Siggi: Leica M EV1 – A Different M

[SiggiGun]

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Is this now the end of the rangefinder? Or just a different kind of M camera? That’s the question we want to explore.

For 70 years, M has stood for rangefinders and an exceptional camera. When the unfortunate Leica M5 was released, the M community viewed the major changes to the camera critically, if not with rejection. Since the introduction of the M6, Leica has taken a rather cautious approach to further developments. The guiding principle can still be summed up as follows: essential and meaningful innovations YES, fundamental changes NO.

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The M Without Rangefinder

Now Leica presents an M without a rangefinder – not to replace the classic M, but to complement the product with a “modern” variant. The optical rangefinder is replaced by an electronic viewfinder, called an EVF (Electronic View Finder).

The M user now has three options to choose from:

• M with rangefinder
• M with rangefinder and external EVF
• M with built-in EVF

First Impression and Design Changes

Four things stand out immediately when you take the camera out of its box:

• The rangefinder is missing, replaced by the EVF.
• The ISO dial is gone (as already seen on the M11-D).
• The leather covering is borrowed from the Q.
• The camera is noticeably lighter than the classic models.

After the first trials, you’ll notice that two M-typical control elements
have found a new purpose due to the system change:

• The small window on the front, formerly needed for rangefinder focusing, now houses an LED for the self-timer.
• The frame selector is now used to activate focus assist or digital zoom (factory setting).

Familiar Concept, New Controls

The new camera is based on the M11 with an identical operating concept – apart from the reassigned frame selector and the omission of the ISO dial.

The rangefinder has been and remains the key distinguishing feature from all other camera designs.

Anyone familiar with the Leica M11 will not feel lost: all essential controls are where you expect them to be, and the menu navigation remains fundamentally unchanged.

The new assignment of the selector lever is an absolutely sensible solution: reduced to the functions essential for shooting (Focus Peaking, Focus Aid, Digital Zoom). The FN button options have clearly increased. The removal of the ISO dial is not a loss; ISO selection is now done via the thumbwheel (factory setting).

The Electronic Viewfinder – Replacement or Addition?

Now we come to the essential point: the electronic viewfinder. Long-time Q users will immediately feel at home. The EVF of the M EV1 has the same optical characteristics as that of the Q3. But that alone does not make the EVF a rangefinder; thus, it is not a replacement, but a possible alternative!

The brightness of the viewfinder can be adjusted to personal preference. The image quality is clearly superior to that of the attachable Visoflex 2. The simple and practical activation of the focus assist through the frame selector also proves effective. Focusing is thus easier, at least under normal lighting conditions. Shooting with it feels reminiscent of using an SL with M lenses attached – only this time it’s an M, lighter, and definitely more discreet.

Rangefinder vs. EVF – Two Worlds

The rangefinder allows control of the “environment” and, by design, is independent of lighting conditions and the selected focal length of the lens. With the EVF, it’s exactly the opposite. The visible field of view is determined by the attached lens.

A newcomer to the M system will likely perceive this as “normal.” For the classic M user, however, the question arises whether the EVF can replace the unique qualities of the rangefinder.

This question can be answered in good conscience with no. Those who value fast and discreet focusing in low light, for example, will continue to prefer the classic M with rangefinder.

The New M Feeling

For landscape photographers who value direct perspective control and assessing the final image, the EVF reveals a new “M feeling.” Perspective control and framing are effortless. The immediate image impression makes work easier.

Furthermore, the electronic viewfinder simplifies focusing with longer focal lengths, at wide apertures of very fast or older lenses with “focus shift.” Those who also have the chance to own a newer lens with close-focus capability will certainly appreciate the new viewfinder. One could counter that similar results can be achieved using the external viewfinder for these photographic tasks. However, for a newcomer, this question hardly arises.

Practical Impression and Target Groups

Whether the EVF fundamentally makes focusing easier depends on the shooting situation and the lenses used (wide-angle, telephoto, large maximum aperture, etc.). The existing M user who still wants to focus quickly and discreetly or in low light will likely continue to prefer the rangefinder. Those looking for an easier entry into M photography will find the M EV1 an attractive option.

Two worlds, two solutions:

• The rangefinder is generally the faster solution – ideal for reportage, documentary, or street photography.
• The EVF shines in close-ups, architecture, travel, and landscape.

Who Is the M EV1 For?

The choice between rangefinder and EVF depends on experience, habits, and photographic goals. A professional has different requirements than an ambitious amateur, and...an M purist still others.

So who will buy this camera? Three customer profiles can already be distinguished:

• The newcomer who is drawn to the aura of the iconic M but struggles with the rangefinder.
• The M hobby photographer who enjoys experimenting with lenses and uses the camera for leisure, without specific demands for speed or reliability.
• The M user who wants a practical and versatile M as a complement, balancing the weaknesses of one with the strengths of the other. A luxurious solution. Admittedly, the Visoflex 2 would be the cheaper complement, but not everyone likes it.

It’s a good thing that Leica doesn’t view the M EV1 as just another M11, but as a new product line. The Leica M EV1 is not a purist’s M – but so what? It’s simply different. It opens up new paths without giving up M lenses. On the contrary: rarely used or old lenses gain a new shine.

