Rangefinder vs EVF: Leica M11-V with Electronic Viewfinder Incoming? V for Viewfinder (and Video)?
[08:11 Thu,9.October 2025 by Rob]
The rumor mill has been buzzing for some time around one of the biggest innovations that could soon be introduced for the Leica M rangefinder camera system. Named M11-V ("V" for Viewfinder), an electronic viewfinder could make its debut in the Leica M for the first time.
In the Leica rangefinder universe, which we, from our moving image perspective, always follow with interest and a degree of fascination, this announcement is likely to be akin to an earthquake. On the one hand, the Leica M portfolio represents Leica&s most important, iconic camera lineup, and on the other hand, the term "rangefinder system" – well, it simply defines a camera with a rangefinder.
And Leica also now has ample experience with electronic viewfinder systems – not least with the rather successful introduction of the Leica Q3, which, in addition to an EVF, also features an autofocus system – and in terms of form factor, comes quite close to a Leica M with an electronic viewfinder.
For many Leica M photographers, however, the optical viewfinder system is likely to be *the* central, if not *the* central, prerequisite for the much-cited "Leica experience" of the Leica M series. An electronic viewfinder, in that context, is akin to breaking a taboo.
From a filmmaker&s perspective, however, we see a whole host of advantages: The electronic viewfinder could optionally display the currently used focal length in its entirety, thus providing a near-WYSIWYG option. Framing with telephoto lenses could be easier with more viewfinder "real estate," focusing could be more reliable in low light, and overall, more shooting information and monitoring controls could be integrated – optional information that could also be of interest to film users.
Leica Q3
And finally, the price for a Leica M with an electronic viewfinder could be significantly lower. While this might not be an argument for true Leica M fans, for newcomers to the M system, the elimination of the costly mechanical rangefinder could significantly lower the barrier, especially since the EVF from the Q3 is already available at Leica.
Leica Q3 Rear with EVF
What certainly won&t happen is the discontinuation of Leica M models with optical viewfinders in favor of EVF systems. After all, Leica is already adept at the increasingly fine segmentation of the Leica M system – a Leica M with an electronic viewfinder would thus become another variant in the Leica M cosmos.
It&s great to see a continuously successful manufacturer from Germany in these times – Leica&s latest annual revenue clearly confirms its previous product policy. We wish Leica all the best for its future path and are excited to see how things will progress with the Leica M – which is also popular among many DOPs...
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