Best compact flash for Leica M11?

Curious about one thing: are you mostly shooting long bursts (continuous) or just long sessions with single shots? That kinda changes what “best” means. For safe/reliable picks, I’d stick to known CFexpress Type B like ProGrade Digital CFexpress 2.0 Type B 256GB Gold or SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Type B 256GB. 256GB is nicer for long RAW days and tends to be a bit better value. Also make sure to update M11 firmware + format in-camera… bargain cards can be flaky.

Hey! For the M11, it helps to think of CFexpress Type B as mainly about sustained write speed + reliability (so the buffer clears fast and you don’t get weird hiccups mid-session). The M11 will work with a lot of cards, but the “bargain” no-name stuff is where I’ve seen people get random errors.

In my own M11 use, I’ve had rock-solid results with ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B 256GB Cobalt 1700R/1400W and Angelbird AV PRO CFexpress Type B SE 256GB—both clear the buffer quickly and haven’t thrown a single write error for me.

Capacity-wise: 256GB is the sweet spot IMO for long RAW days (fewer swaps, less chance of losing a card). 128GB is fine if you prefer spreading risk across cards.

Also… buy from a legit retailer and format in-camera every time. Hope this helps!

@User above mentioned "Curious about one thing: are you mostly shooting long bursts..." - not to disagree, but for the M11 I don’t think you need the absolute fastest CFexpress to be “safe.” Warning: avoid no-name bargain cards… random write hiccups/errors are way more expensive than saving $30.

Value picks I’ve been happy with: ProGrade Digital CFexpress 2.0 Type B Gold 256GB or Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card SILVER Series 256GB. I’d go 256GB (fewer swaps), and buy from legit dealers only. No complaints so far.

@Reply #2 - good point! honestly i spent so much on my M11 that i just couldnt bring myself to cheap out on the storage. i learned my lesson the hard way a few years back with a generic card failing during a trip... lost half my shots and basically wanted to cry. since then im super cautious about reliability and only use stuff that is known for being overbuilt. been really satisfied with the Sony CEB-G Series CFexpress Type B 256GB lately. it feels a bit more robust than some of the others and hasnt given me a single error in months of heavy use. the thread basically agrees that sticking to 256GB and avoiding the bargain bin is the way to go for the buffer. i also picked up a Delkin Devices Black CFexpress Type B 256GB because of that crazy replacement warranty they have. it just works well and i dont have to think about it. quick tip: dont just delete files on your computer. always use the format function in the m11 menu before every shoot to keep the write speeds consistent.

To add to the point above: omg I have this exact same struggle right now!! I literally just got my M11 and I am totally overwhelmed trying to find a card that isnt gonna fail on me... been dealing with this for like three weeks now and still havent clicked buy on anything because I'm so paranoid about reliability. It is honestly so frustrating because I just want to use this amazing camera without worrying about buffer errors or losing my shots!! Love the camera so much but the card hunt is just stressing me out big time! I really just want something that works perfectly every single time but the options are so confusing...