Saw this earlier but just now responding! i went through this last year when i picked up my own m11 and tbh i was pretty paranoid about keeping it mint without spending another two grand on accessories lol. i’m super cautious with my gear, so i did some technical digging into budget alternatives that don't compromise safety. 1. **EVF vs. Rangefinder**: I was eyeing the Leica Visoflex 2 (18767) but it’s like $740!! I found that for daily use, relying on the rangefinder is actually better for battery life. If you really need an EVF for wide-angle glass, it's a huge investment, so maybe hold off and see if you actually miss it first?
2. **Handling**: Instead of the official grip, I’ve been using the Haoge HG-M11 Hand Grip with Integrated Arca-Swiss Plate. It’s around $60 and honestly feels just as solid. I was worried it might scratch the body, but the fit is perfect.
3. **Screen Protection**: I know someone already mentioned protectors, but I went with the JJC GSP-M11 Ultra-Thin 0.3mm Optical Glass Screen Protector for about $12. Technically, it's 9H tempered glass, so it offers the same impact resistance as the pricier ones. Just gotta be careful with third-party stuff generally, but these worked for me. anyway, gl with the new beast! 👍

So congrats on the M11! For safety, I'd suggest grabbing the Oberwerth Half Case for Leica M11. It's kinda pricey but honestly essential to protect that finish from dings. Also, get a solid strap like the Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap SLY-BK-3—I trust those anchors way more than the stock ones... dont wanna risk a drop! lol gl

Sooo congrats on pulling the trigger! Honestly, the M11 is an amazing piece of gear, but since it’s such a big investment, I definitely suggest being a bit cautious with how you set it up. I’m super satisfied with my current kit and it’s been working well for a while now with no complaints. Here’s what I recommend based on my experience: 1. For storage, I use the SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card and it's been rock solid. I basically always set the camera to backup mode (saving to both the card and internal memory) just to be safe... you can never be too careful with your files! 2. Handling-wise, the Leica Thumb Support M11 is pretty much essential imo. It makes the camera feel way more secure in one hand without adding any real bulk. 3. Definitely grab the Leica Screen Protector for M11 right away. It's a small price to pay to keep that back glass looking mint. Anyway, the battery life is actually reallyyy good on this model, but having a spare Leica BP-SCL7 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery in your bag is lowkey a lifesaver for long days. gl! 👍

Works great for me