Leica M11


Leica M Buyer’s Guide

A guide to Leica M cameras, including film and digital models, release timelines, and buying considerations.

Leica M Overview

The Leica M system is the foundation of Leica photography, built around the rangefinder design introduced in the 1950s. It is defined by manual focus, compact bodies, and a direct optical shooting experience that prioritises precision and simplicity.

Model Types Explained

Film Cameras
Fully mechanical or electronically assisted 35mm rangefinder cameras.

Digital Cameras
Digital rangefinder bodies with modern sensors while maintaining the classic M shooting experience.

Functional Variants
Models with meaningful differences such as Monochrom sensors or screen-less designs.

Special Editions
Cosmetic variations such as or Reporter editions with minimal technical differences.

Limited Editions
Limited variations produced with less units.

Who is the Leica M for?

The Leica M system is designed for photographers who value a traditional, hands-on approach to photography. It is best suited to those who prefer manual focus, optical viewfinders, and a slower, more deliberate way of working.

Unlike the Leica Q system, which offers autofocus and a fixed lens, the M system requires the photographer to control focus manually using the rangefinder mechanism. This creates a more involved shooting process, rewarding practice and precision.

Unlike the Leica Q or SL systems, the M is not built around autofocus or modern mirrorless workflows. Instead, it offers a slower, more deliberate approach to photography that appeals to those who value control, craftsmanship, and a traditional shooting experience.

As a result, the M system appeals to photographers who prioritise experience and simplicity over speed and flexibility. It remains one of the most distinctive camera systems available today.

Leica M Film Cameras

Model Release Date Pre Owned Price (£)
Leica M319541200 – 2000
Leica M21957900 – 1500
Leica M11959800 – 1200
Leica M419671200 – 1800
Leica M51971900 – 1400
Leica M619841800 – 2800
Leica M720022000 – 3000
Leica MP20033000 – 4500
Leica M6 (Type 2248)3 November 20223500 – 4200

Leica M Digital Cameras

Model Type Release Date Days Since Previous Pre Owned Price (£)
Leica M8 Core Model 14 September 2006 - 800 – 1200
Leica M8 Safari Special Edition (500 pieces) February 2009 - -
Leica M8 White Edition Limited Edition (275 pieces) July 2009 - -
Leica M9 Core Model 9 September 2009 1091 1500 – 2500
Leica M9 Titanium Limited Edition (500 pieces) 21 September 2010 - -
Leica M9-P Edition Hermès Limited Edition (100 pieces) May 2012 - -
Leica M (Typ 240) Core Model 17 September 2012 1104 1600 – 2400
Leica M-E (Typ 240) Functional Variant 2012 - 1200 – 1800
Leica M-P (Typ 240) Edition Safari Limited Edition (1500 pieces) February 2015 - -
Leica M-P Correspondent by Lenny Kravitz Limited Edition (125 pieces) 24 February 2015 - -
Leica M (Typ 262) Core Model 19 November 2015 1158 2000 – 2600
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) Functional Variant 2015 - 2800 – 3500
Leica M-P (Typ 240) Grip by Rolf Sachs Limited edition (79 pieces) 12 October 2016 - -
Leica M10 Core Model 19 January 2017 427 3000 – 3800
Leica M10-P Functional Variant 2018 - 3500 – 4200
Leica M10-D Functional Variant 2018 - 5000 – 6500
Leica M10-R Functional Variant 2020 - 4500 – 6000
Leica M10 Monochrom Functional Variant 2020 - 5000 – 6500
Leica M11 Core Model 13 January 2022 1820 5500 – 6500
Leica M11 Monochrom Functional Variant 13 April 2023 - 7500 – 9000
Leica M11-P Functional Variant 6 October 2023 - 6500 – 7500
Leica M11-D Functional Variant 12 September 2024 - 7000 – 8000
Leica M EV1 Core Model 21 October 2025 - –

Leica M images

Leica M-P Ralf Sachs
Leica M9-P Edition Hermès
Leica M9 Titanium
Leica M10-P Safari
Leica M11
Leica M EV1

Photography courtesy Leica Camera AG.

Leica M: Buy or wait?

It has been days since the Leica M11 was released.

Average for the Leica M update is ~1120 days.

Leica M cameras follow longer and less predictable update cycles compared to other systems.

The Leica M11 remains the current core model, with multiple variants released across its lifecycle.

Future updates are likely to follow Leica’s pattern of incremental refinements rather than rapid generational changes.