Arrival of the new Leica M EV1

Leica M EV1 – the first M-Camera with an integrated electronic viewfinder

Wetzlar, 23rd of October 2025. Leica Camera AG has reached the next milestone in its history with the arrival of the new Leica M EV1. 

Introducing a new segment to the Leica M-System. In addition to the digital and analogue M-Camera with an optical rangefinder. Leica is welcoming a new member to the M family. In the form of an M-Camera with an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF). 

Combining the advantages of an EVF with the traditional values of the M-System. 

Not only does it make joining the world of M photography easier. It also enables reliable and comfortable focusing irrespective of visual acuity. In particular when using the fast Leica Summilux and Noctilux lenses at very shallow depths of field. Or when composing images with ultra wide-angle, telephoto and macro lenses.

As a photography pioneer, Leica Camera AG has been bravely treading new paths for the last 100 years.

As the first series-produced 35mm camera, the Leica I revolutionised photography back in 1925. The Leica M is considered its successor and exemplifies the essence of the Leica philosophy like no other.

With iconic design, precision craftsmanship “Made in Germany” and uncompromising quality. It has embodied the values and legacy of the brand for over 70 years by harnessing innovation and forward-looking technology. Since its introduction, the Leica M has been systematically refined with each new generation. Such as in 2006, when Leica transported the soul of the analogue M-Camera to the digital age with the M8. The currents models – such as the M11 Monochrom with its black-and-white sensor, the M11-D with no display. The M11-P with Content Credentials Technology, and the analogue M6, MP and M-A. All demonstrate the ingenuity and individuality of the M-System.

By introducing an EVF to the M-Camera. Leica is fulfilling a frequent customer request and expanding the range of applications for seasoned M users. Thanks to its intuitive operation, new customers will also find it easier to delve into world of the M-System. The M EV1 continues the M-Camera’s long tradition of timeless, functional and iconic design. Handmade in Germany using high-quality material, it speaks the familiar clear and cultivated design language of an M. The leatherette covering featuring a diamond pattern and the purist front deliberately set it apart from the traditional rangefinder M-Camera.

EVF Viewfinder

The image in the Leica M EV1’s viewfinder is shown exactly as it will be when the shutter is pressed. In line with the lens used, focal length and aperture. The direct preview of the field of view and plane of focus is very advantageous. Especially when it comes to composing images with ultra wide-angle and telephoto lenses. The precise real-time exposure preview provides additional certainty and unleashes new creative possibilities though targeted under, and over, exposure. With the integrated dioptre compensation, the viewfinder can be adapted to the user’s own visual acuity. A setting wheel allows an adjustment between -4 and +2 dioptres.

The high-resolution 5.76 megapixel EVF provides brilliant image quality with exceptional clarity and natural colour rendering. If desired, relevant exposure data – such as shutter speed, ISO and exposure value – can be shown around the image, which remains completely uncovered. The automatic switch between viewfinder and touch panel is carried out by an eye sensor.

The integrated focus assist, already found in other Leica cameras, is particularly user friendly. Focus peaking highlights the active plane of focus with overlaid colour. Allowing precise adjustment of the desired image area in real time. The focus zoom also makes manual focusing easier by means of two freely selectable magnification factors. Either automatically by turning the focus ring or manually via one of the function buttons. This enables precise focusing. In particular when using fast lenses at a shallow depth of field, and in the macro range. The frame selector lever at the front of the camera, which is used in rangefinder M-Cameras to preview bright-line frames. Now has a different function on the Leica M EV1. This control can be assigned to one of the focus assists or the 1.3× or 1.8× digital zoom. With a simple touch to the right or left, focus assist can be activated or deactivated quickly as the situation requires.

The new M-Camera has been engineered based on the Leica M11 and its full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology. Already admired for its precise colour rendering, impressive detail resolution, high dynamic range and excellent noise behaviour. Images can be saved in either DNG or JPEG format at a resolution of 60, 36 or 18 megapixels. The Maestro III chip processes image data at the highest resolution. Quickly saving them either on the 64 GB internal memory or an SD card.

Connectivity

Seamless connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cable, the camera can be quickly and conveniently connected with the Leica FOTOS App. Images can also be sent to smartphones energy efficiently in the background using Bluetooth Low Energy technology. Just like the M11-P and M11-D, the new Leica M EV1 supports Content Credentials. With this groundbreaking technology by the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). A digital signature is added to images, which verifies their origins and any post-processing in a tamper-proof manner.

The Leica M EV1 will be available worldwide at Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorised dealers from the 23rd of October 2025. The recommended retail price is £6,840.00 / €7,950.00 incl. VAT. For comfortable handling and additional hold, a hand grip with a matching leatherette covering is available for £340.00 / €395.00 incl. VAT.

About Leica Camera

Leica stands for craftsmanship, design and experience. With over 100 years of history, the brand represents a beautiful combination of art and engineering with the future of form and functionality. Based in Wetzlar, the original birthplace of Leica, the German company is an internationally operating, premium-segment manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products. Leica’s legendary status is founded on its long tradition of excellence and supreme quality found in their cameras and lenses. Leica are committed to supporting the creation and preservation of iconic photography, past, present and future and the artists behind them.

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 35mm 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 this camera that revolutionised the world of photography around the globe. At international events organised by the Leica country organisations 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.