One month with the Leica M11-P
It’s officially been a month since I bought the M11p and I thought I share some more thoughts.
Is the honeymoon phase over, I don’t know? Am I going to be biased, probably.
Too Many Megapixels?
I’ve been shooting almost entirely in 60mp. I did switch to 36mp for a day or 2 in London but didn’t notice major differences except a smaller file size, which is probably more convenient long term with backing up files etc etc.
I didn’t exactly pixel peep the files or anything so it was just a user experience test rather than a detailed analysis.
I’m considering switching it to 36mp almost permanently though.
Anyone with an m11 let me know what you do.
Q2 & M11p differences?
I’m pleased I was manual focusing the Q2 for a few months before so I’m starting to build muscle memory which is already nice.
I guess this is for anyone who has a q2 and is considering what I did and moving to an m11.
The M11 is way quicker to use, more fine tuned obviously. I found the processor in the Q2 a little temperamental.
I couldn’t fly through the menu system or use the touch screen as efficiently as I can on this M11, it’s not a game changer, but it’s just something I’ve noticed from a user experience point a view.
I would assume this goes without saying, the biggest differences are manual focusing and the viewfinder.
With the Q2, I just wasn’t enjoying the EVF as much, we look at screens all day and just having another tiny screen pushed up against you’re eye isn’t as pleasant of an experience as the range finder.
Regarding the manual focusing or auto, only you can decide what will work.
But I said this in my first impressions video, the manual focusing isn’t as difficult or daunting as it sounds.
It actually means I’m more attentive on the process and I think anything that keeps you alert and present to the moment is a positive on the overall experience.
As far as the things I looking for, the things I’m shooting - absolutely nothing about my approach feels different.
Q2 in my hands or M11 in my hands, the photographs that comes out the other end is all on me.
The Experience is Everything
I’m a big believer in the tools you use really effect how it feels to go out and take photos, gear does in fact matter. (this is probably a longer conversation for a another blog) But i’ll emphasise i’m not talking about image quality.
I’m talking about the experience of using the camera.
With that being said finding something that fits your workflow is important.
Raw Files
I’m sure you’ve heard this before but the auto WB does pump out raw files that are a little on the purple side. There seems to be an ever so slight magenta tint. On almost all of my edits I have to slide left on the tint and add back some green.
The raw files have a decent amount of contrast already built in too. Noticeably more than the Q2 files.
As I slightly adjust the WB I have also been removing contrast or at least lifting shadows in some photographs.
Battery & USB-C Charging
99% of my devices are USB-C so this a welcomed addition.
I haven’t used the actual battery charger once because when I’m working on my laptop it’s been so convenient to have the camera on charge next to me.
The power of the battery is decent. I still have 2 for those longer more intense days of photography but for the most part one single battery lasts me the day.
It lasts longer than 1 Q2 battery did anyway.
Settings and Setup
I probably do a more in depth blog and YouTube in coming weeks about the settings and setup once i’ve dialled in my preferences a little more.
I would say most of the time i’m in auto ISO and then I’ll adjust the shutter speed and fstop depending on the situation.
I have set the max my iso to 6400 just because anything higher than that seems to be the threshold of too much noise, personally.
If you enjoyed this blog I think you will enjoy The Focal Point.
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