Leica M11: Two Years Going on 70

It’s been a wild couple years with the Leica M11 and as we enter the 70th anniversary of the M mount, I thought I’d reflect on my journey so far.
00:00 The Intro
00:49 History Time
01:55 The First Benefit
06:05 The Second Benefit
08:52 The Third Benefit
10:40 Why the M11?
13:17 Future Updates
15:55 Growing the Brand
19:42 The Outro
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Пікірлер: 358

  • @thinkpadx60
    @thinkpadx604 ай бұрын

    I enjoy photography and have recently got the M11P and M11M with the SUMMICRON-M 28 f/2 ASPH III and Summilux 50 1.4 ASPH II to celebrate my 50th and yes I gave up on the Rolex.. photography gives me a lot of joy and the simplicity of the Leica over my Sonys is getting me out of the door more often with the camera due to its small form factor. I love it and it's making me try new things everyday.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    That’s awesome, and congratulations on 50 👏🏾

  • @PaulB-gl1ix

    @PaulB-gl1ix

    4 ай бұрын

    I sold my Rolex GMT Batgirl to partly fund my M11P. It paid for the camera and an 28mm Summilux…. 75 APO Cron and a 50 Voigt came out of the slush fund. A big win in my book!!!

  • @andreaxyz3959

    @andreaxyz3959

    4 ай бұрын

    A Rolex can be pass onto your nexr generation and the same applies for a mechanical Leica and M Lenses..... But for a box full of caps and wires (in the style of an M11)? My watches stay where they currently are. :)

  • @PaulB-gl1ix

    @PaulB-gl1ix

    4 ай бұрын

    @@andreaxyz3959 I still have watches. Trading the Batgirl for an M11 system makes more sense to me. I've made more $$$'s in a month from photography than the cost of a Rolex GMT. I've made zero in the same time with a Rolex.

  • @xiiiconcepts
    @xiiiconcepts4 ай бұрын

    M11 mono begs for me to take it everywhere. I listen, and am rewarded! Thanks for sharing your journey Gajan, you’re one of the few YTers that live what you speak.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Truly appreciate the support. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @kevinmallory5237
    @kevinmallory52374 ай бұрын

    Gajan - I enjoy an M11 and I am relatively new to the world of M. You have produced numerous videos on the M11 and I am smiling at the fact that I always learn something new from each. In addition, I really enjoy your captures. Bravo on your channel and your work.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Truly appreciate the kind words Kevin, thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @IntrovertAmateur
    @IntrovertAmateur4 ай бұрын

    🇩🇪🙂👍 Epic long term review Gajan! After entering the Leica realm through the gateway of the Q system, I was curious about the M system and unfortunately tried it and now understand the magic of it. This special experience has it's high price tag, but due to it's heritage and history, it doesn't feel less of value, getting an old Leica M camera (but still expensive). It's even the opposite, I was very excited to get my old M9 and M6 cameras last year. This is also something you mentioned - only Leica can provide such an excitement, which other camera brands rarely do. Thanks for these long term reviews man. You portrait your experience so damn good, it makes me wish Leica releases more camera so you can do more of these videos :D

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Haha, truly appreciate the kind words brother. Thanks for watching, enjoy the journey ✌🏾

  • @rossxjohnson
    @rossxjohnson4 ай бұрын

    Love this video. Had to watch till the end before commenting. I'm 1.5 years into my journey with my M11 and it's pushed me and challenged me to become better and shoot with more purpose vs just snapping away. It's not a perfect camera but it's good for me.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    That’s so awesome. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @Photinos
    @PhotinosАй бұрын

    Excellent video because it shows in practice the extraordinary minimalist virtue of the Leica camera, for the freedom it gives users to concentrate on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of the image with amazing results. In my opinion, as a photographer of many years; Working with a Leica has made me see, feel and think about what matters and interests. Definitely, photographing with a Leica, we get better images. Thank you.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    29 күн бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @andrewdturton4535
    @andrewdturton45354 ай бұрын

    Agree with everything, the camera has got what no other has, and that’s soul ❤

  • @GiancarloBenzina
    @GiancarloBenzina29 күн бұрын

    Wow, after all that crap that’s been produced for leica fan boys that don’t get it or at least can’t express it. You did a great job to capture today’s leica within it’s history, instead of pushing over and over the same blah of the uninvolved. Thank you.

