Leica M11 Thumb Support Review:
In terms of the overall design, the Leica M hasn’t changed much over the many decades it has been around. Like a Porsche 911, the design is classic, and new iterations of the M whether film or digital are always more evolutionary than revolutionary in terms of ergonomics. The user base loves this obviously but there is a little bit of a problem. The original design of the M was a film camera, and nowadays, we are in the digital era. Applying a film design to a digital body doesn’t always work out perfectly. For instance, unlike the film bodies, the digital Ms don’t have rewind cranks, which means you lose that added support where one could once rest their thumb. So, one handed operation with a Leica M11, for example, may not feel quite as secure as with a Leica M6. To fix this, some third party manufacturers produce thumb rests that you can insert into the hot shoe of a digital M. Leica has also jump on this bandwagon as well, and this article is a look into the Leica M11 Thumb Support.
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So, let’s dive into this by first taking a look at the overall build. This thumb support is meant to be place on a camera costing almost $9k, so obviously, one wants something that matches the camera’s level of quality. In terms of this, there are absolutely no complaints here. The Leica M11 Thumb Support is machined from aluminum, and you can get it in either black or silver finish, so you can match your M11 perfectly. Furthermore, the inside part of the thumb rest has stiff rubber padding, so there is absolutely no metal to metal rubbing between the camera and the thumb rest.
↑ Here’s what’s included with the Leica M11 Thumb Support.
↑ Here’s a top view.
There are no fit issues at all either. The Leica M11 Thumb Support slides into the hot shoe perfectly, and it’s a tight fit. It won’t come out accidentally and there are no creaks or even the slightest movement. When it’s in the hot shoe, it feels like it’s a part of the camera as a whole rather than a separate accessory. I’m also happy to report that it matches the camera visually as well, which only adds to the feeling that this thumb rest and camera combo feel more like a one piece unit than one piece with some accessory attached to it.
↑ Here’s the Leica M11 Thumb Support.
↑ Here’s the back. Notice the rubber padding to protect your camera.
The Leica M11 Thumb Support also does job really well. I can actually feel the extra difference in terms of support and security. I was comparing the feel to my Leica M6, and surprisingly to me, at least, it is very similar. I no longer have to grip the camera as hard as I once did. I can hold it steadier, and with more ease, especially when I have a larger lens on or I’m holding the camera in portrait orientation. One handed operation is also a lot easier, so if I am out street shooting, I can set my camera at f8, and just point and click. It’s also worth noting that the design is really good because it’s not huge, and it’s still easy to access the scroll wheel. I actually love using this accessory, and it’s been a permanent fixture on my M11, since I’ve bought it.
↑ Here’s the back view of the M11.
↑ Notice the scroll wheel is still easily accessible.
Of course, the thumb rest is not perfect. For one, it takes the hot shoe. The truth is, I don’t use the hot shoe a lot on an M but it does mean I can’t use the Leica Visoflex 2 EVF, which I do like to use for critical focusing at times or when I’m using ultra wides like my 18mm Super Elmar. It also means I can’t use the thumb rest when I have my flash triggers. Furthermore, it’s not cheap. The thumb support currently retails for $290.
↑ Here’s another top view.
↑ I thought it would be good to post a side by side with a film M: in this photo is my Leica M6 TTL Millennium.
However, these aren’t huge issues, in my opinion, and probably things that people are willing to overlook if they are already considering a thumb rest for their M. The Leica M11 Thumb Support does really make a big different in terms of support. The camera does feel more secure in my hands. I really love using it. It is absolutely great to use for street shooting, travel, and when I know I’m shooting for extended periods. Yes, I do use my Visoflex, and my flash triggers but for the majority of the time, I don’t, which means having my hot shoe occupied isn’t the end of the world, especially if it means a more secure and comfortable grip.
↑ Here’s one more photo of the Leica M11 with the thumb support.
As for the price, it’s a Leica product, and it’s a given it’ll cost a bit more. But hey, it is an OEM product not a 3rd party, and for some, that makes a difference. Plus, the M11 is already $9k, so a $290 accessory isn’t so bad, especially when it’s actually a high quality part that you know will fit perfectly on the M11, and makes a big difference in handling.
To conclude, I don’t usually adorn my camera with a lot of accessories but I feel the Leica M11 Thumb Support is quite useful, and definitely worth the purchase for those finding that they need better support, more comfort, and a more secure grip. What’s great is it also doesn’t take away from the clean ergonomics of the M11. It matches the camera in every way, and goes with the flow in terms of how the camera operates, if that makes sense. I love using mine, and I highly recommend it to others.
I get a small commission from purchases made through the links mentioned here, which in turn, helps support this site but it will not cost you anything extra. Thank you!
Is it made of brass or aluminum? The CL version was made of the latter and very light.
It would have been helpful and useful is a thumb support had been built into the new Visoflex. As it is now you get to use one or the other. Not helpful.