Leica M11 Monochrom digital camera, black

Leica M11 Monochrom is the fourth generation of Leica M digital monochrome cameras. The absence of a Bayer color filter array from a technical point of view means 2 things: firstly no need for demosaicing with interpolation. This increases the actual detail of the images by approximately 2 times. Secondly the matrix receives approximately 1 stop more light (since the photons are not absorbed by the Bayer filter). This helps when shooting in low light. Moreover, there is no chromatic noise in a monochrome sensor , only brightness remains like film grain.

From an artistic point of view, a monochrome camera allows you to look at the world with different eyes: pay attention not to bright colors and to “a symphony of light and shadow” as Leica calls it. The camera's outstanding dynamic range allows it to retain an incredible amount of detail even in highlights. and in dark areas - experience as close as possible to using high quality black and white photographic film.

In appearance, the M11 Monochrom differs from the regular Leica M11 in the complete absence of color markings on the body. Even the optical viewfinder is covered in a dark chrome finish. The camera is made in an all-metal body , the display is protected by sapphire glass (instead of Gorilla Glass on the M11) The new matte paint has increased scratch resistance.

In terms of technical features, the camera is completely identical to the Leica M11 with a couple of exceptions: the amount of permanent internal memory has been increased from 64 to 256 GB. This is enough to store about 2 thousand pictures in DNG RAW or 8-9 thousand in JPEG. Base ISO increased from 64 to 125 (due to that the camera sensor receives 2 times more light) and the maximum - from ISO 50,000 to 200,000.

The camera is equipped with Triple Resolution variable resolution technology which gives you the right to choose the appropriate resolution for your photos – 60 36 or 18 Megapixels. Reduced resolution options are generated from the entire matrix area without skipping pixels. Reduced resolution images are not only more convenient for publishing online or transmitting over the network but also have a reduced noise level as well as a wider dynamic range (15 steps instead of 14 which is achieved by reducing the noise level in dark areas). You can also use crop factor 1 shooting modes. 3x (39 MP) or 1. 8x (19 MP) if you need additional digital zoom in the central part of the frame. All listed modes can be used in JPEG format and in DNG RAW format.

For the first time on Leica rangefinder cameras, you can choose not only center-weighted but also evaluative (matrix) or spot exposure metering - as when using Live
View and when working with an optical rangefinder viewfinder. The resolution of the camera's LCD screen has been increased by more than 2 times: from 1. 04 to 2. 4 million points which is very important for quickly assessing the technical quality of the photographs taken. A Visoflex II electronic viewfinder will be available as a separate option (3. 68 million points).

Ergonomic improvements: instead of a removable bottom plate, the Leica M11 has a new quick battery release mechanism previously tested in other Leica camera series: changing the battery is now just a matter of pulling the lever on the bottom plate. The same movement will open access to the memory card (SDXC UHS-II): its slot is located right next to the batteries under one common cover. Battery capacity has been significantly increased: from 1100 to 1800 m
Ah which allows the camera to take about 700 pictures according to the CIPA measurement standard.

USB-C Gen1 port allows you to charge the camera on the go and also quickly transfer pictures to your computer or phone. Port open but has built-in IP67 protection – even if submerged in water this will not cause damage. It even comes with a certified Apple Lightning cable for direct transfer of photos to i
Phone or i
Pad. The functions of the 3 buttons on the body can be assigned to settings of your choice , which significantly speeds up and simplifies working with the camera.