  • @TeteRecinos
    @TeteRecinos4 ай бұрын

    🇬🇹 You create extremely high quality and in depth videos but this has got to be amongst your top 3. Just excellent. Can’t wait to get my own leica kit.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    I truly appreciate that brother, thank you 🙏🏾

  • @filterfreephotography
    @filterfreephotography4 ай бұрын

    Your comment at around 18:40 is exactly how I feel about my M11. "It didn't make me a better photographer, but I am having way more fun." I feel the same way with my Leica M5 film camera that I just picked up. Having shot Nikon film previously, moving to the Leica just made it a bit more fun. I don't know why because the focusing and settings are still all manual, but it just has a differnt feel. A different emotion when shoting. Great video!

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing!

  • @writershootsfilm
    @writershootsfilm4 ай бұрын

    Damn, 2 years already? It feels like the M10 just came out yesterday. I'm still on a Leica film camera trying to make reels with an old phone. The production value on this video was off the charts. Subbing to lurk & learn.

  • @paulkotsoglo7253
    @paulkotsoglo7253Ай бұрын

    🇦🇺 thanks Gajan, terrific video. The focus on the journey and experience rather than the tech and specs. I am enjoying your work. Thanks from Perth, Western Australia.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks Paul! Hoping to get out to Perth someday. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @eugeneBai
    @eugeneBai3 ай бұрын

    Thanks a lot for these amazing videos and content! 🙏

  • @user-sq7hr8ef1n
    @user-sq7hr8ef1n3 ай бұрын

    Great video and review. Photography is about life and our short time on this earth and capturing pieces of it. I agree it is about the experience as much as the output. Gateway was original q in 2016 for me and I am hooked!

  • @expatant
    @expatantАй бұрын

    Briliant video. Have been shooting for 60 years and still love photography as much as I dId when I started with a Kodak Brownie 127. I'm shooting with Fuji and Nikon but am considering purchasing a Leica. It's a big decision to make due to the cost of acquiring one. There is a magic about Leica and the quality of the images it produces. I'm originally from London UK but now live in Florida.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @leviwelling2093
    @leviwelling20934 ай бұрын

    🇺🇸 I recently picked up an M11 after having an M10 for 4 years, and to me, it is night and day different. Absolutely love it (M10 is a great camera too). I agree with basically everything you said here. Thanks for making this video.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    That’s awesome Levi. Enjoy the journey ✊🏾

  • @brianatkinsphotography
    @brianatkinsphotography4 ай бұрын

    Great as always! Tuned in from portland oregon in the good ol usa. Im 1 year into leica with my Q1, m240, and m6(35 summicron and 35 summarit ASPH’s). Youre totally right about leica being a long term investment and being a camera that keeps you inspired. Not everyone has this experience but myself and many others have. My high end sony stuff became a “robot computer” one day and lost its magic, so I got into the M/Q system. Highly doubt these cameras will stop feeling like cameras to me, I just don’t see them losing their magic. The costs are hard to bear but it’s so worth it for the shooting experience and some of the older models are good starting points. In terms of the M system, I totally agree, the lens catalogue for M lenses(even adapted LTM lenses) is honestly nuts. Cheers to leica and the rangefinder experience(and the beloved Q for those that choose it). 🤙🏻

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Well said Brian, appreciate you sharing this! Thanks for watching brother ✊🏾

  • @collinjorthner4172
    @collinjorthner41722 ай бұрын

    Really enjoying your channel! Watching from Alberta. Been using an M6 for the better part of 35 years and looking at a digital Leica now. Likely M11. Will be exciting to see what Leica comes up with this year, being their 70th anniversary of M!

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    2 ай бұрын

    That’s incredible! Putting some great mileage on that M6. And thanks for watching. I gotta get out to Alberta again soon.

  • @OpenDGuitar
    @OpenDGuitar4 ай бұрын

    I teach an Introductory media Technology class, and just today showed Barnack’s first Wetzlar photo today. I’m a Q2 user and the M is so enticing…but so beyond my ability to pay! When I got into Leica, it made my love of the craft flourish…it felt like joining in on a rich heritage.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    That history is so hard to ignore. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @razorthought4
    @razorthought44 ай бұрын

    🇨🇱 you did it again, Gajan , Great informative video and very unique and spot on discription of owning a Leica 👌🏾

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching, and I’m hoping to visit Chile soon!

  • @jharrelphoto
    @jharrelphoto3 ай бұрын

    Amazing video! Thank you!

