Leica M11-D: A Digital Camera with No Screen – My 20 days Hands on Experience

I’ve got something really cool to share from my recent 14-day adventure across China plus my local Kuala Lumpur street photography experience.
This time, I had a special companion—the Leica M11-D. Yup, that’s right—a digital camera with NO LCD screen! Sounds wild, right? But trust me, this minimalist design took my photography to a whole new level of creativity and patience.

First Impressions: The Leica M11-D and the Rainy Roads of Guilin & Yunnan

Let’s talk about the first time I held the M11-D. It’s got this solid, premium feel, but there’s no screen! Initially, I panicked—what do you mean I can’t check my shots?! But then it hit me—this was a real throwback to the film days. I took the M11-D with me to the rainy streets of Guilin and the stunning, high-altitude Yu Long Snow Mountain in Yunnan. And when I say it was rainy, I mean it poured the whole time in Guilin. But guess what? The lack of a screen became more of a blessing than I expected. I wasn’t glued to checking every shot—I was totally immersed in the moment, embracing the rain, and just enjoying the process of shooting.

You might think the rain would be a showstopper, but not for me! Even though I couldn’t review my images instantly, I had this feeling of confidence building up—just knowing I was capturing some killer shots without that constant screen-checking habit.

A New Challenge: Letting Go of the Screen

Alright, here’s the biggie: no screen means you’re fully committed to every click. I took this mindset with me to the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, snapping some spontaneous street shots. Without the ability to peek at the images, I had to rely purely on instinct—and let me tell you, it’s an oddly satisfying experience. I wasn’t second-guessing my shots, just shooting and trusting the process.

It’s a challenge at first (you know, that screen-checking habit), but after a while, it felt super refreshing. It was almost like going back in time—film vibes but with a digital twist. No more fiddling with settings; it’s just you, your subject, and that classic Leica feel.

M11-D vs. M10-D: Is It Really That Different?

For those of you familiar with the M10-D, the M11-D is like its cooler, more streamlined sibling. It’s still got all the essentials like ISO, shutter speed, and exposure controls, right at your fingertips. You also get the option of an external electronic viewfinder (EVF), though I’m personally not a fan—it messes with the sleek, minimalist design. I prefer sticking with the classic rangefinder experience.

But hey, if you need a little extra help with focusing, the EVF’s there for you. It even zooms in when you turn the focus ring, which is awesome if you’re using something like the 0.95 Noctilux. Still, I’m all about keeping things simple!

Leica FOTOS App: Purist or Just Practical?

Okay, so the M11-D does offer some digital perks—like the Leica FOTOS app, which is honestly super handy. You can adjust all sorts of settings from your phone, review photos, or even shoot remotely! I know, I know, it sounds like it’s going against the whole “digital heart, analog soul” vibe, but come on, it’s practical! Sometimes you just need to transfer photos quickly or double-check a shot, and the app makes that easy.

The connection speed between the M11-D and the app is way faster than the M10-D, but it does drain the battery more quickly. So if you’re going hardcore with the app, make sure you’ve got an extra battery on hand.

The Results: Rainy Landscapes and Urban Life

Despite all the rain (seriously, why does it rain every time I travel?), the M11-D performed like a champ. I captured some stunning shots of the misty mountains in Yunnan, the rainy streets of Guilin, and the vibrant chaos of Kuala Lumpur. The Leica magic is all there—the tones, the clarity, that something that makes every photo feel special.

Is the Leica M11-D Really “Digital Heart, Analog Soul”?

So, is this camera truly the blend of digital and analog? Honestly, it’s whatever you make of it. You can fully immerse yourself in the analog feel—no screen, just pure shooting—or you can dip into the digital side when needed with the EVF and FOTOS app. It’s the best of both worlds, and it feels like a camera that lets you decide how you want to shoot.

For me, the M11-D changed the way I approach photography. It slowed me down, made me think more about each shot, and reminded me that sometimes, you don’t need instant validation. You just need to trust your eye, your gut, and your gear.

Final Thoughts

If you’re curious about the Leica M11-D or considering a switch from the M10-D, I say go for it. Whether you're battling the rain in Guilin or capturing candid street moments in Kuala Lumpur, this camera makes every shot feel like an adventure. It challenges you in the best way possible, and I promise—it’s a challenge worth taking.