Leica upends tradition with its first M-series camera featuring an electronic viewfinder For decades, the defining characteristic of a Leica M digital camera was its optical rangefinder. This classic system, carried over from the companys film era, provided a unique but sometimes challenging shooting experience. Leica has now broken with that tradition by introducing the M EV1, a new mirrorless camera that swaps the rangefinder for a modern electronic viewfinder while retaining the iconic M-series design. This strategic shift likely aims to attract buyers who love the Leica M aesthetic but are put off by the rangefinders offset and inaccurate optical view. While Leica has offered mirrorless cameras with electronic viewfinders in its SL lineup, those models lack the compact size and classic look of the M-System. The M EV1 is designed to offer the full Leica experience in a more accessible package, making it easier for both enthusiasts and newcomers to capture images. Handmade in Germany, the M EV1 is instantly recognizable as a Leica M camera. It features the classic rounded rectangular body, now adorned with a new diamond-patterned leatherette to distinguish it from rangefinder models. Leica also removed the dedicated ISO dial, moving that control to another part of the interface and making the camera 1.62 ounces lighter than the M11-P. A new custom function lever allows photographers to activate focusing aids and digital zoom while composing their shot through the viewfinder. That viewfinder is a high-resolution 5.76-million-dot EVF, providing a sharp, electronic preview of the scene. The rear screen is a fixed, non-tilting 2.32-million-dot display. Beyond the new viewfinder, the camera shares many specs with the M11-P. It uses the same high-resolution 60-megapixel sensor, capable of 14-bit RAW images processed with Leicas renowned color science. It can shoot at bursts up to 4.5 frames per second. The mechanical shutter tops out at 1/4000th of a second, with a silent electronic shutter option reaching 1/16,000th of a second. Flash sync is at 1/180th of a second. Focusing remains a manual process, assisted by magnification and focus peaking features in the electronic viewfinder. The camera is compatible with Leicas extensive and expensive range of M-mount lenses. Notably, the M EV1 does not support video recording. Despite its classic exterior, the M EV1 includes modern connectivity. It can link to the Leica Fotos app via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a USB cable for easy image sharing. It also supports Leicas Content Credentials system, which cryptographically traces an images origin and edit history to combat copyright theft and AI-generated forgeries. Storage includes 64GB of built-in memory plus a UHS-II SD card slot. Battery life is modest, rated for approximately 237 shots per charge when using the electronic viewfinder. The Leica M EV1 is now available for pre-order at a price of 8,995 US dollars for the black body only, with shipping expected later this year.
