I think the idea behind the EV1 was to invest as little as possible in order to get an EVF M out and finally enter that market.
That’s probably why the EVF doesn’t perform like the one in the Q in actual use, why Leica Looks still aren’t available, and why there’s no focus assist like you get on a current Nikon Z.
The EV1 is basically made up of everything Leica already had on the shelf for the M system, apart from the EVF. Only the absolutely necessary parts were newly produced, such as the top plate.
According to Dr. Kaufmann, there’s also only one version of the EV1 because production capacity in Wetzlar simply doesn’t allow for more alongside the other models. That’s why there still isn’t a silver EV1, let alone an EV1-D.
gammarART wrote:
I think the idea behind the EV1 was to invest as little as possible in order to get an EVF M out and finally enter that market.
...
The EV1 is basically made up of everything Leica already had on the shelf for the M system, apart from the EVF. .
My understanding is that the EVF version of the M11 was prototyped in parallel with mainstream rangefinder version, but Leica initially chose to sit on the design. Only through pressure and vocal support for an EVF design during the LHSA/LSI 2022 Dublin meeting, was the camera made ready for production. Rather than wait for a M12 platform to become available, valuable feedback would gained by market testing the concept. The jitters immediately before launch, which changed the name from M11-V or similar to M EV1, presumably from sample feedback, lead to statements that development of future EVF M models will be decoupled from ( M12 )rangefinder designs; constraints and feature requirements from either side deemed to be counterproductive to the other.
stgrove wrote:
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've tried focus magnification on my M11-P LCD screen. I consider it a disruption to the otherwise fast work flow of shooting with the rangefinder, or a Nikon Z body with focus confirmation. I've had carefully evaluated all technologies available today and decided to wait until the EV line come out with a model incorporating some form of satisfactory focus confirmation mechanism, even though my aging eyes screaming for an EV.
