Leica M EV1: A Digital Transformation for a Classic Series

Leica M EV1: Represents a radical transformation in the Leica M camera series, as it is the first camera in this series equipped with an electronic viewfinder (EVF). Despite this innovation, there is still a preference for competing Leica cameras.

History and Traditions of Leica M

History of the M-mount: Leica M has maintained its rich traditions, with the M-mount celebrating its 70th anniversary after its introduction in 1954, making it the oldest lens mount still in production. Leica offered analog models equipped with the famous optical rangefinder, then entered the digital age with digital cameras, the latest of which was the M11-P.

A dedicated fan base: Leica M cameras boast a dedicated fan base, who appreciate their unique and challenging experience of using the rangefinder for manual focusing and composition, in addition to the excellent compact design quality of the bodies and lenses made in Germany.

Leica M EV1: A New Dawn and Continuous Evolution

EV1: Represents a new dawn for the Leica M-mount, or at least a sub-segment of it. This move towards an electronic viewfinder was a matter of time, as Leica does not generate annual profits by standing still. The company continues to evolve, while preserving its roots that span a century.

Evolving the Experience: While the Leica SL and Leica Q series offer a fully modern shooting experience, such as the latest SL3 and Q3, the M EV1 dares to evolve the Leica M into a completely electronic experience (excluding autofocus). It is a modern M camera.

Shared Features and Fundamental Differences

Similar Specifications: The Leica M EV1 shares much with the Leica M11 digital camera and the excellent Leica Q3 compact camera, featuring the same 60MP sensor and a base ISO 64 setting for ultra-sharp still images, and its price falls in the middle.

User Experience: Between Rangefinder and Electronic Viewfinder

The Decision: It's not about quality, but about user experience. Some feel that the Leica M EV1 offers the worst of both worlds of Leica M and Leica Q. It loses the charm of the optical rangefinder found in the M11 (with superior battery life), and instead gets the convenience of a 5.76 million-dot electronic viewfinder, as in the Leica Q3. Your full frame and color profile appear, with easier manual focus assist to lock the shot.

M EV1's Shortcomings: On the other hand, the M EV1 lacks useful Q3 features such as the tilting screen, autofocus, and video recording. The M EV1 feels closer to the Q3, but doesn't handle with the same quality.

Lens Flexibility vs. Integrated Efficiency

Changing Lenses: Yes, the M EV1 allows you to change lenses and choose between excellent integrated lenses, which is a hallmark of the M series, while the Q3 remains fixed with its integrated 28mm f/1.7 lens. However, this lens is excellent, and how many Leica lenses will you actually use?

Leica Q3 Features: The Leica Q3 43 camera, meanwhile, has a better 43mm f/2 lens, and both cameras feature a useful tilting screen for low-angle shooting.

Purchase Decision: M EV1 or Leica Q3?

For M-lens Owners: For those who own a collection of Leica M-mount lenses, the M EV1 might be interesting, especially if the optical rangefinder presents a significant challenge.

For Beginners: As for those looking into Leica from scratch, the decision is very easy: you can get a Leica Q3 and a Leica Q3 43 (with its 43mm f/2 lens) for the same price as a Leica M EV1 and a typical M-mount lens, such as the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH. This means two Leica cameras and two lenses for the price of one camera and one lens.

Conclusion: The M EV1 is the most usable Leica M camera to date, but it loses a key part of the rangefinder's charm, and the Leica Q still handles better.