Leica M EV - overpriced?
p.2 #1Leica M EV - overpriced?
RoamingScott wrote:
What is the benefit for Leica and IQ, if any, of them stripping out the PDAF that is already in the Sony sensor they are using?
The M11 base sensor doesn't actually have PDAF to start with, so Leica doesn't have to strip anything out for the M EV1 (based on the M11 sensor)...phase-detection pixels are only baked in for their autofocus lines like the SL3. Skipping PDAF entirely on the manual-focus M series is actually a win for image quality because it keeps the pixel matrix completely uniform. Without those split or masked phase-detection pixels, you avoid subtle digital artifacts or banding under harsh lighting, ensuring every single pixel delivers pure, micro-contrast and raw detail...so that's the direction Leica took with the M EV1. The Nikon Zf is an AF camera anyways, so PDAF was already there for AF and Nikon used that for focus confirmation. Now, how much degradation PDAF causes is debatable.
Fred Miranda wrote
If Leica ever firmware updates the M EV1 to support focus confirmation like the Nikon Zf, I'd buy one immediately. The catch is that the Zf relies on sensor-level PDAF pixels to calculate distance and confirm focus. If the M EV1 sensor lacks PDAF hardware (which may be the case), a firmware update alone won't do it...meaning Leica would have to save that feature for the next generation, assuming they even make a successor.The M11 base sensor doesn't actually have PDAF to start with, so Leica doesn't have to strip anything out for the M EV1 (based on the M11 sensor)...phase-detection pixels are only baked in for their autofocus lines like the SL3. Skipping PDAF entirely on the manual-focus M series is actually a win for image quality because it keeps the pixel matrix completely uniform. Without those split or masked phase-detection pixels, you avoid subtle digital artifacts or banding under harsh lighting, ensuring every single pixel delivers pure, micro-contrast and raw detail...so that's the direction Leica took with the M EV1. The Nikon Zf is an AF camera anyways, so PDAF was already there for AF and Nikon used that for focus confirmation. Now, how much degradation PDAF causes is debatable.
Sep 08, 2026 at 02:21 PM
p.2 #2Leica M EV - overpriced?
Fred Miranda wrote:
What is the benefit for Leica and IQ, if any, of them stripping out the PDAF that is already in the Sony sensor they are using?The M11 base sensor doesn't actually have PDAF to start with, so Leica doesn't have to strip anything out for the M EV1 (based on the M11 sensor)...phase-detection pixels are only baked in for their autofocus lines like the SL3. Skipping PDAF entirely on the manual-focus M series is actually a win for image quality because it keeps the pixel matrix completely uniform. Without those split or masked phase-detection pixels, you avoid subtle digital artifacts or banding under harsh lighting, ensuring every single pixel delivers pure, micro-contrast and raw detail...so that's the direction Leica took with the M EV1....Show more →
The next logical question then, why does my now almost 8-year-old Canon EOS R have focus confirmation whereas the latest Leica SL3-P does not?
RoamingScott wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
If Leica ever firmware updates the M EV1 to support focus confirmation like the Nikon Zf, I'd buy one immediately. The catch is that the Zf relies on sensor-level PDAF pixels to calculate distance and confirm focus. If the M EV1 sensor lacks PDAF hardware (which may be the case), a firmware update alone won't do it...meaning Leica would have to save that feature for the next generation, assuming they even make a successor.The next logical question then, why does my now almost 8-year-old Canon EOS R have focus confirmation whereas the latest Leica SL3-P does not?
Sep 08, 2026 at 02:28 PM
p.2 #3Leica M EV - overpriced?
SlowDriver wrote:
What is the benefit for Leica and IQ, if any, of them stripping out the PDAF that is already in the Sony sensor they are using?The M11 base sensor doesn't actually have PDAF to start with, so Leica doesn't have to strip anything out for the M EV1 (based on the M11 sensor)...phase-detection pixels are only baked in for their autofocus lines like the SL3. Skipping PDAF entirely on the manual-focus M series is actually a win for image quality because it keeps the pixel matrix completely uniform. Without those split or masked phase-detection pixels, you avoid subtle digital artifacts or banding under harsh lighting, ensuring every single pixel delivers pure, micro-contrast and raw detail...so that's the direction Leica took with the M EV1. The Nikon Zf is an AF camera anyways, so PDAF was already there for AF and Nikon used that for focus confirmation. Now, how much degradation PDAF causes is debatable.The next logical question then, why does my now almost 8-year-old Canon EOS R have focus confirmation whereas the latest Leica SL3-P does not?
