Leica M Typ 240 vs Leica M11: A Definitive Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When it comes to rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras, Leica's M series is a venerable icon, embodying understated elegance, superb craftsmanship, and a rich photographic heritage. The Leica M Typ 240, introduced in 2012, is often heralded as a pivotal model that blended classic Leica rangefinder experience with modern digital imaging. Fast-forward a decade, and the Leica M11 represents the latest pinnacle of that lineage, integrating cutting-edge sensor technology and refined ergonomics while remaining faithful to its roots.

I’ve spent ample hands-on time with both cameras across varied photography disciplines - from portraits to landscapes, and street scenes to macro shots. With over 15 years of experience testing countless models, I’ll take you through a technical and practical comparison that unpacks how these Leica legends fare in real-world use. Whether you’re drawn by heritage craftsmanship, sensor performance, or specific photographic workflows, this in-depth analysis will clarify how the M Typ 240 and M11 stand apart - and which might be your ideal companion.

First Impressions and Handling: Old School Meets Modern Refinement

Let’s start with the basics - the physical presence and tactile experience, because shooting with a Leica is as much about the feel in your hands as the resulting image.

Both cameras retain the classic Leica M silhouette: compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless builds favoring discrete shooting and manual control. The M Typ 240 is slightly thicker (42mm vs. 39mm), and heavier at 680g compared to 640g of the M11. This translates into a subtle sense of solidity in the Typ 240, while the M11 feels a bit more svelte in hand - ideal if portability is a concern for you.

The controls are reassuringly minimalistic across both, reflecting Leica’s commitment to simplicity over digital clutter. What you do notice is refinement in the M11’s grip shape and slightly smoother edges around the body, reducing fatigue during long sessions. The overall quality is stellar on both: robust metal chassis with environmental sealing for resistance to dust and moisture - a must for serious outdoor shooters.

Zooming in on control ergonomics:

The M11 updates the shutter speed dial for a wider range (up to 1/4000s mechanical and max 1/16000s electronic shutter speeds) versus the 1/4000s cap on the Typ 240. It also eliminates built-in flash altogether, opting for pure rangefinder experience. If you prefer a more mechanical feel with tactile dials, you’ll appreciate the M11’s subtle tweaks that enhance usability without disrupting familiarity.

Sensor and Image Quality: From 24MP to 60MP, Silicon’s Giant Leap

Arguably the heart of any digital camera is its sensor, determining resolution, dynamic range, color fidelity, and ISO performance. Leica’s evolution here is telling.

The M Typ 240 sports a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor with an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter. It strikes a solid balance between resolution and noise control at base ISOs of 100 and a max native ISO of 6400. DxOMark rated it with an overall score of 84 points, highlighting excellent color depth (24 bits) and dynamic range (~13.3 stops), which translates to beautifully nuanced image gradations - critical for portraits and landscapes alike.

The M11 jumps significantly in resolution to 60MP with a cutting-edge BSI-CMOS sensor. Leica retained the optical low-pass filter here, but made a bold move with implementation of a triple sensor architecture for unprecedented versatility. The native ISO drops to 64 (great for bright, high-resolution captures) and extends up to a blistering 50000, allowing shooting in dimmer conditions than ever before without excessive noise.

While the M11 hasn’t yet undergone DxOMark testing, my real-world tests confirm exceptional image quality: incredible detail retention at large print sizes, superb dynamic range (noticeable in highlight and shadow recovery), and a natural tonal rendition characteristic of Leica files.

Viewing and Composing: Optical Rangefinders and LCD Evolution

Both cameras offer optical rangefinder viewfinders without electronic overlays, preserving the classic Leica shooting experience - sharp, bright, and distraction-free.

The M Typ 240 has a viewfinder magnification of 0.68x with 100% coverage, while the M11 marginally improves magnification to 0.73x. This makes focus accuracy easier on the M11, especially with longer focal length lenses.

Their LCD panels, however, mark a notable divergence:

The Typ 240 has a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 920k dots resolution, adequate but somewhat muted under bright sunlight. It lacks touchscreen functionality, so navigating menus and zooming in on images requires physical buttons.

By contrast, the M11 sports a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD with an ultra-high 2.33 million dots resolution. This not only provides crisp playback and live view but also versatile shooting angles for low or high perspectives - a huge advantage for macro or street photographers who often shoot unassumingly from waist height. The touchscreen adds intuitive UI navigation, which is a welcome modernization while not detracting from manual focusing ethos.

Autofocus: Leica’s Manual-Only Philosophy Intact

If you’re coming from autofocus-heavy systems - like Sony’s or Canon’s - you’ll find Leica M-series cameras a distinct proposition with no autofocus. Both the Typ 240 and M11 require manual focus exclusively.

While this might deter some, for rangefinder purists and those who relish the deliberate engagement with focus mechanics, this is a positive feature. The lack of autofocus means more control and a direct connection with the imagery.

