Feels far less chunky than my M11P with an EVF= shoot something like a Noct wide open makes it happen, and for shooting in doors where my eyes are more challenged by the patch, the EVF works better, I often grab it instead of my M11P to use.
Less good, more pricey than it should be, compared to Q that also gets a lens. The diamond "leather" is fragile and not best quality, 64 gig, why didn't they pout the full 256 in, memory is fairly cheap and a premium product (I know they are saving it for a M11 EV1P), some issues in low light with rilling EVF, some freeze issues needing a reboot.
feels odd if I am doing hybrid, M11 EV1 and a M3 or MP feels odd one with and without RF, more comfortable to use a M11P and M3/MP with an EVF option on M11P
I still do not see the point of the EV-1. A Sony with the Kolari mod will be slightly bigger, have as good MF focus aids, even allow AF focus of M lenses, cheaper. Not to mention IBIS.
And the 9 Mpix, 0.9 mag viewfinder is better.
I use one alongside my M11 and I really would like the M-EV1 to be at least at this level. Supporting a L->M adapter with AF would be great too.
But I'm not a traditionalist: I also would like to M shape to change to integrate a handgrip Just want to keep the rangefinder.
Dream camera: everything I said with an hybrid viewfinder, i.e. small, choice of MF or AF, choice of rangefinder or EVF, IBIS, handgrip, keep the ergonomics...
Likes:
1. Small-ish, and sorta light weight, at least compared to my Nikons. I do a fair amount of street photography where larger cameras are not so good.
2. Interchangeable lenses. Obvious, but an important distinction from the Q line-up. This is the only reason why I bought this camera.
3. Crazy good selection of lens, many of which are really extraordinary. The ones I use are small and relatively light weight (f2 is the fastest I have.) I love the lenses I have.
Dislikes:
1. No form of stabilization - wow, in 2025. A major design "miss."
2. Extremely difficult to focus. The procedure often requires a multi-step process: Open lens wide, focus, close down, shoot. Incredibly slow. Incredibly. My mis-focus rate is also high (not like my Q3 and Q3M and Nikons where the focus success rate approaches 100%.) I never use this camera in an environment where I cannot zone focus and must focus quickly. Never.
3. No weather sealing.
4. An ergonomic "miss." In order to actually hold it and shoot with one hand I found it necessary to add a thumb support and a 1/2 case with a bit of a grip for my fingers. They essentially copied most of the M series rather than a better, clean-sheet, design.
5. No charger included. (Want to see something that will really irritate you? Check out the price of their charger and an extra battery. Outrageous.)
For work where a "smaller" or lighter camera is best, I use my Q3 or Q3M if they fit the application -- these are far superior cameras in most respects. If I need something other than a 28mm lens I use the EV1. I love the Leica quality but am not an official fan boy and sycophant -- obviously.
Final note: I am watching to see what happens to the ownership of Leica. If it turns out that it is to become a Chinese company, as appears strongly possible, I will rethink all of this and cast about for other solutions.
After using it I sold my SL3, SL3S and L mount lenses as I really wanted a smaller body than the SL to begin with plus I own plenty of M lenses.
After ridding myself of the SL gear, I got a second EV1 as I usually prefer 2 bodies for my M system-one with a 35mm and the other generally with a 50mm. Terrific with the R 180 (3.4 or 2.8) and adapter if you fancy longer lenses. Also is a breeze with a VM 21mm/1.4. What not to like. Heck, it's a tool like all cameras.
I use auto magnification while turning the focus ring and avoid focus peaking. Works like a charm for me. Since getting the EV1 I have not used my Q343.
stgrove wrote:
I like mine without reservation. 620 gram M!
After using it I sold my SL3, SL3S and L mount lenses as I really wanted a smaller body than the SL to begin with plus I own plenty of M lenses.
After ridding myself of the SL gear, I got a second EV1 as I usually prefer 2 bodies for my M system-one with a 35mm and the other generally with a 50mm. Terrific with the R 180 (3.4 or 2.8) and adapter if you fancy longer lenses. Also is a breeze with a VM 21mm/1.4. What not to like. Heck, it's a tool like all cameras.
I use auto magnification while turning the focus ring and avoid focus peaking. Works like a charm for me. Since getting the EV1 I have not used my Q343.
+1. I likely would come to the same conclusion if I had the EV-1. Your comment also seconds my suspicion why the price of the EV-1 is so extremely high for an EVF-based camera - it is to avoid in house competition and to sacrifice Q sales. I woudn't be surprised if many Q-users would switch or add an EV-1 if the price would be at similar level. By not having a video option in the EV-1, this already avoids some in-house competition with the video centric SL series.
