mranger211 wrote:
To me this is pretty interesting camera (at least in theory) that could replace my Kolari-modded Sony.
One can prefer the Leica ergonomics of course as I do. And each of us has to decide whether or not he is ready to pay the price. We are used to it with this brand.
But I wonder what are the other advantages compared to a Kolari-modded Sony? One can chose from a wide range of bodies/sensor resolution, get IBIS, a higher resolution EVF and the same focus aids.
Plus, the Sony can also be used with AF lenses if needed.
I thought a Kolari-modded Sony isn’t really suitable for regular E-mount lenses anymore, since their image quality is supposed to degrade after the modification?
gammarART wrote:
I thought a Kolari-modded Sony isn’t really suitable for regular E-mount lenses anymore, since their image quality is supposed to degrade after the modification?
Maybe. I've never used one so I really wonder what are the pros & cons of an EV-1 vs a Kolari-modded camera. I've seen one can also mod some Canon & Nikon.
Nov 19, 2025 at 06:26 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
pmeheut wrote:
One can prefer the Leica ergonomics of course as I do. And each of us has to decide whether or not he is ready to pay the price. We are used to it with this brand.
But I wonder what are the other advantages compared to a Kolari-modded Sony? One can chose from a wide range of bodies/sensor resolution, get IBIS, a higher resolution EVF and the same focus aids.
Plus, the Sony can also be used with AF lenses if needed.
There is truth to your statement, but what you can't get is both a small size and a good EVF with a Kolari modified Sony (or Canon or Nikon). You can choose a lot of different cameras to modify, but you won't find a camera nearly as small as the Leica EV1 with the high res EVF that can be modified.
With Sony your can pick the A7C, A7C II, or A7CR, and modify it and get a really small camera, but it has a pretty rudimentary 2.3 million dot EVF that is nowhere close to as good as the EVF in the Leica EV1 in my view.
Or you can pick something like the Sony A7r V, with an excellent EVF that is probably a little better than the one in the Leica EV1, but it is a lot bigger than the Leica camera 730g vs. 484g if we compare weights.
So you can't get the small size and the high resolution EVF with a Kolari modified camera. That is going to be unique to the Leica EV1. And there is also the interface and many of us really like the simple interface and menu system that Leica provides as well.
pmeheut wrote:
One can prefer the Leica ergonomics of course as I do. And each of us has to decide whether or not he is ready to pay the price. We are used to it with this brand.
But I wonder what are the other advantages compared to a Kolari-modded Sony? One can chose from a wide range of bodies/sensor resolution, get IBIS, a higher resolution EVF and the same focus aids.
Plus, the Sony can also be used with AF lenses if needed.
Absolutely. I completely agree with your point. But as Steve Spencer has pointed out the Leica has a very unique combination of attributes that are tough if not impossible to find.
Also, the Kolari mod affects the color profile of the images, and bamboozles the automatic white balance. Using an IR-cut filter and shooting in Raw can ameliorate this, but the Leica would not have that issue.
Of course there are the trade-offs you mentioned.
Personally, while I would love the ergonomics and form factor, those trade-offs will most likely make me stick with my Sony.
Steve Spencer wrote:
There is truth to your statement, but what you can't get is both a small size and a good EVF with a Kolari modified Sony (or Canon or Nikon). You can choose a lot of different cameras to modify, but you won't find a camera nearly as small as the Leica EV1 with the high res EVF that can be modified.
With Sony your can pick the A7C, A7C II, or A7CR, and modify it and get a really small camera, but it has a pretty rudimentary 2.3 million dot EVF that is nowhere close to as good as the EVF in the Leica EV1 in my view.
Or you can pick something like the Sony A7r V, with an excellent EVF that is probably a little better than the one in the Leica EV1, but it is a lot bigger than the Leica camera 730g vs. 484g if we compare weights.
So you can't get the small size and the high resolution EVF with a Kolari modified camera. That is going to be unique to the Leica EV1. And there is also the interface and many of us really like the simple interface and menu system that Leica provides as well....Show more →
While I still think the EV1 isn’t right for me, it’s that smallish size of the Leica M, among other things, that are a main part of its appeal. I was packing my gear for our long-term stay in Spain and realized I wanted to use my M lenses there. But that meant either not selling my M11 and taking that or taking the Nikon Z6 III as the best camera to shoot those lenses with. I also realized that while the Nikon MF focusing is better than Leica’s when it comes to shooting wide open, it’s still a slow process. And that Nikon is large compared to the M. So, now it’s the Nikon I’m selling and the Leica that’s going to Spain.
