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

[SrMi]

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25 minutes ago, IkarusJohn said:

The earlier Nikkor Ai lenses had no electronics, but had aperture stop down. This goes back well before the F5; before my time, but I think the original F and the Nikormat had Aperture stop down. Certainly, my FE from the late 70s (my first Nikon) did.

Yes, AASD with mechanical connection was possible before. 

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Pixeleater]

1 hour ago, Jeff S said:

No, that’s wrong. The M10-R (and M10 Monochrom) has completely new sensor architecture derived from the S3, incorporating dual gain tech, revised pixel shape, 10% more light gathering photons due to moved electronics, etc.  Stefan Daniel has elaborated on these improvements in various interviews.  Despite the smaller pixels, the dynamic range is reported (Red Dot Forum) to have increased a stop vs the M10. 

Thanks for the clarification!

[SrMi]

42 minutes ago, 250swb said:

SLR lenses generally speaking stop down automatically, it's a mechanical function but it's not a unique function. As for electronic lenses automatically stopping down isn't that stating the obvious? I mean, what was your point?

That lenses with electronic typically do not last as long as lenses without electronic (based on Leica interviews).

[Jeff S]

6 minutes ago, Pixeleater said:

Thanks for the clarification!

Thought you might be relieved to know that the camera you own(ed) is better than you realized. 😉

[rramesh]

2 hours ago, algrove said:

If Leica were to partner with another company, why not first search out other L mount alliances first instead of Nikon first?

Unfortunately, there are no L mount camera that are small. The Panasonic S9 comes to mind but no viewfinder, I think. Canon, Sony and Nikon all can be adapted for M mount lenses and all have good EVFs that can focus manual lenses, albeit differently. The issue is the sensor stack not being suitable for M wide lenses. This is where I think a Leica collaboration with one of them would be interesting.

Edited 7 hours ago by rramesh

[Ecar]

Briefly tested one earlier today. Not for me, although I can definitely see how it could appeal to certain users. Liked how light, yet solid, it feels in the hands. Didn't like the claustrophobic tunnel vision through the EVF - a reminder of what an amazing device the rangefinder is. I'll wait patiently for the M12.

[BernardC]

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2 hours ago, pgh said:

Something with less functionality at 3x the cost is hardly a real option for most prospective camera buyers, including, or especially even professionals.

The M EV1 was never meant to be a value proposition. Leica has offered an "M-adapter-L" for over a decade (it used to be called the "M-adapter-TL"). The EV1 is for those who want a camera that looks almost exactly like an M, but with an EVF. It's for a very specific sub-set of Leica customers who want to continue using the M system despite experiencing focusing issues with a rangefinder.

1 hour ago, Chito said:

I was also on the IBIS might not be possible on an M due to the image circle size, but after a bit of research I found that the image circle is and has to be a lot larger than the FF coverage for it to work so it should work more than fine.

IBIS works just fine on the SLs with M lenses. The issue with the M is that the body shape was designed to have the sensor (film) a millimeter or two from the back of the body. Some M customers complain very loudly if the M proportions change at all, so there isn't enough space for IBIS. This may change if Leica is can design a much thinner IBIS mechanism. That's also the reason why Ms don't use the Q/SL battery. It doesn't fit.

[BernardC]

2 minutes ago, rramesh said:

Unfortunately, there is no viable L mount camera that is small.

S5?

[rramesh]

2 minutes ago, BernardC said:

S5?

Panasonic S9 could be a candidate.

 

[carlosgavina]

Anyone with experience knows how the shutter lag and blackout is vs lets say an SL3-S with the adapter? And vs M11 with visoflex?

[Haldw777]

On 10/23/2025 at 5:38 PM, SrMi said:

Congrats to Leica on the launch of something different! 

Does that camera needs its own subforum?

I think so.

[lct]

12 minutes ago, rramesh said:

Panasonic S9 could be a candidate.

The Panasonic S9 has no VF unfortunately. The Sigma FPL could do it but its accessory EVF is bigger than the Visoflex 2.

