What are the must-have accessories for a new Leica M11?

Question

What are the absolute must-have accessories for a new Leica M11 that wont break the bank after I just spent a small fortune on the body? I finally pulled the trigger on a black chrome M11 last week and Im honestly feeling a bit overwhelmed and frustrated by the sheer amount of essential stuff everyone says I need.

I spent hours on forums and YouTube and Im getting totally conflicting advice. Like I read that the Visoflex 2 is a total game changer for focusing especially with faster lenses but then a bunch of purists say it makes the camera way too bulky and if I wanted an EVF I should have just bought an SL2 or a Q3. Im worried about my eyesight being a bit crappy for the rangefinder patch alone so maybe I need it? But its so expensive for what it is and honestly feels a bit flimsy for the price when I handled one at the store.

Then theres the whole grip situation. Ive got fairly large hands and the M11 feels a bit slippery honestly so I was looking at the official Leica handgrip or maybe just a thumb support. I saw some people swear by the Match Technical Thumbs Up but then others say it puts too much stress on the hot shoe and could damage the internal electronics if it gets bumped while its in my bag. Its like every solution has a massive downside or costs five hundred bucks.

Im based in Seattle so its constantly drizzling here and Im terrified of getting this thing wet or scratching it up while Im out doing street stuff. Do I really need a half case? I looked at the Arte di Mano ones because they look gorgeous but the lead time is forever and Im traveling to Japan in three weeks and need this sorted now.

My budget is basically tapped out—Ive got maybe 700 or 800 dollars left for everything else including extra batteries and a strap. I really dont want to waste money on stuff thats just gonna sit in my bag. Should I just get a basic Peak Design strap and a screen protector and call it a day or am I gonna regret not getting a proper grip right away?

NeonSpecter · Accepted Answer

Writing this quick while I have a sec between sessions! You are gonna love the M11 in Japan, its an amazing street machine and the files are just fantastic. Since your eyesight is a concern, honestly skip the Visoflex for now and look into a Leica Diopter Correction Lens M +1.5. It fixes the patch blur perfectly without making the camera bulky or ruining the profile! For that 800 dollar budget, here is a methodical way to gear up:

Protection: Get the Leica Screen Protector for M11. Its essential for resale value and peace of mind in the drizzle.

Grip: Check out the Match Technical Thumbs Up EP-MX. It makes the one-handed shooting experience so much more secure and I have never had an issue with the hot shoe.

Power: Definitely buy one extra Leica BP-SCL6 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery. Japan is a lot of walking and you dont want to hit zero percent in the middle of Shinjuku.

Strap: Look at Rock n Roll Straps M-Type Napa Leather Strap. They are incredibly comfortable for 10-mile days. Check out the Red Dot Forum website too. They have deep dives on every accessory imaginable. Have an amazing trip!

jndzwdvlyy · Answer

> Im based in Seattle so its constantly drizzling here and Im terrified of getting this thing wet Unfortunately, the weather sealing on the M11 isnt as robust as the SL series, which is frustrating at this price point. Before I give full advice, what lenses are you taking to Japan? If you are carrying heavy glass, the Kamerakraft LM11 Grip is much better for large hands than the official Leica option. Its solid but wont solve the rain issue.

AvaAmige · Answer

Regarding what #3 said about "> Im based in Seattle so its constantly..." - man, I feel that deep in my soul. I have been shooting M cameras for over a decade and the truth is the weather sealing on the M11 is mostly just wishful thinking compared to something like a Nikon. You really gotta be careful because moisture in the top plate can lead to some very expensive repairs down the line. Since youre heading to Japan soon and need to stay under budget, I would suggest focusing on utility and protection over the shiny Leica-branded stuff.

First thing, grab a JJC HG-M11 Hand Grip for Leica M11. Its a fraction of the price of the official one, has a built-in Arca-Swiss plate for tripods, and gives you that extra security so it doesnt slide out of your hand in the rain.

For your SD card, the M11 is notoriously picky and can freeze if the write speeds arent up to snuff. Make sure to get a SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB SDXC UHS-II card. Trust me, losing photos in Tokyo because of a card error is way worse than a scratched baseplate.

Instead of a bulky case, look at a Tenba Tools 16-inch Protective Wrap. You can wrap the body while its in your bag to keep it from getting banged up without the bulk of a half-case.

For the drizzle, honestly, a Op/Tech USA Rainsleeve Small is a lifesaver. It looks goofy on a five-figure camera but it works. Regarding your eyes, try using the focus peaking on the rear screen before dropping six hundred on a Visoflex. It takes a second to get used to but it will save you a ton of cash for more sushi in Japan.