Survey: Leica M EV1 – Future or mistake?

[rtai]

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I am interested because I shoot wide angles most of the time and because I find the thumb grip essential I don’t use the Viso but I know what a 21 or 24mm should see. I can estimate coverage pretty well. And I zone most of the time so no biggie. Being able to look into an EVF and see the whole thing would be useful. But this is something any mirrorless can do. And if I need small and light with ibis compared to my SL2 I have several brands to choose from and can buy 3 of them for the price of one. So Leica has to offer something only Leica can offer which is up to now is the rangefinder. Get rid of the EV lag? Higher density EV?  Make EV2 look like M5 and incorporate IbIs? All out marketing campaign? Black paint limited all brass Axl Rose special edition? Exclusive black paint lens kit? Free T-shirt. I’ll wait.

Edited 8 hours ago by rtai

[fabior]

I believe this MEV1 can only be useful when the photographer shoots using only very fast  lenses ( noctiluxes ) and always at full aperture, thus overcoming the difficulty of precise focusing in these conditions using the rangefinder. Furthermore, I think focusing with closed apertures can be difficult and imprecise. However, I am still curious to evaluate the quality of the electronic viewfinder on the first occasion of a visit to the Leica store in Bologna.

[oldpilot]

Similar to "bobtodrick", I'm amused by many of the responses.  As a very long time both Porsche and Leica owner, the reaction when either manufacturer introduces something new is perplexing.  Whenever Porsche has strayed from the 911, "the sky is falling!".  Of course, that was also true when the 911 was announced as the successor to the 356!  In this case, Leica has been very careful to articulate that the new EV1 is simply a new branch on the tree; it is not replacing the rangefinder M11.  So why the uproar?

As a long time rangefinder user, I'll keep my M11 Mono, thank you.  But at the same time, I applaud Leica for developing the EV1 for the M-mount system.  While certainly some existing M owners may add or transition to the EV1, I think the majority of customers will be new to the M world.  And that's a good thing.  If Leica can increase the number of M mount owners, that bodes well for continued development of M mount lenses and the M cameras in general.

As my British friends have been saying since 1939, "Keep calm and carry on."

[Bo-Sixten]

I would be more interested if it had a hybrid view finder where you could switch between an ovf range finder and an evf like Fuji X-pro style, but better. That would also motivate the form factor of the classic Leica camera. I still prefer film with a classic Leica M. 

Edited 7 hours ago by Bo-Sixten

[steamboat]

If there’s going to be an electronic viewfinder then why not video? That’s where they are missing the boat. The expanded use of lenses is great but many  who might consider it won’t consider it *just* for a still camera. Me? Next year will be sixty years of M usage and -  yes - I have all my M cameras and lenses going back to 1966. I will be sticking to rangefinder. 

[Viliam]

More interesting ( but likely technically more challenging) move would have been to make Leica Q an AF lens interchangeable system. Hence coupling EV with IBIS and options for dedicated AF/MF lens portfolio with even lower weight and weather sealed tool… but SL may not like it…

[Saremche]

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Good move for Leica.
 

I love my SL2 and Q monochrome but will wait on the next iteration to give them time to work out the bugs. Never buy first edition!!!

[Crem]

I’m not interested in the EV1 because the manual focusing experience is the same old experience I can get in any camera. In fact I can get a better experience with a Nikon ZF for very little money. Only Leica would do this most basic implementation and charge what they do. Leica needs to create an EVF experience that rivals the mechanical range finder. I do not think the survey captures these important details.
 

I’m also wondering if Leica is technical capable of building an EVF that equals the mechanical rangefinder. It involves a lot of engineering in both hardware and software and they don’t seem that interested in innovating. 

Edited 7 hours ago by Crem

[dbeids]

5 hours ago, LUF Admin said:

Leica unveiled the Leica M EV1 last week, and since then, discussions have been heating up on the Leica forum. The Leica M EV1 is the first camera in the M system to dispense with the classic rangefinder and rely entirely on an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

To get an overview of what you, our customers, think about this development, we have created a short survey for you:

• How interested are you personally in this camera?
• What do you think of Leica's decision to dispense with the optical rangefinder for the first time with the M EV1?

Please vote above and feel free to comment below!

Thank you!
Andreas

How about simply buying a more capable Sony and an M Mount adapter?

[Don Morley]

6 minutes ago, Bo-Sixten said:

I would be more interested if it had a hybrid view finder where you could switch between an ovf range finder and an evf like Fuji X-pro style, but better. That would also motivate the form factor of the classic Leica camera. I still prefer film with a classic Leica M. 

Fuji X-Pro models have, and you can buy a veritable box full of them and still have change in your pocket for the daft price of this latest Leica, But as they, it is easy to part some fools from their money

[Smudgerer]

34 minutes ago, ausdlk said:

wouldn't use it if it was given to me.

