Leica cameras have long been celebrated for their unique rendering and minimalist design.

When it comes to dynamic range, the evolution from the Leica M9 to the Leica M11 is dramatic.

Let’s explore how these two iconic models compare.

Yesterday I went out with the M9, as part of a 1-1 workshop in Copenhagen. More precisely, in the area of Frederiksberg, which is important if you live there. 

The strong autumn light challenges any camera and photographer. Digital cameras will show some limitations compared to film. Blown-out highlight is one of them. On film, overlit areas look much nicer than on a digital camera. No matter the dynamic range.

The images in this post were taken with Leica M9, Summilux 50mm f1.4 ASPH

What Is Dynamic Range?

Dynamic range is the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of a photo that a camera can capture in detail.

• A camera with high dynamic range can show details in both bright skies and dark shadows at the same time.
• A camera with low dynamic range might lose detail in either the highlights (too bright) or shadows (too dark).

Think of it like your eyes adjusting to sunlight and shade—some cameras are better at doing that than others.

This is challenging when we try to set the best aperture and shutter to manage how much incoming light we want. At the same time, we may lose what’s in the shadows or highlights, which is something we may get back in post editing if it is preserved by the camera.

This picture was done with the M9, and the highlights are blown out when you look at the left part of the face of the woman. Challenging light when it comes low and the shadows are deep.
The highlights couldn’t be rescued in Lightroom, what may not have been the case if shot with a M11.  

Sensor Technology Leica M9 and M11

Real-World Impact

• Leica M9: The CCD sensor delivers a classic, film-like look with rich colour tonality. However, its dynamic range is limited. Highlights can clip easily, and shadow recovery is modest. Best results are achieved at low ISO settings.
• Leica M11: The BSI CMOS sensor offers a massive leap in dynamic range. Shooting at 60 MP already provides excellent results, but switching to 36 MP or 18 MP via pixel binning increases dynamic range further—up to 15 stops. This makes the M11 far more flexible in high-contrast scenes.

The beautiful colour rendering from the CCD sensor in the Leica M9. Especially green and warm tones have a special character captured with this camera.

CCD vs CMOS: Aesthetic vs Performance

• CCD (M9): Known for its unique rendering and tonality, especially in colour. Less efficient in low light and dynamic range.
• CMOS (M11): Offers better performance across the board—dynamic range, noise control, and flexibility. Also supports modern features like internal memory and USB-C.

The Conclusion

The Leica M11 is a powerhouse in terms of dynamic range, making it ideal for photographers who need flexibility in exposure and post-processing.

The Leica M9, while technically limited, still holds a special place for those who appreciate its distinctive CCD rendering and timeless simplicity. Living with the limitations, but appreciating the expression.