The Leica M EV1 marks a significant new chapter in the M-System as the first M camera to replace the traditional optical rangefinder viewfinder with an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF). While introducing a new approach to viewing and focusing, the M EV1 retains the slim body design, Leica M lens mount, and high-resolution imaging capabilities associated with the M11 series. The combination makes the M EV1 particularly well suited to working with ultra-wide-angle and telephoto lenses, fast-aperture optics, macro lenses, adapted lenses, and other optics that can be challenging to use with a conventional rangefinder.
First Leica M-System camera with an integrated electronic viewfinder.
5.76-million-dot OLED EVF with 0.76x magnification, 100% frame coverage, and integrated diopter adjustment.
60MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor derived from the M11-series imaging platform.
Triple Resolution Technology provides 60MP, 36MP, and 18MP output using the full sensor area and 14-bit color.
Maestro III image processor supports continuous shooting up to 4.5 fps and an ISO range of 64-50000.
Real-time exposure preview, Focus Peaking, Focus Aid/Magnification, digital zoom, grid, and horizon-level composition aids are available through the electronic viewfinder.
Electronic shutter speeds up to 1/16,000 sec, with a mechanical shutter supporting speeds up to 1/4000 sec and flash synchronization at 1/180 sec.
Built-in 64GB internal memory plus a UHS-II SD memory card slot.
2.95" 2.3-million-dot touchscreen LCD with an updated, brighter design.
Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with the Leica FOTOS app.
Leica Content Credentials technology supports image provenance and metadata verification.
Compact body weighs approximately 1.1 lb, making it 1.6 oz lighter than the M11-P.
Includes the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens in silver.
Replacing the traditional optical rangefinder, the M EV1 features the first integrated electronic viewfinder in an M-System camera. Its 5.76-million-dot OLED display, 0.76x magnification, integrated diopter adjustment, and 100% frame coverage provide a detailed view of the scene while showing exactly what the camera's sensor is recording.
The electronic viewfinder is particularly useful when working with fast Summilux and Noctilux lenses, where accurate focusing at shallow depths of field can be critical. It also expands the practical range of lenses that can be used with the M-System, including ultra-wide-angle and telephoto optics, macro lenses, adapted lenses, and lenses with shorter minimum focusing distances.
The EVF can preview the camera's 1.3x and 1.8x digital zoom settings, with the selected crop displayed within the full image frame.
The M EV1 provides several tools to assist with manual focusing. Focus Peaking highlights in-focus edges, while Focus Aid/Magnification offers two levels of enlargement for more precise focusing. Magnification can be activated manually using the FN button or configured to activate automatically when the lens focus ring is turned.
The former frame selector lever has been repurposed as an FN button. A long press allows a function to be assigned, while short presses toggle the selected function on and off.
Real-time exposure preview lets photographers see the effects of exposure and depth-of-field changes before making an exposure. Shooting data and exposure information remain positioned at the bottom of the EVF, leaving the image area unobstructed. A grid and horizon level are also available as composition aids.
The M EV1 features the same high-resolution 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor platform used in the M11 series. Its back-illuminated design contributes to noise performance and fast readout speeds, while the high resolution provides detailed image files suited to demanding applications such as landscape and architectural photography.
An updated ultra-thin dual-layer filter glass construction absorbs UV and IR wavelengths to provide greater clarity and accurate rendering from Leica M lenses.
Leica's Triple Resolution Technology allows photographers to select 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP output. Each setting utilizes the full sensor area and produces rich 14-bit color, with lower resolutions using pixel binning rather than cropping:
60MP: Up to 14 stops of dynamic range and maximum resolution.
36MP: Up to 15 stops of dynamic range, providing a balance between resolution and noise.
18MP: Up to 15 stops of dynamic range with the lowest noise levels.
The Maestro III processor contributes to fast image processing, Triple Resolution Technology, and the camera's expanded sensitivity range of ISO 64-50000. The processor also enables continuous shooting at up to 4.5 fps and facilitates fast file saving.
