Leica Unveils the M EV1, Its First Rangefinder-Free M Camera
For over seventy years, Leica’s M-series cameras have been defined by the rangefinder, a focusing system that dates back to the original Leica M3 introduced in 1954. With the launch of the Leica M EV1, the company departs from this tradition for the first time, replacing the optical rangefinder with an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF).
The M EV1 signals a shift toward a fully digital interpretation of the M philosophy. While it retains the classic form factor and manual-focus operation, it replaces the mechanical focusing mechanism with digital aids such as focus peaking, magnification (1.3x or 1.8x), and live exposure preview. The front lever now switches between these assist modes, replacing the traditional frame-line preview function.
The new 0.5-inch OLED EVF offers 5.76 million dots, 0.76x magnification, diopter adjustment from -4 to +2, and a 60Hz refresh rate. The traditional rangefinder windows are gone, leaving a clean, minimalist front design covered with a diamond-pattern leatherette similar to the Leica Q3. Leica emphasizes that the EVF allows more accurate focusing with fast-aperture lenses and a better view for wide and telephoto optics, addressing rangefinder framing limitations.
At its core, the M EV1 uses a 60.3-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor paired with the Maestro III processor. It supports Leica’s Triple Resolution Technology, allowing image capture at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels in both DNG and JPEG formats. The camera also features 64GB of internal memory, an SD slot, and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, along with USB-C support. Like the M11-P, it includes Leica Content Credentials, embedding a digital signature into each image to verify authenticity and detect alterations. Shutter speeds range from 60 minutes to 1/4000s mechanically, and up to 1/16,000s electronically.
Handmade in Germany, the camera weighs about 484 grams and features a 2.95-inch touchscreen display with 2.33 million dots and uses the same BP-SCL7 battery as the M11 series, rated for around 240 shots per charge.
Here are some sample pictures, courtesy of Leica:
The camera is now available, priced at €7,950. Distribution in the U.S. remains pending FCC approval, while sales have begun in other markets.
