Leica M EV1: The first M with EVF instead of Rangefinder

[LUF Admin]

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Leica is today introducing the Leica M EV1, a new M model that is sure to spark debate. The new camera is the first M camera to dispense with the rangefinder that gives the system its name. It is based on the Leica M11, but replaces the optical rangefinder with an electronic 5.76 MP viewfinder.

The Leica M is available now for €7,950 / $8,995 (RRP) (for example here at BH Photovideo).

Leica M EV1 at a glance

The M EV1 is technically based on the Leica M11, but without “M11” in the product name.

• 60 MP BSI sensor with triple resolution technology (alternatively reduced to 36 MP or 18 MP)
• Leica Maestro III processor
• 64 GB internal memory
• SD card slot with UHS-II
• Leica Content Credentials for digital signing of image data
• USB-C port (charging and data transfer)
• Low Energy Bluetooth & Wi-Fi connectivity
• 484 g with battery (approx. 10% less than M11)
• Dimensions 139 x 80 x 38 mm (W x H x D)

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M-System Advantages without Rangefinder Limitations

The rangefinder of the Leica M is an ambivalent piece of technology: on the one hand, it offers unique advantages, but on the other hand, it places high demands on the photographer.

The Leica M EV1 offers an additional option in the product portfolio, an alternative that offers most of the advantages of the M without having to overcome the high hurdles of the rangefinder.

The electronic viewfinder also offers tangible advantages:

• It bypasses the limitations of parallax compensation, enabling close-ups of less than 70 cm.
• It shows the effect of depth of field and exposure changes in the viewfinder, as well as an optional spirit level and grid.

Additional features:

• Diopter adjustment from –4 to +2
• Focus peaking to highlight the plane of focus
• Focus zoom with 1.3x or 1.8x magnification
• Automatic switching between viewfinder and touch display via eye sensor
• Display of shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation outside the image field

Design and Handling

The M EV1 follows the familiar M design, but has been modified in a few details. The front is kept minimalistic; the diamond-pattern leather trim distinguishes it visually from previous rangefinder models.

The mask selector lever has been replaced by a function selector lever: since its function (displaying the various image masks) is obsolete, the control element can be used for focus peaking, cropping, or magnification without having to take the camera away from the eye.

What does the Leica M EV1 mean for the M-System?

With the M EV1, Leica is responding to the demand for an M camera with an electronic viewfinder. It is aimed at photographers who appreciate the manual operation of the M series but do not want to forego the advantages of an EVF, such as precise exposure preview and convenient focusing.

The M EV1 thus complements the existing M portfolio with an alternative that combines traditional operation and convenient digital functions. The emphasis is on “alternative”: Leica is keen to stress that cameras with optical rangefinders continue to form the core of the M system.

The full press release:

Next Milestone for the Leica M-System

Leica M EV1 – the first M-Camera with an integrated electronic viewfinder

Wetzlar, 23 October 2025 – With the new Leica M EV1, Leica Camera AG has reached the next milestone in its history and is introducing a new segment to the Leica M-System. In addition to the digital and analogue M-Camera with an optical rangefinder, the company is welcoming a new member to the M family in the form of 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. Not only does it make joining the world of M photography easier, it also enables reliable and comfortable focusing irrespective of visual acuity – in particular when using the fast Leica Summilux and Noctilux lenses at very shallow depths of field, and when composing images with ultra wide-angle, telephoto and macro lenses.

As a photography pioneer, Leica Camera AG has been bravely treading new paths for 100 years now. As the first series-produced 35mm camera, the Leica I revolutionised photography back in 1925. The Leica M is considered its successor and exemplifies the essence of the Leica philosophy like no other. With iconic design, precision craftsmanship “Made in Germany” and uncompromising quality, it has embodied the values and legacy of the brand for over 70 years by harnessing innovation and forward-looking technology. Since its introduction, the Leica M has been systematically refined with each new generation. In 2006, Leica transported the soul of the analogue M-Camera to the digital age with the M8. The currents models – such as the M11 Monochrom with its black-and-white sensor, the M11-D with no display, the M11-P with Content Credentials Technology, and the analogue M6, MP and M-A – all demonstrate the ingenuity and individuality of the M-System.

