The camera that inspires me the most to shoot is my scrappy Ricoh RZ-800 point and shoot that I found at thrift store sold as is without any testing. It leaves a signature fringe at the edge of the stills it takes so I always know what camera I used when I get my rolls back.
I don't mind the imperfections as I am not a professional photographer. I can afford to have a few missed shots here and there. To me what matters is the feeling of the mechanical whirring as the lens extends from the body. The texture of aged plastic as I grab it to capture the moment knowing full well that the frame might not turn out when I go to get the roll developed. And the reminder of how old the camera is when I take the battery out and the default date is set back to the date the camera was manufactured.
It reminds me that what I am doing is capturing memories. The camera has a history and I am adding to it's history by bringing the camera with me. It's artifacts and quirks are reminders that this camera has been around for a while. It inspires me to be in the moment and pay attention to the world around me.
While I am not travelling to exotic places, I definitely subscribe to much of what you wrote. Compactness and familiarity spring to mind in favour of the rangefinder form factor. To be clear familiarity is a generational marker, given I started with my dad's Agfa rangefinder. Which means the (not always) slower pace of picture making is not perceived as a constraint, just as a fact.
I see how this set up allowed you more freedom, not just by compactness in itself, but also in the way you may have been perceived by people around you.
Additionally, I was interested in your treatment of colours, something that is remote to me (BW I am). I am grateful you explained much of the context, social and more.
I have a question for you about the potential relevance of going with Colour film instead of sensor based colours. Is this something you thought about at all?
First, thank you for sharing Patrick. When it comes to digital colour vs film colour, I think you're picking the medium that best suits the story, based on aesthetics, technical ability, and even philosophy.
Film has a unique aesthetic, and if one's proficient to work within its technical limitations, can deliver incredible results. There's also a philosophical elements that colour film has this magic to it that feels more 'real' than digital.
Digital on the other hand, tends to have this modern/clinical aesthetic, a lot more latitude in it's technical abilities, and philosophically, feels like a more liberating medium where the story with colour has so much room to shift.
I'm not sure if I'm really answering any question here, but it's something I think about a lot with respect to my work. Where I've landed is I choose digital for most things, and film for when it serves the story.
Good evening Gajan, I should have been more precise. When I mentioned film, this was not yet another film vs digital conversation. Rather from a practical viewpoint not having to depend on batteries and perhaps therefore blend in even more. I may be imagining things though.
I enjoyed reading the M11 post and the connectivity you shared through the experience you have with it. My first camera camera was a Canon Sureshot 35mm camera and I fell in love with not only the ease it came with using it but the process of developing the film. My first exposure to a dark room was in high school and it was fascinating to be able to experience first hand the journey of a photograph being developed. Using my Canon I supported small business by getting my rolls developed at a local photo store and the anticipation that would build up waiting for my developed photos to be sent to me was my favorite part; it’s like receiving a time capsule. Recently I purchased my official camera a Sony a6400 and I do love the feeling I get when I just want to pick it up and shoot everything so I love how you spoke to that. I’m going to continue to grow my journey with this camera and hope to get back into film; until then thank you for sharing and hope to read more!
My first Leica was the M6, then I moved to the M8 and the M9. As I was getting more trouble with my eyesight to focus correctly, I moved to the CL about 5 years ago. This camera allows me to do pretty much the same as the Ms, but it's a lot easier and my photos are in focus all the time (if I want them to be in focus). I now have 2.
In case you are wondering why I didn't go for the SL, I find it just too heavy to carry along. I always have at least one camera on me. The CL is discreet and lightweight. It's just what I need. Unfortunately, they ended production.
On holiday and in fact every day, I carry two film cameras with me. Madness you may say, but wait. One Olympus om4ti and a Olympus PEN ft, half frame camera from the 1960's with a 50mm f1.4 and 40mm f1.4 respectfully. The 44mm is a 56mm equivalent full frame. In my small blue shoulder bag I also have 6 rolls of ADOX HR-50 a very fine grained black and white film. The pen f will give me 72 portrait frames and is a great camera for storytelling. The om4 is full frame and all the Olympus glass is high quality. Both of these cameras are small and compact, with just the basic features required for film photography. The bag also has space for a 35 and 135 and the equivalent for the pen ft. With only a small battery for the light meters, these two cameras are my go to wherever I am.
