The M-System Evolves: Blending Tradition with Modern Precision for Unparalleled Focusing.
Leica Camera AG has marked a significant milestone in its history with the launch of the new Leica M EV1. This camera introduces an entirely new segment within the legendary M-System, welcoming a digital M-Camera with an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) alongside its traditional optical rangefinder counterparts. The M EV1 combines the historic values of the M-System with the benefits of an EVF, making M photography more accessible and versatile than ever before.
The Unprecedented Precision of the EVF
The integrated EVF fulfills a frequent customer request and significantly expands the range of applications for seasoned M users. Its greatest advantage is ensuring reliable and comfortable focusing. This is especially true when working with fast Summilux and Noctilux lenses at shallow depths of field, as well as with ultra-wide-angle, telephoto, and macro lenses.
The high-resolution 5.76 megapixel EVF provides brilliant image quality with exceptional clarity and natural color rendering. What the photographer sees in the viewfinder appears exactly as it will be captured, accurately reflecting the lens used, focal length, and aperture settings. This direct preview is highly advantageous for composing images and allows for new creative possibilities through precise, real-time exposure preview and targeted under- or overexposure.
For added usability, the EVF supports integrated diopter compensation, allowing adjustment between -4 and +2 diopters to match the user’s visual acuity.
Focus Assists and Workflow Enhancements
The M EV1 incorporates the integrated focus assist features familiar from other Leica cameras, enhancing manual focusing.
- Focus Peaking: This highlights the active plane of focus with a colored overlay, allowing for precise real-time adjustment.
- Focus Zoom: This simplifies manual focusing by offering two freely selectable magnification levels (1.3x or 1.8x digital zoom). It can be activated automatically when turning the focus ring or manually via a function button.
In a clever repurposing of a classic control, the lever on the front of the camera (used for bright-line frame preview on rangefinder M-Cameras) can now be assigned to one of the focus assists or the digital zoom, enabling quick and comfortable activation. The camera also features an eye sensor for automatic switching between the viewfinder and the touch panel.
Under the Hood: M11 Technology and Content Integrity
The new M-Camera is engineered based on the Leica M11. It utilizes the admired full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology. This technology is renowned for its precise color rendering, impressive detail, high dynamic range, and excellent noise behavior. Images can be saved in either DNG or JPEG format at resolutions of 60, 36, or 18 megapixels.
Powering the processing is the Maestro III chip, which handles high-resolution image data quickly. Data can be saved to the 64 GB internal memory or an SD card. The M EV1 also supports Content Credentials technology, which adds a tamper-proof digital signature to images, verifying their origin and any post-processing.
The Leica M EV1 is available globally at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorised dealers starting now. The recommended retail price will be RM41,850.
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