  • @yeape82
    @yeape824 ай бұрын

    well-produced video! Indeed "fun" is the word and what makes Leica unique

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Absolutely. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @donharrington576
    @donharrington5764 ай бұрын

    Really great analysis of the M11. I have M240 and Q3 . So fun to use. Thank you for your thoughts on Leica.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @kishanpatel2331
    @kishanpatel23314 ай бұрын

    Really loved this history lesson and review! Well done 👍

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @jonathanfostr
    @jonathanfostr4 ай бұрын

    Still can’t wait to try my first Leica, this was another fantastic video Gajan 🇺🇸

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    You should! Thanks for watching brother✌🏾

  • @gregspov
    @gregspov4 ай бұрын

    Agree - I was the first on the list for the M11-P with my Leica dealer. As excited as I was to receive it, I am even more excited every time I pick it up to make pictures. The M11-P with the new 35mm Summilux is a wonderful combination. One other thing.... I've had a Canon R5 since it was released and it is a fantastic camera and sensor, but after shooting with the M11-P since October I have become spoiled by the raw image quality of the sensor, the 60 megapixel sensor has unbelievable latitude in the highlights that feels more film like. I recently used the R5 on a nature hike that required the Canon glass and during editing started noticing the relatively more limited adjustment capabilities of the R5 raw files as compared to the Leica files.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    That’s awesome and what a great pairing. Enjoy the journey Greg ✌🏾

  • @BobbyAnwar
    @BobbyAnwar4 ай бұрын

    really enjoyed that Gajan thanks!

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching brother 🙏🏾

  • @Jack-qn6vy
    @Jack-qn6vy4 ай бұрын

    Been photographing for half a century. The M11 has probably been around my neck more hours than any other camera, perhaps more than all previous cameras combined. It has never frozen on me. More discards and more keepers. More lessons in the light triangle. More fails with focus, exposure, framing than any camera, which has led to more lessons learned, and more rewarding “successes” from those failures. I will definitely sell this camera…when an M11D 70th anniversary edition lands in my lap.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Well said. Enjoy the journey ✊🏾

  • @TheVFXbyArt

    @TheVFXbyArt

    4 ай бұрын

    It’s Beeb quiet on the m11 special edition front. Curious what’s next!😊

  • @TheVallenAlexander
    @TheVallenAlexander4 ай бұрын

    The stash!!!!! Keep up the great work Gajan.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Haha, it was an interesting start to the year 😂

  • @meghanadganpule
    @meghanadganpule4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the unbiased opinion about the camera and it's features . I am from Mumbai , India . I would love to use M11 for my next fine art photography exhibition . Thanks .

  • @JosiahMy
    @JosiahMy4 ай бұрын

    Another great informative video. 🫡 watching from 🇺🇸 Burbank, Ca

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    I didn’t know you were based outta Burbank. We gotta link up when I’m on the west coast. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @bigheadtaco
    @bigheadtaco3 ай бұрын

    Great job on this video Gajan. I’m working on something similar to you about why I shoot with Leica…. Very similar thoughts….

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you brother! Looking forward to your Leica journey ✊🏾

  • @Shephard1978
    @Shephard19784 ай бұрын

    🇬🇧 Great vid and loved the interviews. Love my M11 and had a few freezes which seems to have been fine since the last firmware. I moved from an M10-P and the battery life is just huge. Love the clarity but it still has that really nice filmic look to the pictures when you want it. My only hang up from the M10-P is the shutter sound. The shutter on the M10-P was so quiet and silky it’s been difficult to adjust from this.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    That’s awesome, thanks for sharing. And yea, there’s ‘stiffness’ to the M11 shutter sound that make some people miss the old P models.

  • @000dreamweaver
    @000dreamweaver4 ай бұрын

    Hey Gajan great to see you with the Leica M11. We have met in Porto in front of the Leica Store if you can remember :) This video came for me at the right time. I can´t do a decision between M10, M10r and a M11. Think i would left the GFX System for Leica. Thank you for this video.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Of course I remember. Appreciate you sharing. I’d say try borrowing or renting to see which gives you the best experience. Good luck and thank for watching ✌🏾

  • @thomasjayprince
    @thomasjayprince4 ай бұрын

    🇨🇦 great video Gajan! Just been shooting Leica in film but can’t wait to get a digital body!

