Leica Camera has officially unveiled the Leica M EV1, a milestone for the M‑series that replaces the iconic optical rangefinder with a fully integrated electronic viewfinder. The M EV1 brings modern electronic conveniences to Leica’s classic M form factor while retaining the manual‑focus M‑mount heritage.
Pre-orders: B&HPhoto
Key hardware and imaging
- Sensor/processor: Full‑frame 60MP BSI sensor with Triple‑Resolution options (60 / 36 / 18 MP) paired with the Maestro III image processor — the same core imaging architecture used in recent M11 models.
- Viewfinder: Built‑in 0.5‑inch OLED EVF with 5.76‑million‑dot resolution and roughly 0.76x magnification, offering real‑time exposure, focus aids (focus peaking/zoom), and depth‑of‑field previews that manual‑focus M users gain from electronic feedback.
- Body and controls: Purist M styling updated for the EVF era — the front is clean (no rangefinder window), a new FN button/frame selector offers assignable EVF functions, and the camera is reported lighter than the M11 by about 45 g. Leica’s customary German build quality and control layout remain central to the design.
- Storage & power: Onboard 64 GB internal memory and compatibility with the BP‑SCL7 battery used in M11 series bodies.
- Made in Germany: Leica confirms production and assembly in Germany.
Shooting features and workflow
- Manual‑focus M‑mount support plus modern EVF tools makes precise focusing faster and more reliable with legacy lenses.
- Triple‑resolution mode provides flexibility for high‑detail files or smaller sizes for faster workflows.
- Leica Content Credentials support is included to verify authenticity of image provenance.
- The EVF enables real‑time exposure preview and electronic overlays, a major workflow improvement for photographers who shoot with manual M lenses.
Market positioning and who it’s for
The Leica M EV1 sits as a modernized M‑series camera: it preserves the tactile manual‑focus experience prized by many M users while addressing a long‑standing limitation for digital M shooters — the lack of an electronic preview. That makes the camera attractive to traditionalists who want Leica’s optical legacy and image quality but also want the precision and convenience of EVF‑based shooting. It may also appeal to photographers who own legacy M lenses and want faster, more accurate focusing tools without leaving the M ecosystem.
Availability and pricing
Leica announced global availability beginning in November 2025, with the Leica M EV1 available everywhere except the United States initially due to a pending FCC approval. Leica states that once U.S. regulatory clearance is secured the M EV1 will be offered in the U.S. market. Leica’s recommended price was set at $8,995 (local pricing varies with taxes and duties). Check availability at B&HPhoto .
Why it matters
The Leica M EV1 represents a strategic evolution for Leica Cameras: it modernizes the M platform by integrating an EVF while keeping the M‑mount and manual‑focus DNA intact. For photographers who value the tactile engagement of M lenses but want the practical benefits of real‑time exposure and focus feedback, the M EV1 closes a longstanding capability gap. The move also signals Leica’s willingness to reinterpret iconic designs to meet contemporary shooter expectations.