Bringing PDAF to the SL3 series (and something similar to Nikon/Canon focus confirmation) seems like a natural move, and it's probably something they could pull off via firmware. But engineering and rolling that out costs $, so Leica isn't likely going to just hand it out for free in an update. Maybe we'll see it in the SL4 instead.
Fred Miranda wrote
RoamingScott wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
If Leica ever firmware updates the M EV1 to support focus confirmation like the Nikon Zf, I'd buy one immediately. The catch is that the Zf relies on sensor-level PDAF pixels to calculate distance and confirm focus. If the M EV1 sensor lacks PDAF hardware (which may be the case), a firmware update alone won't do it...meaning Leica would have to save that feature for the next generation, assuming they even make a successor.Bringing PDAF to the SL3 series (and something similar to Nikon/Canon focus confirmation) seems like a natural move, and it's probably something they could pull off via firmware. But engineering and rolling that out costs $, so Leica isn't likely going to just hand it out for free in an update. Maybe we'll see it in the SL4 instead.
Sep 08, 2026 at 02:40 PM
p.2 #4Leica M EV - overpriced?
Fred, is this confirming that the SL3-P does not have focus confirmation? In what way-no tiny square that turns green when in focus? Sold all my SL cameras so cannot remember how I got focus confirmation on my SL3 and SL3-S.
Edited on Sep 08, 2026 at 03:41 PM · View previous versions
Edited on Sep 08, 2026 at 03:41 PM · View previous versions
Sep 08, 2026 at 02:47 PM
p.2 #5Leica M EV - overpriced?
I will echo the perception that Leica made a huge error with the pricing of the M-EV1. While I know their strategy relies on being a bespoke brand, the Rolex of cameras, but the EV1 could have been a gateway product that creates a new user base and consumer of Leica lenses.
The Q3 is currently priced at $7200. The Q3 is an M-EV1 with a Summilux lens, EV, and autofocus. If Leica sold the M-EV1 for $7200, they'd have people who might have opted for this, and then developed a market for lens sales. Furthermore, they could sell an M-EV1 w/ lens kit (28mm Elmarit, 35mm or 50mm Cron... buy pics) for the price of an M-11P, and I'll bet these would fly off the shelf. However, at the current price, I think the M-EV1 will end up being the "bargain" 60MP Leica of the future.
Just my 2C's...
bruce
The Q3 is currently priced at $7200. The Q3 is an M-EV1 with a Summilux lens, EV, and autofocus. If Leica sold the M-EV1 for $7200, they'd have people who might have opted for this, and then developed a market for lens sales. Furthermore, they could sell an M-EV1 w/ lens kit (28mm Elmarit, 35mm or 50mm Cron... buy pics) for the price of an M-11P, and I'll bet these would fly off the shelf. However, at the current price, I think the M-EV1 will end up being the "bargain" 60MP Leica of the future.
Just my 2C's...
bruce
Sep 08, 2026 at 02:52 PM
p.2 #6Leica M EV - overpriced?
As long as Leica profits continue to rise year on year, they will also continue to increase their pricing every March and with each new model release. Leica don’t charge what it’s worth, Just what many are willing to pay.
Even with direct competition (M mount lenses) people still buy the Leica badge. And with the EV1 it’s not like there aren’t alternatives. Nor does it make better pictures than any other camera. Leica sells an *experience* for as much as they can.
Sure, it’s kinda unique. And you get Leica galleries and the Barnack awards and all the stuff Leica does to support photography. Plus European wages and conditions are more expensive than Asia. But basically Leica wants to make money. Same as every other camera company. They’re just lucky that some/many of their customers are price insensitive, unlike Canon, Sony or Fujifilm etc.
