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Cameras

Leica Q2 Monochrom vs. M11 Monochrom: Which is Better?

Chris Gampat
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05/06/2023
6 Mins read
Leica Q2 vs M11 Monochrom The Phoblographer

Which is better? Is the Leica Q2 Monochrom with its fixed lens and autofocus better? Or are you the tried and true photographers that can do more with megapixels? Well, if that’s the case, then the Leica M11 Monochrom might be better for you, right? Well, that’s not really the case. We’ve reviewed both cameras appealing to black and white enthusiasts. And we think you’re going to like what each of them are capable of. Leica Q2 Monochrom vs. M11 Monochrom: which is right for you? Here are our findings.

The Phoblographer may receive payments from affiliate purchases made using the links in this article.

References

Here are our references for this comparison of the Leica Q2 Monochrom vs M11 Monochrom.

LEica M11 Monochrom

We’re referencing our Leica M11 Monochrom review for this. You should take a look at it for more information. Here are the biggest tech specs for the Leica M11 Monochrom:

  • Monochrome BSI CMOS Sensor with Triple Resolution
  • Technology: 60/36/18MP
  • Base ISO 125
  • Max. ISO 200.000
  • Internal memory 256GB
  • Iconic & unobtrusive design (no red dot logo + dark chrome view finder coating)
  • High quality aluminum top cover & scratch resistant black paint finish
  • Sapphire monitor cover glass
  • Sensor Size: Full Frame Camera
  • Resolution: 60 MP
  • Lens Included: Without Lens
  • Lens Mount: Leica M
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Leica Q2 Monochrom

We’re referencing our Leica Q2 Monochrom review for this article. You should take a look at it for more information. Here are the biggest tech specs for the Leica Q2 Monochrom:

  • New 47mp full frame black and white sensor for stills and 4K video
  • ISO range of 100 – 100,000
  • Matte black paint finish and monochromatic engravings/design with mid-grain leatherette
  • The most accessible, approachable and capable Leica Monochrom camera
  • Optical Zoom: 1x
  • Resolution: 47 MP
  • Video Resolution: 4K
  • Digital Zoom: 1x
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Key Differences

Here are the key differences between the two cameras. This should help you figure out which camera to get. If you head to the dealer and ask them about the Leica Q2 Monochrom vs. M11 Monochrom debate, they’ll most likely tell you similar information.

  • The Q2 has an IP durability rating. So, by and large, it is probably the more durable camera. Though the Leica M series has been known to survive some insane things in the past.
  • The Q2 has autofocus, while the M11 has manual focus
  • The Q2 is smaller and has a fixed 28mm f1.7 lens, while the M11 can swap out lenses.
  • The Leica Q2 Monochrom is in the $6,000 range.
  • The M11 has built-in storage, plus you can add an SD card
  • The M11 has a 60MP sensor while the Q2 has a 47MP sensor
  • The Leica M11 Monochrom is over $9,000.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

Both the Leica Q2 Monochrom and the Leica M11 Monochrom have rangefinder style camera bodies. For some photographers, this immediately rules them out unless a grip can be attached. Luckily, there are lots of options for photographers to do this.

The Leica Q2 Monochrom is one of the only fixed-lens full-frame cameras on the market. What’s more, it’s pretty small and genuinely feels like a camera you want to carry everywhere. Considering its IP-rated durability with the SL system, you’d be amazed at the abuse it can take. A while back, we reported on Gabriele Micalizzi, whose Leicas literally saved his life when photographing war.

At the same time, you shouldn’t disparage the Leica M11 Monochrom’s build quality. There’s a famous story about photojournalist Michael Kamber pouring rain out of his Leica M and continuing to work.

While the Leica M11 Monochrom is the bigger camera overall, it should also be noted that it can be made thinner or thicker overall. This has to do with the lens that you’re attaching to the camera. Many Leica rangefinder users try to go for smaller lenses so they don’t get into the viewfinder. So if that’s your preference, go for it!

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In the end, if you really wanted a “Buy it for life” style of camera, then a Leica is the closest thing you can get to it in the digital age.

Personally speaking, they both feel great in the hands. But I’d reach for the Leica Q2 Monochrom instead of the M11 Monochrom. There are a bunch of usability reasons for this. Regarding ergonomics, though, it’s because I prefer smaller cameras. The Q2 Monochrom is one that I’d easily bring with me everywhere and am more likely to do so because of its durability.

Leica Q2 Monochrom vs. M11 Monochrom Winner: Leica Q2 Monochrom.

Focusing

Here’s where things get really fascinating! The Leica Q2 Monochrom has both autofocus and manual focus as an option. Additionally, this lens can do macro focusing. If you’ve got bad eyes like I do, you can choose to zone focus or use focus peaking to get the subject you can in focus. Since it has a 28mm fixed lens, zone focusing isn’t tough to do at all.

