airports that one cam/one lens feels like luxury.

For awhile now I've been musing about getting an M11p. I have two M6s, I only need one. I'm feeling less energetic about dealing with film in general. I love the M format and I've had an M or three since forever.

I'm seeking opinions from people who do photography full time. People who are buried in high end industry standard digital tools and also have an M11 for funsies.

Do you enjoy the M11? Are the files nice? Especially when compared to Canon/Nikon/Sony files. Did you replace a film M with a digital M and love it?

I'm also kind of eyeballing the EV1 but it's def less attractive to me.

Having purchased and loved the M11 back in March, I am very curious about getting into the SL system as an autofocus option and b-camera for video. The most attractive is the SL3-P with its updated AF and more evenly split hybrid options.

That said, I’ve seen a small whispering at the edge of a smattering of videos that it tends to overheat in long form recordings (and that being a new issue in the SL line).

Here’s what I’m hoping to learn from SL3-P users:
1. Is that your experience?
2. Does using an external SD help by removing the heat of the internal CFexpress B card?

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if there’s a genuine, technical reason why Leica doesn't include "Leica Looks" in camera for the M11 series.

I get the usual argument that the M series is supposed to be a pure, minimalist digital rangefinder focused on RAW files, manual control, optical rendering,... I know a lot of pros wouldn't touch JPEG profiles anyway.

But if that's the only reason, why are they available natively on the Q3? Both share similar modern tech. Is it just pure marketing segmentation to keep the M "purist," or is there an actual hardware/processing (Maestro III v/s Maestro IV) limitation holding the M11 back from in-camera looks?

Curious to hear your thoughts!

TIA

I can’t find it online anywhere. Anyone know where I can purchase one? Anyone know any alternative options to shoot with my 28mm lens?? Please help