p.1 #1 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
What are your guys thoughts on the possible release schedule of a Visoflex 3? I shoot Sony professionally, and the extremely high megapixel count of my EVF (9.44 million dots) on my cameras makes me not want to invest in the Visoflex 2 for my M11P, knowing it has a 3X less resolution essentially.
Do you guys think they will ever release a version 3 seeing as they just released an M with an EVF (albeit relatively low resolution of 5.76 million dots)?
I would love a high resolution external EVF for longer lenses, but still prefer the rangefinder for a 28, 35, and 50mm lens.
p.1 #2 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
Two thoughts:
- EVF „dots“ are not pixels, you need to divide them by three as they’re counting RGB dots. Makes the absolute delta in the numbers smaller
- there is more to EVF quality than the number of dots. Sony has long been known to have worse EVF optics than other manufacturers and they also (used to) drop EVF resolution when focusing
I’d suggest testing the Visoflex 2 and see if it works for you. I think it’s rather unlikely that Leica releases a Visoflex 3 that is compatible with the M11 anytime soon.
p.1 #3 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
ross.thomas wrote:
What are your guys thoughts on the possible release schedule of a Visoflex 3? I shoot Sony professionally, and the extremely high megapixel count of my EVF (9.44 million dots) on my cameras makes me not want to invest in the Visoflex 2 for my M11P, knowing it has a 3X less resolution essentially.
Do you guys think they will ever release a version 3 seeing as they just released an M with an EVF (albeit relatively low resolution of 5.76 million dots)?
I would love a high resolution external EVF for longer lenses, but still prefer the rangefinder for a 28, 35, and 50mm lens.
I would not expect a new version of the VisoFlex until the M12 is released. Hopefully the M12 will have IBIS, and a much faster sensor, and data bus, and some new focus aids. The M cameras are the best optical manual focus platform available as a new product today. But only when using the RangeFinder. I would like to see the M12/Visoflex III also be the best EVF manual focus platform available.
p.1 #4 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
Let's just hope the M12 doesn't turn into a megapixel monster. Most of us don't need more pixels...come on Leica, be bold and go against the grain!
What I really want is way faster sensor readout, so we can shoot electronically even with moving subjects like in street photography. Somewhere between 24 and 60MP would be ideal, like the M10-R’s 40MP, giving us better control over signal-to-noise. I don't think there's space for IBIS or a built-in diopter, but yes, that would be a welcome bonus.
As for the Visoflex 3, it might come with the M12 and could also work on the M11, though perhaps at a slightly lower magnification. Or, with the EV1 now in the mix, Leica might just skip new development of the Visoflex entirely and focus on pure EVF and RF M bodies.
p.1 #5 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
Fred Miranda wrote:
As for the Visoflex 3, it might come with the M12 and could also work on the M11, though perhaps at a slightly lower magnification. Or, with the EV1 now in the mix, Leica might just skip new development of the Visoflex entirely and focus on pure EVF and RF M bodies.
p.1 #6 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
fjablo wrote:
Two thoughts:
- EVF „dots“ are not pixels, you need to divide them by three as they’re counting RGB dots. Makes the absolute delta in the numbers smaller
- there is more to EVF quality than the number of dots. Sony has long been known to have worse EVF optics than other manufacturers and they also (used to) drop EVF resolution when focusing
I’d suggest testing the Visoflex 2 and see if it works for you. I think it’s rather unlikely that Leica releases a Visoflex 3 that is compatible with the M11 anytime soon.
"...there is more to EVF quality than the number of dots"
Interesting. So as far as dots goes(setting aside the other internal design and tech at play), the Sony 9.4M dot EVF is = to about 3.2MP compared to the Leica Visoflex 2's 3.7MP? 🤪
p.1 #7 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
EVF’s consumer a lot of power. That’s why the Visoflex 2 lowers its resolution for the smaller batteried M10. I can’t see the Visoflex 3 having much more resolution unless Leica figure out how to become far more energy efficient.
The M12 will support an EVF because Leica wants to sell you overpriced accessories. Plus you need something for a WATE or 21mm or 135. It has no need to have more dots because the EV1 is there for that now.
EVF’s are a combination of resolution, magnification, refresh rate and optical quality. The best EVF on the market now, by far is in the GFX 100ii. Huge resolution, magnification and superb optics. It’s glorious. It can also be made to tilt. Modern Sony’s optics like the A1ii have improved dramatically and while the resolution does drop during shooting it’s still better than my R5ii or SL3. I would put it in equal 2nd with the Hasselblad X2D (lower res, higher magnification). Then the SL3 with the Canon R5ii slightly behind that. R5ii is better for shooting and the SL3 is slightly better for playback. I haven’t used the R3 or R1 enough to rate them. The Z8/9 have excellent optics but there’s no getting around their lower resolution when reviewing images in the EVF. They match or exceed the SL3 for shooting though.
