I have been wrestling with the idea of adding accessories to my M11-P. The purist in me doesn't want to add anything to the camera. It's a bit like a Porsche 911 - the design is so well resolved that adding anything aftermarket risks upsetting the balance. That's how I've always felt about the Leica M11-P. It's beautiful in form, perfectly proportioned, and just feels right in the hand.
That said, after a couple of years of ownership, I've come to realize there is room for some ergonomic improvements.
Everyone's needs will be different, but the first accessory I would recommend is a handgrip. It simply makes the camera feel more secure in use. Mine happens to be Leica's own grip rather than OwlKrown's. If I were buying today, I would probably choose the OwlKrown version because the grip is angled and appears more ergonomic, while Leica's is straight.
Now, onto the OwlKrown SoloPlate in Black Patina.
The first thing you'll notice is the weight. At 110 grams, you definitely feel it when you first pick up the camera. Once you're out shooting, it largely disappears, but if you're someone who pairs an M body with heavier lenses, you know every gram matters.
The next thing you'll notice is the fit and finish. It is exceptional. It doesn't feel like an accessory bolted onto the camera; it feels like it belongs there. The machining, finish, and attention to detail are all top-notch.
The plate adds roughly a quarter inch in height, and the base flares slightly at both the front and rear. In practice, that small change makes a noticeable difference. My right-hand pinky naturally settles onto the flared base, making the camera feel more secure and comfortable to hold. An unexpected bonus is that my left-hand ring finger seems to find the opening for the battery-release mechanism and rest there naturally. It's one of those small details you don't appreciate until you actually use it.
Of course, the main purpose of the SoloPlate is to help balance heavier lenses, and it does that flawlessly. Whether it's a heavier 50mm or one of the larger modern lenses, the camera feels a little more planted in the hand.
Here I have the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 mounted on the camera. It's an absolute beast of a lens, and with the SoloPlate attached, the setup stands upright flawlessly. It's a small thing, but surprisingly convenient when setting the camera down between shots.
If I were purchasing it again, I might consider the Black Chrome version simply because of the reduced weight and more understated appearance. That said, the Black Patina brass is absolutely gorgeous. It adds just enough character without crossing into flashy territory.
I also added the matching 12mm EyeKup. Honestly, I bought it mostly because it looked cool and matched the SoloPlate. What surprised me was how much I actually enjoy using it. As someone who wears glasses, I found it genuinely useful and far more comfortable than expected. It's one of those accessories that sounds unnecessary until you've lived with it for a while.
I also own OwlKrown's adjustable strap. I mainly use it during the winter months when the amount of clothing I'm wearing changes daily. Being able to quickly adjust the length depending on layers and outerwear is incredibly convenient.
After spending time with several of their products, it's clear that OwlKrown isn't simply making accessories - they're thoughtfully refining the Leica shooting experience. The engineering, craftsmanship, and design are all worthy companions to Leica gear.
For better or worse, they may save you a lot of time researching. You can stop searching and start shooting.
