Darkening LCD in Cool / Cold Weather

[KenTanaka]

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This is a problem I first reported with my black M11-P in December, 2023.  Here it is again, now on my new M-EV1.  
In brief, after an hour or so in cool / cold weather the LCD screen begins to dramatically darken FROM THE CENTER.  It finally reaches a point where only the edge-most perimeter remains normally bright.  The EVF is unaffected.  It seems temperature-related.

I have not observed this with my Q3, my Q3 43, my SL3, or my M11-P Safari (although I might not yet have taken the Safari into cool weather).  Nor have observed this with ANY other brand of camera.

Certainly I am not alone with this problem.  (Or am I the only one who takes cameras out into the cold weather? 😉)

 

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[adan]

Leica lists the operating temperature range of the M-EV1 as 0°C to +40°C. I.E. not in temperatures below freezing.

https://leica-camera.com/en-US/photography/cameras/m/m-ev1-black/technical-specification?srsltid=AfmBOoqFg0N-ZhbMfUpviH1ZiYKm4F0VRhZ_5-YYaS42Q7_KJawjnlh0

Now, an operating electronic device will generate its own internal heat to some extent (all those flowing electrons, just like a "hot" Edison tungsten lightbulb 💡 )

That will have the most effect on the inside-the-casing, protected-from-the-elements EVF. But as to a large-surface external screen "hanging out there in the breeze," so to speak.......?

Bottom line - If Leica says not below freezing, and you use the camera in temperatures below that, you are acting as an "unpaid test pilot."

Last time I used a digital M in c-o-l-d (about -10-12°C) conditions was 2014 or so (M9 - smaller LCD surface area).

I did not have problems that I recall - BUT - I was carrying the cameras in ready-shooting-position, with the backs (i.e. the LCDs) against my chest (or against my face). A bit less exposed to "wind chill" effects, and probably receiving some radiative body heat as well. And in constant use, with few breaks for the cameras to cool down on their own. I was also using the RF, with no chimping, so I didn't really notice how the LCDs were behaving anyway.

 

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[KenTanaka]

C'mon, I'm talking 45-50 deg F.  Not -40F.  

None of my MANY other cameras exhibit such a problem. This is NOT user-error.  This is engineering error.

 

[adan]

Who mentioned -40F? 🤪 

You didn't mention any specific temperature in your first post, but most of the places I've lived, "cold" = near or below freezing (+32 F). The only place 50°F was considered "cold" was the Caribbean. 😁

[jaapv]

Your MANY other cameras don’t have an ultra-compact, all-metal body without plastic or rubber covering it, that cools down in no time when exposed to the cold. If your camera does this within its operating range you should claim under guarantee, if under zero ( C )  it is what it is. And as Andy mentions wind chill by evaporation can make quite a difference too.