Tag: Leica M EV1

October 23, 2025

Leica M EV1: First Digital M-Series Camera with Built-in EVF

Key Takeaways

1. The Leica M EV1 is the first M-camera with a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), featuring a 5.76 million dot display.
2. It employs a 60.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor and Maestro III processor, offering resolutions of 60, 36, or 18MP for DNG or JPEG files.
3. The camera maintains a classic design with manual focus only, using focus assistance tools like peaking and focus-zoom.
4. Continuous shooting is limited to 4.5 fps, with an estimated battery life of 244 shots using the rear monitor and 237 shots with the EVF.
5. The M EV1 will launch on October 23, 2025, with a retail price of €7,950, integrating an EVF into the M series for the first time.

Leica has welcomed a new addition to its M series: the Leica M EV1, which is the first M-camera equipped with a built-in electronic viewfinder. This new model features an EVF alongside the 60.3MP full-frame sensor and Maestro III processor, which are also found in the M11 line. These updates are designed to make shooting with the M series easier while still keeping the classic feel that users love.

Specifications and Features

The M EV1 utilizes the full-frame BSI CMOS sensor and Triple Resolution Technology from the M11. It can create DNG or JPEG files in resolutions of 60, 36, or 18MP. The camera is paired with Leica’s Maestro III image processor, offers 64GB of internal storage, and is compatible with UHS-II SD cards. Continuous shooting is capped at 4.5 fps, with a 3GB buffer that can hold around 15 L-DNG images or over 100 JPEGs, depending on the settings used. According to CIPA testing, the battery life is estimated to be about 244 shots when using the rear monitor and 237 shots with the EVF.

Design and Functionality

Leica has maintained the M’s traditional aesthetic and mechanical controls, while introducing an EVF that boasts 5.76 million dots and a diopter adjustment range from −4 to +2 dpt. The EVF allows for a real-time preview of exposure, depth of field, and framing, which is particularly helpful when using fast Summilux or Noctilux lenses at very shallow depths of field, as noted by Leica. Focus assistance options include peaking and a focus-zoom feature with two magnification choices; the lever on the front, which was previously used for rangefinder framelines, can now be reassigned for focus assists or the camera’s 1.3× / 1.8× digital zoom.

Autofocus and User Experience

Notably, the M EV1 does not include autofocus; focusing remains manual by design, supported by magnification and peaking to enhance precision. This choice upholds the thoughtful shooting style that many M users appreciate, but it is a significant detail for potential buyers to consider.

The built-in EVF of the M EV1 operates at a fixed 60 Hz, as per Leica’s specifications. Unlike previous digital M models like the M11 (currently priced at $10,120/€8,716 on Amazon), this model does not support external electronic viewfinders anymore, as Leica has eliminated the electronic contacts in the hot shoe that were used for the Visoflex 2. While the 60 Hz refresh rate should be adequate for most users capturing stills, those who are sensitive to display lag or motion judder may find it less smooth compared to the higher-refresh OLED viewfinders found in some mirrorless cameras.

Historical Context and Release Date

Leica is presenting the M EV1 as a natural evolution in a lineage that began with the Leica I in 1925, extending through the classic mechanical rangefinder models and into the digital M series. The M concept transitioned into the digital age with the M8 in 2006, followed by iterations like the M9, M10, and M11, as well as analog models such as the M6 and MP. What sets the M EV1 apart is its integrated EVF within an M-branded body, as earlier M users had to rely on external Visoflex EVFs. This should make the M line more appealing to photographers who favor an electronic viewfinder while maintaining the M’s signature manual focus experience.

The Leica M EV1 is set to launch on October 23, 2025, at Leica Stores, online, and through authorized dealers. The recommended retail price is €7,950, and an optional matching leatherette hand grip is available for €395.

Tags: electronic viewfinder, full-frame camera, Leica M EV1
October 13, 2025

Leica M EV1 Rumors: Compact Full-Frame Camera Details Before Launch

Key Takeaways

1. The Leica M EV1 will be officially revealed on October 23 and resembles a Leica Q3 with interchangeable lenses, functioning similarly to a Leica M11 with an electronic viewfinder.
2. It uses the older Leica Maestro III processor and has only 3 GB of buffer memory, with limited features like no wireless charging and a smaller battery capacity of 1,800 mAh.
3. Weighing 485 grams with the battery, the M EV1 is one of the lightest full-frame cameras available, though it lacks autofocus and image stabilization.
4. The camera features a 60 MP full-frame sensor and a 0.5-inch OLED viewfinder with 5.76 million pixels, but will not support autofocus lenses due to its M-mount.
5. The price in Hong Kong is listed at $75,000 HKD (around $9,600), with expectations for the U.S. price to exceed $10,000 due to tariffs.