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Nice! Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

  • @writershootsfilm
    @writershootsfilm4 ай бұрын

    🎌 woohoo, made it to the bonus round. Your wit & humor is top notch - had me laughing when you threw shade at Threads.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Haha, thank you brother. Appreciate you watching all the way through ✌🏾

  • @stevenchivers5787
    @stevenchivers57874 ай бұрын

    Hi Gajan. Enjoyed hearing your thoughts. You know I am preaching from the same hymn sheet and have been all in on Leica for many years, both digital and film. For me it’s all about the glass combined with the simplicity of the M. It makes photography a joy. I still use a Type 246 monochrome which is 8 years old. Great content and love your imagery. All the best from Plymouth UK. Steve. 🇬🇧

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Absolutely. Also, at some point I’m gonna have to make it out to Plymouth.

  • @stevenchivers5787

    @stevenchivers5787

    4 ай бұрын

    Always welcome👍

  • @gwynneharries7024
    @gwynneharries70244 ай бұрын

    🇬🇧 loving my M11. Yes it’s the fun it brings back to the experience. I’ve used Leica befit with film and I was an early adopter of digital with the M8. However, the M10 or M11 are awesome. I’m just loving my Leica.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Nice! Thanks for sharing ✌🏾

  • @dunkkid23
    @dunkkid234 ай бұрын

    The champ is here! 💪🏾😎

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Haha, thanks for watching brother ✊🏾

  • @ShawnPBruce
    @ShawnPBruce4 ай бұрын

    I’m still using the M240 and M246. There’s something so incredible about the system. I have other cameras but I’m always pulled back to the Leica. I’m hoping I can use these for years to come. They’ve become an extension of me. Also, I’m in NYC 🇺🇸

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    That’s such an awesome pairing, congrats! The M246 has some legendary durability to it. Thanks for watching brother ✌🏾

  • @spooky_lights
    @spooky_lights4 ай бұрын

    From Portland, OR🇺🇸, great video! I got my M11-P last week and have been blown away by the experience as it’s my first digital Leica. I had a moment of remorse because I felt like an imposter starting out in this ecosystem, but after using it daily for a week, I don’t know if I will ever go back.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Enjoy the journey!

  • @jefr5241
    @jefr52414 ай бұрын

    🇦🇺 great vid, as always !

  • @makmak69L7
    @makmak69L73 ай бұрын

    Another great video. From Yashika, to Canon to FujiFilm to Sony to Nikon. I tried them all. However, with Leica M system, I feel that I am the master, I am in charge, it is my decision and my choice all the time, not the camera. I started to enjoy photography again, it is emotional more than rational I guess, and the fun factor as you mentioned can’t be ignored for sure.

  • @xhynetuseinovski
    @xhynetuseinovski4 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this video, very well produced. Your videos ignite very strong emotion, arguably the best thing you can do to get someone to buy a product (if you're sponsored i'm sure they're happy). Nonetheless as these companies grow, their products must grow as well, typically away from what made them special to begin with (just look at Porsche, BMW, etc). People forget the price tag is for the red dot, not the tech. Same with Rolex. How is it that a $20K watch needs to be adjusted every few months because it cannot keep time as good as a Seiko can? Prestige products. They are more than that though. Once you hold a Leica and shoot with it, it's an experience like nothing you've had before. Have a great day Gajan!

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @cshevlin
    @cshevlin18 күн бұрын

    Thank you for this video. I'm in Philadelphia. I have a Q2 and I am looking at making the jump to the M system.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    18 күн бұрын

    Thanks for watching. Go birds 🦅

  • @cshevlin

    @cshevlin

    18 күн бұрын

    @@GajanBalan lets goooooo!

  • @delmav4358
    @delmav43584 ай бұрын

    I was trying out a second hand M11 at Calumet Hamburg a few weeks ago and after 2 Minutes had a freeze. It's really unbelievable that a camera this expensive has flaws like that. I had most of the M10 Leicas (M10-P/-M/-D) and used them for documentary photography. They are wonderful tools. But the M11 is flawed. Leica changed the system to Live view only and it simply isn't ready. There are freeze ups and the shutter makes a series of clicks (shutter closes, opens, closes, opens). Videos like these try to hype this new generation but I feel we don't really get top quality. Rather a product which hasn't finished its final testing phase. And this raises my doubts in this brand. 70 years wonderful but this is not the way to go Leica.

  • @ka_sh_iif

    @ka_sh_iif

    4 ай бұрын

    He was hyping his own experience. I do agree with you on the frustration of owning such an expensive camera and dealing with issues that kill the experience for you. I own one too and have had to send it in twice. I shoot with another system that is much cheaper and I’ve never had issues. With that said, my issues seem to have been resolved…for now🤞🏾. But the M11 is my first digital Leica, and when things are going right the joy and results I get shooting with this camera, can’t be duplicated. Gajan can only speak on his experience not yours or mine. So I respectfully disagree that he made this video to hype the camera, he made it to reflect on his journey with the M11. I hope things turn around for you and it’s smooth sailing going forward.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    I hear you. I can only speak to my experience but like I mentioned in the video, there’s still a several individuals that have an inconsistent experience. Hoping it gets resolved soon. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @michaelacedeno

    @michaelacedeno

    4 ай бұрын

    Freeze ups happen on Phase One too 👀 As someone that’s seen it happen a lot on said cameras.

