Cameras have always inspired me, and today I had the opportunity to put the latest Leica M11 on my desk. As you have read in my biography page, Leica has really changed the way I photograph. It has helped me to get back to the essence of taking pictures, which is taking the time to enjoy the moment and not rushing.

Thanks to Grobet Antwerp, I was able to obtain the latest Leica camera. I am grateful for the excellent service I have received from Grobet for more than 10 years. Grobet is also known as the Leica Boutique Store in Antwerp. They also delivered all of my Canon equipment and other materials. If you need more information, be sure to check their website. https://www.grobet.be/

While these cameras are quite expensive, the resulting images are truly remarkable. It is worth noting that Leica is the only producer of cameras that exclusively produce black and white images, which is achieved through their Monochrom line. The test begins with a stunning setup featuring three legendary cameras: the Leica M9 Monochrom (one of the first Monochrom models produced) and the Leica M10. I have owned both cameras for approximately three years, and I find myself using the Leica M10 more frequently. I really enjoy working with it and am curious about the potential improvements the M11 may offer.

The initial images captured with the Leica M11 will be discussed first. Despite the significant time gap, Leica has maintained its menu choices, which remain simple and easy to navigate. There is no need to worry about excessive complexity.

That is what I appreciate about it. To begin, we use the camera for street photography in Antwerp.

 

Sometimes it is not easy for me to capture images in crowded environments. However, today I was near the yachting harbor of Antwerp, and I enjoyed capturing images of the lively scene passing by in the moment.
What immediately stands out is the color palette of the Leica. This camera now has 61 megapixels, which is double the amount of my Leica M10. This should result in more detailed photographs and the ability to print larger images.

The images can be clicked to enlarge and view more details.
Below are some images taken in Antwerp using the Leica M9 Monochrom, which has three times fewer pixels, approximately 20 megapixels. However, the images possess a certain quality that resonates with me.

I appreciate the vintage aesthetic of the images when comparing them to pixelated images. However, personal preference should not be the sole determining factor. Today, there are many presets available in Lightroom, Capture One, and Photoshop that can transform your new, pixelated images into vintage, noise-infused pictures. In my case, I simply want to display the images without any additional editing.

The concept of purity is appreciated.

One of the places where I capture photos is, of course, nature. Next to these images, we are heading there. The images presented here aim to allow the forest to speak for itself.

The above photographs were captured using a Leica 50mm F2.0 lens. A lens I have used frequently in the past. Next to it, I only included one black and white photo. No modifications were made to the photos.

Next to these portraits, I started using the Leica 90mm F2.4 I have used this lens extensively for taking macro images and wildlife pictures. Today, I observed a group of uncommon Nile geese.

More Information:
This species has become a common sight in the Netherlands since the late 1960s, as escaped ornamental birds managed to establish themselves, as in other Western European countries. The Nile Goose has become an essential part of Dutch nature and pasture areas, and its population has grown significantly. It is mainly found in the west and north of the country, as well as along the major rivers. Its black and white wings are conspicuous in flight, and it fiercely defends its territory.

 

All images were captured using the 90mm manual focus lens. The level of detail in cropped images is remarkable. With 61 megapixels, I no longer need to be as careful as I used to be. Please refer to the images below.

I have never witnessed the ability to crop something this large before. However, I appreciate the photos as they were captured in the moment without excessive modification or manipulation. I avoid making these kinds of crops as I feel it detracts from my skills as a photographer.

Some additional images are provided for comparison between 61 megapixels and the Leica M10, which has 24 megapixels.

Both images were taken with the same lens, but the only difference is the camera used: M11 versus M10 Leica. It is worth noting that the M10 produces photos with a softer feel, which gives them a warmer and more charming quality. Without careful observation, however, it can be difficult to see this difference.

Some additional images were captured with the M10 at my current location, known as the 7 Delights. ( de Steen der 7 heerlijkheden )

This boundary stone used to mark the tri-border point where the Republic of the United Netherlands, the Spanish Netherlands, and the Principality of Liege met. Until the French era, Postel was the northernmost point of the Mol freedom, which was under the tutelage of Balen and Dessel. Postel was an independent monastic territory of the Abbey of Postel, which had ties to the Meierij of ‘s-Hertogenbosch and possibly even to Reusel. Since the exchange of territories between the Netherlands and Belgium in 1843, this border stone lies entirely in Belgium. Its location can still be seen from the topography, and the stone is situated on the border of the provinces of Limburg and Antwerp.

I noticed some warmth in these images.

I have some remarks about the Leica M11. Considering its price tag of 8750 euros, it is not worth buying. Adding the additional lens, which I purchased 3 years ago, increases the price by 2500 euros for only one fixed prime lens.

At this price point, everything needs to be spot on, and unfortunately, that was not the case. I experienced some issues with the software, as the camera froze at times. I had to shut down and relaunch to resume work. While some photographers have already reported similar issues, I experienced the same problem today. A new firmware update is expected to address this issue in the coming weeks.

Some more images, which I really liked shot with the M11.

There are some aspects of the camera that I do not like. One thing I appreciate about the Leica M is its handling. For decades, the design of the M has remained unchanged, emphasizing simplicity and quality construction. The M11 is no different. All the buttons are almost identical, and the handling feels as it should for an M. There is one difference that I notice.

We also have the Leica Q2, and the images that come out of that camera are exceptionally good. At 45 megapixels, they are warm and sensitive. I miss a little of that sensitivity in the M11. More pixels may be desirable, but it is not always necessary to get the message across. I recently looked at some images taken with a 25-year-old Hasselblad camera. The quality of the images was impressive. The resolution of the camera is limited. On the other hand, I really like the pictures I took in the city of Antwerp. The street photos really speak and I love the colors with the neon lights.

This is my personal opinion. I bought a FUJI medium format camera with 50 megapixels, but sold it after three months because it was too sharp for me. When capturing emotions, images speak for themselves. It is important to convey a sense of soul in the work. Flair, if you will. That is why I am a fan of using film cameras.

This is not the end of the search. Something is about to change and you will read about it here soon.

I hope you enjoy these pictures.

Always trust your instincts instead of getting bogged down in details.

Thank you