By introducing an EVF to the M-Camera, Leica is fulfilling a frequent customer request and expanding the range of applications for seasoned M users. Thanks to its intuitive operation, new customers will also find it easier to delve into world of the M-System.

The image in the Leica M EV1’s viewfinder is shown exactly as it will be when the shutter snaps – in line with the lens used, focal length and aperture. The direct preview of the field of view and plane of focus is very advantageous, especially when it comes to composing images with ultra wide-angle and telephoto lenses. The precise real-time exposure preview provides additional certainty and unleashes new creative possibilities though targeted under- and overexposure. With the integrated dioptre compensation, the viewfinder can be adapted to the user’s own visual acuity. A setting wheel allows an adjustment between -4 and +2 dioptres.

The high-resolution 5.76 megapixel EVF provides brilliant image quality with exceptional clarity and natural colour rendering. If desired, relevant exposure data – such as shutter speed, ISO and exposure value – can be shown around the image, which remains completely uncovered. The automatic switch between viewfinder and touch panel is carried out by an eye sensor.

The integrated focus assist, already found in other Leica cameras, is particularly user friendly. Focus peaking highlights the active plane of focus with overlaid colour, allowing precise adjustment of the desired image area in real time. The focus zoom also makes manual focusing easier by means of two freely selectable magnification factors, either automatically by turning the focus ring or manually via one of the function buttons. This enables precise focusing, in particular when using fast lenses at a shallow depth of field and in the macro range. The lever at the front of the camera, which is used in rangefinder M-Cameras to preview bright-line frames, has been given a useful function on the Leica M EV1: this control can be assigned to one of the focus assists or the 1.3× or 1.8× digital zoom. With a simple touch to the right or left, the focus assist can be activated or deactivated quickly and comfortably as the situation requires.

The M EV1 continues the M-Camera’s long tradition of timeless, functional and iconic design. Handmade in Germany using high-quality material, it speaks the familiar clear and cultivated design language of an M. The leatherette covering featuring a diamond pattern and the purist front deliberately set it apart from the traditional rangefinder M-Camera.

The new M-Camera has been engineered based on the Leica M11 and its full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, which is admired for its precise colour rendering, impressive detail resolution, high dynamic range and excellent noise behaviour. Images can be saved in either DNG or JPEG format at a resolution of 60, 36 or 18 megapixels. The Maestro III chip processes image data at the highest resolution quickly and saves them either on the 64 GB internal memory or an SD card. Thanks to seamless connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cable, the camera can be quickly and conveniently connected with the Leica FOTOS App. Images can also be sent to smartphones energy efficiently in the background using Bluetooth Low Energy technology. Just like the M11-P and M11-D, the new Leica M EV1 supports Content Credentials. With this groundbreaking technology by the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), a digital signature is added to images, which verifies their origins and any post-processing in a tamper-proof manner.

The Leica M EV1 will be available worldwide at Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorised dealers from 23 October 2025. The recommended retail price is EUR 7,950.00 incl. VAT. For comfortable handling and additional hold, a hand grip with a matching leatherette covering is available for EUR 395.00 incl. VAT.

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[OfeyKalakar]

it’s a really sh*tty idea.

They should release an updated Leica CL with a global stacked shutter with the L mount and better video specs, like the recent Nikon / RED camera. Leica can use their recent cinema lens lineup to promote both. The size and format of the Leica CL camera is a better format as it will not cannibalize the other camera offerings, Q, M, SL. 

[LeAlain]

Interesting camera probably, but I try to figure out how it compares to the M11, considering the higher price range. I am probs overreading it out of fomo. My first thought is that with my M10 and M10M I have the flexibility to use either the 020 VF or the original VF and have a live experience of my framing.

So very curious on how it will effect M11 price. Wouldn't this be a sign that Leica is not selling M11 as they would and therefor searching for a wider target audience?  

How will battery life be, with an Electronic VF?

As I consider upgrading from my M10 to an M11 this is a moment for me to think wisely (as I should do more often ).

Any thoughts from you guys and girls?

Edited yesterday at 01:40 PM by LeAlain

[loverofthelight]

I think it would be better to do hybrid rangefinder / evf all in one. Now it is like q3 / q3 43 , just more expensive and you can change lenses. Doesn't make sense at all... Rangefinder experience is why you have M. Otherwise you can have q3 or sl3 with m adapter... And both those two systems are cheaper. 