Gordon
Gordon
Even with direct competition (M mount lenses) people still buy the Leica badge. And with the EV1 it’s not like there aren’t alternatives. Nor does it make better pictures than any other camera. Leica sells an *experience* for as much as they can.
Sure, it’s kinda unique. And you get Leica galleries and the Barnack awards and all the stuff Leica does to support photography. Plus European wages and conditions are more expensive than Asia. But basically Leica wants to make money. Same as every other camera company. They’re just lucky that some/many of their customers are price insensitive, unlike Canon, Sony or Fujifilm etc.
Gordon
Gordon
Sep 08, 2026 at 03:20 PM
p.2 #7Leica M EV - overpriced?
Flash
Do you get any form of focus confirmation with your new SL3-P? In other words how do know that your focus point is the place in focus? Thanks.
Do you get any form of focus confirmation with your new SL3-P? In other words how do know that your focus point is the place in focus? Thanks.
Sep 08, 2026 at 03:42 PM
p.2 #8Leica M EV - overpriced?
stgrove wrote:
Spot on! Which turned into a disaster. The EV1 is IMO, way overpriced. Just like a lot of other Leica gear. But this one is blatantly overpriced to the point of being insulting. It's no more of an M camera than a Sony or a Nikon with an adapter. No rangefinder mechanism. It's NOT a rangefinder camera anyway you look at it. It's an overpriced luxury item with absolutely no justification for its price other than Leica can set whatever price they say. Even dealer cost is over priced in the US. There is a 20 point markup for US dealers and if you are lucky to be a special US dealer, its 35. Even so, it overpriced.
I will buy one used when they hit 5k or less or maybe even pass on it. Maybe I will trade somethging for one. But I would never spend the ridiculous 9300.00 list price on one. My SL3-S does better with M lenses than the EV1. Granted, different form factor but better in everyway with it's limited capabilities.
Also, If you are a working pro, I really don't think its a camera one uses to make a living. so justifying it as a work requirement falls flat for me.
If you have disposable income more power to you and enjoy it.
Lastly, The only festool I have is a Domino. Everything else is over priced as well, just like the Leica stuff. But I do love my Domino!Leica dealers work off a 14% margin-not 20%.
If you do not own the EV1 how can you say "My SL3-S does better with M lenses than the EV1"?I have the dealer price sheets. I stand corrected. It varies all over the place. I just looked again at the April price sheet.
M11 - Margin BEFORE Bonus. 14.31%
A variety of lenses 16.31%
SL Lenses 15.36%
Accessories: 33.98%
Visoflex: 33.98% So
FYI, Dealer cost on summilux 50mm close focus 11728 is 4603.00 So the one I have for sale at 3800.00 is a smoking deal.
I may just publish the entire price sheet on my website. But need to think about it. Also agaion this is as of april. Need to look for newer one.
Does the EV1 offer auto focus with SL lenses ? No. The EV1 does not do auto focus. Actually what I should have said was the Nikon ZF does better with M lenses than the EV1. At least I can throw M lenses on the ZF and get Auto focus with the right adapter, get auto focus confirmation, get eye tracking etc ... All things the EV1 does not do.
This particular EV1 topic is like politics and religion. There is nothing you can say to me at this time that will convince me the EV1 is a s smart choice. Maybe that will change in the future. but if I can use my M lenses on another camera with better features, that alone makes it better than the ev1.Jorge-I hear you, BUT
how can you make such a statement without owning the EV1? That is all I am saying. SL lenses are not what we are talking about -M lenses are the lenses of this subject.
You think you know it, but if you do not use it for 1-2 weeks you have no validity on this subject.
Fair statement.
Jorge Torralba wrote
stgrove wrote
Jorge Torralba wrote
RoamingScott wrote
It's Leica's ZX1.I will buy one used when they hit 5k or less or maybe even pass on it. Maybe I will trade somethging for one. But I would never spend the ridiculous 9300.00 list price on one. My SL3-S does better with M lenses than the EV1. Granted, different form factor but better in everyway with it's limited capabilities.
