Pure understatement: the Leica M-P

With the introduction of the M11-P, Leica is following something of a tradition in the continuation of its model range. At the same time, it is launching a technical innovation that can be a real “game changer” for reportage, as photographer Dominic Nahr emphasises in a recent interview. However, before turning our attention to this new model, let us take a brief look at the history of the M-P.

For many people, the M Leicas represent the embodiment of reportage photography. As such, there is a certain regularity in the fact that, soon after introducing a new rangefinder model, Leica also brings out a particularly robust and discreet version, the respective M-P. This all started in 1980 with the M4-P, which was also the last of the classic, fully mechanical rangefinder cameras. After a somewhat longer pause, Leica continued this tradition in 2011 in the digital segment, with the M9-P. Compared to the M9, it possesses a monitor cover made of sapphire glass, and, furthermore, Leica did away with the characteristic logo. In 2014, the M-P followed the M (Typ 240) and in 2018 the M10-P followed the M10. As Leica states, “it takes the traditional understatement of the M series to a new level.” Some of the distinguishing features are an extremely quiet shutter, the already obligatory renunciation of the red dot, and the monitor's touch function.

From the purely outer aspect, the current model, the Leica M11-P is – as in the case of the M11 Monochrom – reduced to the essential: the red dot, which could draw attention, is missing from the front, while the sapphire glass monitor cover only differs from the standard in quality, not visually; besides, only the photographer gets to see it anyway. Like the M11, the connectivity to the Leica Fotos App is exemplary; furthermore, in addition to the SD card slot, the M11-P has an enormous internal memory of 256 gigabytes. The actual innovation, however – and the reason Nahr refers to the camera as a “game changer” –, is hidden deep within the inner workings: an additional chip that confirms the authenticity of the images according to CAI (Content Authenticity Initiative) specifications. It is precisely in these times when artificial intelligence is causing a real shake-up, and the credibility of photography as a reflection of reality is suffering, that this addition represents an invaluable advantage and a clear statement of the importance of reportage photography.