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 an entirely new viewing and focusing experience, the M EV1 retains the familiar slim M-System body, Leica M lens mount, and imaging platform derived from the M11 series. The result is an M camera that combines Leica's established photographic design with the flexibility of electronic viewing, making it particularly well suited to ultra-wide-angle and telephoto lenses, fast-aperture optics, macro work, and lenses with short minimum focusing distances.
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 image files using the full sensor area and 14-bit color.
Maestro III image processor supports fast processing, continuous shooting up to 4.5 fps, and an ISO range of 64-50000.
Optical Image Stabilization-style live view stabilization assists with manual focusing of longer focal length lenses.
Electronic shutter speeds up to 1/16,000 sec, alongside a mechanical shutter up to 1/4000 sec and flash synchronization at 1/180 sec.
Built-in 64GB internal memory plus a UHS-II SD 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 support image provenance and metadata verification through Content Authenticity Initiative technology.
Compact body weighs approximately 1.1 lb, making it 1.6 oz lighter than the Leica M11-P.
Includes the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 in silver chrome, a modern recreation of the classic 1959 optical design.
The M EV1's integrated EVF displays the image exactly as it is being recorded by the sensor, providing a direct preview of framing, exposure, and depth of field. The 5.76-million-dot OLED display offers 100% coverage and a large 0.76x magnification for a detailed, immersive view.
Unlike the traditional M rangefinder viewing system, the EVF removes many of the focal-length and focusing limitations associated with rangefinder photography. This makes the M EV1 particularly flexible when working with ultra-wide-angle and telephoto lenses, as well as fast Summilux and Noctilux lenses where precise focusing at shallow depths of field is critical. The electronic viewfinder also makes it possible to work more naturally with macro lenses, adapted lenses, and optics with shorter minimum focusing distances.
The viewfinder can display 1.3x and 1.8x digital zoom crops, allowing photographers to preview the selected crop before making an exposure. Focus Peaking highlights in-focus edges, while Focus Aid/Magnification provides two levels of enlargement for more precise manual focusing.
The M EV1 incorporates several electronic focusing aids designed to complement manual-focus M lenses. Focus Peaking highlights sharp areas within the image, while Focus Aid/Magnification enlarges the image to make critical focusing easier. Magnification can be activated manually using the FN button or configured to activate automatically when the lens focus ring is turned.
The former M-System frame selector lever has been repurposed as an FN button. A long press allows a function to be assigned, while short presses can toggle the selected function on and off.
Real-time exposure preview provides a live indication of exposure and depth-of-field changes before the photograph is taken. Shooting information remains positioned at the bottom of the EVF, preserving an unobstructed view of the frame. A grid and horizon level are also available as composition aids.
At the heart of the M EV1 is a 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor sharing the high-resolution imaging capabilities of the M11 series. The back-illuminated sensor design contributes to improved noise performance and fast readout speeds, while the high pixel count provides ample detail for demanding landscape, architectural, and other high-resolution applications.
An updated ultra-thin dual-layer filter glass construction absorbs UV and IR wavelengths, helping provide greater clarity and accurate rendering from Leica M lenses.
Leica's Triple Resolution Technology uses pixel binning rather than cropping to provide three selectable output resolutions while utilizing the full sensor area and retaining 14-bit color:
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 performance.
18MP: Up to 15 stops of dynamic range with the lowest noise levels.
The Maestro III image processor enables fast image processing and contributes to the camera's Triple Resolution Technology. It also supports an expanded sensitivity range of ISO 64-50000, allowing photographers to work across a broad range of lighting conditions while maintaining detail and natural color rendering.
Continuous shooting is supported at up to 4.5 fps, while fast file processing and saving contribute to a responsive shooting experience.
The M EV1 provides both electronic and mechanical shutter options. The electronic shutter reaches speeds as fast as 1/16,000 sec, making it possible to use very fast lenses such as f/0.95 optics in bright conditions without necessarily requiring an ND filter. The mechanical shutter supports speeds up to 1/4000 sec, with flash synchronization available at 1/180 sec.
