Leica M EV1 Camera

Leica M EV1 Camera Summary

The Leica M EV1 Camera opens another chapter for Leica M rangefinder cameras as the first M-Series body to include an integrated 5.76MP electronic OLED viewfinder, which delivers brilliant colours and outstanding clarity. This is also the first M camera with an integrated FN-Lever that provides access to focus assist tools and digital zoom functionality, offering real-time guidance to help you frame your composition.

A Live View exposure preview displays every nuance of the scene in real time, regardless of which lens or filters are mounted to the body, with settings instantly visible through the EVF for a completely new shooting experience.

The M EV1 builds on the foundation of the M11 and features one of the world’s most advanced full-frame sensors with Triple Resolution Technology. This captures exquisite detail, precise colour rendering, and high dynamic range along with an unmistakable Leica look when using any number of characterful Leica M lenses.

The camera offers a broad native ISO range of 64 to 50,000, catering to any lighting conditions, while the powerful Maestro III processor handles image data quickly and reliably, storing it on either the 64GB internal memory or an optional SD memory card.

You can connect the camera to the Leica FOTOS app via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cable, enabling a range of editing tools, image backup, and sharing instantly. What’s more, this is another Leica camera to feature integrated CAI (Content Authenticity Initiative) technology, which Leica pioneered in order to enable photographers to safeguard the authenticity and integrity of every image they create.

Leica M EV1 Key Features

• Traditional rangefinder with an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF)
• 5.76 million-dot built-in OLED EVF with diopter adjustment (-4/+2 dpt.)
• Iconic design with diamond-patterned leatherette
• 60MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with Triple Resolution Technology
• Up to 15 stops dynamic range
• ISO range from 64 to 50,000
• FN-Lever with focus aids and digital zoom
• 64GB internal memory
• Maestro III image processor
• Leica Content Credentials
• Made in Germany
• Compatible with optional Handgrip M11

Leica M EV1 in More Detail

The first M with an integrated electronic viewfinder

The Leica M EV1 combines the traditional character of M-System cameras with the benefits of a built-in 5.76MP OLED electronic viewfinder. It’s the first from the range to include an EVF, which provides you with a new way to experience rangefinder photography while keeping signature M design and handling intact.

A dioptre adjustment between -4 to +2 and newly integrated FN-Lever make focusing far more intuitive, while focus assists such as focus peaking and focus zoom help photographers to achieve accurate results with any M-Lens. This is particularly useful when working with fast Summilux and Noctilux lenses, or when shooting ultra wide-angle, telephoto and macro subjects at a shallow depth of field.

Precision focusing and real-time feedback

Focus peaking highlights the focus plane with a coloured overlay for clear visual feedback of which parts of the frame are in focus, while the focus zoom provides two levels of magnification for fine-tuning results. These brand new tools for M make manual focusing faster and more precise.

The high-resolution EVF is capable of displaying vivid colours and exceptional clarity, showing the final image exactly as it will appear when captured. Additionally, the EVF enables shooting data such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO and exposure compensation to be shown around the frame, allowing you to stay fully immersed in your composition. An individually configurable eye sensor allows for automatic transitions between the viewfinder and the rear touch screen depending on where your head is positioned to the body.

Live View exposure preview and creative tools

A Live View exposure preview shows key image characteristics like brightness, framing and tonal changes in real time, no matter which lens or filter is attached. Whether using ultra-wide or telephoto lenses, you can now compose more freely without taking your eye from the viewfinder. 

Digital tools such as the zoom, level gauge and perspective control provide extra precision when composing images, and every detail is visible before you press the shutter, creating a more intuitive, modern M experience, which still feels familiar to long-time users.

60MP BSI sensor with Triple Resolution Technology

The M EV1 builds on the M11 with a 60MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor that features Leica’s Triple Resolution Technology. This allows images to be recorded at 60, 36 or 18 megapixels in both DNG and JPEG formats.

The BSI sensor delivers exceptional levels of detail, with natural colour rendering and wide dynamic range, as well as giving photographs the unmistakable Leica look. This is paired with the Maestro III processor, which is able to handle data efficiently, writing files to either the 64GB internal memory or an SD card, for greater shooting flexibility.

Huge Range of M-Lenses

Every single Leica M-Lens made since 1954 can be used on the M EV1, and the EVF shows the lens’ full field of view from wide to telephoto. This helps frame images more precisely and see exactly what will be captured, regardless of whether shooting close-up or more distant subjects. 

The result is a new level of compositional control over the renowned optical performance and rendering that define Leica’s M-Lenses, with the EVF bringing even greater accuracy to manual focusing.

Connection with Leica FOTOS

The M EV1 connects to the Leica FOTOS app via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a cable, so you can back up, edit and share images straight away, or transfer previews automatically in the background using energy-efficient Bluetooth. This ensures that all of your images are ready to view and manage at any time, directly from your smartphone or tablet.

Image authenticity

Like other recent Leica cameras the M EV1 features integrated CAI (Content Authenticity Initiative) technology, which records metadata at the time of capture, enabling photographers to verify the origin and editing process of their images.

This is a valuable tool ini particular for journalists and documentary photographers, as it helps to ensure transparency and trust at a time where more images are being made using AI. All associated information can be viewed via contentcredentials.org/verify.

Expanding the M-System

With the first-ever integrated EVF, this camera opens a new chapter for the M-System. It complements existing digital and analogue rangefinders, with a new option for photographers who prefer the benefits of an electronic preview without losing the essence of what the M series is all about.

Despite the pioneering features the camera closely reflects Leica’s signature craftsmanship, from the iconic diamond-patterned leatherette finish to intuitive handling and operation, continuing the evolution of the M-System with more precision, style and of course authenticity.

What’s in the box

• Leica M EV1 Camera
• Battery BP-SCL 7
• USB-C cable
• Leather Carrying Strap
• Quick Start Guide

Leica M EV1 Camera Specifications