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!

Just saw this after getting back from a shoot. Tokyo is amazing for street stuff, youll have a blast. Since the budget is tight after the Summicron, you can definitely avoid the Leica tax on accessories and still keep the camera safe.

• Screen Protection: Definitely get one. Even Gorilla Glass scratches from sand or zippers eventually. I usually grab the ULBTER Leica M11 Screen Protector 3 Pack. Its cheap tempered glass and does the same job as the official one for way less.
• Handling: Instead of that 500 dollar grip, try some ProTapes Pro Gaffer Tape on the front plate. It adds a ton of friction for your fingers and doesnt leave gunk when you peel it off. Very DIY but honestly works better than most cheap plastic grips.
• Power: You dont actually need a spare battery immediately because the M11 charges via USB-C. Just carry a cable and top it off at lunch or in a cafe. Saves you nearly 200 bucks right there.
• Security: For crowded Tokyo streets, a heavy neck strap is often overkill and gets in the way. A Gordy's Camera Straps Wrist Strap is perfect. Its minimal, super tough, and keeps the camera glued to your hand while you are weave through crowds. Have an incredible time in Japan. That 35mm is basically all you need for those narrow Shinjuku alleys...

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.

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.

Regarding what Anthony said about "Look, I spent a lot on my M11..."

• I totally get that feeling. Unfortunately, I had issues with going too cheap on my first M setup and it was honestly not as good as expected. I ended up wasting more money replacing the junk. Quick question before you buy anything else tho: are you planning to stick with just the 35mm for Tokyo, or are you bringing anything wider like a 21mm? That changes the whole conversation about the Visoflex.
• Honestly, just search for Leica M11 accessories comparison on YouTube. I saw a really great video last week that breaks down the ergonomics of different brands way better than I can describe here. It's like the first result.
• You should also check the Leica subreddit or the actual Leica User Forum. Just search for M11 street setup and you will find a million threads with photos of exactly how people rig their cameras for travel. Tbh, I found a guide on one of those sites that saved me a ton of headache. Better to just look it up yourself so you can see the photos of how the different brands actually sit on the body.

Any updates on this?