Leica M11

The Leica M11 was introduced on January 13, 2022³³⁴.
One significant change from Leica M10 is the absence of a base plate³³⁵.
The M11's base houses a battery with a release switch³³⁵
the M11 features three buttons to the left of the LCD. M11 has Play / FN / Menu options, The FN button is set by default to toggle Live View on and off, but it can be customized for any other desired function. The rear panel has been streamlined; the buttons are now separate from the LCD, which is flush with both the top and bottom plates of the camera³³⁵.
a new button on the top plate, located where the Video button was on the M (Typ 240). Similar to the FN button, this new button can be configured to default to a specific menu option³³⁵.
A third function button is accessed by pressing the rear thumbwheel. A short press of either FN button will display the last selected menu option, while a long press brings up a menu of available options, with the selected option being set as the default for next time. The thumbwheel can be configured for either Focus Assist or Exposure Compensation. The four-way rocker switch retains its original function but is now solely used for navigation and confirmation. Pressing the central button no longer brings up the status screen,—all status information is now integrated into the Quick Menu screen³³⁵.
The Black Chrome process has been deemed environmentally unfriendly, so the M11 is available in two finishes: a traditional Silver Chrome with a brass top plate and a new Black Paint finish with an aluminum top plate³³⁵.
M11 weighs 532 grams³³⁵.
The Leica M11 is the first digital model without a separate light meter. Instead of using a traditional light meter, it conducts exposure metering in an energy-efficient mode via the continuously active image sensor, meaning the camera is essentially always in Live View mode. This feature allows the shutter to remain open at all times, closing only when a picture is taken. Depending on the shutter speed and shooting mode, the manual shutter may not engage at all, as the camera also features an electronic shutter with a minimum speed of 1/16000 s, making the M11 the 'fastest M of all time.' This capability enables 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 eliminates concerns about shutter noise typical in previous digital M models, as the mechanical shutter is infrequently used or bypassed altogether. The M11 also signifies the end of an era by changing a feature that dates back to the early days of digital photography: the base plate no longer needs to be removed to change the battery and memory card. In the original digital M, the Leica M8, developers chose a removable base plate, partly as a nod to analogue cameras and partly for better protection. The decision to omit this feature in the M11 symbolizes significant changes in design and function³⁵⁷.
The modern Leica M11 consists of around 800 parts, many of which were specifically developed for this model. The rangefinder, in particular, comprises many specialized components that require careful assembly and meticulous adjustment. The top plate of the M11, milled from a solid block of material, is designed to offer optimal protection for the rangefinder³⁵⁷.
Even seemingly simple components, such as the shutter speed dial, consist of multiple parts and are protected from splashes and dust by seals and a unique design. Care is also essential in the assembly of the electronic components, especially the image sensor, which must be positioned with great precision. The assembly of the M11 involves 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 edition of this camera, Leica M11 "Brass", was introduced in 2021. All external metal parts of this special edition are made of untreated brass. The oxidizing metal gives the camera a unique, patinated brass color. The body is also covered with special green leather³⁵⁷.