Also, If you are a working pro, I really don't think its a camera one uses to make a living. so justifying it as a work requirement falls flat for me.
If you have disposable income more power to you and enjoy it.
Lastly, The only festool I have is a Domino. Everything else is over priced as well, just like the Leica stuff. But I do love my Domino!
If you do not own the EV1 how can you say "My SL3-S does better with M lenses than the EV1"?
M11 - Margin BEFORE Bonus. 14.31%
A variety of lenses 16.31%
SL Lenses 15.36%
Accessories: 33.98%
Visoflex: 33.98% So
FYI, Dealer cost on summilux 50mm close focus 11728 is 4603.00 So the one I have for sale at 3800.00 is a smoking deal.
I may just publish the entire price sheet on my website. But need to think about it. Also agaion this is as of april. Need to look for newer one.
Does the EV1 offer auto focus with SL lenses ? No. The EV1 does not do auto focus. Actually what I should have said was the Nikon ZF does better with M lenses than the EV1. At least I can throw M lenses on the ZF and get Auto focus with the right adapter, get auto focus confirmation, get eye tracking etc ... All things the EV1 does not do.
This particular EV1 topic is like politics and religion. There is nothing you can say to me at this time that will convince me the EV1 is a s smart choice. Maybe that will change in the future. but if I can use my M lenses on another camera with better features, that alone makes it better than the ev1.
how can you make such a statement without owning the EV1? That is all I am saying. SL lenses are not what we are talking about -M lenses are the lenses of this subject.
You think you know it, but if you do not use it for 1-2 weeks you have no validity on this subject.
Fair statement.
Sep 08, 2026 at 04:13 PM
p.2 #9Leica M EV - overpriced?
I don't have an SL3-P but I'm guessing you don't have focus confirmation with M lenses. I don't know if you get focus confirmation with a lens in manual mode, which is what the newer Nikons can do (even subject recognition).
Sep 08, 2026 at 04:13 PM
p.2 #10Leica M EV - overpriced?
bcaslis wrote:
I don't have an SL3-P but I'm guessing you don't have focus confirmation with M lenses. I don't know if you get focus confirmation with a lens in manual mode, which is what the newer Nikons can do (even subject recognition).
I was not clear I also meant with AF SL lenses too.
I don't have an SL3-P but I'm guessing you don't have focus confirmation with M lenses. I don't know if you get focus confirmation with a lens in manual mode, which is what the newer Nikons can do (even subject recognition).
I was not clear I also meant with AF SL lenses too.
Sep 08, 2026 at 04:59 PM
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p.2 #11Leica M EV - overpriced?
stgrove wrote:
Flash
Do you get any form of focus confirmation with your new SL3-P? In other words how do know that your focus point is the place in focus? Thanks.
Yes. Same as any SL3 camera. Box or point turns green when AF is achieved. No confirmation with M lenses though.
Gordon
Flash
Do you get any form of focus confirmation with your new SL3-P? In other words how do know that your focus point is the place in focus? Thanks.
Yes. Same as any SL3 camera. Box or point turns green when AF is achieved. No confirmation with M lenses though.
Gordon
Sep 08, 2026 at 06:06 PM
p.2 #12Leica M EV - overpriced?
SlowDriver wrote:
What is the benefit for Leica and IQ, if any, of them stripping out the PDAF that is already in the Sony sensor they are using?The M11 base sensor doesn't actually have PDAF to start with, so Leica doesn't have to strip anything out for the M EV1 (based on the M11 sensor)...phase-detection pixels are only baked in for their autofocus lines like the SL3. Skipping PDAF entirely on the manual-focus M series is actually a win for image quality because it keeps the pixel matrix completely uniform. Without those split or masked phase-detection pixels, you avoid subtle digital artifacts or banding under harsh lighting, ensuring every single pixel delivers pure, micro-contrast and raw detail...so that's the direction Leica took with the M EV1. The Nikon Zf is an AF camera anyways, so PDAF was already there for AF and Nikon used that for focus confirmation. Now, how much degradation PDAF causes is debatable.The next logical question then, why does my now almost 8-year-old Canon EOS R have focus confirmation whereas the latest Leica SL3-P does not?
