In 2012, Leica became the only camera maker to launch a camera with a dedicated black-and-white sensor with the Leica M Monochrom. 11 years on, the German camera maker introduced the fourth camera generation with a black and white sensor, the Leica M11 Monochrom. It is a beautiful camera backed by proven imaging prowess but this being Leica, it is not for everyone. It is reserved for black-and-white photography enthusiasts with abyss-deep pockets. But more on that in a minute.
Black-and-white is synonymous with minimalism and this minimalist approach can also be seen in the camera’s design. It has an all-metal body with a solid leather covering and a top plate made of high-quality aluminum. The camera is finished in black, scratch-resistant paint finish. Save for the camera strap eyes and the lens mount ring, everything else is in black. Even the Leica logo was deliberately omitted to maintain the clean, unobtrusive minimalist design.
The design is complete by a sapphire glass display and dark chrome-plated coating optical viewfinder. It has everything that is needed and none of which it does not. The camera is an art in itself.
Under the hood, the new M11 Monochrom is rocking a multi-resolution full-format sensor developed exclusively for the new M generation and promises to capture images with unprecedented details while looking exceptionally natural – even in challenging light conditions. It also promises extremely low noise even in the high ISO range.
Speaking of ISO range, this camera offers a wide ISO range of 125 to 200,000. It can record images in Raw files in the DNG format or JPEGs with a resolution of either 60, 36, or 18 megapixels on its 256 GB internal memory.
The camera also benefits from the Leica FOTOS app which allows for an optimal mobile workflow. It can connect to a smartphone, or tablet via Bluetooth or USB-C port. And when connected to a smartphone or tablet, the camera can be directly controlled with the app and photos can be immediately accessed on the connected device.
The camera comes supplied with a certified Apple “Made for iPhone and iPad” accessory, the Leica FOTOS cable.
The Leica M11 Monochrom Camera is supposedly available globally at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers, with an RRP of €9,450/US$9,195.
Images: Leica.
