Leica M EV1 debuts as first digital M-series camera with built-in EVF and M11 internals

Leica has officially added a new member to the M family: the Leica M EV1, the first M-camera with a built-in electronic viewfinder. The camera adds an EVF to the 60.3MP full-frame sensor and Maestro III processor known from the M11 line - changes meant to make M shooting more accessible while retaining the system’s classic feel.

The M EV1 uses the full-frame BSI CMOS sensor and Triple Resolution Technology from the M11, producing DNG or JPEG files at 60, 36 or 18MP. It pairs that sensor with Leica’s Maestro III image processor, 64GB internal storage and support for UHS-II SD cards. Continuous shooting tops out at 4.5 fps; the camera has a 3GB buffer that holds roughly 15 L-DNG frames or more than 100 JPEGs depending on settings. Battery life is rated at about 244 shots with the rear monitor or 237 shots using the EVF, per CIPA testing.

Leica kept the M’s traditional look and mechanical controls while adding an EVF with 5.76 million dots and a dioptre adjustment from −4 to +2 dpt. The EVF provides a realtime preview of exposure, depth of field and framing - useful when using fast Summilux or Noctilux lenses at very shallow depth of field, Leica says. Focus aids include peaking and a focus-zoom with two selectable magnifications; the lever on the front (formerly used to preview rangefinder framelines) can be reassigned to focus assists or to the camera’s 1.3× / 1.8× digital zoom.

However, autofocus is not part of the M EV1: focusing stays manual by design, with magnification and peaking to help accuracy. That preserves the deliberate shooting style many M users prefer, but it’s an important practical point for buyers.

The M EV1’s built-in EVF is locked at 60 Hz, according to Leica’s specifications. Unlike earlier digital M models such as the M11 (curr. $10,120/€8,716 on Amazon), it no longer supports external electronic viewfinders - Leica has removed the electronic contacts in the hot shoe for the Visoflex 2. For most users, the fixed 60 Hz refresh should be fine for stills, but those sensitive to display lag or motion judder will notice that it’s not as smooth as higher-refresh OLED finders used in some mirrorless systems.

Leica is positioning the M EV1 as the next step in a lineage that starts with the Leica I (1925) and includes the classic mechanical rangefinder Ms and later digital M models. Leica brought the M concept into the digital era with the M8 in 2006 and has since iterated with the M9, M10 and M11 families, plus analogue models such as the M6 and MP. What’s new here is an integrated EVF in an M-branded body - previously, M users could add an external Visoflex EVF. The EV1 should therefore broaden the M line’s appeal to photographers who prefer an electronic viewfinder while keeping the M’s manual focus character.

The Leica M EV1 will be available from 23 October 2025 at Leica Stores, online and authorized dealers. The RRP is €7,950; an optional matching leatherette hand grip is €395.