Canon had phase detect way back with the EOS R, and Canon adopted phase-based focus confirmation way back then. Leica simply hasn't adopted focus confirmation for manual focus, not even when manually focusing their own AF lenses. Focus confirmation does happen when using AF, so it's likely an artificial firmware limitation. Same goes for Canon/Nikon for artificially limiting green box manual focus confirmation to electronically connected lenses for no reason at all.
flash wrote:
Do you get any form of focus confirmation with your new SL3-P? In other words how do know that your focus point is the place in focus? Thanks.Yes. Same as any SL3 camera. Box or point turns green when AF is achieved. No confirmation with M lenses though.
Gordon
But not when manually focusing the same AF lens. Why?
Fred Miranda wrote
RoamingScott wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
If Leica ever firmware updates the M EV1 to support focus confirmation like the Nikon Zf, I'd buy one immediately. The catch is that the Zf relies on sensor-level PDAF pixels to calculate distance and confirm focus. If the M EV1 sensor lacks PDAF hardware (which may be the case), a firmware update alone won't do it...meaning Leica would have to save that feature for the next generation, assuming they even make a successor.Canon had phase detect way back with the EOS R, and Canon adopted phase-based focus confirmation way back then. Leica simply hasn't adopted focus confirmation for manual focus, not even when manually focusing their own AF lenses. Focus confirmation does happen when using AF, so it's likely an artificial firmware limitation. Same goes for Canon/Nikon for artificially limiting green box manual focus confirmation to electronically connected lenses for no reason at all.
flash wrote:
stgrove wrote
FlashDo you get any form of focus confirmation with your new SL3-P? In other words how do know that your focus point is the place in focus? Thanks.
Gordon
But not when manually focusing the same AF lens. Why?
Sep 08, 2026 at 07:03 PM
p.2 #13Leica M EV - overpriced?
Hi Fred,
Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
Fred Miranda wrote:
What is the benefit for Leica and IQ, if any, of them stripping out the PDAF that is already in the Sony sensor they are using?The M11 base sensor doesn't actually have PDAF to start with, so Leica doesn't have to strip anything out for the M EV1 (based on the M11 sensor)...phase-detection pixels are only baked in for their autofocus lines like the SL3. Skipping PDAF entirely on the manual-focus M series is actually a win for image quality because it keeps the pixel matrix completely uniform. Without those split or masked phase-detection pixels, you avoid subtle digital artifacts or banding under harsh lighting, ensuring every single pixel delivers pure, micro-contrast and raw detail...so that's the direction Leica took with the M EV1....Show more →
Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
Fred Miranda wrote:
RoamingScott wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
If Leica ever firmware updates the M EV1 to support focus confirmation like the Nikon Zf, I'd buy one immediately. The catch is that the Zf relies on sensor-level PDAF pixels to calculate distance and confirm focus. If the M EV1 sensor lacks PDAF hardware (which may be the case), a firmware update alone won't do it...meaning Leica would have to save that feature for the next generation, assuming they even make a successor.Sep 08, 2026 at 07:24 PM
p.2 #14Leica M EV - overpriced?
thrice wrote:
Hi Fred,
Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
What is the benefit for Leica and IQ, if any, of them stripping out the PDAF that is already in the Sony sensor they are using?The M11 base sensor doesn't actually have PDAF to start with, so Leica doesn't have to strip anything out for the M EV1 (based on the M11 sensor)...phase-detection pixels are only baked in for their autofocus lines like the SL3. Skipping PDAF entirely on the manual-focus M series is actually a win for image quality because it keeps the pixel matrix completely uniform. Without those split or masked phase-detection pixels, you avoid subtle digital artifacts or banding under harsh lighting, ensuring every single pixel delivers pure, micro-contrast and raw detail...so that's the direction Leica took with the M EV1. The Nikon Zf is an AF camera anyways, so PDAF was already there for AF and Nikon used that for focus confirmation. Now, how much degradation PDAF causes is debatable.I haven't gone too deep down that rabbit hole myself, but imagine if Leica drops a firmware update for the M11 series (including the M EV1) that magically enables focus confirmation. Then we'd know the PDAF pixels were secretly baked in all along! 