I often thought about getting an M2, but never went beyond thinking, my two Olympus cameras are all I require when traveling.
Great article as always Gajan. The third pic is the one that does it for me. Love everything about it - not "just another portrait".
The camera that inspires me to shoot is my Q series - currently the Q2, but had the Q before. It's not quite an M in terms for feel and usage, but it offers a close enough experience with he additional of some niceties as a hobbyist - AF, close MFD, IBIS.
Hi Gajan, This is another thoughtful piece. Like you, I love the M11 for documentary work and crowded places. However, for fast-moving action, Nikon’s Z9 is outstanding. I enjoy using both cameras. I see them as complementary, not as competitors, and choose the best tool for each task. Martin
A lot of Nikon love in the comments and having started my photography journey there with a D90, I love the resurgence the company is having. Happy New Year Martin.
Those are nice M11 photos. What is your primary lens on the camera? If you could only use one lens on your M11, what would you pick?
If it was just one, it'd be the modern Summilux 35mm.
The camera that inspires me the most to shoot is my scrappy Ricoh RZ-800 point and shoot that I found at thrift store sold as is without any testing. It leaves a signature fringe at the edge of the stills it takes so I always know what camera I used when I get my rolls back.
I don't mind the imperfections as I am not a professional photographer. I can afford to have a few missed shots here and there. To me what matters is the feeling of the mechanical whirring as the lens extends from the body. The texture of aged plastic as I grab it to capture the moment knowing full well that the frame might not turn out when I go to get the roll developed. And the reminder of how old the camera is when I take the battery out and the default date is set back to the date the camera was manufactured.
It reminds me that what I am doing is capturing memories. The camera has a history and I am adding to it's history by bringing the camera with me. It's artifacts and quirks are reminders that this camera has been around for a while. It inspires me to be in the moment and pay attention to the world around me.
I look forward to reading more of your posts!
That’s awesome. Thanks so much for sharing ✌🏾
M11 is a uniquely incredible photographic experience. I’ve been inspired and interested in all things M11.🙏🏻
Good evening Gajan,
While I am not travelling to exotic places, I definitely subscribe to much of what you wrote. Compactness and familiarity spring to mind in favour of the rangefinder form factor. To be clear familiarity is a generational marker, given I started with my dad's Agfa rangefinder. Which means the (not always) slower pace of picture making is not perceived as a constraint, just as a fact.
I see how this set up allowed you more freedom, not just by compactness in itself, but also in the way you may have been perceived by people around you.
Additionally, I was interested in your treatment of colours, something that is remote to me (BW I am). I am grateful you explained much of the context, social and more.
I have a question for you about the potential relevance of going with Colour film instead of sensor based colours. Is this something you thought about at all?
regards,
Patrick
First, thank you for sharing Patrick. When it comes to digital colour vs film colour, I think you're picking the medium that best suits the story, based on aesthetics, technical ability, and even philosophy.
Film has a unique aesthetic, and if one's proficient to work within its technical limitations, can deliver incredible results. There's also a philosophical elements that colour film has this magic to it that feels more 'real' than digital.
Digital on the other hand, tends to have this modern/clinical aesthetic, a lot more latitude in it's technical abilities, and philosophically, feels like a more liberating medium where the story with colour has so much room to shift.
I'm not sure if I'm really answering any question here, but it's something I think about a lot with respect to my work. Where I've landed is I choose digital for most things, and film for when it serves the story.
Good evening Gajan, I should have been more precise. When I mentioned film, this was not yet another film vs digital conversation. Rather from a practical viewpoint not having to depend on batteries and perhaps therefore blend in even more. I may be imagining things though.