Exposure metering includes multi-field, spot, and center-weighted average modes, providing flexibility when working with different lighting situations.
Two digital zoom levels, 1.3x and 1.8x, can simulate longer focal lengths by cropping into the image. When recording DNG files, these crops remain reversible; when shooting directly to JPEG, the selected crop is permanent.
Long Exposure Noise Reduction can also be enabled to reduce noise in long-exposure photographs or disabled when faster file-saving times are preferred.
The M EV1 incorporates Leica Content Credentials, based on technology developed through the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). A secure processing chip encrypts image metadata at the time of capture, allowing compatible applications to verify image provenance and, where supported, append additional information.
This provides photographers with a way to preserve attribution and gives viewers tools for checking the provenance of compatible images.
The M EV1 maintains the characteristic proportions and straightforward controls of the M-System while adopting a cleaner front design made possible by eliminating the traditional optical rangefinder. The camera features a new diamond-pattern leatherette and a revised menu system that follows the interface design used by Leica's Q and SL-System cameras.
The rear 2.95" 2.3-million-dot touchscreen LCD has also been redesigned for improved brightness and visibility in sunny conditions.
Electronic stabilization in live view assists with manually focusing longer focal length lenses by reducing the appearance of camera shake while composing and focusing.
At approximately 1.1 lb, the M EV1 is 1.6 oz lighter than the M11-P. Like the M11, Q, and SL-System cameras, it uses a battery that inserts directly into the bottom of the camera rather than a removable baseplate.
The included BP-SCL7 lithium-ion battery is CIPA-rated for approximately 237 shots per charge when primarily using the EVF or 244 shots when primarily using the rear LCD.
A UHS-II SD memory card slot is located inside the battery compartment, while the camera also provides 64GB of built-in internal memory. The internal memory can be used without an SD card or together with an SD card to effectively provide separate storage for different file types or additional overflow capacity. Files stored internally can also be transferred to the SD card for backup.
A USB-C port on the base of the camera supports in-camera battery charging and file transfer. The included Leica FOTOS Cable allows direct connection to an Apple iPhone for managing and sharing images through the Leica FOTOS app.
Wireless connectivity is provided through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling connection to compatible iOS devices through Leica FOTOS. The app also supports features such as geotagging, image favorites, and ratings.
The kit includes the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens in Silver Chrome, combining the appearance and rendering characteristics of Leica's classic 50mm Summilux with a modern optical and manufacturing design. Its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture makes it particularly useful for portraiture and available-light photography, while also producing a soft, attractive background rendering at wider apertures.
Designed to reproduce the distinctive bokeh characteristics of the original 1959 Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4, this fifth addition to Leica's Classic Line combines the character of the original lens with modern manufacturing techniques, glass elements, and optical coatings.
The lens is manually focused and provides the classic 50mm perspective, making it a natural match for the M EV1 and a versatile choice for portraits, everyday photography, and available-light shooting.
The lens features a brass construction with a chrome-plated surface finish, giving it the substantial feel and timeless appearance associated with Leica's classic M lenses. Manufactured by hand in Germany, it combines traditional construction with precise modern production techniques.
Despite its durable metal construction, the lens weighs only 14.7 oz and measures approximately 2.3" in diameter and 1.8" in length.
An included vintage-style lens hood helps shield the front element from stray light while also providing additional protection against accidental impacts.
50mm focal length
f/1.4 maximum aperture
7 elements in 5 groups
12-bladed diaphragm for smooth and attractive bokeh
46mm filter thread
Leica M mount
Silver chrome finish
Manual focus
Made in Germany
Leica M EV1 Mirrorless Camera
Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens, Silver Chrome
Vintage-style lens hood
BP-SCL7 lithium-ion battery
Leica FOTOS Cable
Additional standard camera accessories
Leica M EV1 Mirrorless Camera: 4022243202290
Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 Lens, Silver Chrome: 4022243117143