1bwana1 wrote:
At least try one so you understand the current baseline. I will not be surprised if for a time the M EV(x) line iterates faster than other Leica bodies and we see some new features in it first. Of all current Leica offerings it has the most potential to bring new users to Leica.
Unless they add different focusing aids, there is no reason to try it. I owned the EVF and found it worthless because I don't like focusing with magnification or focus peaking.
I also don't like focusing that way on any other platform.
If I really want an EVF with my Leica lenses, I have Nikon-
The answer are interesting because as time goes by and as my youth is just but a memory, I find myself more and more sensitive to weight.
That's one of the reasons I shot Micro43 and even when it comes to the M, I'm in the process of replacing my 15mm Voigt by the Laowa, a 50/1.5 by a 50/2.2 and the 28mm/2 by a 2.8.
So I would fine the EV-1 very interesting except for what several of us said: price, focusing aids, no IBIS...
BTW, I when I shoot a wide-angle using the Visoflex or as I do more often, the camera screen, I focus using the rangefinder. This is very efficient. So I'm still dreaming of an hybrid viewfinder "à la" Fuji.
pmeheut wrote:
The answer are interesting because as time goes by and as my youth is just but a memory, I find myself more and more sensitive to weight.
That's one of the reasons I shot Micro43 and even when it comes to the M, I'm in the process of replacing my 15mm Voigt by the Laowa, a 50/1.5 by a 50/2.2 and the 28mm/2 by a 2.8.
So I would fine the EV-1 very interesting except for what several of us said: price, focusing aids, no IBIS...
BTW, I when I shoot a wide-angle using the Visoflex or as I do more often, the camera screen, I focus using the rangefinder. This is very efficient. So I'm still dreaming of an hybrid viewfinder "à la" Fuji....Show more →
I've always been attracted to smaller cameras, even before my hair turned gray. Maybe it's because I started with Pentax and later used Contax G for quite a while. Actually, being back in Vienna only emphasized that feeling. We lived here fifteen years ago as well. Then I had a Canon 5D. I went often for walks in the city, but hardly ever took that camera. Now, I almost always take a camera, as I have a choice of many and among them ones that are much smaller and lighter than that 5D. It's also the reason I adopted MFT early on.
I may well end up ditching everything but MFT, but I'm just going to see how it goes.
In packing for Spain, I will take a lot of MFT gear, some Fuji X gear, a tiny GFX kit and the M gear. As for Canon, the bulk of that will stay here as those lenses are almost all too large to take unless I'd be 100% sure I want to use them. And now Nikon became the victim of that as well.
I am still sure I will purchase the M EV1, yes it is over priced of what it is, a Q sibling w/o the costly lens yet more expensive, yes it has limits like no IBIS, they had to cut the memory to 64 from 256 when memory is extremely cheap, and if there is an EV2 in 2-3 years (likely Leica cycle or more) some of these things will be corrected or so I think so. But as age and health take their toll I have appreciated just how nice a M is with tiny lenses. I mostly use the tiny lenses with my MP. So my M11P safari with E39s including an apo summicron is a no compromise or at least little compromise when I am compromised. It will also help with age vision thing, but I can still use a rangefinder. Other times I am up for using the big M lenses like the Noctilux or Noktons or even getting out the Nikon Z8 and big glass. So the M-EV1 will be my refuge, I can single lens carry with the apo 50, or add in a few colorskopers or the 35 mm F1.4 E46 and keep it light and still have world-class capability. The EV1 sheds a few grams, sheds the EVF box on top of the M11P, so I want my photography now, the EV1 gives me lighter carry, high capability, when I want or need this, and I am not willing to wait a few years for more a perfect version, this will work for me now. So if it is available on Monday, and I put in my commitment when it was still vaporware, I will push the purchase button, not worry if it is a good buy, I'll enjoy my light carry, and that I can get out there continue photography.
johnvanr wrote:
I've always been attracted to smaller cameras, even before my hair turned gray. Maybe it's because I started with Pentax and later used Contax G for quite a while. Actually, being back in Vienna only emphasized that feeling. We lived here fifteen years ago as well. Then I had a Canon 5D. I went often for walks in the city, but hardly ever took that camera. Now, I almost always take a camera, as I have a choice of many and among them ones that are much smaller and lighter than that 5D. It's also the reason I adopted MFT early on.