  • @benjhaisch

    @benjhaisch

    4 ай бұрын

    🇦🇶 😉

  • @Gvacam1222

    @Gvacam1222

    4 ай бұрын

    In my case I had 5 m11 iterations (classics, 1 mono and 1 M-P) all were freezing many times a day 😂 I sold all of them and bought back a m10m and a sl2-s

  • @donjagoe
    @donjagoe4 ай бұрын

    M246 guy, but totally agree. Great video! 🇺🇸

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Nice! Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @goldfinch2283
    @goldfinch22832 ай бұрын

    Good video and some really beautiful images.👍👏🇨🇭

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you ✌🏾

  • @AlexOnStreets
    @AlexOnStreets4 ай бұрын

    Goat level review brother.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Appreciate you homie ✊🏾 Hoping I can make it out to your city in 2025.

  • @arnodimmling9237
    @arnodimmling92373 ай бұрын

    I noticed that in some of the clips you had an on camera flash. Would you share what the brand is and why you chose it? Thanks

  • @2252freddyng
    @2252freddyng4 ай бұрын

    🇲🇾My passion for photography drives me to own a M11. The joy of photography has just started for me after owing this simple camera.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    That’s awesome. Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

  • @quintonmckimm
    @quintonmckimm4 ай бұрын

    The Third Benefit... shouldn't piss anyone off at all - that's a huge part of my experience on a day-to-day basis. 🇺🇸

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    You’re absolutely right.

  • @garyshawnahart6655
    @garyshawnahart66554 ай бұрын

    Canada 🇨🇦 - great videos - keep them coming!

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Canada doesn’t pop up in my top five, so it’s always great to hear from a fellow Canadian in the comments. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @kennyward5252
    @kennyward52524 ай бұрын

    Man I strive to be this thoughtful and well spoken😅 great video!

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Haha, I appreciate that. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @mrtony3729
    @mrtony37292 ай бұрын

    Just subbed after watching several videos - wonderful perspective and street videos! Sold my Q2 last year and now considering a return to Leica with the M11p - can I ask what camera and lens are used to film you in India?

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾 Most of this was filmed with the Canon C70 and RF 15-35 lens.

  • @ryanthigpen
    @ryanthigpen4 ай бұрын

    Watching from New York City. I’m contemplating a Q3 or a M11. A new Leica store has just opened in the Meat Packing District and I spent 2hrs in there earlier today contemplating if I want to jump in and if so, which system. I have a Canon R5 and the trinity of L lenses, so I don’t NEED to buy a Leica, but as a passionate photographer living in NYC, I’d love to try it out. Thanks for your videos, they’ve been helpful. I’ll be making a decision shortly.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Good luck and enjoy the journey ✌🏾

  • @_parkphoto
    @_parkphoto4 ай бұрын

    Great video bro, absolutely agree that it’s a holistic experience that leads to loving a camera and creating amazing work with it. We petty humans always try to boil things down into ONE factor or ONE reason but it’s always more complex than that. 🇺🇸 ALSO I had no idea the ASC had those framelines and cinema jpg modes that is SO sick and I absolutely love your proposition and reason for integrating into future cameras

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks brother! And yea, there’s some cool stuff locked to special editions that I wish they’d open up. Fingers crossed.

  • @YOUAREMYKIN
    @YOUAREMYKIN4 ай бұрын

    I really enjoyed this even if it’s only about Leica. Would be great if you did another about Fuji!

  • @wolfgangpieper4530
    @wolfgangpieper45304 ай бұрын

    🇩🇪 a happy user with M10-R + M10-M Keep on with your great videos ☀️

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Such an awesome kit, congrats! And thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @benoitpiret9065
    @benoitpiret90654 ай бұрын

    Great video. Note that one of the reason for these amazing lenses is at the time it was thought that these small 35mm cameras wouldn’t produce work that could be enlarged. So Leica used their knowledge in optics to develop portable optics that would provide so much resolution for film there wouldn’t be an issue to enlarge them. And rival with larger formats. And it’s still the truth today. You even made a comment on that in your sl2s review

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Well said. Thanks for sharing brother ✌🏾

  • @mistagregory
    @mistagregory4 ай бұрын

    Hi from southern Ecuador. Here with my M6TTL and 35mm f1.4 ASPH.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾 I need to spend more time across South America in general. Ecuador would be amazing.