The Visoflex 2 is pretty bland by comparison. It does the job and that’s it. It’s not an engaging experience. I think that’s the way Leica wants it. If it had been great then we wouldn’t have called for the EV1.
p.1 #8 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
LBJ2 wrote:
"...there is more to EVF quality than the number of dots"
Interesting. So as far as dots goes(setting aside the other internal design and tech at play), the Sony 9.4M dot EVF is = to about 3.2MP compared to the Leica Visoflex 2's 3.7MP? 🤪
9.44m dot EVF = 2.048 x 1.536 pixels
3.69m dot EVF = 1.280 x 960 pixels
Sony cameras have often not shown a full resolution video stream in the EVF outside of image playback, but might have been showing something closer to 1600x1200 or even 1280x960. So the spec sheet figure was not indicative of actual detail displayed in the EVF.
EVFs are also not just a display panel, they also use optics. Leica's EVF optics (as well as Panasonic and Nikon) are excellent, Sony could certainly match them as they know how to make excellent optics, but they didn't bother or wanted to save cost.
So yes, there is a lot more to EVF quality than the number of dots and I don't what the joke's supposed to be
p.1 #9 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
Fred Miranda wrote:
Let's just hope the M12 doesn't turn into a megapixel monster. Most of us don't need more pixels...come on Leica, be bold and go against the grain!
What I really want is way faster sensor readout, so we can shoot electronically even with moving subjects like in street photography. Somewhere between 24 and 60MP would be ideal, like the M10-R’s 40MP, giving us better control over signal-to-noise. I don't think there's space for IBIS or a built-in diopter, but yes, that would be a welcome bonus.
As for the Visoflex 3, it might come with the M12 and could also work on the M11, though perhaps at a slightly lower magnification. Or, with the EV1 now in the mix, Leica might just skip new development of the Visoflex entirely and focus on pure EVF and RF M bodies....Show more →
Since it seems that Leica will fab their sensor in Europe and wouldn’t be stepping on Japanese patents, I wonder what is possible. A very fast sensor would have many benefits. If fast enough, no mechanical shutter.. Unlikely…. The traditional Leica users would revolt, but my time with the Sony A9 in electronic shutter only mode was nice and that was years ago. I’m not a 24Mpix is plenty guy, so would want at least 40Mpix to 60Mpix..so European fab and 40Mpix electronic only shutter is not going to happen. That said, faster readouts on the sensor and very high quality EVF might just be worth the upgrade. I went through four X100 iterations, so I’m not adverse to a much higher grade hybrid viewfinder that includes a simulated rangefinder option.. but that would have to be done with absolute perfection to be accepted.. so that won’t happen either.
p.1 #10 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
fjablo wrote:
9.44m dot EVF = 2.048 x 1.536 pixels
3.69m dot EVF = 1.280 x 960 pixels
Sony cameras have often not shown a full resolution video stream in the EVF outside of image playback, but might have been showing something closer to 1600x1200 or even 1280x960. So the spec sheet figure was not indicative of actual detail displayed in the EVF.
EVFs are also not just a display panel, they also use optics. Leica's EVF optics (as well as Panasonic and Nikon) are excellent, Sony could certainly match them as they know how to make excellent optics, but they didn't bother or wanted to save cost.
So yes, there is a lot more to EVF quality than the number of dots and I don't what the joke's supposed to be ...Show more →
Would a monochrome Visoflex be possible for the monochrome M cameras? It should yield an incredibly sharp viewfinder experience. Unfortunately, on a 9.44 dot EVF I can still see single pixels, making slightly oblique straight lines look strange.
p.1 #11 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
Knut. wrote:
Would a monochrome Visoflex be possible for the monochrome M cameras? It should yield an incredibly sharp viewfinder experience. Unfortunately, on a 9.44 dot EVF I can still see single pixels, making slightly oblique straight lines look strange.
Are you primarily using the EVF for attaining focus and composition, or reviewing images? In my experience, super high resolution is not required for either focusing or composition. In fact on the Sony cameras with the 9.44 m dot EVFs the camera is using a much lower resolution when actually shooting images. This, because keeping the frame rate high and the EVF smooth is more important than resolution when shooting. The primary use of the high resolution mode is for reviewing. I don't spend much time doing that in the field personally.
p.1 #12 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
1bwana1 wrote:
Are you primarily using the EVF for attaining focus and composition, or reviewing images? In my experience, super high resolution is not required for either focusing or composition. In fact on the Sony cameras with the 9.44 m dot EVFs the camera is using a much lower resolution when actually shooting images. This, because keeping the frame rate high and the EVF smooth is more important than resolution when shooting. The primary use of the high resolution mode is for reviewing. I don't spend much time doing that in the field personally.
