A black paint Leica M11 is rumored – so does that spell the end for the icon?

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Rumors suggest that Leica is preparing a Black Paint M11. Could that mean the M11 is near the end of its life?

Leica M10-R Black Paint
(Image credit: Leica)

While the Leica M11 is now two years old, having launched in January 2022, we have seen its monochrome equivariant, Leica M11 Monochrom, as well as the recently released Leica M11-P. 

Now the reports reports are swirling, via Leica Rumors, that another M11 variant could be on the way: the Leica M11 Black Paint.

Top plate showing the Leica engraving of a Leica M10-R Black Paint (Image credit: Leica)

The Black Paint version of the best Leica cameras is often the "last hurrah" for a particular model. We've seen them before, quite often made from brass, with a very high gloss lacquer paint that shines and gives a vintage vibe. This paint is more susceptible to wear, so brass damage (patina) will typically shine through the black paint.

However, the black chrome or standard black body of the Leica M11 is made of aluminum – and therefore the lighter option between that and the silver colorway that features a brass top and bottom plate, so I'm curious to see if Leica just goes with the brass body or if it has come up with a strategy to keep the weight down and use aluminum. I know a lot of loyalists would insist on the brass body on the Black Paint version, but could Leica surprise us here?

Front-on view of the Leica M10-R Black Paint (Image credit: Leica)

If these rumors are to be believed, then we have to ask the question: will this also be a limited-in-number edition? With the Leica M10-R Black Paint only 2,000 units were released worldwide, making them an incredibly rare item. They boast a wonderful Leica engraving on the top plate, which just adds to the special camera's appeal.

I'm sure that any Leica M11 Black Paint would also follow suit and be a limited-edition item, with a set number of units worldwide. I'd also expect a silver chrome shutter button – just like all the Black Paint models. 

It's not known when this Black Paint model might come to the market, not even a suggestion of a year, but if and when it launches I can see a lot of photographers wanting to get their hands on it. 

For me, though, it is always a bittersweet experience knowing a Black Paint has been released. As in the modern-day of digital Leica-M cameras, the Black Paint marks a right of passage – and opens the door to the new Leica-M camera of the future.

Take a look at the best Leica cameras, along with the best Leica M lenses for M system bodies and the best Leica SL lenses for mirrorless cameras. 

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Sebastian Oakley
Sebastian Oakley
Ecommerce Editor

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and holds a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since his film days using a Nikon F5. He saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still, to this day, the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, the British Equestrian Writers' Association.

He is familiar with and shows great interest in 35mm, medium, and large-format photography, using products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2, shooting Street/Documentary photography as he sees it, usually in Black and White.