The M EV1 takes Leica's iconic M-series cameras in a new direction. Instead of using a typical optical rangefinder for focusing, it has an electronic viewfinder. This essentially makes the M EV1 more like any other full-frame mirrorless camera, except it's still manual focus only and is compatible with M-mount lenses.
Leica reckons an electronic finder makes achieving sharp focus easier than its rangefinder systems and while I definitely got on better with it than I did with the M11, I still missed focus on many shots and ended up not having a great selection of images that I'm especially pleased with.
It's a shame, as it meant I didn't get the results with the camera I was hoping for, but I do think the problem lies more with me than the camera itself. The M EV1 has a stunning 60 megapixel sensor and the 28mm f/1.4 Summilux lens I tested it with is capable of capturing gorgeous images. But I'm simply not used working with a manual focus.
Last year I bought Leica's Q3 43 with my own money, and that camera comes with more "standard" features like autofocus and an articulating screen for low-angle shooting. As a result, I've taken thousands of images with it, most of which I absolutely love. The M range? Not so much.
It's not that there's anything wrong with the M EV1 -- it's a superb addition to the range and I'm sure if I spent a lot more time with it as my main camera I'd start to improve my technique and get better results. But right now it's just not the camera for me -- nor, frankly, are any of Leica's digital M series cameras. And I'm happy enough with that conclusion because the M EV1's body-only $8,995 (£6,840) asking price puts it beyond my reach anyway.
Have a look at some of my test photos -- both the good and bad. Note that most images are slightly exposure- and color-adjusted in Lightroom, unless otherwise stated.