Image examples can be found here: https://siggigun.myportfolio.com/unterwegs

All images with LEICA M EV1 (Prototype), lenses from 21mm to 135mm.

[zone5]

I heard that this EVF supports only 60 refreshing rate  not 120.

So EVF is same as Q3 with some restriction right?

 

 

Edited Thursday at 04:15 PM by zone5

[jonoslack]

Excellent Siggi

I really enjoyed that, and the pictures are great as well. Interesting that although we didn't necessarily agree about things in the forum, we have each come up with the same conclusions about the camera

all the very best

Jono

[DadDadDaddyo]

Thank you for all the work you've done!

[NigelG]

As someone who often shoots architecture, landscape and 16-24 and 75-90 M lenses this seems a great addition to my current Ms. Yes a Visoflex works - but it feels a bit clunky?

Not sure if it would be my choice for 35/50 - but maybe that’s the rub.

I can see that anyone coming from the Q or other brands thinking “I’d like a cool iconic Leica M” might be a bit “whoa” when they look through the traditional RF…and it’s interesting that Leica seem to be promoting this as an “easier” M (it’s got an EVF as akin to “stabilisers on a bike)?

Whether that means existing M users will buy one is moot. 
 

Any entirely new Leica M-EV1 owner has got to buy some lenses….😉

Edited Thursday at 05:48 PM by NigelG

[TheEyesHaveIt]

Benefit of the Visoflex is the articulation - helpful when shooting macro or lower angles. EVF won't be as useful then and the EV1 does not have an articulating screen, like the Q3. Maybe Leica will release a Visoflex 3 with higher resolution. Then we can have the best of both worlds - RF and a flexible EVF, when necessary. The EV1 feels stuck between worlds.

[SiggiGun]

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vor einer Stunde schrieb jonoslack:

Excellent Siggi

I really enjoyed that, and the pictures are great as well. Interesting that although we didn't necessarily agree about things in the forum, we have each come up with the same conclusions about the camera

all the very best

Jono

Thanks @jonoslack

always a pleasure to work together 

 

[mboerma]

Thank you. Enjoyed your insights and photos. 

[Chriseto]

Super review! Bravo!

[adespen]

Currently my ME is sleeping and my Canon R6 2 can use my M lenses with an adapter. I will shoot some images and think about yours and Jono’s reviews. 
Exciting times. 

[PeterD]

It seems a bit of an odd beast. As I wrote elsewhere, I went to try one and the dealer hadn't got the battery charged. In the hand with a basic lens it felt similar to an M3, without the lens *definitely* lighter. I also had a feeling of "familiar unfamiliarity" - but this is very personal; it felt like a main stream Leica such as the M-A or the M 11 to hold, but somehow there was something different. I think it may have something to do with the plain exterior and lack of external controls, but nonetheless impressive.

Would I buy one? I really don't know yet. Before this I was toying with the idea of an M 11 and didn't need this sort of fascinating option to complicate matters! 😃 ...but  then again I still love film!

[Photoworks]

22 hours ago, zone5 said:

I heard that this EVF supports only 60 refreshing rate  not 120.

So EVF is same as Q3 with some restriction right?

What do you want the 120 for?

More is not always better.
You have 120 in the SL3 and older versions; the camera comes with an outstanding EVF.

When switching to 120 from 60, the screen is smoother, but doing manual focus without enlarging is impossible.

[PeterD]

5 hours ago, PeterD said:

It seems a bit of an odd beast. As I wrote elsewhere, I went to try one and the dealer hadn't got the battery charged. In the hand with a basic lens it felt similar to an M3, without the lens *definitely* lighter. I also had a feeling of "familiar unfamiliarity" - but this is very personal; it felt like a main stream Leica such as the M-A or the M 11 to hold, but somehow there was something different. I think it may have something to do with the plain exterior and lack of external controls, but nonetheless impressive.

Would I buy one? I really don't know yet. Before this I was toying with the idea of an M 11 and didn't need this sort of fascinating option to complicate matters! 😃 ...but  then again I still love film!

To make matters worse for me there is always the M-A, of course, if I want to return to my film roots. But is that really just an upgraded M3?? Leica are giving me too many choices!! HELP!! 🤣

[IkarusJohn]

On 10/24/2025 at 2:04 AM, SiggiGun said:

The M user now has three options to choose from:

• M with rangefinder
• M with rangefinder and external EVF
• M with built-in EVF

The M user has 5 options:

• film
• digital
• monochrom
• no LCD screen
• EVF

[SiggiGun]

Am 23.10.2025 um 12:15 schrieb zone5:

I heard that this EVF supports only 60 refreshing rate  not 120.

So EVF is same as Q3 with some restriction right?

 

 

Same technology 

[SiggiGun]

Am 23.10.2025 um 13:20 schrieb DadDadDaddyo:

Thank you for all the work you've done!

It was a great pleasure to have the chance to “play” with the new baby. Thanks for reading my summary 

[SiggiGun]

Am 23.10.2025 um 13:20 schrieb DadDadDaddyo:

Thank you for all the work you've done!

It’s a pleasure thanks