With the new Leica M EV1, Leica Camera AG sets another milestone in the company's history and introduces a new segment to the Leica M system. In addition to digital and analog M cameras with an optical rangefinder, the company is now expanding the M family with an M camera with an integrated electronic viewfinder. The Leica M EV1 combines the advantages of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with the traditional values of the M-System. It not only simplifies entry into the world of M photography, but also offers everyone, regardless of their eyesight, reliable and convenient focusing - especially when using the high-speed Leica Summilux and Noctilux lenses with very shallow depth of field, as well as when composing images with extreme wide-angle, telephoto and macro lenses.
As a pioneer in photography, Leica Camera AG has been boldly blazing its own trail for 100 years. in 1925, the Leica I revolutionized photography as the first mass-produced 35 mm camera and is considered the direct ancestor of the Leica M. Like no other camera, the M represents the essence of the Leica philosophy. With its iconic design, precise craftsmanship "Made in Germany" and uncompromising quality, it has embodied the values and heritage of the brand combined with innovation and future-proof technologies for over 70 years. The Leica M has always stood for consistent further development over generations. In 2006, Leica transferred the soul of analog M cameras into the digital era with the M8. Current models such as the M11 Monochrom with its pure black-and-white sensor, the displayless M11-D, the M11-P with Content Credentials technology or the analog M6, MP and M-A bear witness to the pioneering spirit and individuality of the M system.
With the electronic viewfinder in an M camera, Leica is fulfilling a frequently expressed customer wish and expanding the application possibilities for existing M users. The intuitive operation makes it easier for new customers to enter the world of the M-System.
The viewfinder of the Leica M EV1 displays the image exactly as it will appear when the shutter is released - depending on the Lens, focal length or aperture selected. The direct preview of the image section and the focal plane provides a decisive advantage when composing images, especially with extreme wide-angle and telephoto lenses. The precise real-time exposure preview offers additional security and opens up new creative scope through targeted underexposure or overexposure. In addition, the integrated diopter compensation enables individual adjustment of the viewfinder image to your own eyesight. A setting wheel can be used to select between -4 and +2 diopters.
The high-resolution 5.76 megapixel EVF delivers brilliant image quality with exceptional clarity and true-to-life color reproduction. All relevant shooting data such as shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation can be displayed outside the image if required, so that it remains fully visible at all times. An eye sensor ensures automatic switching between viewfinder and touch display.
The integrated focusing aids, which are already used in other Leica cameras, are extremely user-friendly. Focus peaking marks the current focal plane with a colored overlay and supports precise focusing of the desired image area in real time. The focus zoom also facilitates manual focusing in two selectable magnification levels, either automatically by simply turning the focus ring or manually using one of the function buttons. This makes it possible to focus with pinpoint accuracy, especially when using fast Lens with a shallow depth of field and at close range. The lever on the front of the camera, which is used to preview the illuminated frame on rangefinder M cameras, provides practical support. On the Leica M EV1, this can be assigned to one of the focus assistants or the digital 1.3x or 1.8x zoom. The focus assistants can be quickly and conveniently activated or deactivated depending on the situation by simply pressing to the right or left.
The M EV1 is part of the timeless, functional and iconic design of the M cameras. Handcrafted in Germany from high-quality materials, it presents itself in the usual clear and aesthetic design language. Its leather coating in a diamond pattern and the purist front deliberately set it apart from the traditional Messucher M cameras.
Technically, the new M camera is based on the Leica M11 with a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution technology, which impresses with its precise color reproduction, impressive detail resolution, high dynamic range and outstanding noise performance. Images can be created either as DNG or JPEG with a resolution of 60, 36 and 18 megapixels. The Maestro III processor processes image data quickly, even at the highest resolution, and optionally saves it on the 64 GB internal memory or on an SD card. Thanks to seamless connectivity via Bluetooth, WiFi or cable, the camera can be quickly and conveniently connected to the Leica FOTOS app. With the help of Bluetooth Low Energy technology, images can also be transferred to the smartphone in the background in an extremely energy-efficient manner if desired. Like the M11-P and the M11-D, the new Leica M EV1 also supports Content Credentials. With this groundbreaking technology in accordance with the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), images can be provided with a digital signature that provides forgery-proof proof of their origin and any subsequent changes.
The Leica M EV1 will be available worldwide from October 23, 2025 in Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and from authorized dealers. The recommended retail price is €7,950.00 incl. VAT. For comfortable handling and additional grip, an optional handgrip with matching leather covering is available for 395.00 euros incl. VAT.
100 years of Leica: Witness to a century
In 2025, Leica Camera AG is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Leica I. First presented to the public at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925, it was the first 35 mm camera to be mass-produced and exceeded all expectations. Thanks to its compact and handy format, it opened up completely new photographic applications. Under the motto "100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century", Leica Camera AG is celebrating 100 years of continuous camera production around the globe and the camera that revolutionized the world of photography. At international events organized by the Leica country organizations in the major cities of Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai and Tokyo, cultural projects and extraordinary special product editions will be presented throughout the year. The highlight of the celebrations was the anniversary week at the company's headquarters in Wetzlar in June. In addition, top-class exhibitions in the worldwide network of Leica Galleries with works by outstanding photographers.
