The Leica EV-1 is the first in the series to be a true mirrorless camera rather than a traditional rangefinder. It also sits firmly at the very top end of the premium market, making it a highly desirable camera. The lenses alone will cost roughly the same as the camera body, if not more, so don’t expect to get much change from £12,000 once you factor in a body and a lens.
With the review sample, it quickly became clear that this camera takes a very different approach compared with some of the other models on test. Many of the latest cutting-edge technologies boasted by the other cameras that are designed to help you capture images with pin-sharp accuracy are completely absent here, and for good reason. The Leica focuses purely on image quality, and you have to provide the accuracy, especially with the focus yourself.
The camera does include some automatic options. You can set the ISO to auto and work in aperture-priority, shutter-priority, or full manual control. However, what really sets this camera apart is the reconnection to manual photography. Leica has always encouraged a more deliberate approach to image-making, and that philosophy remains at the core of the EV-1.
For Leica purists, there may also be a shock: there is no traditional viewfinder despite its rangefinder styling. Instead, the only way to preview and review images is via the screen on the back. While that screen is excellent, bright, sharp and responsive, it will likely be a step too far for some long-time Leica fans who value the traditional rangefinder experience.
Despite these moves towards a more modern digital design, the camera’s quality is immediately apparent. The user interface is clinically laid out and easy to navigate, with a simple menu structure that lets you find settings quickly and without fuss. The screen also helps streamline the process, making adjustments far more intuitive.
The moment you lift the camera from the box, the weight is the first marker of quality. The EV-1 feels solid and substantial thanks to its metal construction. It also uses the Leica M mount, which means you have access to Leica’s iconic lens range. There’s no autofocus here, everything is manual, and for that manual approach, you’ll pay a premium, with lenses costing more than almost any other optics in this test, perhaps with the exception of the Hasselblad.
In use, you really do need to know what you’re doing. The controls demand a hands-on approach, and while you do have the convenience of auto ISO, shutter priority, and aperture priority, you feel for the full Leica experience, manual exposure is the only way to go; taking pictures is a considered, deliberate process. You need to stop, think and then take the shot. A Leica isn’t a camera for quick snapshots; if you rush it, you’re likely to end up with a blurred or poorly exposed image.
The EV-1 makes that process a little easier thanks to the large rear screen and simplified controls, which deliver a more modern, user-friendly experience while still respecting Leica’s core philosophy.
It’s also worth noting that many of the headline specifications that dominate discussions around other cameras in this test feel somewhat irrelevant here. With the Leica, the only thing that truly matters is image quality, and it’s exceptional.
Leica images have a depth and character that feel distinct from those produced by most other cameras. The lenses behave almost like artistic tools, shaping the image’s look in ways that encourage a more thoughtful photographic process. As the photographer, you need to work with the camera to get the best results, and while the Leica learning curve can be steep, it can also be incredibly rewarding because every image feels earned.
The Leica EV-1 is an interesting evolution of the traditional Leica concept and, in many ways, the most usable Leica I’ve handled. I’ve often struggled with the rangefinder design, but now that it’s gone, I actually miss it. Still, if you want the Leica experience with a slightly easier, more modern operating approach, the EV-1 is a very appealing option.