  • @kurocamera
    @kurocamera4 ай бұрын

    🇯🇵 thanks for the videos and for sharing about the most unique photography brand out there : )

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾 I’m hoping to be in Japan next year, fingers crossed.

  • @charliewaterman816
    @charliewaterman8164 ай бұрын

    You hit it on the head, brother.. Shoot what you enjoy, and the out will show it. I actually just stepped back from the gfx system to the nikon zf.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    That’s awesome, congrats! Enjoy the journey ✊🏾

  • @Youshinaka
    @Youshinaka4 ай бұрын

    French watching from Japan here, wishingyou the best!

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks! Hoping to get back to Japan next year.

  • @jakobjohannsson1045
    @jakobjohannsson10452 ай бұрын

    Thank you for a great video. Greetings from Iceland.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching Jakob. Hoping to come back to Iceland soon.

  • @prestonsmead7609
    @prestonsmead76094 ай бұрын

    Have you found it harder to get your images in proper focus with the M11 versus other cameras? Some seem to find this to be an issue. I'm a new sub to your channel. Your vids are great, man. Keep it up! You have a great sense of humor too : )

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    It takes work, but eventually it just becomes second nature.

  • @silvestrocrino3256
    @silvestrocrino32562 ай бұрын

    I have an M10-R and don't really feel the need to upgrade... but the built in SSD, upgraded LCD and USB-C are indeed nice on the M11.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    2 ай бұрын

    Most probably don’t need to from the M10-R because that’s still a great camera. What’s special about the M11 though is that it’s a great entry point for a lot of people into the M system because of all the new additions.

  • @benridin1259
    @benridin1259Ай бұрын

    1:01 "triggering for half the bearded dudes on threads..." 🤣You just got yourself a new subscriber! Best Leica video I'm seen yet and I've been watching a bunch. Dream system for me. Couldn't find a Texas flag so there you go. No emoji necessary.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    Ай бұрын

    Haha, thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @mifcnm
    @mifcnm4 ай бұрын

    Just a question, would you recommend the 50 apo or 50 summilux?? Thanks for you help.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    It really depends on the type of work you’re capturing. I went with the Summilux, it just renders beautifully. Most of my work is people and it’s a lens that never disappoints.

  • @guyloughridge4628
    @guyloughridge46283 ай бұрын

    🇺🇸Gajan, Something has changed… was it the M11 for me? I think it was. Maybe the M11 took me to a new place. I started slowing down to find the fun and the art of photography. I am enjoying the art.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    3 ай бұрын

    That’s great to hear. Thanks for sharing (and watching) 🙏🏾

  • @LeePierre
    @LeePierre4 ай бұрын

    I was wondering how much percentage a Leica M user (10 and above) shoots with the screen instead of the OVF. 65 % screen vs 35% OVF? Great pictures btw 💪🏼🙏

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    I have to imagine there’s an environmental factor too? But yea, I’d be curious to know as well. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @markusbuechter3766
    @markusbuechter37664 ай бұрын

    🇦🇪 Nice Video, what the M11 is to you is the M10R to me. It all started in 2012 with an M9M.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    That’s awesome. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @iammarciomiranda
    @iammarciomiranda4 ай бұрын

    great video!

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @RahulMajumdarPhotography
    @RahulMajumdarPhotography4 ай бұрын

    I was wondering if you could share your experience with using the M11 in dusty environments -- given that he lens is not weather sealed along the mount, do you experience a bunch of dust settling on the camera?

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    I haven’t had any issues where dust has impacted the performance of my camera. I’ve used it in really dusty and sandy situations, and things have been good so far.

  • @RahulMajumdarPhotography

    @RahulMajumdarPhotography

    4 ай бұрын

    @@GajanBalan Thank you for responding. I'm relatively new to the Leica M digital system and I was quiet surprised with how much dust I took in with just a couple of weeks of shooting (in NYC). I was hoping to make this the go to carry system for my trips to India and other places. Great to see your videos and your work. Thank you.