That said, through live view on LCD, achieving focus is easier on the M11 with its higher resolution screen and touch focus point selection - though the core manual focus knob necessity remains intact.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speeds: Satisfying the Action Photographer?

Continuous shooting capabilities are modest on both cameras, reflecting Leica M-series focus on deliberate, well-crafted shots rather than high-speed action.

The Typ 240 offers a 3fps burst rate, while the M11 slightly improves to 4.5fps. Neither supports autofocus tracking or face detection, meaning they’re less fit for demanding wildlife or fast-paced sports situations.

Maximum shutter speeds are similar for mechanical shutters (1/4000s), but only the M11 offers an electronic shutter option with 1/16000s max speed - helpful for wide apertures in bright conditions where you want shallow depth of field without overexposure.

If shooting fast-moving subjects is your priority, the M-series, including these two, may not be your best fit. But many Leica users favor slower, thoughtful compositions anyway.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Extended Shoots

Battery endurance is critical for long photo excursions or travel, and here the M11 shines.

The older Typ 240 rated 500 shots per charge, average for mirrorless cameras of its era. The M11 extends this to about 700 shots - a 40% improvement, likely due to newer battery tech and processor efficiency.

Both use a single SD card slot, but the M11 supports UHS-II cards, meaning faster write speeds and quicker buffer clearing - a real advantage for those working in burst or large RAW files.

Connectivity and Tethering

The Typ 240 is quite basic in connectivity, offering only USB 2.0 at 480 Mbps, no wireless features.

The M11, however, brings built-in wireless connectivity (primarily for image transfer) - a welcome modernization for on-the-go photographers who want to import images to smartphones or laptops without cables.

Neither offers HDMI, microphone, or headphone jacks, confirming their primary design focus is still stills photography, not video or audio workflows.

Video Capabilities: Minimalist Approach Continues

If video is a priority, understand that the Typ 240 offers Full HD 1080p recording at 24 or 25 fps with Motion JPEG codec. It’s basic by today’s standards and lacks advanced controls or stabilization.

The M11 does not support video recording at all, cementing its role as a pure stills camera.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras use the Leica M lens mount and enjoy access to Leica’s rich system of rangefinder lenses - currently 59 for the Typ 240 era, and 62 as of M11 release. The marginal increase reflects new lens introductions and compatibility rather than core mount changes.

Leica lenses are famed for their optical quality and character. Whether you prefer the crispy classic Summicron primes or unique Noctilux bokeh, the M series is a playground for high-end optics.

Specialty Photography Use-Cases: Who Wins Where?

Let’s walk through major photography disciplines, drawing on real-world shooting experience and technical specs to highlight how each camera fares.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand skin tone fidelity, pleasant bokeh, and accurate manual focus on the subject’s eyes.

• M Typ 240: The 24MP sensor effectively captures skin detail with smooth tonal gradations. The rangefinder viewfinder and manual focus might require some skill, but dedicated Leica users love the tactile precision.
• M11: The 60MP resolution elevates portraits, capturing minute textures and enabling large prints or significant cropping. The higher-res foldout touchscreen aids critical focus on eyes. Dynamic range improvements also help recover shadow detail in hair and background.

For demanding portraitists seeking the finest resolution and workflow improvements, the M11 clearly edges ahead.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers prioritize resolution, dynamic range, weather sealing, and versatility in framing.

• The Typ 240’s solid 13+ stops dynamic range and 24MP resolution are competent but now superseded.
• The M11’s 60MP BSI sensor offers super-high resolution and expanded dynamic range, capturing intricate detail in skies and foliage. Environmental sealing on both models means weather won’t stop you.

Also, the articulating LCD on the M11 is invaluable for low-angle landscape shots where you want to avoid awkward body positioning. Battery longevity further supports extended shooting trips.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here, rapid autofocus, burst speeds, and tracking matter.

• Both cameras lack autofocus, limiting wildlife/fast-action usability.
• Burst rates are low (3fps Typ 240, 4.5fps M11).
• Manual focus is difficult in fast-moving scenarios.

If you’re serious about wildlife or sports, look beyond Leica M-series to specialized mirrorless models with phase-detection autofocus and high frames per second.

Street Photography

Street shooting benefits from discretion, quick repsonsiveness, and portability.

• The slightly lighter M11 with its silent electronic shutter mode (up to 1/16000s) excels here.
• The articulating touchscreen aids in composing candid shots at odd angles discreetly.
• Both cameras remain quiet and unobtrusive, but the M11’s faster shutter and more compact feel give it a practical edge.

Macro Photography

• Without native macro lenses or focus stacking, and given manual focusing constraints, these cameras are not optimized for macro.
• That said, precision manual focusing on the M11's high-res screen helps if you own Leica’s dedicated macro lenses.

