With the new Leica M EV1, Leica Camera AG reaches another milestone in its rich history and creates a new segment within the Leica M system. Alongside digital and analog M cameras with an optical rangefinder, a new member now joins the Leica M family: an M camera with an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF).
The Leica M EV1 combines the advantages of an EVF with the traditional values of the M system. It not only makes the world of M photography more accessible, but also enables comfortable and reliable focusing.
The M EV1 is especially valuable when using fast Leica Summilux and Noctilux lenses with a very shallow depth of field, as well as ultra-wide-angle, telephoto, and macro lenses.
What Changes With an EVF in a Leica M?
The biggest change is not the sensor, but the way you view the scene. A classic Leica M uses an optical rangefinder: you do not look directly through the lens, but through a separate viewfinder image with frame lines. The Leica M EV1 instead uses an electronic viewfinder, allowing you to see the framing, exposure, and plane of focus more directly before pressing the shutter.
This makes the camera particularly appealing to photographers who enjoy working with M lenses but want more precise focusing with fast lenses, ultra-wide-angle lenses, telephoto lenses, or close-up work. Those who prefer the classic rangefinder experience will probably still gravitate toward an M11, M11-D, or analog M. The M EV1 is therefore not a conventional successor, but a different entry point into the same M system.
The Leica M Camera Has Existed for More Than 70 Years
As a photography pioneer, Leica Camera AG has boldly pursued new paths for 100 years. In 1925, the Leica I—the first mass-produced 35mm camera—revolutionized photography. The Leica M is regarded as its successor and embodies the essence of the Leica philosophy like no other camera.
With an iconic design, 'Made in Germany' craftsmanship, and uncompromising quality, it has represented Leica’s values and heritage for more than 70 years . Since its introduction, the Leica M has been systematically refined with each new generation.
In 2006, Leica brought the rangefinder camera into the digital age with the M8. Since then, the M system has evolved in several directions: the M11 Monochrom for black-and-white photography, the M11-D without a rear display, the M11-P with Content Credentials , and the analog M6, MP, and M-A for photographers who deliberately continue to shoot film.
By introducing an EVF in an M camera, Leica fulfills a frequently expressed request from photographers and expands the possibilities for experienced M users. Its intuitive operation will also make it easier for new customers to find their way into the Leica M system.
The image in the Leica M EV1 viewfinder is displayed exactly as it will appear when the shutter is released, corresponding to the lens, focal length, and aperture in use. The direct preview of the field of view and plane of focus is especially practical when working with ultra-wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
The accurate real-time exposure preview provides additional assurance and opens up new creative possibilities through deliberate underexposure or overexposure. The integrated diopter adjustment allows the viewfinder to be matched to the user’s eyesight. A dial provides adjustment from -4 to +2 diopters.
High-Resolution EVF and Intuitive Operation
The high-resolution 5.76-megapixel EVF delivers brilliant image quality with exceptional clarity and natural color reproduction. If desired, relevant exposure data such as shutter speed, ISO, and exposure value can be displayed around the viewfinder image, leaving the image itself completely unobstructed. An eye sensor automatically switches between the viewfinder and the touchscreen LCD.
The integrated focusing aid, already available in other Leica cameras, is particularly user-friendly. 'Focus Peaking' marks the active plane of focus with a colored overlay, allowing the desired focus area to be set precisely in real time.
'Focus Zoom' makes manual focusing easier with two freely selectable magnification factors. It can be activated automatically by turning the focusing ring or manually using one of the function buttons. This enables precise focusing, especially with fast lenses at shallow depth of field and for macro photography.
The lever next to the lens, which on rangefinder M cameras is used to display bright-line frames for different focal lengths, has been given a useful function on the Leica M EV1. It can be assigned to one of the focusing aids or to the 1.3x or 1.8x digital zoom. A simple tap to the right or left quickly and conveniently activates or deactivates the focusing aid as the situation requires.
Timeless Design With Modern Technology
The Leica M EV1 continues the M camera’s long tradition of timeless, functional, and iconic design. Handcrafted in Germany from high-quality materials, it speaks the familiar clear and refined design language of an M. The diamond-pattern leather covering and purist front deliberately distinguish it from traditional Leica M rangefinder cameras.
The M EV1 is based on the Leica M11 and its full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology. It is praised for accurate color reproduction, impressive detail resolution, high dynamic range, and excellent noise performance. Images can be saved in DNG or JPEG format at a resolution of 60, 36, or 18 megapixels.
The Leica Maestro III processor handles image data quickly at the highest resolution and stores it in the 64 GB internal memory or on an SD card. Seamless connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a USB-C cable allows the camera to connect quickly and easily to the Leica FOTOS app. Bluetooth Low Energy technology can also transfer images to a smartphone in the background while conserving power.
The Leica M EV1 also supports Content Credentials, just like the M11-P and M11-D.
Pricing and Availability
The Leica M EV1 is available at a suggested retail price of €7,950 including VAT. For more comfortable use and additional grip, there is also a special handgrip with the same leather covering, available for €400 including VAT.