The Leica M EV1 is set to be officially revealed on October 23. This camera is a response to many customers’ requests, resembling a Leica Q3 that features interchangeable lenses on the outside. However, technically, it can be more accurately seen as a Leica M11, but with an electronic viewfinder instead of a traditional rangefinder. Reportedly, the electronic components are the same as those found in the Leica M11.

Older Technology

This is somewhat disappointing, as it means that the Leica M EV1 operates on the older Leica Maestro III processor, which has only 3 GB of buffer memory. The likelihood of having wireless charging is also slim. Furthermore, the battery is expected to be a bit smaller, with Leica using the BP-SCL7, which has a capacity of 1,800 mAh at 7.4 volts. On a positive note, the camera is relatively lightweight; according to the latest updates from LeicaRumors, the Leica M EV1 weighs just 410 grams without the battery and 485 grams with it.

Compact and Lightweight

For comparison, the Leica M11 comes in at 530 grams with a battery, while the Sony A7r IV is heavier at 662 grams. Even the very compact Panasonic Lumix S9 weighs slightly more at 486 grams. This makes the Leica M EV1 one of the most compact and light full-frame cameras currently available, although it seems Leica is still not including autofocus or image stabilization. This is quite unfortunate, because if it had an L-mount instead of the M-mount, it could have supported autofocus lenses and also used Leica M lenses with an adapter.

The slider located next to the lens mount, which is used to choose the frame lines on the Leica M11, will instead activate focus peaking and magnification in the viewfinder on the M EV1. In Hong Kong, the Leica M EV1 is listed at $75,000 HKD (approximately $9,600), which suggests that its price in the United States might exceed $10,000 due to the new Trump tariffs. It will feature a 60 MP full-frame sensor, a 0.5-inch OLED viewfinder with 5.76 million pixels, and will support Content Credentials.

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Tags: full-frame camera, Leica M EV1, Leica M11
October 5, 2025

Leica M EV1: First Leica M Camera with Built-in EVF Coming Soon

Key Takeaways

1. The Leica M-series camera with an electronic viewfinder is expected to launch by October 23rd, with shipping starting in November.
2. The upcoming model, likely named the Leica M EV1, will be a compact version of the M11, featuring a 60MP full-frame sensor and Maestro III processor.
3. The new camera will not include an optical viewfinder or rangefinder, deviating from traditional M-series designs.
4. The anticipated price for the Leica M EV1 is around €7950 ($9,300) in the UK, potentially exceeding $10,000 in the US due to tariffs.
5. An official reveal for the Leica Q3 Monochrom is expected on October 16th, just before the M-series EVF camera launch.

The enigma surrounding the Leica M-series camera equipped with an electronic viewfinder may soon be resolved in the next few weeks. Recent leaks have unfolded in various stages: initially exploring the idea of a hybrid viewfinder similar to the Fujifilm X100, and later delving into the future of the rangefinder. The latest whispers indicate that Leica will not be featuring either an optical viewfinder or a rangefinder in its upcoming EVF camera, which is expected to debut by October 23rd, with shipping starting in November.

Release and Specifications

At the end of last month, a retailer in China began taking pre-orders for a model dubbed the Leica M11-V, scheduled for the same launch date. Reports suggest this camera will be a more compact version of the Leica M11, housing a Maestro III processor, a 60MP full-frame sensor, 64GB of built-in storage, and a 0.5-inch electronic viewfinder. According to LeicaRumours, this new device is likely the Leica M EV1, designed more like a Q-series camera with an M-mount, rather than resembling a traditional Leica M. This aligns with the absence of the familiar rangefinder in the M-series.

Pricing Insights

As a result, the Leica M EV1 is anticipated to be somewhat less expensive than the standard M11, but still more costly than the Leica Q3 (currently priced at $6625.85 on Amazon). The projected cost for the Leica M EV1 is approximately €7950 ($9,300) in the UK, taxes included, while US tariffs could push the price above $10,000. For reference, the M11 is listed for $9899.95 on Amazon, though there are often good bargains available for second-hand units.

In addition, another update from LeicaRumours suggests that an official reveal for the Leica Q3 Monochrom is anticipated by October 16th, right before the rumored launch of Leica’s M-series EVF camera.

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Tags: Leica M EV1