[SrMi]

Congrats to Leica on the launch of something different! 

Does that camera needs its own subforum?

Edited yesterday at 01:41 PM by SrMi

[Robert Blanko]

And what is the purpose of the center rangefinder window? 🤔🤔

[SrMi]

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1 minute ago, Robert Blanko said:

And what is the purpose of the center rangefinder window? 🤔🤔

Check out Jono's review. I believe it is to estimate the aperture.

[kiwidad]

I am shocked that Leica brought a product all the way to store shelves BEFORE getting FCC approval. Concerns me somewhat that this ball appears to have been dropped and makes me wonder what else did someone neglect to do!

[SrMi]

Just now, kiwidad said:

I am shocked that Leica brought a product all the way to store shelves BEFORE getting FCC approval. Concerns me somewhat that this ball appears to have been dropped and makes me wonder what else did someone neglect to do!

I assume that the FCC approval was delayed because of the unexpected government shutdown.

[kiwidad]

1 minute ago, SrMi said:

Check out Jono's review. I believe it is to estimate the aperture.

Unless something dramatically has change that is what the little circular hole is for! The larger is the rangefinder window which is seems odd to be there. Maybe it’s just there because someone missed the memo to remove it?

[viramati]

focus peaking just doesn't work well when you stop down. Hard to see how this can really be an improvement or make focusing easier at anything apart from wide open. It will of course mitigate calibration issues but apart from that!!

https://youtu.be/VaftOvsFL9o?si=t__r-lJTQikPwYo0

Edited yesterday at 02:00 PM by viramati

[SrMi]

4 minutes ago, kiwidad said:

Unless something dramatically has change that is what the little circular hole is for! The larger is the rangefinder window which is seems odd to be there. Maybe it’s just there because someone missed the memo to remove it?

You are correct. The other one is the self-timer LED. 

M-EV1 instructions are available on the UK site.

[oculus_ny]

My wet Age-related Macualr Degenerated right eye thanks you.  Now to figure out a way to use my SIG target pistols....🤓

Edited yesterday at 02:23 PM by oculus_ny

[Oxfordian]

Initial impressions for me are positive, I like the implementation of the EVF it keeps the look and style of the M whilst adding the adaptability of interchangeable M mount lenses.

A bit more research to do but I'm genuinely interested in the new camera.

[rtai]

“an alternative that offers most of the advantages of the M without having to overcome the high hurdles of the rangefinder.” Ahh marketing! Rangefinder is high hurdle? What does that mean? I thought the rangefinder was the key advantage of the M system? Is this new camera that manages to overcome the rangefinder hurdle an alternative product or Leica has stopped making RF cameras?

[Genoweffa]

Bravo! Finally.

If I want to play with a rangefinder hit/miss, I pull out my Kiev (ie.Contax) from 1964 

[kiwidad]

17 minutes ago, viramati said:

focus peaking just doesn't work well when you stop down. Hard to see how this can really be an improvement or make focusing easier at anything apart from wide open. It will of course mitigate calibration issues but apart from that!!

https://youtu.be/VaftOvsFL9o?si=t__r-lJTQikPwYo0

I agree. There are times the visoflex is nice with my fleet of summiluxes but as ypu

say stopped down the peaking isn’t so hot !

[costa43]

I think Leica got the pricing wrong on this and went in too hard. They could have tapped into a younger market if it was priced a fair bit lower. Even if it came with an SL2-S sensor for instance. It's here now and I hope it sells well so the line continues but 8 grand is a tough sell imo.

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[BWColor]

So, this camera is a Leica marketing project.  I say this because I’m not sure where there’s innovation.  Perhaps, the focus peaking will work better than in other cameras.  They did mount an EVF in a small body.  Anyway, time to start an M12 thread.

[hexx]

4 minutes ago, BWColor said:

So, this camera is a Leica marketing project.  I say this because I’m not sure where there’s innovation.  Perhaps, the focus peaking will work better than in other cameras.  They did mount an EVF in a small body.  Anyway, time to start an M12 thread.

There's no innovation. Nothing. Zero. Square root of FA   But I'm pretty sure it will sell well, because of "M heritage" even though it's really Q with M mount for much more money.