Leica has unveiled the M EV1, the first model in the brand’s M-series to feature a fully integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF). According to the brand, the new addition bridges its traditional rangefinder heritage with modern digital precision.
The M EV1 makes focusing easier and more reliable, especially when using fast Summilux and Noctilux lenses at very shallow depths of field. The EVF also allows for precise composition with ultra wide-angle, telephoto, and macro lenses.
The new viewfinder features a 5.76-megapixel resolution display that delivers sharp, lifelike previews with natural colour rendering. It offers a real-time exposure preview, direct field-of-view accuracy based on focal length and aperture, and integrated dioptre adjustment between -4 and +2. Users can toggle between the EVF and rear touch display seamlessly via an eye sensor. Focus peaking and focus zoom are available for fine-tuning shots, while a front lever lets photographers assign quick access to focus assists or digital zoom functions.
Design-wise, the M EV1 itself retains the timeless craftsmanship and minimalist aesthetic that define the M lineup. Like Leica’s other products, the new camera is handmade in Germany, sporting a clean front plate and diamond-patterned leatherette finish.
Modern touches aside, Leica builds the M EV1 on the same platform as the M11, using a full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology. Users can capture images at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels in DNG or JPEG format, powered by the Maestro III image processor for rapid performance.
The camera includes 64GB of internal storage, an SD card slot, and modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C for seamless pairing with the Leica FOTOS app. Additionally, like the M11-P and M11-D, the new model supports Content Credentials, a secure digital signature system developed under the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) to verify image authenticity and detect post-processing changes.
The M EV1 will be available globally starting 23 October 2025 at official Leica stores, its online store, and authorised dealers. And to no one’s surprise, the new premium rangefinder camera will cost a pretty penny – at RM41,850 for body only, to be precise.
