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NEWS / 13
CLASSIC SOUL Leica M takes a new view
After a mere 100 years making a name for itself with its rangefinder cameras, Leica has done the seemingly unthinkable and released a Leica M with an electronic viewfinder only. The rangefinder is gone in the new Leica M EV1 – which still carries the official branding ‘M’ for messsucher. That’s German for rangefinder, the optical and mechanical system that allows photographers to focus manual lenses by viewing two superimposed images in the viewfinder. The EV1 joins Leica’s family of digital and analogue rangefinders as a new option rather than replacing any other models. It uses a 5.76-megapixel EVF to display an accurate real-time look at the scene including focus, field of view and exposure. It’s a big benefit when using ultra wide-angle, telephoto or macro lenses where the rangefinder system was not always ideal. To help focus, especially using fast Leica lenses with very wide apertures,
the camera also has focus peaking and instant punch-in magnification. There is an integrated dioptre adjustment and a customisable front lever for activating focus assist or digital zoom. Built around a 60-megapixel full- frame back-side illuminated CMOS sensor like the M11, the M EV1 offers Triple Resolution Technology, which allows stills to be captured at 60, 36 or 18 megapixels in DNG or JPEG. The M EV1 has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Leica Fotos app integration. The M EV1 is handmade in Germany and features a distinctive diamond-pattern leatherette finish to set it apart from traditional rangefinder models. It includes Content Credentials technology too, adding a tamper-proof digital signature which allows you to verify image authenticity. Maybe the best news is that the M EV1 is £6840 – cheaper than the £7900 M11. A matching handgrip is £340. leica-camera.com
SL3 gets a rugged makeover
Leica’s new Reporter-spec SL3 full- frame mirrorless is £6200 and has been upgraded for toughness, so it will develop a battle-scarred patina over years of use. It is coated in scratch-resistant olive-green paint and wrapped in aramid fibre for increased grip and protection against abrasions,
dust and harsh environments. The minimalist design removes the red Leica badge to help it blend in. Inside, it mirrors the standard SL3 specs with a 60-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, fast autofocus and easy connectivity through the Leica Fotos app. The camera also shoots 8K video.
CLONE CAMERA It might look like a classic rangefinder but the Leica M EV1 uses an EVF
Free Affinity adds a million users in six days
One of the best alternatives to Adobe’s subscription-based creative tools has just changed the game. The photo, design and publishing suite Affinity is now free, following its recent acquisition by Canva. The response has been explosive as, in just six days, Canva says that one million new users joined the platform.
Affinity has consolidated all its apps into one unified and free platform, echoing Canva’s mission to democratise design. It’s called a freemium model, where optional upgrades and AI-powered tools fund development so that Canva can offer pro-grade software at no cost. It’s the same philosophy that helped the
company grow into one of the world’s biggest creative platforms. The strategy mirrors Blackmagic Design’s success with its DaVinci Resolve video editor – another professional-grade tool that built its huge popularity through a free core version and powerful paid upgrades. affinity.studio
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