I wonder if it may be that the M11-V will signal the beginning of the end, or at least of a decline, for Leica's line of cameras with a traditional mechanical rangefinder focusing mechanism.
The fundamental design of that mechanism is nearly 100 years old, developed I believe in 1932. The mechanical coupling introduces inaccuracies and difficulties into the system that have sometimes vexed users. I think that one of the reasons that so many Leica photographs are made with deep depth of field and zone focusing is because of the difficulties of being assured of a precise focus. And there are also other problems, like the issue of some lenses blocking the viewfinder.
There was recently a thread on calibration fixes and problems for the rangefinder mechanism and the frequent need to calibrate lenses individually to work with the rangefinder mechanism. This message within the thread gives a sense of the problem:
One would think that the eventual decline of the mechanically coupled rangefinder might be an inevitable development after nearly a century of triumphant success.
The M11-V could well be the beginning of a new era for Leica rangefinder bodies. A lot will depend on whether Leica's design for the focusing experience in the M11-V is pleasing to those who are used to rangefinder focusing as well as to others who might be newcomers to Leica. Nikon has shown that electronically assisted manual focusing can be graceful and very effective. I personally find myself more interested in the M11-V than I have been in the traditional Leica M system.
I wonder if it may be that the M11-V will signal the beginning of the end, or at least of a decline, for Leica's line of cameras with a traditional mechanical rangefinder focusing mechanism.
The fundamental design of that mechanism is nearly 100 years old, developed I believe in 1932. The mechanical coupling introduces inaccuracies and difficulties into the system that have sometimes vexed users. I think that one of the reasons that so many Leica photographs are made with deep depth of field and zone focusing is because of the difficulties of being assured of a precise focus. And there are also other problems, like the issue of some lenses blocking the viewfinder.
There was recently a thread on calibration fixes and problems for the rangefinder mechanism and the frequent need to calibrate lenses individually to work with the rangefinder mechanism. This message within the thread gives a sense of the problem:
One would think that the eventual decline of the mechanically coupled rangefinder might be an inevitable development after nearly a century of triumphant success.
The M11-V could well be the beginning of a new era for Leica rangefinder bodies. A lot will depend on whether Leica's design for the focusing experience in the M11-V is pleasing to those who are used to rangefinder focusing as well as to others who might be newcomers to Leica. Nikon has shown that electronically assisted manual focusing can be graceful and very effective. I personally find myself more interested in the M11-V than I have been in the traditional Leica M system.
Sep 28, 2025 at 09:34 PM
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