EVF M rumoured

[dem331]

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I think that it is a mistake calling it (if they do) M11-E or M11-EVF or some iteration of this.  It would be best to separate it more from the rangefinder line and call it something like QM or MQ, which is really what it is, a Q for M mount manual focus lenses. 
 

The rangefinder line is iconic, much the same as the Porsche 911, the BMW boxer motorcycle engine or the Rolex, and should not be messed with.  There are better cameras, cars (maybe), motorcycles and watches, but few with the iconic status of those products. 

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[Mahesh]

3 hours ago, pgk said:

There is a risk to Leica in introducing an EVF-M which has the prime purpose of being able to use small MF lenses at its core. It will be compared with numerous other EVF cameras AND their lenses. I would suspect that such comparisons will show that many EVF cameras are highly capable and that the differences are nuance, or even mute, in the end result. Which carries reputational risk for Leica, as an expensive, technically backwards camera which produces comparable results with other cameras and merely has the accolade of using the admittedly exquisite M lenses, is unlikely to do Leica's perfectionist reputation any good.

Whilst the SL range and rf-M range have clear, defined roles and are good and in the case of the rf-Ms, different. I struggle to see how an EVF-M will promote Leica's position of excellence because it may promote undesirable comparisons. It may be succesful though, and if such a camera is launched I hope it is. But to ignore the downsides (based on specification) is not angst.

I think this is first time I have come across a sensible argument against an "EVF M" camera, regarding the risk there might be for Leica. Other arguments such as M means only a rangefinder seemed silly to me as Leica is free to call their camera whatever they want. 

[costa43]

9 hours ago, lct said:

The angst is understandable among those who fear that a possible success of the MEV1, or whatever its name, will overshadow the rangefinder to such an extent that it will eventually disappear. I remember the 1970s, when the rise of SLR cameras raised fears of such a demise. The M system had even been relegated to second place behind the Leicaflex in Leica catalogs at the time. Things improved after the debacle of the M5, if memory serves, perhaps because the Leicaflex was struggling to compete with Japanese cameras such as the Nikon F then. Leica historians should know better about that.

I wouldn't call it angst but my slight concern is that Leica tend to rehash the same camera in different ways in each generational release. If the EVF model is a success then the standard RF model will be designed with the EVF model in mind for future release also. I'd prefer them to go the other way and strip the RF model back to basics, this is less likely to be the case if they have one eye on a modern mirrorless solution during the initial design phase.

 

Edited 12 hours ago by costa43

[LocalHero1953]

Isn't the digital M already a modern mirrorless solution? A true stripped back M is a M-A.

A rear screen for image review, followed by liveview and the Visoflex - these just bring bolted horses and stable doors to mind. Build the EVF into the camera and have done with it.

 

(just stirring the pot)

Edited 11 hours ago by LocalHero1953

[luigi bertolotti]

2 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

Isn't the digital M already a modern mirrorless solution? A true stripped back M is a M-A.

A rear screen for image review, followed by liveview and the Visoflex - these just bring bolted horses and stable doors to mind. Just build the EVF into the camera and have done with it.

Perfectly reasonable... but many of us always hope and speculate, when some annuoncement is inthe radar, that something "special" will come... the perennial curse of Leicistes (me included... 😁)

[lct]

25 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

[...]A rear screen for image review, followed by liveview and the Visoflex - these just bring bolted horses and stable doors to mind. Build the EVF into the camera and have done with it. [...]

The rumored specs don't seem that far from that.

Quote

Full-Frame BSI Sensor
        Triple Resolution Technology: 60 / 36 / 18 MP
        Powered by the Maestro III image processor
    New Built-in Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
        0.5-inch OLED, 5.76 MP resolution
        0.76x magnification
        Focus aids and diopter compensation
    New FN Button & Frame Selection Lever
        Dual-functionality control for the EVF
        Assignable options: Peaking On/Off or Zoom On/Off
    Design & Build
        Puristic design with a clean front (no rangefinder window)
        Diamond pattern leatherette finish
        45 g lighter than the Leica M11
        Made in Germany
    Battery & Storage
        Same BP-SCL7 battery as Leica M11
        64 GB internal memory
    Leica Content Credentials
        Ensures authenticity of digital images
    Price
        Expected to be cheaper than the Leica M11
        EU (incl. VAT): €7,950 (~$9,300)
        Hong Kong: $75,000 HKD (~$9,600)
        US: Could exceed $10,000 due to new tariffs
    Availability
        Official announcement expected: October 23, 2025 (±1 day)
        Shipping starts in November 2025
        Already in production
        Silver version not yet confirmed

 

[costa43]

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28 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

Isn't the digital M already a modern mirrorless solution? A true stripped back M is a M-A.

A rear screen for image review, followed by liveview and the Visoflex - these just bring bolted horses and stable doors to mind. Build the EVF into the camera and have done with it.

 

(just stirring the pot)

Yes, when you put it that way, I guess it is. I have no objection to an EVF M, in fact I welcome it but what would be really nice as well would be the M-A with a digital sensor.

 

 

Keep stirring!

[algrove]

I trust the US 22 party delay is NOT due to finding that the US cameras have all been locking up.

[Smudgerer]

2 minutes ago, costa43 said:

Yes, when you put it that way, I guess it is. I have no objection to an EVF M, in fact I welcome it but what would be really nice as well would be the M-A with a digital sensor.

 

 

Keep stirring!

Agreed......One with a sensor in the 24-36 mp range, no higher, ( because there's no point in that......said as a M11 owner ).

 

[BernardC]

5 minutes ago, algrove said:

I trust the US 22 party delay is NOT due to finding that the US cameras have all been locking up.

It's a bug that only manifests itself in the US during government shutdowns. 😀

[algrove]

25 minutes ago, BernardC said:

It's a bug that only manifests itself in the US during government shutdowns. 😀

BTW, is the 22nd party still a go in Canada?

[lct]

Is it me or the rumored camera has a built-in thumb rest?

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

[algrove]

Good observation. Yes, it seems to have one.

[algrove]

So now the US customers might experience a centistone instead of a milestone.

[BernardC]

1 hour ago, algrove said:

BTW, is the 22nd party still a go in Canada?

I didn't know there was one. I didn't get an invite.

[algrove]

5 minutes ago, BernardC said:

I didn't know there was one. I didn't get an invite.

Do let us know if the 23rd announcement occurs in Canada. Thanks.

[andybarton]

Can we keep random political comments out of the thread and Forum, please?

Thanks

[pedaes]

2 minutes ago, algrove said:

Do let us know if the 23rd announcement occurs in Canada. Thanks.

It is certainly on Agenda as part of the LSI event in Montreal. 1200 CET = 0700 Montreal so will be there to greet delegates.

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[NightPix]

3 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

Isn't the digital M already a modern mirrorless solution? A true stripped back M is a M-A.

 

Leica has slipped a LOT of modern technology into the classic M over the years. Adding an EVF option may be just the latest. If there’s a market for a stripped down RF with no screen, no sensor etc I expect Leica will address it. 

[charlesphoto99]

1 hour ago, lct said:

Is it me or the rumored camera has a built-in thumb rest?

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

You mean a thumb rest just like the M10 and M11? Yes it appears to have that. 

I guess some users on here have become so accustomed to add on boutique doo dads they don't recognize their own cameras...