Leica MEV1: Best mirrorless for M lenses?

[lct]

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First contact with the Leica MEV1
Quick comparo with M11 + Visoflex2

1. The MEV1 is a variant of the M11, the same way as the Leica M1 was a variant of the M2 in the 1960s. The M1 had an OVF then but no RF, which was not unusual at the time (eg. Agfa, Foca). The MEV1 has no RF either but instead of the M1’s OVF, it now sports a built-in EVF similar to that of the Leica Q3. Yet, the MEV1 has little in common with the Q3, apart from the EVF itself, since it is not a fixed-lens but an M-mount camera. Despite the absence of RF, the MEV1 is therefore an M camera, just as the M1 was so in 1959. Also the MEV1 is a mirrorless camera. More so than the M11 since the mirrors making part of the rangefinder mechanism have not been kept in the MEV1. Leica did not retain all the RF mechanism in the latter but they kept a basic part of it, the roller cam referred to below (§ 3).

2. The MEV1 is the same size and slighty lighter than the black M11. Compared to my silver M11, it feels significantly lighter. The MEV1 sports also a new/old control, namely the frame selector which has the same look as that of the M11 but does not bring up analog framelines for lack of them in the MEV1 body. The frame selector of the MEV1 can display the same electronic framelines as the M11 does via digital menu for 1.3x and 1.8x cropping (aka digital zoom). M users will appreciate that they can see outside of those framelines, the same way as they do it in LV mode with the M11. Another function of the MEV1’s frame selector consists in focus aid activation that can be achieved otherwise via the Capture Assistant menu of both M11 and MEV1 cameras.

3. RF-coupled M and adapted LTM lenses work the same way on both cameras. Whether they are 6-bit coded or not, made by Leica or not, their focus cam is mechanically connected to the cameras via the roller cam, a basic part of Leica M rangefinders that is now retained in the MEV1 body. In both M11 and MEV1, the roller cam is dedicated to the auto magnification function (aka autozoom) which is a unique feature among mirrorless cameras that need otherwise a button or another control to trigger magnification with M or LTM lenses. Such a control exists in the form of a function button, in M11 and MEV1 bodies, but magnification can also be triggered automatically with both cameras, by simply turning the focus ring of any Leica or non-Leica RF-coupled M or adapted LTM lens.

4. The EVF of the MEV1 has no tilting capabilities, contrary to the Visoflex2. Besides, both EVFs feel similarly responsive, in terms of EVF lag, whereas the MEV1’s EVF has more resolution.

5. Focus peaking looks similarly effective on both cameras when it is activated together with image magnification. Without magnification, focus peaking is less effective but good enough results can be achieved, in this case, when focusing at full aperture on both cameras. As far as focusing is concerned, hit rates seem to be similar with the two cameras, but my experience with the MEV1 is too short at this stage to conclude about that.

6. Startup times and blackout times, that i did not measure, seem similar on both cameras.

7. Compared to my silver M11, the MEV1's body feels warmer in heavy use, and the BP-SCL7 battery it shares with the M11 tends to drain faster than on the latter. Batteries can be charged with the BC-SCL7 charger on both cameras.

8. M-mount and adapted LTM lenses have the same apparent behavior on the M11 and MEV1. The following lenses are not recommended by Leica but when mounted and unmounted with care, they work as expected on both cameras: Super-Angulon 21/3.4, Super-Angulon 21/4, Summicron 50/2 Dual Range. When used with EVF, the Summicron 50/2 DR can focus without its goggles from infinity to 0.5m on both cameras. The Super-Angulon 21mm lenses have no goggles but they can focus all the way from infinity to 0.4m on both M11 and MEV1.

9. As for accessories, the M11 and MEV1 share the same BP-SCL7 battery and BC-SCL7 charger. Also, the 24030 thumb rest can be used the same way on both cameras. I did not use other Leica accessories so far but my 64gb ProGrade and Sandisk UHS2 SD cards work normally on both cameras.

10. Bottom line, besides Pixii cameras i have no experience with, both Leica M11 and MEV1 bodies look like the best digital cameras dedicated to M and LTM lenses currently available on the market, the M11 as a rangefinder, the MEV1 as a mirrorless camera. The versatility of the M11 + Visoflex2 could be considered an advantage by RF users, while the compact size and the lower price of the MEV1 could retain the attention of EVF users.

Happy snaps

[jdlaing]

The best thing for M rangefinder lenses is an M rangefinder body. Period. Everything else is hobbled.

Edited 9 hours ago by jdlaing

[bobtodrick]

11 minutes ago, jdlaing said:

The best thing for M rangefinder lenses is an M rangefinder body. Period. Everything else is hobbled.

Disagree, but different stroke for different folks 😂

[rfunnell]

After having the M EV1 for four days I really am impressed with how easy I can  focus my longer lenses.

For me it's working out better than I anticipated .

[SrMi]

8 hours ago, jdlaing said:

The best thing for M rangefinder lenses is an M rangefinder body. Period. Everything else is hobbled.

That is why M-EV1 is not a danger to RF cameras.