GEAR TALK - A Second Look at the Leica M10-M and M11-M

LEICA M11-M VS LEICA M10-M USAGE

Looking back on the first year with the Leica M11 Monochrom revealed some interesting changes in how I use the Leica M11-M compared to the Leica M10-M. For some context, during the past year the Arca Swiss Rm3di kit was sold. In turn, this resulted in a significant uptick in the Leica 28mm F2.8 PC-Super-Angulon R's usage. It accounts for ~56% of the M11-M edited images vs ~13% with the M10-M:

Focal Length Utilization on the Leica M10-M vs Leica M11-M

While the Leica 28mm F2.8 PC-Super-Angulon R's utilization spiked, the Leica 75mm F2 Summicron-M APO plummeted to zero. There is no specific reason for the downturn in the Leica 75mm APO's usage, but is likely related to the Leica M11 Monochrom's 60 MP count - I can shoot 50mm and crop to a 75mm'ish field of view in post.

Also, my ISO usage with the Leica M11 Monochrom categorically changed relative to the Leica M10 Monochrom. 98% of the M11-M's edits are at base ISO vs ~55% of the edits for the M10-M were base ISO captures.

ISO Utilization for the Leica M10-M vs Leica M11-M

The Leica M10-M was used across a (much) wider range of ISOs to mitigate shutter shock, especially with the longer telephoto lenses. Whereas the M11-M is almost exclusively at base ISO because it has the electronic shutter option (which the Leica M10 Monochrom does not have). With the Leica M11 Monochrom's electronic shutter option, shutter shock is a non-issue.

A MINI TECH CAM

With the Arca Swiss Rm3di's departure, the Leica M11 Monochrom and Leica 28mm F2.8 PC-Super-Angulon R are my "tech cam". Looking back over the past 12 months, 56% of my pictures have been taken with the Leica 28mm F2.8 PC-Super-Angulon R. 97% at base ISO. Almost every one via a tripod.

Size Comparison - Arca Swiss Rm3di vs Leica M11 Monochrom

Part of the allure of a technical camera is being able to play with how elements are aligned in the picture. Since the Leica 28mm F2.8 PC-Super-Angulon R can only shift in one axis at a time, the majority of (my) pictures are shifted in the Y axis, but some pictures are shifted in the X axis, such as this one:

Shifting the Image in the X-Axis, While the House Remains Symmetrical

The Leica M11 Monochrom set-up is child's play in terms of technical movements, but the kit is compact, lightweight and travels easily. When experimenting with compositions, I return the shift lens to center, look through the EVF and walk around while trying different angles, vantage points, etc. It is light-speed compared to the Rm3di.

LOOKING AHEAD

After dabbling technical cameras, it is difficult to unring the bell. Lens movements open the door to more creativity, but it is a methodical and calculated approach. The burden of that added effort is amplified with a dedicated technical camera:

• Time to set-up the camera
• Time to compose, frame, capture, verify, re-shoot as needed
• Time to repack the gear
• Time to carefully stow the equipment in the car
• Time to unpack the gear and do it all over at the next spot
• Factor in ambient temperatures, walking distance & conditions, etc.

I love the "idea" of a technical camera, but the reality was a 50% drop in my efficiency - time and time again, the light faded away and either I did not get the picture(s) in time, or I did not get to all the sites as planned - or both. Given that reality check, the Leica M11 Monochrom and Leica 28mm F2.8 PC-Super-Angulon R are here to stay until somebody comes up with a better monochrome mouse-trap. What might that be? How about a Fuji GFX 100 II Monochrome. Fuji, are you listening? :)