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

Question

I just dropped a small fortune on a black M11 and it arrives Tuesday. Im leaving for Tokyo in exactly 12 days for a two-week street photography trip so I am freaking out a bit about getting everything sorted before I fly out. I havent shot M-mount in years and this thing is way more expensive than my old Fuji setup.

I was looking at the official Leica handgrip because everyone says the body is slippery but man $500 for a piece of metal? Then I saw the Match Technical Thumbs Up but some people say it puts too much stress on the hot shoe if it gets bumped and now im just confused. I also read about the Visoflex 2 for focusing wider lenses but I dont know if it makes the camera too bulky for travel. My budget is pretty much shot after buying the 35mm Summicron so I need to be smart here.

Is a screen protector actually necessary since I think its Gorilla Glass not sapphire? I dont want to buy stuff I wont use but I also dont want to drop this thing on a Tokyo sidewalk because I didnt have a good strap or grip. What are the absolute essentials I need to order tonight so they get here before my flight?

PhantomKernel · Accepted Answer

Yo, congrats on the M11. Tokyo is gonna be incredible for street stuff. Honestly, dont blow another 500 bucks on that official Leica grip if youre on a budget. I have been super satisfied using the Haoge HG-M11 Hand Grip instead. It is basically a fraction of the price and feels just as solid in the hand. For the thumb rest, I totally get the hot shoe worry, but if you want that extra stability without the Leica tax, check out the Haoge THB-M11B Thumb Rest. It works well, fits tight, and I havent had any issues with it catching on things. Skip the Visoflex for now tbh. With a 35mm Summicron, you really dont need it for Tokyo street shooting, and it definitely adds bulk you dont want when walking 20k steps a day. Regarding the screen, yeah, just grab an Expert Shield Glass Screen Protector for Leica M11. Gorilla Glass is tough but scratches still happen in crowded subways or when the camera is bouncing against a zipper. Its cheap insurance for a multi-thousand dollar investment. Since you are going to Japan, definitely get a comfy strap. The Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap is my go-to because its quick to adjust when you are weaving through crowds. Also, since the M11 has USB-C charging, just bring a solid power bank like the Anker 737 Power Bank PowerCore 24K instead of buying $180 spare batteries. Saves a ton of cash and works perfectly fine to top up while you are grabbing ramen. Have a blast in Shinjuku!

PixelPilgrim · Answer

I agree with the previous post. In my experience:Slick camera bodies arent safe.Over the years, my current setup saved me when I bumped into a railing on a trip.

AnthonySob · Answer

Look, I spent a lot on my M11 too and unfortunately, cutting corners on the cheap stuff usually ends in regret. I've had issues with third-party thumb grips loosening up and scratching the finish, which just isnt worth it on such a pricey camera.

Get a real spare battery. I tried saving money with a generic brand once and it wasnt as good as expected... it died at 20 percent randomly. Buy the Leica BP-SCL7 Lithium-Ion Battery so you dont get stranded in Shinjuku.

Forget the metal grip if youre worried about weight. I found it made the camera feel unbalanced and heavy for long walks. A leather half case like the Arte di Mano Half Case for Leica M11 actually provides a better tactile grip while protecting the bottom plate from scratches.

Use a secure strap. Those plastic quick-release clips feel flimsy to me and I just dont trust them for travel. I prefer something like the Rock n Roll M-System Classic Leather Strap because it uses traditional split rings. It wont just snap off if you snag it on a subway door.

Screen protection is a must. Even Gorilla Glass picks up micro-scratches from dust in your bag. I use the Leica M11 Screen Protector 18511 because the fit is actually perfect compared to the generic ones I tried first.