I know, pure wishful thinking.
Hi Fred,
Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
Fred Miranda wrote
RoamingScott wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
If Leica ever firmware updates the M EV1 to support focus confirmation like the Nikon Zf, I'd buy one immediately. The catch is that the Zf relies on sensor-level PDAF pixels to calculate distance and confirm focus. If the M EV1 sensor lacks PDAF hardware (which may be the case), a firmware update alone won't do it...meaning Leica would have to save that feature for the next generation, assuming they even make a successor. I know, pure wishful thinking.Sep 08, 2026 at 08:49 PM
p.2 #15Leica M EV - overpriced?
thrice wrote:
Hi Fred,
Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
What is the benefit for Leica and IQ, if any, of them stripping out the PDAF that is already in the Sony sensor they are using?The M11 base sensor doesn't actually have PDAF to start with, so Leica doesn't have to strip anything out for the M EV1 (based on the M11 sensor)...phase-detection pixels are only baked in for their autofocus lines like the SL3. Skipping PDAF entirely on the manual-focus M series is actually a win for image quality because it keeps the pixel matrix completely uniform. Without those split or masked phase-detection pixels, you avoid subtle digital artifacts or banding under harsh lighting, ensuring every single pixel delivers pure, micro-contrast and raw detail...so that's the direction Leica took with the M EV1. The Nikon Zf is an AF camera anyways, so PDAF was already there for AF and Nikon used that for focus confirmation. Now, how much degradation PDAF causes is debatable.
Google says:
For the Leica M11, Leica contracted Sony Semiconductor Solutions to produce a hybrid that does not exist in Sony's public catalog: a full RGB color sensor that completely omits the PDAF microlens masking and pixel circuitry. Because it is a bespoke order, its internal industrial item number remains a closely guarded corporate secret between Sony and Leica. Rather than pulling a standard IMX455AQK from the shelf, Sony uses a modified lithography mask at their foundry during the wafer fabrication phase to print clean imaging pixels across the entire grid before fusing it with Leica's proprietary ultra-thin cover glass and specialized offset edge-microlenses.
Hi Fred,
Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
Fred Miranda wrote
RoamingScott wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
If Leica ever firmware updates the M EV1 to support focus confirmation like the Nikon Zf, I'd buy one immediately. The catch is that the Zf relies on sensor-level PDAF pixels to calculate distance and confirm focus. If the M EV1 sensor lacks PDAF hardware (which may be the case), a firmware update alone won't do it...meaning Leica would have to save that feature for the next generation, assuming they even make a successor.Google says:
For the Leica M11, Leica contracted Sony Semiconductor Solutions to produce a hybrid that does not exist in Sony's public catalog: a full RGB color sensor that completely omits the PDAF microlens masking and pixel circuitry. Because it is a bespoke order, its internal industrial item number remains a closely guarded corporate secret between Sony and Leica. Rather than pulling a standard IMX455AQK from the shelf, Sony uses a modified lithography mask at their foundry during the wafer fabrication phase to print clean imaging pixels across the entire grid before fusing it with Leica's proprietary ultra-thin cover glass and specialized offset edge-microlenses.
Sep 08, 2026 at 08:57 PM
p.2 #16Leica M EV - overpriced?
Fred Miranda wrote:
Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
What is the benefit for Leica and IQ, if any, of them stripping out the PDAF that is already in the Sony sensor they are using?The M11 base sensor doesn't actually have PDAF to start with, so Leica doesn't have to strip anything out for the M EV1 (based on the M11 sensor)...phase-detection pixels are only baked in for their autofocus lines like the SL3. Skipping PDAF entirely on the manual-focus M series is actually a win for image quality because it keeps the pixel matrix completely uniform. Without those split or masked phase-detection pixels, you avoid subtle digital artifacts or banding under harsh lighting, ensuring every single pixel delivers pure, micro-contrast and raw detail...so that's the direction Leica took with the M EV1. The Nikon Zf is an AF camera anyways, so PDAF was already there for AF and Nikon used that for focus confirmation. Now, how much degradation PDAF causes is debatable.I haven't gone too deep down that rabbit hole myself, but imagine if Leica drops a firmware update for the M11 series (including the M EV1) that magically enables focus confirmation. Then we'd know the PDAF pixels were secretly baked in all along! I know, pure wishful thinking.
