Rumors of the 'Leica M11-D' Release and the History of the M Series | Release #301
Cover photo by Yukihiro
The Leica M series continues to be cherished by many photographers for its classic design and high performance. As rumors of the latest model, the M11-D, circulate, we explore the evolution of the M11 and the expectations surrounding the M11-D while reflecting on the history of the M series.
Photo by Kota
The Beginning of the M Series
The Leica M3, released in 1954, marked the starting point of the M series. This model quickly gained attention for its rangefinder system and was highly praised by photographers worldwide.
Since then, the M series has consistently adapted to technological advancements, transitioning from film to digital while maintaining Leica's classic design and intuitive usability. The unique focusing experience of the rangefinder and the robust body continue to offer photographers the joy of capturing images, making it a popular model.
The Appeal of the M11
The Leica M11, introduced in 2022, preserves the aesthetics of the M series while incorporating the latest technology. Its 60-megapixel full-frame sensor offers excellent resolution and dynamic range, enabling beautiful depictions in any scene.
Additionally, improvements to the built-in battery allow for extended shooting sessions, and USB-C charging enhances convenience. The dual storage feature, allowing saving to both internal memory and an SD card, provides a more flexible workflow. As a result, the M11 is supported by a wide range of photographers, from professionals to amateurs, as a more user-friendly Leica model.
©︎ 2024 Leica Camera AG | M11
Rumors of the M11-D
The most talked-about feature rumored for the Leica M11-D is the 'removal of the rear monitor.' This is an attempt to provide a film camera-like experience by eliminating the display found in conventional digital cameras and instead incorporating an ISO dial.
This design without a rear monitor is intended to allow photographers to focus on their subjects without checking images during shooting. Additionally, this could lead to a lighter body and improved battery life.
Leica's 'D' models, like the previous M10-D, have been highly popular among some photographers for their film-like experience. The M11-D is also expected to aim for a fusion of digital technology and classic film shooting experience, making it an attractive camera for users who want to purely enjoy photography. While detailed specs and release dates are still undecided, it is drawing significant attention among Leica fans.
