Weekly Leica Digest: Metal Gray Leaks, M EV1 Field Reports, and M-Mount "Steel Rim" Alternatives

Welcome to this week’s Leica curation for LP Workshops. As we move into the second week of May 2026, the Leica ecosystem is buzzing with “Metal Gray” leaks and long-term feedback on the M EV1. Whether you’re refining your digital workflow or hunting for vintage-character glass, here is the latest for your Friday morning.

Rumor Alert: The “Metal Gray” Collection Leaked

The big news this week is the appearance of leaked photos for an upcoming “Metal Gray” series. This new finish is expected to be announced imminently for the M11-P, Q3, and D-Lux 8, alongside a matching APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens. For those who found the standard silver too bright and the black too discreet, this finish appears to bridge the gap with an industrial, titanium-like aesthetic reminiscent of the classic M9 Steel Gray.

• Status: Rumored announcement mid-May 2026.
• Source: Leica Rumors: First Leaked Pictures of Metal Gray Editions

Leica M EV1: Six Months Later

The Leica M EV1—the rangefinder-style body featuring an integrated 5.76MP electronic viewfinder—has now been in the wild for half a year. Field reports are highlighting its unique position as the “lightest full-frame mirrorless body” currently on the market (weighing just 484g with battery).

• Workflow Win: Photographers using wide-angle glass like the 21mm Summilux are finding the EV1 superior to the M11+Visoflex combo for ergonomics, as it maintains a slimmer profile while providing 100% frame accuracy.
• The Trade-off: Note that the EV1 refresh rate is capped at 60fps, whereas the Q3 and SL3 offer 120fps. For slow, considerate photography (a staple of our workshops), this is rarely an issue, but worth noting for action shooters.
• Source: Macfilos: Six Months with the M EV1 | Tom’s Guide: M EV1 Review

Firmware Update: SL3 & Q3 (v4.0.1)

If you haven’t updated your SL3 or Q3 recently, Firmware v4.0.1 is now the stable standard. While v4.0 was a major milestone, v4.0.1 specifically fixed a critical bug in “Bulb” mode where long exposures occasionally couldn’t be canceled. It also restored joystick AF functionality in video mode when set to manual focus—essential for hybrid shooters.

• Pro Tip: Always perform a “Secure Erase” of your internal memory or SD cards after a major firmware jump to ensure database stability.
• Source: Leica Rumors: SL3/SL3-S Firmware 4.0.1 Details

M-Mount Glass: The “Steel Rim” Revival

For those seeking the “glow” of classic Leica optics without the five-figure price tag of an original 35mm Summilux, a new alternative has arrived. The Optics Peace 35mm f/1.4 E41 Classical is a faithful reinterpretation of the “Steel Rim,” complete with an “OLLUX” style hood. It aims to replicate the vintage flare and character that pairs beautifully with the high-resolution sensors of the M11 and M EV1.

• Also Notable: Artralab has released a 1.3cm-thick pancake lens for the M-mount, offering a hyper-portable 9-element setup for street photography.
• Source: Digital Camera World: New M-Mount Lenses at CP+ 2026

Notable Accessories

• Owlkrown Flexgrip: A new grip for the Q2/Q3 that integrates an AirTag slot and Arca-Swiss plate—highly recommended for workshop participants who travel frequently.
• Source: Leica Rumors: Q3 Accessory Update

Check back next Friday for the latest Leica updates. Happy shooting!

This video provides an excellent visual overview of the M EV1’s handling and its unique place in the M ecosystem, which we discussed in today’s digest.

The Leica M EV1: A Deep Dive