Leica doesn't even have manual focus confirmation on the SL3 for manually focusing their SL AF lenses.
thrice wrote
Hi Fred,Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
Fred Miranda wrote
RoamingScott wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
If Leica ever firmware updates the M EV1 to support focus confirmation like the Nikon Zf, I'd buy one immediately. The catch is that the Zf relies on sensor-level PDAF pixels to calculate distance and confirm focus. If the M EV1 sensor lacks PDAF hardware (which may be the case), a firmware update alone won't do it...meaning Leica would have to save that feature for the next generation, assuming they even make a successor. I know, pure wishful thinking.Leica doesn't even have manual focus confirmation on the SL3 for manually focusing their SL AF lenses.
Sep 08, 2026 at 08:59 PM
p.2 #17Leica M EV - overpriced?
highdesertmesa wrote:
Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
What is the benefit for Leica and IQ, if any, of them stripping out the PDAF that is already in the Sony sensor they are using?The M11 base sensor doesn't actually have PDAF to start with, so Leica doesn't have to strip anything out for the M EV1 (based on the M11 sensor)...phase-detection pixels are only baked in for their autofocus lines like the SL3. Skipping PDAF entirely on the manual-focus M series is actually a win for image quality because it keeps the pixel matrix completely uniform. Without those split or masked phase-detection pixels, you avoid subtle digital artifacts or banding under harsh lighting, ensuring every single pixel delivers pure, micro-contrast and raw detail...so that's the direction Leica took with the M EV1. The Nikon Zf is an AF camera anyways, so PDAF was already there for AF and Nikon used that for focus confirmation. Now, how much degradation PDAF causes is debatable.I haven't gone too deep down that rabbit hole myself, but imagine if Leica drops a firmware update for the M11 series (including the M EV1) that magically enables focus confirmation. Then we'd know the PDAF pixels were secretly baked in all along! I know, pure wishful thinking.Leica doesn't even have manual focus confirmation on the SL3 for manually focusing their SL AF lenses.
Yep. I think the first sign will be seeing an SL3 series firmware update address this...or waiting all the way for the SL4. In other words, if Leica figures focus magnification and peaking are already "good enough", it's going to be a very long wait (if it happens at all). Meantime I will continue enjoying the Zf mainly for this feature alone!
Fred Miranda wrote
thrice wrote
Hi Fred,Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
Fred Miranda wrote
RoamingScott wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
If Leica ever firmware updates the M EV1 to support focus confirmation like the Nikon Zf, I'd buy one immediately. The catch is that the Zf relies on sensor-level PDAF pixels to calculate distance and confirm focus. If the M EV1 sensor lacks PDAF hardware (which may be the case), a firmware update alone won't do it...meaning Leica would have to save that feature for the next generation, assuming they even make a successor. I know, pure wishful thinking.Yep. I think the first sign will be seeing an SL3 series firmware update address this...or waiting all the way for the SL4. In other words, if Leica figures focus magnification and peaking are already "good enough", it's going to be a very long wait (if it happens at all). Meantime I will continue enjoying the Zf mainly for this feature alone!
Sep 08, 2026 at 09:02 PM
p.2 #18Leica M EV - overpriced?