Overall, what’s not to like here?

In contrast, the Leica M11 Monochrom is manual focus only. The best things to do are to zone focus and ensure that the rangefinder is calibrated well. In the long run, it might cost you more money. But there’s also a solace that comes with knowing that you will have to manually focus — and that the camera might not miss the shot otherwise.

You can’t beat either option if you’re very skilled at zone-focusing. However, if I were to provide my most veridical advice, it would be to reach for the Leica Q2 Monochrom instead of the Leica M11 Monochrom. It’s nice to have the option for autofocus, even if it’s not as advanced as the one in the original Leica Q2.

Leica Q2 Monochrom vs. M11 Monochrom Winner: Leica Q2 Monochrom.

Ease of Use

This is where the debate between the two cameras becomes very much about personal preferences. One of these cameras, specifically the Leica Q2 Monochrom, has a much more modern menu system. It also can give you autofocus abilities. There’s something to be said about only having to worry about using only a single lens too!

However, the Leica M11 Monochrom is so stupidly simple because it’s used in the same way the photographers have got way before autofocus. It’s one of the most unadulterated digital experiences you can get. There’s no AI, scene detection, or group focusing. It’s just you and the lens doing it all.

By and large, if I really cared more about an easy camera, I’d go for the Leica M11 Monochrom. However, I’m a photographer with over 15 years of experience and know how to work with them very well. If you’re not confident about your skillset, try the Leica Q2 Monochrom instead.

Leica Q2 Monochrom vs. M11 Monochrom Winner: Leica M11 Monochrom.

Image Quality

The Leica M11 Monochrom has a 60MP full-frame monochrome sensor. The Leica Q2 Monochrom has a 47MP full-frame monochrome sensor comparatively. If you want fewer megapixels and still great high ISO results, it’s hard to beat the Q2. But if you want more resolution for cropping, go for the M11 Monochrom. As it is, you can’t go wrong with image noise — but the M11 Monochrom is honestly cleaner at higher ISOs. Shoot at high as you wish with either camera, though.

Remember that you should underexpose the scene to save the highlights. We’ll let you judge for yourself with the sample images below. However, in my opinion, I think that the Leica M11 Monochrom has better image quality potential — a photographer can’t go wrong with either one.

Leica Q2 Monochrom vs. M11 Monochrom Winner: Leica M11 Monochrom.

Leica M11 Monochrom Sample Images

Leica Q2 Monochrom Sample Images

Which is Better?

If I had to personally choose one or the other, I’d go for the Leica Q2 Monochrom. The reason for this is the guaranteed durability, option for autofocus, small size, smaller RAW files, and automatic want to bring it with me everywhere. But some of you might value interchangeable lenses more.

autofocus build quality Cameras ergonomics image quality leica 2 monochrom vs leica m11 monochrom leica m11 leica m11 monochrom Leica Q2 review
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Written by

Chris Gampat is the Editor in Chief, Founder, and Publisher of the Phoblographer. He provides oversight to all of the daily tasks, including editorial, administrative, and advertising work. Chris's editorial work includes not only editing and scheduling articles but also writing them himself. He's the author of various product guides, educational pieces, product reviews, and interviews with photographers. He's fascinated by how photographers create, considering the fact that he's legally blind./ HIGHLIGHTS: Chris used to work in Men's lifestyle and tech. He's a veteran technology writer, editor, and reviewer with more than 15 years experience. He's also a Photographer that has had his share of bylines and viral projects like "Secret Order of the Slice." PAST BYLINES: Gear Patrol, PC Mag, Geek.com, Digital Photo Pro, Resource Magazine, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, IGN, PDN, and others. EXPERIENCE: Chris Gampat began working in tech and art journalism both in 2008. He started at PCMag, Magnum Photos, and Geek.com. He founded the Phoblographer in 2009 after working at places like PDN and Photography Bay. He left his day job as the Social Media Content Developer at B&H Photo in the early 2010s. Since then, he's evolved as a publisher using AI ethically, coming up with ethical ways to bring in affiliate income, and preaching the word of diversity in the photo industry. His background and work has spread to non-profits like American Photographic Arts where he's done work to get photographers various benefits. His skills are in SEO, app development, content planning, ethics management, photography, Wordpress, and other things. EDUCATION: Chris graduated Magna Cum Laude from Adelphi University with a degree in Communications in Journalism in 2009. Since then, he's learned and adapted to various things in the fields of social media, SEO, app development, e-commerce development, HTML, etc. FAVORITE SUBJECT TO PHOTOGRAPH: Chris enjoys creating conceptual work that makes people stare at his photos. But he doesn't get to do much of this because of the high demand of photography content. / BEST PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Don't do it in post-production when you can do it in-camera.
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