I may well end up ditching everything but MFT, but I'm just going to see how it goes.
In packing for Spain, I will take a lot of MFT gear, some Fuji X gear, a tiny GFX kit and the M gear. As for Canon, the bulk of that will stay here as those lenses are almost all too large to take unless I'd be 100% sure I want to use them. And now Nikon became the victim of that as well. ...Show more →
That seems like a huge amount of gear for travel. Especially For someone who is size weight consious. Four separate camera systems. I just can’t imagine that a single kit can't be assembled that could accomplice similar results smaller lighter and less expensive.
1bwana1 wrote:
That seems like a huge amount of gear for travel. Especially For someone who is size weight consious. Four separate camera systems. I just can’t imagine that a single kit can't be assembled that could accomplice similar results smaller lighter and less expensive.
FOMO must be playing a big role in this.
It’s not travel. It’s our winter move from Austria to Spain and we’ll be gone four to five months. And the way we live in Spain, plus the travel we plan to do, is the perfect setup to try these different systems and narrow my gear down for the future.
And I’m concerned about weight when I go and to shoot. This is a matter of throwing bags in my car.
1bwana1 wrote:
At least try one so you understand the current baseline. I will not be surprised if for a time the M EV(x) line iterates faster than other Leica bodies and we see some new features in it first. Of all current Leica offerings it has the most potential to bring new users to Leica.
I agree. I will try one myself.
Some good observations on your part. No doubt since it is in essence a mirrorless camera that Leica can add features more readily. However, if the line continues, I expect them to release on the same cadence as the M series. So the next version would not be until well after the M12 and its variants are released, just like the M EV1.
I also believe like you do that this can bring in more customers to Leica. There are many who want the M type of experience using M lenses but don't like the rangefinder.
I think the M EV1, regardless of what it lacks, does have its merits as well. Forums where actual users post generally show very positive reactions. I think the issue is that, once the rumor was out, that many created expectations that were not matched by what Leica said or did. That's not really Leica's fault.
EMH2025 wrote:
I am still sure I will purchase the M EV1, yes it is over priced of what it is, a Q sibling w/o the costly lens yet more expensive, yes it has limits like no IBIS, they had to cut the memory to 64 from 256 when memory is extremely cheap, and if there is an EV2 in 2-3 years (likely Leica cycle or more) some of these things will be corrected or so I think so. But as age and health take their toll I have appreciated just how nice a M is with tiny lenses. I mostly use the tiny lenses with my MP. So my M11P safari with E39s including an apo summicron is a no compromise or at least little compromise when I am compromised. It will also help with age vision thing, but I can still use a rangefinder. Other times I am up for using the big M lenses like the Noctilux or Noktons or even getting out the Nikon Z8 and big glass. So the M-EV1 will be my refuge, I can single lens carry with the apo 50, or add in a few colorskopers or the 35 mm F1.4 E46 and keep it light and still have world-class capability. The EV1 sheds a few grams, sheds the EVF box on top of the M11P, so I want my photography now, the EV1 gives me lighter carry, high capability, when I want or need this, and I am not willing to wait a few years for more a perfect version, this will work for me now. So if it is available on Monday, and I put in my commitment when it was still vaporware, I will push the purchase button, not worry if it is a good buy, I'll enjoy my light carry, and that I can get out there continue photography....Show more →
Well said from your point of view. I just had a confirmation I can get one on Monday, but still undecided, however after reading your logic it somewhat parallels mine except I do not have Nikon. I do have Hasselblad and a lot of old glass I respect for their character.
stgrove wrote:
Well said from your point of view. I just had a confirmation I can get one on Monday, but still undecided, however after reading your logic it somewhat parallels mine except I do not have Nikon. I do have Hasselblad and a lot of old glass I respect for their character.
Today M11M with old FE 150/2.8 using Viso2
I too have been offered for Monday, and I intend to buy for the reasons I outlined. I am sure I am going to enjoy and appreciate my light carry days, other days I might well be in a rangefinder mode. I do find the rangefinder quite useful for M animal photography with the 135 apo. I get a good focus with the EVF on top and switch my eye to the rangefinder where I can see outside the patch with 135 and it is so much easier to track a moose or bear in Alaska with the rangefinder especially stopped down with good DOF. EVF only has its limits whether Nikon or Leica with a longer lens in the what you see is all that you get to work with.