On the Sony A1 you have the following options:
- 60fps, resolution 2048x1536, viewfinder magnification 0,9x
- 120fps, resolution 1600x1200, viewfinder magnification 0,9x
- 240fps, resolution 1600x1200, viewfinder magnification 0,7x
When I shoot landscapes I‘m more than happy with 60fps and really like the highest resolution (I would even like a higher resolution if it were possible, as I can discern single pixels at this level with some concentration).
- 120 or 240fps is relevant for people who might profit from the faster refresh rate when shooting sports.
- In addition 240fps -to me- is about the smaller viewfinder image (magnification now 0,7) which is easier to keep on the target, when things move really fast.
Extremely fast moving objects can of course leave a blurry trail over several pixels, if the framerate of the viewfinder is too slow.
- At 60fps an object gets blurry if it moves more than a pixel within 8ms,
- At 120fps, it gets blurry if it moves more than a pixel in 4ms,
- At 240fps, it gets blurry if it moves more than a pixel in 2ms.
This in theory, in practice an object must move more than a pixel or two for you to notice this blurriness caused by the motion of an object in your field of view.
My personal preference is 60fps for landscapes. I see no difference between shooting experience and playback when shooting at these 2048x1536 pixels.
There are only these resolutions, nothing „in between“. Loss of resolution is purely by setting (two resolutions) or if the object is too fast to project on a single pixel (which is of course dependent on the refresh rate of the viewfinder).
p.1 #13 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
Knut. wrote:
My personal preference is 60fps for landscapes. I see no difference between shooting experience and playback when shooting at these 2048x1536 pixels.
Makes sense that you see no difference as 2.048x1.536 is the native resolution of the A1 EVF
Didn't know that Sony even tells you the resolution it drops to in the different modes. Is it documented if this resolution is always used or is it "max 2.048x1.536" at 60fps? Many Sony cameras reduce the EVF feed resolution while focusing, but might be that the A1 doesn't. I think the last one I personally tried and hated was the A7RIV or A7RV.. but hearing good thinks about the A1ii EVF.
Regarding monochrome EVF: Not sure if there are monochrome-only panels they could purchase, I don't think so tbh. Even if there were, I don't think you'd see the same resolution benefits you see with cameras, as there are already RGB diodes per pixel.
p.1 #14 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
2048x1536 is the max resulution. If you multiply this by three (red, green and blue diodes), you get the total number of diodes the A1 viewfinder has (9.4 MP)
Feb 12, 2026 at 07:41 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #15 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
Fred Miranda wrote:
Let's just hope the M12 doesn't turn into a megapixel monster. Most of us don't need more pixels...come on Leica, be bold and go against the grain!
What I really want is way faster sensor readout, so we can shoot electronically even with moving subjects like in street photography. Somewhere between 24 and 60MP would be ideal, like the M10-R’s 40MP, giving us better control over signal-to-noise. I don't think there's space for IBIS or a built-in diopter, but yes, that would be a welcome bonus.
As for the Visoflex 3, it might come with the M12 and could also work on the M11, though perhaps at a slightly lower magnification. Or, with the EV1 now in the mix, Leica might just skip new development of the Visoflex entirely and focus on pure EVF and RF M bodies....Show more →
If they weren't building the sensor in Europe based on their own design, I think a 45MP stacked sensor like in the Nikon Z8/Z9 or the Canon R5 II would make a lot of sense, but I worry that in designing their own sensor they will take a step back or at least not a clear step forward. In my view, their sensors held them back a bit when they designed them and built them in Europe. We will see in time, but I am not optimistic that either the sensor or the Visoflex 3, if they make it, will be much improved in the M12.
p.1 #16 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
Steve Spencer wrote:
If they weren't building the sensor in Europe based on their own design, I think a 45MP stacked sensor like in the Nikon Z8/Z9 or the Canon R5 II would make a lot of sense, but I worry that in designing their own sensor they will take a step back or at least not a clear step forward. In my view, their sensors held them back a bit when they designed them and built them in Europe. We will see in time, but I am not optimistic that either the sensor or the Visoflex 3, if they make it, will be much improved in the M12....Show more →
My impression is, that they might concentrate more on tonality and colour fidelity and less on perfomance parameters like sensor readout speed. Clearly this may disapoint. I understand this very well. I chose the A1 because of this three years ago despite mostly shooting with manual focus lenses 🫢
I believe many manufacturers believe that readout speed mostly has to do with video. The advantages for stills photography are not as present. We get these things because video mandates fast readout speeds, if you want to avoid strange distortions. If the fast sensor is there, it might just as well be made available to the stills part of a camera, but it might be felt as a long shot to build a sensor with fast readout speeds just for stills photography without video in mind.
p.1 #17 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
This is what I got from perplexity:
QUESTION:
Are there any any European manufacturers of camera sensors that know how to build sensors with fast readout speeds? Who is leading the game with imaging sensors that have fast readout speeds?