 

Edited 7 hours ago by lct

[padam]

2 hours ago, fotografr said:

I'm sure the Leica engineers and management are reading this thread and scratching their heads wondering what the hell do we have to do to satisfy this crowd. For several years I've read comment after comment on this forum from people clamoring for a M-EVF. Now Leica have actually done it and the 15 pages of reactions have been overwhelmingly negative. Leica should have done this, should have done that. I'm trying to imagine what a camera would look like after incorporating all of the suggested additions and subtractions that have been brought up here. 

I have no idea if this M-EV1 will be successful in terms of sales. I suspect the production will be a low number so Leica can test the market appetite. I do know I won't be one of the buyers. I've loved rangefinder shooting from the first time I picked up an M3 in 1980. I like the full manual control, the haptics, the way it makes me slow down and think about what I'm pointing my camera, the way the images come together in the viewfinder. Traditional M for me, to the death. 

It is an either-or thing.

Had it been an entry-level model (sort of is, hard to imagine a Q3 costing less to make than this, but maybe the (Panasonic-designed) lens isn't nearly as expensive to make as some might like to think), I might have been ok with it. At this price, they could have made come changes, but the way it is designed based on an M11 (and Q3) is logical, reasonable.
I even like how it can't have an ISO dial anymore.

But all this is just daydreaming, it seems that in the current era, they are able to get away with many things.
An SL3 and SL3-S with sensors from an S1R II and S1 II would have been way more capable. (But with an issue of severe overheating.)
Does the market care that some reviews categorically said they are bad value? Not really.
Maybe they can do those 3-4 years "late" as that word never really existed in Leica's dictionary - but it's important to mention they used to be Ahead in many things, like the first compact FF digital camera...). It only matters how they compare against their own models, and it is likely that they will bring significant upgrades (but not fully stacked sensors).

They only need to make as many as needed to satisfy demand, so the M EV1 can't really fail in the regard.
There is probably a reason why it only came up now, when an M12 is already on the horizon.
As they say: really doesn't matter how it stacks up against an M11 (or other mirrorless cameras) if it is meant to be another M in addition. A lot of people who can afford a New Leica is able to afford way more than just that. So it is less about what it is, more about that it actually exists.
Whatever other cameras are brought up in various discussions - neither of them are that similar (excluding the badge, that overrides everything anyway).

[Kickstand]

21 hours ago, Datsch said:

Well I quite like it. 
 

It will also bring new people into the M system, especially once the inevitable M-EV-24-90mm-f2.8 Zoom lens comes out … 😏

Oh man, I hadn't thought of that. M mount zoom lenses. 70 years of perfect backwards compatibility ruined!

[Stephen.s1]

1 hour ago, SrMi said:

Everyone? 🤣

'cept you and me..

 

[250swb]

54 minutes ago, SrMi said:

That lenses with electronic typically do not last as long as lenses without electronic (based on Leica interviews).

And digital cameras don't last as long as mechanical cameras so based on price we should be more worried about a digital camera failing than an electronically controlled lens which it can't use anyway. 

[Olaf_ZG]

4 hours ago, fotografr said:

I'm trying to imagine what a camera would look like after incorporating all of the suggested additions and subtractions that have been brought up here. 

Dare I say it? A sony …

[padam]

2 minutes ago, Olaf_ZG said:

Dare I say it? A sony …

A Leica SL is still not at all like Sony. Even Panasonic is much more like Sony (imho).

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[SrMi]

8 minutes ago, 250swb said:

And digital cameras don't last as long as mechanical cameras so based on price we should be more worried about a digital camera failing than an electronically controlled lens which it can't use anyway. 

Yes, but digital bodies change frequently, lenses less so.

[DadDadDaddyo]

2 hours ago, pgh said:

There is no room there for a 9k camera, and frankly  given some of the comments here I’m highly suspect most of this forum can even venture to fathom half of what that reality is. 

Who said anything about a 9K camera?

Both my modern bodies were purchased Open Box, for much less than that. 

You can pick up an M246 Monochrom at KEH for less than 4K.

What's the average middle class dude's annual beer budget?

The notion that we're all silver spoon types with our pinkies sticking out is frankly offensive. 

Sorry, gotta go take some pictures...

Edited 6 hours ago by DadDadDaddyo