  • @ilianamatamoros2591
    @ilianamatamoros25914 ай бұрын

    I have been just as happy with my M10-R that I have had for just over 3 years. Could not justify the M11 - for now. I carry the M10-R with two spare batteries just in case. The ergonomics is wonderful as well as the images. I do not edit mine; I shoot as if I were using slide film. Doing this with laptop - no flag emojis. USA working in Indonesia this week.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Love that process of treating it like slide film. Thanks for sharing ✌🏾

  • @jeanjoseph2288
    @jeanjoseph22884 ай бұрын

    Man they should give you a position at Leica you nail it Everytime

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Haha, thanks ✌🏾

  • @nilx4781
    @nilx47814 ай бұрын

    Hey Gajan, I been a subscriber for a while now but this video you made look twice with your moustache, you look like a typical 80s uncle or you work in local police department. Keep it up with the content. 😊

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    😂

  • @bohorelaxmusic
    @bohorelaxmusic4 ай бұрын

    Hi Gajan thanks for the video i am from québec, canada

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching brother! I gotta spend some more time in Quebec 🤌🏾

  • @makmak69L7
    @makmak69L73 ай бұрын

    After using the Leica Q2 Monochrom for more than one year, I decided to buy my second Leica Camera, which is the Leica M11-P along with the Summilux 50mm F1.4 ASPH. 🇧🇭

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    3 ай бұрын

    Congratulations. Enjoy your journey ✌🏾

  • @makmak69L7

    @makmak69L7

    3 ай бұрын

    Many thanks Gajan

  • @MrSpiff9
    @MrSpiff94 ай бұрын

    For some weird reason, I don't have a USA flag (and sometime later this year, it will be the Italian flag!). Thank you for sharing your experiences with the M11, as the M series has peaked my interest for some time. I think I need to rent one for an extended time frame to truly experience it. It's kinda funny, I've been shooting professionally since 1976, have owned multiple studios and have spent over 1.5 million dollars on equipment but never purchased a Leica. Presently using the Fujifilm GFX 100 II/50s as well as Olympus M43 (with the diminutive Pen-F and small lenses and my favorite walkabout kit). Have you gotten rid of your medium format gear or are you using it along with the M11?

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing and have fun in Italy! I’ve moved on from the GFX. My M11 and SL2s see the most reps, and I’ll bring in my Hasselblad X2D for portraiture and client work.

  • @user-bk5zl8ju3u
    @user-bk5zl8ju3u4 ай бұрын

    Great video.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @kaushalkashyap4306
    @kaushalkashyap430621 күн бұрын

    Gajan, What is the slang bag that you are wearing at the beginning of this video?

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    20 күн бұрын

    It’s the Clever Supply Sling. Great travel bag.

  • @Racsophoto
    @Racsophoto4 ай бұрын

    Congrats for the video. My question is: if someone buys a Leica body and use’s Voigtlander glass is then compromising the experience?

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    I wouldn’t say so. Different lenses give different results. For example, there’s plenty of proof that some Voigtlander lenses give you sharper results than their Leica equivalents. Like I said in the video, pick the lens for your story and enjoy.

  • @Racsophoto

    @Racsophoto

    4 ай бұрын

    @@GajanBalan thank you 🙏

  • @forgottenamericana
    @forgottenamericana4 ай бұрын

    🇺🇸Asking for video back is a very controversial topic. Many purists lauded Leica and Stefan Daniel for taking it out. Making it pure photography. Like you I want to shoot a quick video clip and it sucks having to carry two cameras around one being a video camera. We need IBIS in an m body. Technology should be evolving where they can do it in the small body. Maybe Leica should come out with a M body that has more tech and another model for the purists.

  • @-grey
    @-grey4 ай бұрын

    I love the idea of the M because I've noticed that large gear gets left at home. I always end up talking myself down though. 😅 The size of the bodies are great, and the lenses are awesome quality, but I think I'd end up only getting compact lenses like the elmarit 28, because the larger glass looks a bit bulky for me. I'm also worried I would struggle to get good focus at those brighter apertures with the range finder patch in low light when I'd want it. So I'd probably just end up zone focusing a 28 in good light only. Which is what my Ricoh GR does for me currently. I can't never figure out where it would fit in for me. I would love to see a cousin to the Leica Q though. Maybe a compact fixed lens 40f2 or 2.8. To make it more squish than the Q, and closer to the Leica CL. It will probably end up with around the same depth of field as the Q anyway. I'd take that over the GRIIIx for sure. 😎

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Haha, I hear ya. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @KaiBoogie718
    @KaiBoogie7184 ай бұрын

    Feel like the bearded dudes was a shot 😂😂😂… great vid my man 🧨

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    I said what I said 😂 Thanks for watching brother 🙏🏾

