A vintage silver and black Leica camera with a textured grip, a lens cap in place, and a red Leica logo on the top right corner.

  Leica M11


The Leica M11 was introduced on January 13, 2022334.

Finishes

The Black Chrome process was deemed environmentally unfriendly, so the Leica M11 was available in two finishes: a traditional Silver Chrome with a brass top plate and a new Black Paint finish with an aluminum top plate (anodized black)335. 

A variant of Leica M11 Glossy Black in black paint was introduced in 2025369. The Leica M11 Glossy Black was not limited in production and remained a permanent option in Leica's catalog, alongside the anodized black and silver versions369. Unlike an anodized finish, which was chemically bonded to the metal, paint simply adhered to the surface, making it more susceptible to scratches and wear from intensive use369. As a result, this finish inevitably displayed varying degrees of wear, especially on the edges of the camera body or the focus ring of the lens, exposing glimpses of the underlying metal369.  This variant set itself apart from its counterparts in several notable ways369. For instance, its top plate was made of brass, similar only to the silver anodized model in this range, while the black anodized Leica M11 featured a lighter aluminum top369. Consequently, as the paint gradually wore away, the Leica M11 Glossy Black revealed the warm sheen of brass instead of the more utilitarian look of aluminum369.  In a nod to Leica's P series, the Leica M11 Glossy Black omitted the red dot on the front and instead showcased the classic Leica script on the top plate369. Additionally, the shutter release was encircled by a decorative chrome-finished ring, making it stand out from all other Leica M11 models and their derivatives369. The power button and shutter speed dial were also designed to match the camera's high-gloss aesthetic369.  Functionally, the Leica M11 Glossy Black was identical to the standard M11369. It boasted a 60-megapixel triple-resolution sensor, offering photographers the option to store images at 36 or 18 megapixels369. It supported sensitivity settings of up to ISO 50,000 and performed exposure metering in both standard and Live View modes369.


Baseplate

One significant change from the Leica M10 was the absence of a base plate335. The base of Leica M11 housed a battery with a release switch335.


Buttons

The Leica M11 featured three buttons to the left of the LCD335. The Leica M11 had Play / FN / Menu options335. The FN button was set by default to toggle Live View on and off, but it could be customized for any other desired function335. The rear panel was streamlined; the buttons were separate from the LCD, which was flush with both the top and bottom plates of the camera335.

A new button on the top plate, located where the Video button had been on the Leica M (Typ 240)335. Similar to the FN button, this new button could be configured to default to a specific menu option335.

A third function button was accessed by pressing the rear thumbwheel335. A short press of either FN button displayed the last selected menu option, while a long press brought up a menu of available options, with the selected option being set as the default for next time335. The thumbwheel could be configured for either Focus Assist or Exposure Compensation335. The four-way rocker switch retained its original function but was now solely used for navigation and confirmation335. Pressing the central button no longer brought up the status screen; all status information was integrated into the Quick Menu screen335.


Weight

Leica M11 weighed 532 grams335.


Light Metering and Shutter

The Leica M11 was the first digital model without a separate light meter357. Instead of using a traditional light meter, it conducted exposure metering in an energy-efficient mode via the continuously active image sensor, meaning the camera was essentially always in Live View mode357. This feature allowed the shutter to remain open at all times, closing only when a picture was taken357. Depending on the shutter speed and shooting mode, the manual shutter might not have engaged at all, as the camera also featured an electronic shutter with a minimum speed of 1/16000 s, making the Leica M11 the 'fastest M of all time.'357 This capability enabled photographers to shoot in bright sunlight with a wide aperture and shallow depth of field without needing a neutral density filter mounted on the lens357.

Additionally, the hybrid shutter eliminated concerns about shutter noise typical in previous digital M models, as the mechanical shutter was infrequently used or bypassed altogether357. The Leica M11 also signified the end of an era by changing a feature that dated back to the early days of digital photography: the base plate no longer needed to be removed to change the battery and memory card357. In the original digital M, the Leica M8, developers had chosen a removable base plate, partly as a nod to analogue cameras and partly for better protection357. The decision to omit this feature in the Leica M11 symbolized significant changes in design and function357.


Assembly

The modern Leica M11 consisted of around 800 parts, many of which were specifically developed for that model357. The rangefinder, in particular, comprised many specialized components that required careful assembly and meticulous adjustment357. The top plate of the Leica M11, milled from a solid block of material, was designed to offer optimal protection for the rangefinder357.

Even seemingly simple components, such as the shutter speed dial, consisted of multiple parts and were protected from splashes and dust by seals and a unique design357. Care was also essential in the assembly of the electronic components, especially the image sensor, which had to be positioned with great precision357. The assembly of the Leica M11 involved a significant amount of manual labor, requiring approximately 1,165 steps and taking about 15 hours and 15 minutes to complete357.