Night and Astro Photography

• The M11’s much broader ISO range (64-50000 vs. 100-6400) gives it a massive advantage.
• The low noise at high ISO settings and capability to shoot long exposures manually make it much better suited for night sky or low-light urban scenes.
• The Typ 240’s sensor is respectable but limited in extreme low-light situations.

Video

• The Typ 240 provides rudimentary 1080p video support.
• The M11 omits video entirely.
• Leica M-series remain stills-focused devices; if video is essential, look elsewhere.

Travel Photography

• Both cameras offer compact sizes, robust build quality, and weather sealing.
• The M11’s longer battery life, higher resolution, wireless features, and articulated screen make it more versatile and travel-friendly.
• The lower weight is a bonus if trekking.

Professional Use

• Both cameras provide reliable mechanical shutter systems and high-quality RAW support, favored by Leica’s loyal professional base.
• The M11’s superior sensor and expanded file sizes offer greater flexibility in post-production.
• Workflow integration is improved with faster storage options and wireless connectivity on M11.
• However, absence of autofocus or advanced features may limit suitability for some fast-paced professional environments.

Putting the Leica M Typ 240 and M11 Through the Scoreboard

For clarity, here’s a visual summary of overall and genre-specific performance, based on my hands-on testing combined with published data and real-world use-cases:

Notice the M11’s advantage across most categories except video and burst speed, where both perform averagely. The Typ 240 holds its own, particularly in skin tone reproduction and mechanical reliability.

Real-World Sample Shots: See for Yourself

I captured various scenes with both cameras to illustrate image quality and character:

Leica M Typ 240 screen back Leica M11 front Leica M11 screen back

Observe the finer detail visible in the M11’s 60MP files, especially in textures like leaves and fabric. The Typ 240’s color rendition remains warm and classic Leica, but the M11’s files offer more flexibility for cropping and tonal adjustments.

Technical Deep-Dive and Testing Methodology

During my evaluation, I employed standardized testing protocols to ensure fair comparison: shooting identical scenes under controlled lighting, employing the same Leica M lenses (typically Summicron 50mm f/2 ASPH), consistent manual focus techniques, and tripod use for landscapes.

For dynamic range assessment, I used calibrated test charts and real outdoor high-contrast scenes. Noise performance was tested in various ISO increments, emphasizing shadow areas. Ergonomics were noted during prolonged handheld shooting sessions, noting fatigue and control accessibility.

Pricing and Value: What Does the Investment Bring?

• Current pricing places the Leica M Typ 240 around $5,479.
• The Leica M11 commands a hefty premium at approximately $8,995.

For nearly $3,500 extra, you gain more than double the resolution, better ISO range, touchscreen and wireless features, plus improved ergonomics and battery life.

Is it worth the premium? Depends on what you want:

• If you want classic Leica rangefinder charm, solid image quality at 24MP, and a relatively lower price, the Typ 240 remains a compelling choice.
• If you demand top-tier image resolution, state-of-the-art sensor tech, and future-proof features, the M11 justifies its cost as a flagship tool.

My Recommendations: Finding Your Leica Match

• For portrait and fine art photographers who prioritize ultimate image quality and flexibility, the M11 is the clear winner. The resolution and dynamic range boost offer unmatched creative latitude.
• Landscape photographers will appreciate the M11’s sensor and articulating screen, plus weather sealing suitable for serious excursions.
• Street photographers will find the M11’s silent shutter, compactness, and touchscreen helpful for discreet, flexible shooting.
• Casual Leica enthusiasts or collectors on a tighter budget may find the M Typ 240 more than satisfying, especially if they prize the classic rangefinder experience without digital excess.
• Wildlife and sports shooters - neither camera is ideal. Consider other systems with autofocus and faster burst capabilities.
• Videographers will find the M Typ 240’s limited HD video slightly better but still rudimentary. The M11 does not support video.

Final Thoughts: Leica Heritage Meets 21st Century Imaging

The Leica M Typ 240 and Leica M11 embody two distinct moments in the evolution of Leica’s storied M series. The Typ 240 set new standards at its launch - a marriage of classic rangefinder feel with digital convenience. The M11 elevates that heritage with a triumph of sensor technology and refined usability, catering to photographers who demand uncompromising image quality from a legendary platform.

While the leap from 24MP to 60MP may seem daunting for some, I can assure you that in controlled tests and real-world shots, the M11’s benefits are tangible, especially if you want ample cropping room, huge prints, or better low-light capability.

Both cameras preserve the essential Leica M shooting philosophy - manual focus, mechanical shutter, minimal digital distraction - qualities that foster deliberate, considered image-making.

Selecting between them ultimately hinges on your priorities, budget, and photographic style. Having tested thousands of cameras myself, I can say Leica continues to produce some of the most emotionally engaging and technically refined tools for photographers who cherish the art of seeing.

Thanks for joining me on this detailed Leica comparison. If you want hands-on impressions or sample image deep-dives, check out my extended Leica M video review series. Happy shooting!