p.2 #2 · Leica M11-P as a Travel Camera: A Love–Hate Experience
RoamingScott wrote:
I've seen this argument, but have a hard time seeing how it's objectively true. How is seeing an off-axis preview that can be obstructed by a lens hood through an OVF that can be dimmer than an EVF superior for the final result than a top of the line MILC with manual focus confirmation and a WYSIWYG comp preview? I can't square that.
Objectively, I agree that a modern EVF with subject detection and simple confirmation makes things really easy and overcomes issues with field curvature and focus shift, and only having one central patch.
Subjectively, the rangefinder still does some things that I find valuable. Seeing outside of the frame, the simplicity of a single central patch (which is quite good over a variety of subjects, and also a bit brighter than you might expect if you're using an SLR/DSLR for comparison), and the ergonomics are great for a strict MF experience. There's also a degree of satisfaction that comes from the "this is all I need" mindset. My Zf and CV lenses ultimately lost out to my M2 as my preferred camera, solely for subjective reasons.
I'd encourage you to try one sometime. You might find it's for you, but you also might not and you're free to never think about it again.
p.2 #3 · Leica M11-P as a Travel Camera: A Love–Hate Experience
I tend to agree with you. I've tried the M11-P peaking options on the camera and no matter how hard I try I tend to miss focus with peaking. I'm not sure if tts a me thing or if the peaking is algorithm is slightly off. I tend to reply on the rangefinder patch but there are times when my eyes aren't focus or extremely low light which make it near impossible. I must be getting old.
p.2 #4 · Leica M11-P as a Travel Camera: A Love–Hate Experience
I was eyeing the M-EV1 before I purchased my M11-P used. The thing that swayed me away from that model is that I heard the battery life is horrendous. From what I read the M-EV1 can shoot around 250ish shots before the battery dies? While the M11-P shoots closer to 700. Leica batteries aren't cheap so I went with the M11-P. I don't regret my decision but I'm hoping there will be another iteration of the M-EV1.
p.2 #5 · Leica M11-P as a Travel Camera: A Love–Hate Experience
tofunjay wrote:
I was eyeing the M-EV1 before I purchased my M11-P used. The thing that swayed me away from that model is that I heard the battery life is horrendous. From what I read the M-EV1 can shoot around 250ish shots before the battery dies? While the M11-P shoots closer to 700. Leica batteries aren't cheap so I went with the M11-P. I don't regret my decision but I'm hoping there will be another iteration of the M-EV1.
Purchase and use a film camera. After that, 250 shots will most likely more that suffice for everything short of event photography. With deference to the book, The Decisive Moment by..of course Henri Cartier Bresson.
p.2 #6 · Leica M11-P as a Travel Camera: A Love–Hate Experience
Some things to note about the M11 series from my experience:
* For freezes/pixelation, I’d look at the card as one possible variable. Before buying my M11, I researched user experiences and compatibility. SanDisk came up repeatedly, and I went with a 300MB/s read/write card rather than the cheapest option. I’ve never had those issues.
* For low-light focusing, the rangefinder patch needs enough contrast to work effectively. Depending on the situation, learning to use available contrast, focus anticipation, and zone focusing can help a lot.
* I rarely use Live View. I keep the screen brightness low and primarily use the optical finder.
* I mostly shoot Aperture Priority with Auto ISO, so I don’t really interact with the ISO dial much.
The biggest adjustment with the M is that it isn’t about previewing and reacting to the image. It’s about anticipation: seeing the scene, visualizing the moment, and being ready when it happens.
With the rangefinder, there is less between me and the scene. My brain does more of the work, drawing from experience, keeping track of the frame, and filling in the gaps. It’s less about confirmation and more about trusting observation and anticipation.
If you prefer a more WYSIWYG workflow, a Q, SL, or another mirrorless system may naturally be a better fit.
p.2 #7 · Leica M11-P as a Travel Camera: A Love–Hate Experience
The M11 works for me as *my* general do-all camera.
I accept the compromises because I value the size and image quality. If i need to get exact framing, I'll use the EVF. If things are moving, I'll zone focus. Etc...
I don't shoot wildlife, sports or video, which is why it works for me. It definitely isn't a camera for everyone; nor does owning one bring some sort of mystical quality.
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