A little comment on FOMO. Steve McCurry was the focus of a Leica YT video last year, using a monster camera and even more monstrous lens - SL3 and 24-90mm. Zooms are, of course, FOMO devices par excellence.
This one is at f3,6 (or smaller, and you never know as you 'zoom') at 50mm and longer, and the photos show it. I thought variable zooms are consumer grade items. And the lens is full of the wrong stuff: 'four aspherical elements and 11 anomalous partial dispersion glass elements'.
I looked the gear up and the combo comes in at 1910 grams! It's the wrong way to go for street (IMO) unless you have a sponsor with deep pockets, an ulterior motive to the main game. I thought he was a hip Magnum dude, but he is setting a bad example here. All his stuff looked pre-arranged too. He should have shown the people their photos in the EVF, like I do - much better than the LCD screen from two feet away.
YT title:
'Steve McCurry with the Leica SL3 - People of Burma'
(even the order here tells you the priorities)
Two bodies and small primes will weigh about the same and be much better for the photographer and especially for the subject. In his video, you can see the smiles fade when he points the huge device at people (82mm filter thread). He seems to like shooting people without teeth.
'And I’m concerned about weight when I go and to shoot.'
I'm glad Leica left off the IBIS, we should want to develop (or keep) the core skills, and they don't come any more core than holding the camera body still. It's not hard and it's good for the mind and spirit, and the camera will probably last longer and be less fussy.
It'll cost them sales though, for the same reason as the base level focus aids will. Buyers feel they ought to get as least as good as the mainstream, for the money. It's a shame to see such tidy, light and effective cameras not get received well.
I hear your point but on the other hand, I trust Steve Mc Curry to know which gear to use and how to shoot people all around the world.
He managed to take some good pictures during his career as far as I can remember
So maybe this has more to do with the guy using the camera, the kind of pictures he shoot, etc and not the gear which is kind of our obsession sometimes.
I for one know I can shoot street with any camera. I just prefer using a M but also did it with film SLR, DSLR, mirroless... and need to adapt my process when I'm using more obtrusive stuff.
P.S: I've seen a documentary about Salgado and he was shooting his R6.2 in the face of people, something I would never do. But guess what? Salgado is 100 times the photographer I am so I would never criticise his way of working, more see if I can learn from it.
philip_pj wrote:
A little comment on FOMO. Steve McCurry was the focus of a Leica YT video last year, using a monster camera and even more monstrous lens - SL3 and 24-90mm. Zooms are, of course, FOMO devices par excellence.
This one is at f3,6 (or smaller, and you never know as you 'zoom') at 50mm and longer, and the photos show it. I thought variable zooms are consumer grade items. And the lens is full of the wrong stuff: 'four aspherical elements and 11 anomalous partial dispersion glass elements'.
I looked the gear up and the combo comes in at 1910 grams! It's the wrong way to go for street (IMO) unless you have a sponsor with deep pockets, an ulterior motive to the main game. I thought he was a hip Magnum dude, but he is setting a bad example here. All his stuff looked pre-arranged too. He should have shown the people their photos in the EVF, like I do - much better than the LCD screen from two feet away.
YT title:
'Steve McCurry with the Leica SL3 - People of Burma'
(even the order here tells you the priorities)
Two bodies and small primes will weigh about the same and be much better for the photographer and especially for the subject. In his video, you can see the smiles fade when he points the huge device at people (82mm filter thread). He seems to like shooting people without teeth.
'And I’m concerned about weight when I go and to shoot.'
I'm glad Leica left off the IBIS, we should want to develop (or keep) the core skills, and they don't come any more core than holding the camera body still. It's not hard and it's good for the mind and spirit, and the camera will probably last longer and be less fussy.
It'll cost them sales though, for the same reason as the base level focus aids will. Buyers feel they ought to get as least as good as the mainstream, for the money. It's a shame to see such tidy, light and effective cameras not get received well. ...Show more →
Two days ago a Steve McCurry show just opened at a wonderful museum across the street from my home here in Parma Italy. His images when seen large, close, well lit, in print, are geourgous and impressive. Both in technical aspects and emotional impact.
I think you might consider reevaluating your views on photography and maybe put into context your own position in it...