Or in other words: Leica decided to rather sacrifice new users stepping up to purchase the EV-1 only willing to spend a lower price for it than losing potential revenue on Q sales by Q-users switching to the EV-1.
retrofocus wrote:
+1. I likely would come to the same conclusion if I had the EV-1. Your comment also seconds my suspicion why the price of the EV-1 is so extremely high for an EVF-based camera - it is to avoid in house competition and to sacrifice Q sales. I woudn't be surprised if many Q-users would switch or add an EV-1 if the price would be at similar level. By not having a video option in the EV-1, this already avoids some in-house competition with the video centric SL series.
Or in other words: Leica decided to rather sacrifice new users stepping up to purchase the EV-1 only willing to spend a lower price for it than losing potential revenue on Q sales by Q-users switching to the EV-1. ...Show more →
Yes and keep in mind I have seen multiple comments where Leica says the Q series are their most popular cameras. But as we all know the Q is a fixed lens system even though it offers in camera FL changes.
stgrove wrote:
Yes and keep in mind I have seen multiple comments where Leica says the Q series are their most popular cameras. But as we all know the Q is a fixed lens system even though it offers in camera FL changes.
+1. Correct. Q and M series are their best selling lines - Q might have superseded the M series by now. Biggest culprit of the Q is the fixed lens - otherwise I would own one, too! The EV-1 provides exactly this alternative. Leica is probably afraid that AF and close-up range of the Q is not enough to hinder the movement of customers to the EV-1 if prices are similar. That is likely a correct estimate.
I'd be prone to automagnify (-focus aids), as mentioned above ... similar as workflow with M on L mount.
Probably the closest thing (in digital) I can recall since using manual focus with plain (no microprism, split ring, grid lines, etc.) ground glass on my Nikon FE. What would be nice is if we could somehow program the intensity of oof in the evf (like having different ground glass levels).
stgrove wrote:
I like mine without reservation. 620 gram M!
After using it I sold my SL3, SL3S and L mount lenses as I really wanted a smaller body than the SL to begin with plus I own plenty of M lenses.
After ridding myself of the SL gear, I got a second EV1 as I usually prefer 2 bodies for my M system-one with a 35mm and the other generally with a 50mm. Terrific with the R 180 (3.4 or 2.8) and adapter if you fancy longer lenses. Also is a breeze with a VM 21mm/1.4. What not to like. Heck, it's a tool like all cameras.
I use auto magnification while turning the focus ring and avoid focus peaking. Works like a charm for me. Since getting the EV1 I have not used my Q343.
Thats good to hear. I got the SL2S to compliment my 50lux lens to make it easier to focus peak. I tried the lens on my Sony before and the pictures didnt do it for me. Was excited when I saw that Leica will come out with an m system with evf. Havn't gotten it yet because of the lack of funds and other priorities are in the way. Hoping by the time an ev2 comes out I can get one and with improvements and fixes over the ev1.
baan wrote:
Thats good to hear. I got the SL2S to compliment my 50lux lens to make it easier to focus peak. I tried the lens on my Sony before and the pictures didnt do it for me. Was excited when I saw that Leica will come out with an m system with evf. Havn't gotten it yet because of the lack of funds and other priorities are in the way. Hoping by the time an ev2 comes out I can get one and with improvements and fixes over the ev1.
What improvements and fixes are you looking for in an EV2 over the EV1?
stgrove wrote:
What improvements and fixes are you looking for in an EV2 over the EV1?
Don't know about what others think, but for me, some type of more accurate, sure footed focus confirmation method which does not interfere with composing the picture. Everything else on EV1 is fine with me as is.
chrislnee wrote:
Don't know about what others think, but for me, some type of more accurate, sure footed focus confirmation method which does not interfere with composing the picture. Everything else on EV1 is fine with me as is.
Understand now. If you ever rent an EV1 for a short 1-2 weeks try focus magnification for nail it focusing and then just hit the shutter. Fast and accurate.
I like mine, I also have a M11P, the M11 EV1 seems lighter because it is,, while I have no RF, if I use the box on M11 EV1 it is just better unless I want the EVF 90 degree to camera since the screen on Ms is fixed. I do sometimes want this.I outfitted mine with an Owlcrown kit, soft release, thumb grip, eyepiece extender and their case with an arca (beware it is too small for many heads). That helps a lot, Alternately the really right stuff cage I like as well, a proper arca. front grip and I can keep the Owlcrown thumb grip and eyepiece. I put a silk black strap with a leather button shoulder pad on mine that I like. Now that I have used for many months it is second nature and its little quirks do not both me at all. If I chose to just carry it, I can put it, maybe with a 50 apo summicron as my main set up, add a couple smaller lenses maybe for 28, 35 or 90 and it is really compact for an outing and easy carry for hours. Park a big chip in it, and extra battery and it goes and goes. My M11P looks better, but this does the job very well.
Just want to keep the rangefinder.