The electronic shutter reaches speeds up to 1/16,000 sec, useful when shooting with extremely fast lenses in bright conditions. A mechanical shutter remains available with speeds up to 1/4000 sec, while flash synchronization is supported at 1/180 sec.
Multi-field exposure metering joins spot and center-weighted average metering for greater flexibility in different lighting conditions.
Two digital zoom settings provide 1.3x (39MP) and 1.8x (18MP) crops to simulate longer focal lengths. Crops remain reversible when recording DNG files, while JPEG captures retain the selected crop.
The M EV1 retains the characteristic proportions and straightforward design of the M-System while adopting a cleaner front panel without the optical rangefinder. A new diamond-pattern leatherette adds a distinctive tactile finish, while the revised menu layout follows the interface design used by Leica's Q and SL-System cameras.
The rear 2.95" 2.3-million-dot touchscreen LCD features an updated, brighter design for improved visibility in sunny conditions. Live view stabilization reduces the appearance of camera shake while composing and manually focusing longer focal length lenses.
At approximately 1.1 lb, the M EV1 is 1.6 oz lighter than the M11-P. The camera uses the BP-SCL7 lithium-ion battery, which inserts directly into the base of the camera rather than requiring a removable baseplate.
The BP-SCL7 battery is CIPA-rated for approximately 237 shots per charge when primarily using the EVF or 244 shots when primarily using the LCD.
A UHS-II SD memory card slot is located within the battery compartment, complemented by 64GB of built-in internal memory. The internal memory can be used on its own or together with an SD card for separating file types or providing overflow storage. Files can also be transferred from internal memory to the SD card for backup.
A USB-C port on the camera's base supports battery charging and file transfer. The included Leica FOTOS Cable allows direct connection to an Apple iPhone through the Leica FOTOS app for image management and sharing.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth provide wireless connectivity to compatible iOS devices through Leica FOTOS, with additional features including geotagging, favorites, and image ratings.
The M EV1 incorporates Leica Content Credentials, based on the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). Using a secure processing chip, the camera encrypts image metadata at the point of capture. Compatible applications can subsequently verify image provenance and append additional information.
This technology gives creators another way to maintain image attribution while providing viewers with tools for verifying the provenance of compatible photographs.
The kit includes the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. in Silver, a versatile general wide-angle prime designed for M-System cameras. Its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture makes it particularly well suited to available-light photography while providing extensive control over depth of field for selective-focus techniques.
The 35mm focal length offers a natural, flexible perspective for everyday photography, environmental portraits, street scenes, travel, and other subjects where a slightly wider field of view is desirable.
A newly engineered double cam unit reduces the minimum focusing distance to just 1.3 ft, allowing the lens to focus significantly closer for more dynamic close-up compositions.
A floating elements system helps maintain consistent optical performance throughout the focusing range, from close-up subjects to distant scenes.
The optical construction incorporates one aspherical element to control spherical aberrations and distortion, contributing to improved sharpness and clarity throughout the image.
The diaphragm has also been upgraded from the original nine blades to 11 blades, producing visibly improved bokeh performance and smoother out-of-focus rendering when working with shallow depth of field.
The bright f/1.4 aperture provides additional creative control while making the lens well suited to shooting in available light.
A newly designed pull-out lens hood is integrated directly into the front of the lens. It helps block stray light from reaching the optical elements, reducing the potential for ghosting and flare while also providing a convenient, built-in solution for shielding the front element.
The lens also features a 46mm filter thread for use with optional screw-in filters.
35mm focal length
Bright f/1.4 maximum aperture
Leica M mount
One aspherical element
Floating elements system
Newly engineered double cam unit
Minimum focusing distance of 1.3 ft
11-blade diaphragm for improved bokeh
Integrated pull-out lens hood
46mm filter thread
Silver finish
Leica M EV1 Mirrorless Camera
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens, Silver
Integrated pull-out lens hood
BP-SCL7 lithium-ion battery
Leica FOTOS Cable
Additional standard camera accessories
Leica M EV1 Mirrorless Camera: 4022243202290
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens, Silver: 4022243117273
