25/05/2026 1:30 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Leica Forum
2
Posts
4
Users
0
Reactions
9
Views
0
I just dropped a massive amount of money on a silver M11 and I'm honestly terrified of dropping it or scratching it before I even get a good shot. I'm leaving for a two-week street photography trip in Tokyo this Friday so I’m in a total rush to get everything sorted. I spent all night looking at forums and honestly it's just making me more stressed out because everyone disagrees. I saw a lot of people swearing by those thumb grips but then I read a few horror stories about them putting too much pressure on the hot shoe and actually bending it over time which sounds like a nightmare for a camera this expensive. Then there's the whole case thing... I looked at those leather half-cases from Oberwerth and Luigi but some people say it just adds bulk and ruins the feel of the camera while others say it's the only thing keeping the bottom plate from getting trashed. I’ve got about 500 bucks left in my gear budget for this month and I really need to know what is actually "essential" versus just luxury fluff. Should I prioritize a specific strap or maybe an extra battery? What are the absolute must-have accessories I need to order like right now so they arrive before my flight?
12
25/05/2026 2:15 am
Just saw your post. I was in Tokyo last fall with my M and honestly, keeping it simple was the best move. I'm really happy I didnt go for those bulky leather cases because they just get in the way when you're trying to swap batteries or cards in a rush. Here is what actually worked well for me without breaking the bank:
- B+W 39mm Master 010 UV-Haze MRC Nano Filter. Instead of worrying about the camera body, protect the glass. I'm satisfied just having this on my lens since it saved me from a few nasty bumps in Shinjuku station.
- Think Tank Photo Retrospective 4 V2.0 Shoulder Bag. It is super discreet and doesnt scream expensive camera which is nice for travel. Fits the M11 and a spare lens perfectly without being a brick.
- Gordy's Camera Straps Leather Wrist Strap. I prefer this over a neck strap for street shooting. It feels solid and lets you keep the camera ready in your hand without it dangling. Everything else is kinda luxury fluff tbh. Just get these basics and go enjoy the trip.
11
25/05/2026 2:05 am
I totally get the anxiety. When I first got my M, I wouldn't even put it down on a wooden table without a cloth under it. Honestly, those thumb grips in the hot shoe always sketched me out too... I once saw a guy snag his on a jacket and it looked nasty. For my M11, I skipped the hot shoe thumb rest and went with the Leica M11 Handgrip Black instead. It is way more secure since it attaches to the base and makes the camera feel much safer in hand without the hot shoe stress. Since you're heading to Tokyo, you're gonna be shooting a ton. I learned the hard way in Kyoto that slow cards will kill your flow. Make sure you grab a SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-II so the buffer clears fast. It makes a huge difference when you're doing street stuff. For protection without the bulk, a simple Artisan and Artist ACAM-102 Cotton Strap is great because it wont scratch the finish like some metal-lug straps do.
5
25/05/2026 1:31 am
Congrats on the silver M11, tho I gotta be honest, Leica accessories are often a huge disappointment once you actually start using them. I spent a fortune on those designer leather half-cases and unfortunately found they just make the camera feel like a brick. Theyre definitely not as good as expected for actual street shooting. For Tokyo, you 100% need power. One battery wont last a full day of heavy shooting in Shinjuku. Grab a spare Leica BP-SCL7 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery ASAP. I also had issues with thin leather straps digging into my neck after a few hours. Get the Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap Black because it's actually comfortable and lets you move fast. Skip the thumb grip drama and just get a Expert Shield Glass Screen Protector Leica M11 to save the screen from scratches. Itll keep you under budget and save your sanity. You're gonna have a blast!
