Leica M EV1: The M Series in Transition – First Time with Electronic Viewfinder

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By integrating an electronic viewfinder (EVF) into its traditional M system, Leica is responding to the long-standing wish of many photographers and expanding the application possibilities of the M system. The intuitive operation, made possible by the EVF, is also intended to make it easier for new users to get started with M photography.

For the high-resolution viewfinder, the manufacturer draws from its own range and uses the EVF from the Leica Q3. With 5.76 million pixels, 0.76x magnification, and 100% field of view coverage, it offers a detailed and comprehensive view of the subject. An eye sensor switches between the viewfinder and the rear monitor. The diopter correction can be adjusted from -4 to +2 dpt via a dial.

One advantage of the EVF is the precise preview of the final image effect: exposure, white balance, and depth of field can be assessed even before the shot. This proves particularly valuable when composing with ultra-wide-angle, telephoto, and macro lenses, whose use on the rangefinder system traditionally involved limitations, with the closest focusing distance for the rangefinder technically limited to only 70 centimeters. Photographically relevant data such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO value can also be displayed in the viewfinder.

For precise focusing, aids such as focus peaking, which highlights the plane of focus in color, and a two-stage focus magnifier are available. The lever on the front of the camera, which is used for frame selection on rangefinder cameras, gets a new function: it can be assigned to either one of the focusing aids or the digital zoom (1.3x and 1.8x).

Technical basis of the M11 platform

The heart of the M EV1 is the technical platform of the Leica M11 (tested here). A BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with a resolution of 60.3 megapixels ensures high image quality. Thanks to Triple Resolution Technology, shots can be saved as DNG or JPEG files at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels, always using the entire sensor area.

A processor from the Maestro III series is responsible for data processing. The camera has an internal memory of 64 gigabytes, which is supplemented by a slot for SD cards (up to 2 TB). The 3 GB buffer memory allows bursts of up to 15 shots in DNG format or over 100 shots in JPEG format.

An important feature in the age of AI-generated images is the support for "Content Credentials" technology. This attaches a digital signature to image files to tamper-proof document their origin and any editing steps. WLAN (2.4/5 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0 provide wireless connectivity, enabling seamless connection to the Leica Fotos app.

Design and other specifications

In terms of design, the M EV1 remains true to the purist design language of the M series. The housing, made of a magnesium-aluminum alloy, is covered with a synthetic leather in a diamond pattern. With dimensions of 147.2 x 80.3 x 38.45 mm and a weight of 484 grams (including battery), the camera is compact and relatively light.

The shutter combines a mechanical focal-plane shutter (60 min to 1/4000 s) with an electronic function that enables exposure times up to 1/16,000 s. The flash sync speed is 1/180 s, while continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames per second is possible.

The ISO sensitivity range extends from ISO 64 to ISO 50,000. The 2.95-inch touchscreen monitor is protected by Gorilla Glass and has a resolution of 2.33 million pixels. With a capacity of 1,800 mAh, the battery (BP-SCL7) allows for approximately 237 shots according to CIPA standards when using the viewfinder or 244 shots via the monitor.

Price, availability, and accessories

The Leica M EV1 will be available worldwide from October 23, 2025, in Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers. The recommended retail price is a typical Leica 7,950 Euro. A handgrip is offered as a matching accessory for 395 Euro. A charger (BC-SCL7) and the power adapter (ACA-SCL7) are available as options and are not included in the scope of delivery.

(tho)