It has been over three weeks since I held the Leica M EV1 in my hands for the very first time. Before I got my review unit in, I'd read a lot of chatter on online forums, talking about how the M EV1 was a step in the wrong direction for the M-series lineup of optical rangefinders as it incorporates an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and focus assisting aids.
In the time since, I've spent days photographing a Christmas gathering with my friends and then another couple of weeks conducting my in-depth testing before publishing my full Leica M EV1 review. My conclusion? It isn't a step in the wrong direction. In fact, I believe Leica has chosen to go down the right path, and make the M-system more accessible, in a way.
But here's the kicker. Even if I had all the money in the world, I don't think I'd personally buy the M EV1. Why not, you ask? After all, it takes stunning photos, handles well, and enables pinpoint, precise focusing. Somehow, that alone doesn't convince me to drop nearly ten grand on it. If money were no object, I'd buy its Leica cousin instead.
A Q disguised as an M
The Leica M EV1 is a rugged-looking, powerful camera, capable of capturing stunning images. Featuring a hi-res OLED EVF and focus peaking while manually focusing, images taken are incredibly sharp and packed with detail. It borrows the EVF from its stablemate, the Leica Q3 43, and frankly speaking, I'd pick the latter over the M EV1 any day.
Don't get me wrong: the M EV1 is a joy to use, but it feels like halfway between an M-series and a Q-series camera. The M EV1 has the same base ISO of 64, as well as the same 60.3MP sensor and a slower Leica Maestro III processor — but the Q3 43 packs all that (plus Maestro IV) and so much more, so why not spend a little less and grab it instead?
You see, the Q3 43 is the more 'well-rounded' camera which is practically perfect for any kind of photographer. Intelligent Hybrid AF, a tilt-type monitor, a 15fps shutter for burst shooting, and C8K/30fps or C4K/60fps make it fit for any occasion. The thing you miss out on, of course, is Leica's top-drawer M-mount lenses, as you're stuck with a fixed 43mm lens instead. But the good news is that you can toggle the camera to manual focusing if you want, so you really get the best of both worlds.
The M EV1, on the other hand, is for a specific type of photographer: someone who wants a compact camera for slow and considered photography where you must take your time with focusing. Not that there's anything wrong with that, and I'd venture to say that it's the most approachable M-series camera yet, thanks to the EVF for easier focusing. But gun to my head and I had to pick one of the two? The Q3 43, easily.
Don't write it off though
Just because one thing is better than the other, it doesn't make the other thing inherently bad — and the Leica M EV1 is far from being considered a poor camera. I kicked off the new year just right with the M EV1 in my hands for review, and I'd be lying if I said I haven't enjoyed every single minute of testing it.
Perfectly endowed for architecture, portrait and studio photography where your primary subject is stationary or slow, the M EV1 enables pinpoint precise focusing. You can zero in on your subject, have them and only them in focus with everything else blurred, and capture a cinematic photo, as you can see in the gallery above.
One thing I adore about the M EV1 is its various color profiles, present also on the Q3 43. There are a few to play around with, but my favorite is Monochrome High Contrast which makes photos appear extremely dramatic with deeper blacks. Honestly, the more I test Leica cameras, the more I like the brand's black and white color profiles better than Fujifilm's Acros!
Of course, it highly depends on your photography needs to determine the better camera for you. The M EV1 is great for considered photography and for those who don't care much about class-leading specs, while the Q3 43 is ideal for... well, everyone, regardless of the kind of photographer they are.
The one thing both cameras have in common, though? They'll burn a hole in your pocket!
What about cheaper alternatives?
I won't beat about the bush here, and it's something we are all aware of: Leica makes expensive cameras. Very expensive cameras. I speak of the Leica Q3 43 as if I will actually end up buying one soon, but that's wishful thinking, and it might be true for a lot of people. Both the Q3 43 and the M EV1 cost an arm and a leg, much like other cameras bearing that red dot.
So are there any cheaper, more affordable alternatives to the Q3 43 and the M EV1? There are indeed! While not all of them can be considered 'budget' options, they're definitely more accessible.
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