As Predicted, Leica drops a whole new camera (kinda). Let the feeding frenzy begin!!! Will I buy one? Probably not...

 

Leica M EV1

Leica took their basic M series rangefinder camera, took out the optical rangefinder entirely, and replaced it with an EVF. In one fell swoop they've taken what made one of their cameras totally different from just about everything else on the market and presented to the photography universe one more camera that uses an EVF instead of any sort of optical finder. Of course it works with 70 years worth of Leica M series lenses and that's a good thing but it's sure to stir up some temporary angst and controversy amongst the Leica faithful, and provide contentious fuel for the fires of legions of Leica haters. They will contend that you might as well just buy an XXX (cheaper camera) and put Leica lenses on it --- if that floats your boat. 

When I saw the flood of videos about the M EV1 from all the Leica toting influencers I immediately rushed  my favorite Leica store's website and added my name to the wait list to eventually be able to buy one --- but that's kind of a pro forma move since I am under no obligation to buy one when it becomes available. The retailer will just move on to the next person on the list...

Here's what the camera is in a nutshell: It's based on the existing M11 body design but uses an eyepiece that more closely matches that of the EVF enabled Q3. The big, optical viewfinder window has been totally removed and you are now going to compose and focus on a conventional EVF screen. The camera uses what we presume to be the same 60 megapixel sensor seen in the Q3 and SL3 cameras. It features the triple resolution capability that allows for raw files in smaller resolutions. (Nice). It comes with an SD slot and also 64 GB of internal memory. While I think the 64 GB is a bit stingy in this day and age I'm sure they limited it so that when the special edition version ("P") comes to market they can add more memory to that camera to enforce the difference between it and the stock version. Don't worry, you'll be able to tell the difference between models because Leica will remove the red, front logo on the luxe version. I meant "more luxe" version. One exciting feature for Leica lovers !!! No video. Oh boy! (not). 

I was prepared to be really excited about the new camera, after all I have a bunch of cool M mount lenses that would work really well on the camera and it sure will make composing on 28,24,21, and 18mm lenses a lot easier. Not to mention being able to use longer lenses than 90mm with more comfort and precision. But we've always been able to do that since the introduction of the M240 (2012) by attaching a shoe mounted, external EVF. So, hmmm. What's in it for me?

I found it delightfully humorous, and cynically disingenuous, to watch YouTuber after YouTuber get all exciting about the idea of an EVF on an interchangeable lens camera. As though this was brand new tech!!! Groundbreaking. Imagine, you can "PREVIEW" the shot you might want to take. Imagine, you can "REVIEW" the shot you just took, right there in the finder!!! Without even moving your eye away!!!!  You can see how your color temperature settings will impact the image you are about to capture!!!!! You can see focus peaking and, most amazing of all, you can magnify the frame you are considering shooting in order to focus the lens more accurately!!!!!! All things we've been able to do across many systems for many years. For well over a decade!!!!!!!!! 

If you don't need a full frame camera you could buy a Leica CL (the digital version) as well as an M to L Leica lens adapter and instantly be able to use all those cool M mount lenses in exactly the same way right now! No waiting for supply to catch up with demand. And as a bonus you'll save seven or eight thousand dollars into the bargain. As a second, added bonus you can even have video with a CL, if you want it. 

While I was getting all amped up while listening to the well oiled, Chris Nichols camera review machine I happened to reach over on my desk and grab my Leica SL2-S, the one I bought used this year for a little over two thousand dollars... Amazingly it already had an M mount lens attached to it via the Leica M to L adapter. Amazingly I could do things like: use focus peaking! accurately compose any focal length M lens with alarming precision! preview my exposure! check focus by magnifying the preview frame! see how different color temperature settings would affect the image I was about to take! when using Leica M lenses that are coded I could also have the camera automatically set accurate lens profiles! In fact, the only two things spending eight thousand more dollars would buy me would be a lighter camera (less weight) and a 60 megapixel sensor. I'd like the sensor but I am not yet so infirmed that the difference in weight between an M camera and an SL camera is so dramatic. Or that my current M cameras are not up to the task of....taking photographs.

From a marketing point of view I am certain that Leica is doing exactly what they should be doing as a "for profit" company. They are opening up their M "tent" to a much wider audience; one that was never going to buy into the rangefinder mystique. They've goosed up their aspirational product line with one that more firmly aligns with a much bigger target market. At the same time they are lowering the cost of producing more machines for the epic M product line. As we all know, if you can replace a complex mechanical/optical mechanism with an electronic package that is mass produced by Epson (the EVF screen) you cut so many costs while eliminating points of failure from mechanical shock, etc. Less warranty repairs? Greater reliability? Less manufacturing costs? More money in Leica's luxe pockets?

So, a more accessible product, less production costs, same high prices = higher profit margins and more inventory moved out the door. A win-win-win for Leica. 

I stated that I probably will not buy one. But I have been known to change my mind. So, please don't pillory me if you see me out and about with an M EV1 in my hands. I am only human and subject to Veblenistic behaviors like any one else. 

In the long run it's obvious to me that no matter what Leica says (and they have stated that they'll be making real, rangefinder M cameras till the end of time) within five, at the most, ten, years they'll quietly discontinue the optical finder Ms and let everyone know that EVFs have "gotten so good" that they've "eclipsed" the usefulness of the optical rangefinders and so, have discontinued them ---- except for special editions. $$$$

Now heading to the Hermés store on South Congress Ave. to buy a thousand dollar camera strap for my SL2-S. Just trying to feel better after finding out today that all my current camera tech is becoming obsolete. What's next? More complex menus?

Taking a breather to walk around with an ancient M240 and its EVF-2 finder. Who knows? Retro digital might be cool again.

No sweat, they are all just cameras....  As Roland says, it's just the punctum that matters...

Funny though to hear from influencer/people who swore that their optical viewfinder Leicas were the compelling differentiation from all other cameras only to see them swill Italian wines and gush about the potential of EVFs at an all expenses paid "vacation" and have them swoon because the brand (and product line)  they professed to love the most just adapted decades old technology. The surprised looks on their faces about the efficacy of the "new" EVFs seemed....inauthentic. 

My problem, as usual, is not the product but the junket and the flood of day one, "first look" testimonials. Almost like a religion...