Finally pulled the trigger on a black M11 after saving up for what feels like forever and honestly I am terrified of even taking it out of the box right now lol. I live in London and the weather is miserable plus I am shootin a small wedding for my cousin next month so I really need to get this thing kitted out properly before then but my bank account is basically crying at this point. I did some digging and everyone says the thumb grip is a total game changer but man 200 quid for a bit of metal seems insane? Like is it actually worth it or is there a cheaper one that wont ruin the finish? Also people keep talking about the Visoflex 2 for better focusing but I feel like that totally kills the whole rangefinder experience and makes it look like a chunky dslr... plus its so expensive. Im worried about the screen getting scratched too. Are there any specific straps or half cases that dont make it impossible to change the battery? I really dont want to be fumbling around with a tripod screw in the middle of a ceremony. What do I actually need to not break this thing or miss shots while still being able to afford rent this month...
Building on the earlier suggestion, honestly dont stress the thumb grip yet. I use the Leica M11 Screen Protector 18646 and it works well without ruining the touch sensitivity. For that wedding, get a Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap Black SLL-BK-3. It lets you swap to a wrist strap in seconds, which is great for moving around crowds. TL;DR: Protect the screen first and get a versatile quick-release strap.
I totally get the anxiety, especially with London rain. I would suggest being careful with cheap thumb grips tho.
Focus on power for that wedding. Skip the Visoflex and pick up a spare Leica BP-SCL7 Lithium-Ion Battery 1800mAh instead. High-res files drain cells quickly and you dont want to be hunting for a charger mid-ceremony. Also, a Match Technical Boop-O-S Soft Release Button Black is a cost-effective way to improve shutter stability without the Leica thumb grip price tag.
Finally someone says it. Ive been thinking this for a while but wasnt sure.
bump