I am still trying to wrap my head around the new rangefinder free Leica M EV1 camera. Since I don't have such a camera in my hands, i can only study it via other people. But there are already things, i find rather curiously poor choices made by Leica - for a 8000 € camera. Almost as if the camera is a test balloon - and not really the real deal (maybe EV2 will be).

When you enlarge the viewfinder - you do that through two steps (enlargements). The largest is a bit laggy. On top, it only enlarges the CENTER. In order to move the enlarged portion of the image, you have to... push the arrows several times (one for 1.3x and the next step is 1.8x) (NO JOY STICK TO MOVE THE CURSOR)

What the fuck ?!

Apparently - once you enlarge the center (where the cursor always stars from) - you can't move that, once enlarged 1.3x or 1.8x enlarged field anymore ?! You have to go back to see the full frame, and then trigger the arrow in order to move the cursor, and then enlarge the view.

Man... if that is true... it sounds weirdly backwards and ... well, STUPID.

That is so unbelievable stupid.

So, it is like Olympus EM1 Mark II, where you too had to use the arrows, which was like a trippy dance on the cursor buttons, in order to get into the corners, in order to see the exact sharpness. Almost retarded - in an 8000 € camera.

*Hurrrk*

The implementation for focus aid, via Focus Peaking also leaves a LOT to be desired. It isn't precise enough - it is that simple !! I wonder why Leica didn't install any other focus aids. Man, what a let down.

So, it feels like a half-baked camera, or let's say 75% of what it should be. Appaarently even the Leica Q3 does a better job. I am really puzzled. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to follow other photographers (the regulair ones, not the youtubers who push things). And see how they really feel about the new Leica M EV1 over time.

In the mean time; there is love from me; Die Kamera erinnert mich an 'ne Abzocke.

Sorry.

Additional thoughts

I am sure the Maestro processor also starts to lag behind. Man what a let down for such an expensive camera. I don't think the camera is bad - not at all. It is just for that kind of money, it is almost if they lost a bit of love on that model. Since this is an entirely new chapter in Leica's new alternative M line... they really should have put more heart and knowledge into the camera, with top notch components.

The EV1 is interesting for those who have issue with their eyes. The Leica EV1 also has a built-in eye correction- so you skip buying expensive add-ons for every correction. The EV also replaces the more clumsy external EV which costs around 1000 €. So, having an EV model, is indeed very exciting. But the lack of love and focus aids and other clumsy implementation, really makes me think that this is a half hearted test balloon.

Maybe they get it right with the Leica M EV2.