RESPONSE:
Yes, there are European manufacturers specializing in camera sensors with fast readout speeds. These companies produce CMOS sensors optimized for high frame rates and low rolling shutter, often for industrial, scientific, and machine vision applications relevant to advanced photography and cine.[library +2]
Key European Manufacturers
• ams OSRAM (Belgium, formerly CMOSIS): Known for global shutter sensors like the CMV12000, delivering 300 fps at 12 MP full resolution with pipelined readout for minimal distortion. They supplied custom sensors for Leica M10, demonstrating capability in high-end photography.[ams-osram +1]
• Teledyne e2v (UK/France): Offers sensors like Flash 2K with 1500 fps at 2K resolution and 25.6 Gbps readout, using global shutter for high-speed inspection and profiling.[gophotonics]
• STMicroelectronics (France/Italy): Fabricates fast BSI CMOS sensors, such as those in Leica M10 (via CMOSIS design), with high data rates up to 1.5 Gbps.[gophotonics +1]
• Others: Imec (Belgium) develops ultra-high-speed sensors like 326,000 fps imagers; Fraunhofer IMS (Germany) created 100x faster readout photodetectors for low-light high-speed apps.[imec-int +1]
Global Leaders in Fast Readout
Sony (Japan) leads consumer photography/cine with stacked sensors in cameras like a1 (3.7ms readout), a9 III, and FX3 (8.8ms), enabling 120+ fps bursts and minimal rolling shutter. Canon follows closely with R1 at 4.1ms. European firms excel in niche high-speed/industrial sensors but trail in mass-market camera integration.
p.1 #18 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
For me there were three reasons why I went for the A1 three years ago (despite mostly using manual focus lenses):
- silent shutter
- no issues with pulsed LED lights
- no visible skew on fast-panning subjects
As many have pointed out, it would be amazing, if Leica procured a sensor with fast readout speeds for the M12.
p.1 #19 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
Knut. wrote:
My personal preference is 60fps for landscapes. I see no difference between shooting experience and playback when shooting at these 2048x1536 pixels.
So, are you having issues focusing and composing landscape images on slower refresh rate, 5m dot evfs? I do so often on my M11 rear screen and my SL3 EVF/Rear Screen hand held and on a tripod. When I shoot landscapes DOF is usually huge because of the chosen aperture appropriate for landscapes.
I do enjoy my A1 EVF resolution whe4n reviewing images in the field. But, with landscapes almost always find my focus fine on lower resolution, or even RF system when I get home and examine them on my edition monitor and when printing.
I almost never use AF when shooting landscapes even on AF capable cameras.
Feb 12, 2026 at 09:43 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #20 · Visoflex 3 Release Date and EV1 Ramifications?
Knut. wrote:
This is what I got from perplexity:
QUESTION:
Are there any any European manufacturers of camera sensors that know how to build sensors with fast readout speeds? Who is leading the game with imaging sensors that have fast readout speeds?
RESPONSE:
Yes, there are European manufacturers specializing in camera sensors with fast readout speeds. These companies produce CMOS sensors optimized for high frame rates and low rolling shutter, often for industrial, scientific, and machine vision applications relevant to advanced photography and cine.[library +2]
Key European Manufacturers
• ams OSRAM (Belgium, formerly CMOSIS): Known for global shutter sensors like the CMV12000, delivering 300 fps at 12 MP full resolution with pipelined readout for minimal distortion. They supplied custom sensors for Leica M10, demonstrating capability in high-end photography.[ams-osram +1]
• Teledyne e2v (UK/France): Offers sensors like Flash 2K with 1500 fps at 2K resolution and 25.6 Gbps readout, using global shutter for high-speed inspection and profiling.[gophotonics]
• STMicroelectronics (France/Italy): Fabricates fast BSI CMOS sensors, such as those in Leica M10 (via CMOSIS design), with high data rates up to 1.5 Gbps.[gophotonics +1]
• Others: Imec (Belgium) develops ultra-high-speed sensors like 326,000 fps imagers; Fraunhofer IMS (Germany) created 100x faster readout photodetectors for low-light high-speed apps.[imec-int +1]
Global Leaders in Fast Readout
Sony (Japan) leads consumer photography/cine with stacked sensors in cameras like a1 (3.7ms readout), a9 III, and FX3 (8.8ms), enabling 120+ fps bursts and minimal rolling shutter. Canon follows closely with R1 at 4.1ms. European firms excel in niche high-speed/industrial sensors but trail in mass-market camera integration.
AI is really good at giving people hope. Personally, I am still quite skeptical. I liked the M10 sensor, but I don't think it was close to state of the art at that time. I liked the M10r sensor a lot better, but I don't think we know who made that. Both of these sensors had very slow sensor scan speed.