While machines play a role in the manufacturing process—such as the CNC milling machine used for the top plate—cameras like the Leica M11 can only be produced through this authentic method of craftsmanship357.


Special Editions

Special editions of Leica M11 were as follows:

  • Leica M11 "Brass" was introduced in 2021357. All external metal parts of this special edition were made of untreated brass357. The oxidizing metal gave the camera a unique, patinated brass color357. The body was also covered with special green leather357. The camera was 1 of 1 and was numbered 5590356.
  • Leica M11 "100 Years of Leica" was introduced in 2025 to celebrate the centenary of the Leica I Model A's release368. This anniversary edition featured the coveted glossy black paint finish characteristic of the iconic rangefinder camera's classic models368. The camera became available in six different country-specific versions, with each version limited to 100 units368. They were uniquely identified by individual engravings and special edition serial numbers368.
  • Leica M11 Glossy Black Anniversary Edition "Leica Store Singapore" was introduced on July 8, 2026, to celebrate 20 years of Leica Stores. This exclusive collector’s item, created specifically for Leica Store Singapore, featured a unique anniversary engraving that honored Singapore's community and highlighted its significant role in Leica’s global history. It was available in limited quantities and could be purchased only at Leica Store Singapore. It featured the engraving “20 JAHRE” on the left side of the front body to commemorate the anniversary. "LEICA STORE (new line) SINGAPORE" was engraved to the left of the thumb wheel drive on the back of the camera. The price was set at $13,700.00 Singapore Dollars.
  • Leica M11 Glossy Black Anniversary Edition "Leica Store Bangkok" was introduced in July 2026, to celebrate 20 years of Leica Stores. This exclusive collector’s item, created specifically for Leica Store Bangkok. It was available in limited quantities and could be purchased only at Leica Store Bangkok. It featured the engraving “20 JAHRE” on the left side of the front body to commemorate the anniversary. "LEICA STORE (new line) BANGKOK" was engraved to the left of the thumb wheel drive on the back of the camera. 
  • Leica M11 Glossy Black Anniversary Edition "Leica Store Malaysia" was introduced July 12, 2026, to celebrate 20 years of Leica Stores. This exclusive collector’s item, created specifically for Leica Store Kuala Lumpur. It was available in limited quantities and could be purchased only at Leica Store Lumpur. It featured the engraving “20 JAHRE” on the left side of the front body to commemorate the anniversary. "LEICA STORE (new line) KUALA LUMPUR" was engraved to the left of the thumb wheel drive on the back of the camera. 
  • Leica M11 Glossy Black Anniversary Edition "Leica Store Vietnam" was introduced July 12, 2026, to celebrate 20 years of Leica Stores. This exclusive collector’s item, created specifically for Leica Store Vietnam. It was available in limited quantities and could be purchased only at Leica Store Vietnam. It featured the engraving “20 JAHRE” on the left side of the front body to commemorate the anniversary. "LEICA STORE (new line) VIETNAM" was engraved to the left of the thumb wheel drive on the back of the camera. 
  • Leica M11 Glossy Black Anniversary Edition "Leica Store Jakarta" was introduced July 13, 2026, to celebrate 20 years of Leica Stores. This exclusive collector’s item, created specifically for Leica Store Jakarta. It was available in limited quantities and could be purchased only at Leica Store Jakarta. It featured the engraving “20 JAHRE” on the left side of the front body to commemorate the anniversary. "LEICA STORE (new line) JAKARTA" was engraved to the left of the thumb wheel drive on the back of the camera. 
  • Leica M11 Glossy Black Anniversary Edition "Leica Store Hong Kong" was introduced July 23, 2026, to celebrate 20 years of Leica Stores. This exclusive collector’s item, created specifically for Leica Store Hong Kong. It was available in limited quantities and could be purchased only at Leica Store Hong Kong. It featured the engraving “20 JAHRE” on the left side of the front body to commemorate the anniversary. "LEICA STORE (new line) HONG KONG" was engraved to the left of the thumb wheel drive on the back of the camera. 
  • Leica M11 Glossy Black Anniversary Edition "Leica Store Chicago" was introduced on August 20, 2026 to celebrate 20 years of Leica Stores. This exclusive collector’s item, created specifically for Leica Store Chicago. It was available in limited quantities and could be purchased only at Leica Store Chicago. It featured the engraving “20 JAHRE” on the left side of the front body to commemorate the anniversary. "LEICA STORE (new line) CHICAGO" was engraved to the left of the thumb wheel drive on the back of the camera.