Oh I would, but only if it was a gift..............Otherwise I've grocery bills that take priority.

[Virtus]

Please someone explain to me what exactly is the difference between the this M EV 1, on one hand, and the M11 with Visoflex 2, on the other hand? Differences not in megapixels or other camera parameters, but differences that involve the viewfider and the the actual setting up the visual elements (distance, perspective, framing, composition, etc)? Thank you.

[jps1]

I have always preferred a real optical and new viewfinder at Leica for a year because I have Nikon SLR boxes (D4 and dF) and I came to Leica because I don't like hybrid viewfinders such as EVF. You have to turn on a screen to visualize and it's not for me. I understand that some prefer an EVF and I hope that Leica will improve the rangefinder system and not abandon it.

[Edward Schwartzreich]

I should add, from my several day experience shooting with the camera, that the shutter lag is the same as when you use LV or a Viso on an M11.  Also, the weight of the camera is the same as the M11, as I calculate this (other beta testers disagreed FWIW).  And the cost is very similar to that of the RF models.   The innards of the camera have absolutely no excess room, per Leica. 

You have to want this camera to get what you get.  That said, there is definitely demand, and Leica is willing to take this step.  There is no intent to stop RF camera production.  The production of this camera was due to demand, and that demand pushed them to offer it up as a trial balloon.  I guess that we shall see.

[Crem]

13 minutes ago, Virtus said:

Please someone explain to me what exactly is the difference between the this M EV 1, on one hand, and the M11 with Visoflex 2, on the other hand? Differences not in megapixels or other camera parameters, but differences that involve the viewfider and the the actual setting up the visual elements (distance, perspective, framing, composition, etc)? Thank you.

This is the problem with the EV1. It's basically a non-tilting, higher megapixel Visoflex that is built into the body. All for a very high price tag. Nothing technically innovative, but marketed as a technical innovation. If you have a M11 + Visoflex then you already have this camera with a hump on the top. The EV1 makes sense for M11 + Visoflex owners that never use the OVF (and are willing to give up the tilt). The shooting experience will be the same with a few extra megapixels in the viewfinder.

Edited 7 hours ago by Crem

[robgo2]

I have used both M and R lenses on a CL and SL. Focusing was not a problem, and I expect that it will be even better on the M-EV1 with its higher resolution EVF. I get the feeling that many rangefinder aficionados do not realize how amazing the current generation of EVFs are. 

Edited 6 hours ago by robgo2

[S Maclean]

Echoing some other comments...to me, it's not sacrilege, or wrong, it just doesnt go far enought to warrant the departure.

Basically they should have kept it at a Q with M lens coupling in function. IBIS, different framing lines option etc.

If I was not hitting a good ratio with RF, then this would be a much welcome option, but, as it is, I don't quite need it. I focus faster with the RF than with the Q or Sl on manual, and in some environments AF.

Having the SL3 does allow me to use m lenses and have IBIS, a better EVF and a more robust camera.  IF, as some say, this is a an option for Noctilux and long lenses then, really, the form factor is not a consideration anymore, because Any M with long lenses or a noctilux lens is already too big for "pocket" use, so the larger form factor of the SL# is inconsequential, and the benefits on that system over the M EV1 are NOT inconsequential.

Leica did amazing with the Q, becasue they just started a new line, with clear distinction, benefits and compromises over their other systems.  The SL, too, stands clearly on it's own. The M, absolutely a specific choice.  Then M EV1....it's a transitional line that does not get away from the other lines....nor does it really venture into new ground on two feet.

Edited 6 hours ago by S Maclean

[JNK100]

55 minutes ago, Viliam said:

More interesting ( but likely technically more challenging) move would have been to make Leica Q an AF lens interchangeable system. Hence coupling EV with IBIS and options for dedicated AF/MF lens portfolio with even lower weight and weather sealed tool… but SL may not like it…

I am not sure we need another Leica mount 

[JNK100]

54 minutes ago, Don Morley said:

Fuji X-Pro models have, and you can buy a veritable box full of them and still have change in your pocket for the daft price of this latest Leica, But as they, it is easy to part some fools from their money

Fuji make some great cameras but the X pro range is not offered new. Of course a used camera with a smaller sensor and resolution will be much cheaper.
My choice would still be the RF version but I don't consider those buying EV1's fools

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[LeicaS2]

I had the visoflex and disliked it for reasons that it looked out of place.

i use M lenses on my SL3 and want a smaller camera to match the smaller M lenses. I had no difficulty focusing fast with the SL plus M lenses.

I sent my M11 and Visoflex in for credit months ago. I retain an M10P.

This EV1 is probably going to be my pocket Leica going forward for when I want manual control of everything. Importantly it will allow me use some fine M lenses.  But it would not be my only Leica.