Leica High ISO

After using the JPEGs straight from the Leica M11, I started noticing how film-like the high ISO files looked. Unlike many digital cameras that aggressively smooth out noise, the M11 retains a fine, organic grain structure, giving images a textured quality reminiscent of classic film stocks. The noise doesn’t feel artificial or obtrusive; instead, it blends naturally with the image, much like the grain in a well-exposed frame of Kodak Tri-X or Ilford HP5.

In black and white, the luminance noise mimics the structure of pushed film, adding a beautiful character to monochrome shots. Even at extreme settings like ISO 25,000 or 50,000, the files maintain an impressive level of usability. While there’s naturally some loss of detail, the overall aesthetic remains pleasing rather than clinical or harsh. The balance of fine noise and preserved microcontrast makes these high ISO files feel tactile and organic, far removed from the overly digitised look that plagues many modern cameras.

It’s rare to find a digital camera that embraces noise rather than trying to eliminate it completely. The M11 does exactly that, and the result is an output that feels timeless, with a richness that evokes the best of film photography. It’s especially rewarding for those who appreciate texture in their images and prefer a more natural, unprocessed look straight out of the camera.