Leica's new glossy black M11 and Noctilux lens capture vintage elegance for modern collectors

Leica has just introduced a glossy black paint edition of its M11 digital rangefinder camera and the much-admired Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. lens, as part of the Leica M-System’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

The glossy black version of the M11 represents what Leica describes in a press release as the "purest and strongest expression of the classic Leica look". Much like earlier black paint Leica models – which have always been prized by collectors – this new iteration will eventually reveal its brass frame through wear, creating an individual patina that Leica enthusiasts cherish.

At first glance, the glossy black M11 stands apart from the standard edition with its brass top deck, which replaces the usual aluminium construction. Unlike the standard M11, which sports a minimalistic top, the glossy edition carries an engraved Leica logo. The camera's shutter release also sees a switch from a matte black finish to a shiny silver. The familiar control dials retain their layout but sport new cross-hatch knurling, stepping away from the vertical ridges of the original for a more vintage touch.

The front of the glossy black M11 has also received some tweaks. The red Leica dot is now replaced by a more discreet black screw.

Inside though, this M11 edition retains everything that we’re all familiar with the original M11 including a 60-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, a 0.73x optical viewfinder, and 64GB of internal storage as well as a UHS-II SD card slot.

Launching alongside the camera is the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. lens in a matching glossy black paint. Leica describes the lens as a "perfect visual match" for the camera, featuring the same glossy finish that will age gracefully over time. This black edition comes with a matching round lens hood and similarly styled front and rear lens caps, with red "feet" markings that replace the standard version’s orange. This lens, first re-released in 2021 in black and silver editions, has already proven popular, with the silver edition particularly sought after as it was limited to just 100 units at launch.

If you’re keen on getting your hands on the glossy black Leica M11, it is available now for $13,700. The Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. glossy black paint lens is also available now, retailing for $12,100. Both can be purchased at all Leica Stores including the Leica Online Store.

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