  • @singhonthestreets
    @singhonthestreets4 ай бұрын

    Newly discovered, when somebody from your country and now your new hometown(toronto) creates such qualitative content, I feel like that people like me have someone to look upto. #representation

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you brother. Appreciate you watching ✌🏾

  • @chrismeetschris
    @chrismeetschris3 ай бұрын

    🇨🇦 first John Mayer watch, now the Ebbets field hat. 👌 👌 👌

  • @chrismeetschris

    @chrismeetschris

    3 ай бұрын

    also I agree with everything you're saying about Leica. the rangefinder system has improved my photography immensely, mostly because with an EVF I tent to want to shoot everything wide open. with a rangefinder, I tend to focus alot more on the frame, light, and exposure. You're more focussed on whats actually in front of you instead of the brain crack that is ridiculous bokeh :)

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    3 ай бұрын

    Well said, it really does change how you work and in turn, the range of your storytelling.

  • @StuartWeir
    @StuartWeir4 ай бұрын

    HAHAHAHA BRO! “You can put almond milk in your coffee, eat gluten free pizza, and spend your life savings on NFTs” - you really weren’t holding back hahahahaha

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    😅

  • @AdityaVarma
    @AdityaVarma4 ай бұрын

    ❤️❤️❤️

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching my brother✌🏾

  • @ianforber
    @ianforber4 ай бұрын

    Another niche request is to use FOTOS to allow for the quick printing of images just like Fujifilm. I would like to be able to give a pic to people whose portraits I’ve taken on the street.

  • @genesparks1589
    @genesparks15894 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Truly appreciate the support ✌🏾

  • @stephenbourne2631
    @stephenbourne26314 ай бұрын

    Currently using Q2, hopefully M11 next on list couldnt add a flag but watching in UK

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Nice! Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

  • @matuszewskistudio
    @matuszewskistudio4 ай бұрын

    nice! it's kinda rare to see a video about a leica without snobery

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @maartenmidden1651
    @maartenmidden16514 ай бұрын

    How do you deal with walking around with such an expensive kit. I see you are wearing a messenger bag but that bag is also not so low profile. I'm traveling in South Africa with my XT4.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Part of a larger conversation but I’m following best practices wherever I go and most people are genuinely kind individuals.

  • @t.rich.pictures2197
    @t.rich.pictures21974 ай бұрын

    I mustache you a question! How much better is the M-11 than the X-Pro3?

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    First of all, how dare you 🤣🤣🤣 Second, I find it significantly better for the work I do. From the user experience to the final result, everything feels better. But again, it’s based on my style of work. Hope this helps!

  • @t.rich.pictures2197

    @t.rich.pictures2197

    4 ай бұрын

    @@GajanBalan It helps Gajan! Thanks! Love & Respect...

  • @bunnytobin
    @bunnytobin4 ай бұрын

    There is a definite difference that comes about in your work when you have a serious tool to do a specific job. Like when I bought a Festool powertool to treat myself. I started paying closer attention to my measurements and making my cuts more precise, perfectly square etc. A similar thing happened years ago when I was in school and bought my first Hasselblad and I started paying far more attention to the composition in every photo and nailing exposure. Using a tool that is an exacting instrument but REQUIRES your attention, it can't not improve your work. I never took worse pictures in my life than during my short time using a SONY setup. Using their perfect optics and incredible telepathic autofocus that did everything for me, completely disassociated me from taking the picture. Because I didn't have to pay attention. Unfortunately I don't trust my ageing eyes enough any more to use a rangefinder, but my SL2 and M lenses with focus magnification have gotten their hooks in me for good.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    I love this, thank you for sharing brother. Enjoy the journey ✊🏾

  • @walkingmanvideo9455
    @walkingmanvideo94554 ай бұрын

    9:45 Exactly. I work with Sony and Canon bodies in my professional work but my Leica.....its my personal camera. It is my LIFE camera. There is just something special about holding it, using it......I know this sounds silly but the other cameras are just work tools......my Leica is my friend and is with me all the time. It's just the way I see it.

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Well said, couldn’t agree more. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @f__e__e__l__e__e__p
    @f__e__e__l__e__e__p4 ай бұрын

    thanks from Poland

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching ✌🏾

  • @LA.Black.
    @LA.Black.4 ай бұрын

    M11M and the X2D is the best travel setup 🇺🇸

  • @GajanBalan

    @GajanBalan

    4 ай бұрын

    Killer combo. Thanks for watching ✌🏾