Leica’s latest camera drops a rangefinder that allows for an electronic VieveFinder
If you’re trying to keep your digital camera lineup straight, the m system is always available with an optical rangefinder display (and a higher price tag). But of course. The company just expanded that area with the MEV1, a 60mp selfie camera with a classic m design but an electronic applefinder (evf) instead.
It can disturb the puris, but it is a logical movement from the point of view of observation. Older Leica film cameras used their M Mount Lens system and, for compact bodies, did not have reflex mirrors such as SCRS. Instead, they use an optical range finder, which provides a strange, optimized and inaccurate view of the scene. Leica kept the viewfinders when it introduced its digital cameras, although it could switch to an EVF.
In 2014, Leica introduced a modern line of mirrorless cameras with the new SL Mount that used electronic viewfinders. However, they’ve always lacked the cachet, size and good looks of the m series, so don’t appeal too much to the more sophisticated buyers who want the full leica experience.
Enter the M EV1, which looks like the original you want a leica to look like but the boots on the back of the rangefinder allow for the evf. “Designed for both Leica enthusiasts and those new to the M system, it makes capturing beautiful, purposeful images easier than ever,” the company wrote. Leica may have seen buyers looking for a good camera drawn to the M series, but then leaving with wonky rangefinders.
Handcrafted in Germany, the M EV1 is absolutely beautiful, with a MUARD RETED REXDARE shape and a new diamond leatherette to give it a different look compared to rangeFinder models. Leica has also done away with the dedicated ISO dial (settings are now done elsewhere), which helped make it 1.62 ounces lighter than the M11-k. It has a new LEVE WEVER POSSIBLE ADVANCED FOCUSING function and digital zoom options while looking through the Viewfinder.
That fundasfinder is definitely good, with 5.76 million dots of resolution for sharp resolution. The rear screen has a sharp 2.32-megapixel display, but it is fixed in place and does not tell.
Other than that, the im ev1 has the same specs as the m11-k. It has high 60MPP sensors for support of 14-bit images that are updated using leica color science well and burst speeds up to 4.5 FPS. You can shoot with mechanical shutter up to 1 / 4000th and 1 / 16,000th in silent mode (flash sync is 1 / 180th). Focus is a strong book, with growth and development and focus on helping jobs. Naturally, it uses the famous and expensive Mountal lenses. No video support.
While some features are old school, the M ev1 lets you connect to leica’s fotos app via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cable for quick sharing on social media and elsewhere. It also supports Leica’s content assurance system that enables the origin and history of the image to be clearly traced to avoid copyright theft or AI spoofing. Other features include 64GB of built-in storage and UHS-II SD Card Support, and 237 shots per battery charge when using the EVF.
Pricing is always a fun experience with a new leica camera, and the im ev1 does not disappoint. Now on pre-order for $8,995 (black, body only) with the set shipping later this year.