Love this article! I run a FILM-only adventure magazine. Think you might like it, you should check it out. ⬇️
I enjoyed reading the M11 post and the connectivity you shared through the experience you have with it. My first camera camera was a Canon Sureshot 35mm camera and I fell in love with not only the ease it came with using it but the process of developing the film. My first exposure to a dark room was in high school and it was fascinating to be able to experience first hand the journey of a photograph being developed. Using my Canon I supported small business by getting my rolls developed at a local photo store and the anticipation that would build up waiting for my developed photos to be sent to me was my favorite part; it’s like receiving a time capsule. Recently I purchased my official camera a Sony a6400 and I do love the feeling I get when I just want to pick it up and shoot everything so I love how you spoke to that. I’m going to continue to grow my journey with this camera and hope to get back into film; until then thank you for sharing and hope to read more!
That's awesome, thank you for sharing. Enjoy the journey.
Incredible images
I 100% agree. It's a perfect camera.
My first Leica was the M6, then I moved to the M8 and the M9. As I was getting more trouble with my eyesight to focus correctly, I moved to the CL about 5 years ago. This camera allows me to do pretty much the same as the Ms, but it's a lot easier and my photos are in focus all the time (if I want them to be in focus). I now have 2.
In case you are wondering why I didn't go for the SL, I find it just too heavy to carry along. I always have at least one camera on me. The CL is discreet and lightweight. It's just what I need. Unfortunately, they ended production.
Hello Gajan.
On holiday and in fact every day, I carry two film cameras with me. Madness you may say, but wait. One Olympus om4ti and a Olympus PEN ft, half frame camera from the 1960's with a 50mm f1.4 and 40mm f1.4 respectfully. The 44mm is a 56mm equivalent full frame. In my small blue shoulder bag I also have 6 rolls of ADOX HR-50 a very fine grained black and white film. The pen f will give me 72 portrait frames and is a great camera for storytelling. The om4 is full frame and all the Olympus glass is high quality. Both of these cameras are small and compact, with just the basic features required for film photography. The bag also has space for a 35 and 135 and the equivalent for the pen ft. With only a small battery for the light meters, these two cameras are my go to wherever I am.
I often thought about getting an M2, but never went beyond thinking, my two Olympus cameras are all I require when traveling.
That't awesome. Thanks for sharing.
As someone who carries a larger camera body, this article has me sold to count every last penny to invest in the M11.
Haha, give it a try. See if you can rent one for a bit. Especially great if you're in backstage environments often.
Thanks for reading!
I’ve been to Kolkata twice. It’s an incredible vibrant city made for a Leica camera! I photographed with a Nikon and a Sony View my photos at: https://www.ianmccausland.com/Travel/n-QVHdX/Kolkata-images
Truly one of the greatest photography scenes in the world and thanks for sharing! So many familiar scenes and streets.
As a user of both the M11 and M11 monochrom I share your feelings.
Both are truly amazing.
That's an amazing kit right there. Thanks for sharing.
This should be the blueprint for how to write gear reviews. It’s not about specs, it’s about your own experience with it.
Thank you Guillermo. Looking to integrate more of this style in the months to come.
Great article as always Gajan. The third pic is the one that does it for me. Love everything about it - not "just another portrait".
The camera that inspires me to shoot is my Q series - currently the Q2, but had the Q before. It's not quite an M in terms for feel and usage, but it offers a close enough experience with he additional of some niceties as a hobbyist - AF, close MFD, IBIS.
Happy New Year - wishing you the best in 2025.
Thanks so much for sharing. Truly appreciate the kind words. Happy New Year!
Hi Gajan, This is another thoughtful piece. Like you, I love the M11 for documentary work and crowded places. However, for fast-moving action, Nikon’s Z9 is outstanding. I enjoy using both cameras. I see them as complementary, not as competitors, and choose the best tool for each task. Martin
A lot of Nikon love in the comments and having started my photography journey there with a D90, I love the resurgence the company is having. Happy New Year Martin.