21st-Century Analog: Leica’s M11-D Camera Forces A Thoughtful Approach
Modern digital photography, writ large, operates in the same realm of instant gratification as the rest of present-day society. From the moment the shutter’s movement completes, it’s an instant preview, and plenty of opportunity to re-shoot 50 more frames in hopes of perfection. Any desire to slow things down means a return to shooting film, unless you get your hands on the Leica M11-D. A recent addition to the catalogue, the M11-D is, in essence, a grassroots take on the ever-popular M11 rangefinder that has garnered ample praise since its launch in 2022.
Currently celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the first Leica camera ever produced, the beloved German camera firm has long held tight to its analog roots, despite being a leader in the digital space. They’re also one of the few companies still producing professional grade 35 mm film cameras. The M11-D meets in the middle of this unique pendulum swing; it offers a digital rangefinder, supported by an exclusive 60-megapixel, triple-resolution M-sensor, but is otherwise primarily manual in its operation, and does not have a digital display of any kind on its back. To review their captures, users will either need to connect the camera to their computer, or review previews via Leica’s slick FOTOS app. The app also acts as an additional control hub for the camera, allowing for various setting changes when the camera and mobile device are paired.
Though this doesn’t take shooters all the way back to the mindset of “I only have 36 frames to work with, I need to make it count,” it certainly pulls one back to a more focused and in-the-moment photographic process. You’re not thinking of holding down the shutter and blasting through 30 frames of the same scene, but rather you’re taking your time, composing, contemplating, and hoping for the best. If it’s an absolute must-have shot, that’s what the app is for, but otherwise the review can safely wait until the day comes to a close. This is a camera for contemplation, for slowing things down and forgetting about the rush to post one’s captures on social media. And we’re all here for slow living these days.
