Leica M EV1 Review: EVF Model Balances Tradition
A hands-on review of the Leica M EV1 finds the new electronic-viewfinder camera retains the classic M body design while offering superior focus
Leica has introduced the M EV1, a new camera that replaces the iconic rangefinder with an electronic viewfinder. According to a review on Fstoppers, the camera maintains the classic M body aesthetic but changes the fundamental focusing experience for photographers.
Design and Handling
The M EV1 looks nearly identical to a standard Leica M body, carrying the visual heritage of models like the M11. It has only a few buttons and dials, adhering to the minimalist design philosophy. The reviewer found the M EV1 to be substantially lighter than an M10 and did not feel a need for additional grips.
However, initial operation is not intuitive. The user must configure custom buttons and focus peaking settings before shooting efficiently. The camera's use of a crosshair to indicate the zoom area for focus checking was noted to slow down the process.
Focusing: Rangefinder vs. EVF
The core of the review compares the traditional rangefinder focusing mechanism with the new EVF system. A skilled shooter can focus more quickly with a rangefinder due to its directional cues. The rangefinder's focus patch shows a secondary image; its position tells the photographer exactly which way to turn the lens tab to achieve focus in one motion.
With the M EV1's EVF, that directional cue is absent. The reviewer found it necessary to turn the focus ring back and forth in small increments to find sharpness, which is slower. Yet, the EVF provides a better way to verify critical focus, especially with very fast lenses.
Performance with Fast Lenses
The reviewer tested the M EV1 alongside the new 35mm f/1.2 Noctilux lens and compared it to their own 35mm f/1.4 Summilux. The EVF proved advantageous for precision. When shooting wide open at f/1.2, the razor-thin plane of focus is easier to judge because the shallow depth of field makes the sharpest point more obvious.
| Lens | Aperture | Noted Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| 35mm Noctilux | f/1.2 | Appeared sharper at point of focus; every eyelash was clear. |
| 35mm Summilux | f/1.4 | Beautiful character but did not appear as tack-sharp on the EVF. |
The reviewer stated, "If I were shooting a magazine cover with the 35mm Noctilux and wanted to be certain that the image was focused accurately..." They concluded that the M EV1 enables photographers to get the full benefit of Leica's fast Noctilux lenses, where hit rates with a traditional rangefinder might be low.
Market Position and Verdict
The M EV1 occupies a unique niche. It removes the complex, expensively manufactured rangefinder mechanism. The reviewer argues this should result in a lower price than the rangefinder-equipped M11, suggesting the camera will primarily appeal to existing Leica shooters who want a different tool for their fast lenses rather than as a primary replacement.
Despite the slower focusing, the shooting process with the M EV1 felt more engaging than using a modern automated camera like a Nikon Z9. The reviewer valued that it did not make photography easier but different, offering a more involved and artistic experience. After two weeks of testing, it was the M EV1 itself, not only the new lens, that the reviewer considered purchasing.