Fred Miranda wrote:
Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
The M11 base sensor doesn't actually have PDAF to start with, so Leica doesn't have to strip anything out for the M EV1 (based on the M11 sensor)...phase-detection pixels are only baked in for their autofocus lines like the SL3. Skipping PDAF entirely on the manual-focus M series is actually a win for image quality because it keeps the pixel matrix completely uniform. Without those split or masked phase-detection pixels, you avoid subtle digital artifacts or banding under harsh lighting, ensuring every single pixel delivers pure, micro-contrast and raw detail...so that's the direction Leica took with the M EV1. The Nikon Zf is an AF camera anyways, so PDAF was already there for AF and Nikon used that for focus confirmation. Now, how much degradation PDAF causes is debatable.I haven't gone too deep down that rabbit hole myself, but imagine if Leica drops a firmware update for the M11 series (including the M EV1) that magically enables focus confirmation. Then we'd know the PDAF pixels were secretly baked in all along! I know, pure wishful thinking.Leica doesn't even have manual focus confirmation on the SL3 for manually focusing their SL AF lenses.Yep. I think the first sign will be seeing an SL3 series firmware update address this...or waiting all the way for the SL4. In other words, if Leica figures focus magnification and peaking are already "good enough", it's going to be a very long wait (if it happens at all). Meantime I will continue enjoying the Zf mainly for this feature alone!
If only Nikon and Canon allowed the focus confirmation to happen for non-electronically connected lenses without requiring an electronically-connected adapter to trick the camera into thinking it's an electronically connected lens! It should be enough to enter the focal length as is already done to enable IBIS.
highdesertmesa wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
thrice wrote
Hi Fred,Is the sensor in the M11 not the IMX455BQK?
I don't think I've seen the AQK sensor variants in any cameras outside of scientific, but maybe Leica convinced Sony to supply them.
Fwiw my mono astro camera has the ALK variant which states it lacks the pdaf pixels. However, when pushing data hard (as one does with astro) I can expose pdaf banding that I then calibrate out. The pdaf may be disabled at a hardware level but the pixels still exist. Given its in an M camera Leica probably didn't engineer a solution.
Fred Miranda wrote
RoamingScott wrote
What is the benefit for Leica and IQ, if any, of them stripping out the PDAF that is already in the Sony sensor they are using? I know, pure wishful thinking.If only Nikon and Canon allowed the focus confirmation to happen for non-electronically connected lenses without requiring an electronically-connected adapter to trick the camera into thinking it's an electronically connected lens! It should be enough to enter the focal length as is already done to enable IBIS.
Sep 08, 2026 at 09:05 PM
p.2 #19Leica M EV - overpriced?
focus peaking sucks and is really only reliable if focusing with the lens wide open.
focus confirmation requires the camera to calculate distance based on data from the lens. manual lenses have no way of communicating this data to the camera. So no can do the little green box on SLx , or EV1 with existing hardware. Another reason the EV1 is NOT WORTH the price.
the zf a beautiful 1900.00 camera handles manual focus differently because of of the following.
the expeed 7 subject recognition which function differently depending on whether the lens has electronic contacts. And guess what, those cheap adapters are chipped which send data to the camera keeping the pd af system active. To put it simply, Nikon and other manufacturers are way ahead of Leica here. And the EV1 has no salvation unless it gets pd capabilities and some nikon engineers working for Leica
focus confirmation requires the camera to calculate distance based on data from the lens. manual lenses have no way of communicating this data to the camera. So no can do the little green box on SLx , or EV1 with existing hardware. Another reason the EV1 is NOT WORTH the price.
the zf a beautiful 1900.00 camera handles manual focus differently because of of the following.
the expeed 7 subject recognition which function differently depending on whether the lens has electronic contacts. And guess what, those cheap adapters are chipped which send data to the camera keeping the pd af system active. To put it simply, Nikon and other manufacturers are way ahead of Leica here. And the EV1 has no salvation unless it gets pd capabilities and some nikon engineers working for Leica
Sep 08, 2026 at 09:37 PM
p.2 #20Leica M EV - overpriced?
I must say once I tried the Nikon Z5II I immediately understood what was missing on Leica M bodies. All this for $1600 in my case-so I got two. Think about it 6 camera bodies that can AF an M lens for the price of one M body that can't AF an M lens.
Of course I use the Techart 02 AF adapter for my lenses and as long as they are under 500 grams all works smoothly for me.:
Of course I use the Techart 02 AF adapter for my lenses and as long as they are under 500 grams all works smoothly for me.
:Sep 09, 2026 at 06:19 AM