It's official: New L-mount alliance between Leica, Panasonic and Sigma

[aizan]

astrophotographers would disagree.

plus, i take photos on my commute (i call it “street” photography), and at night i’m at f1.4, 1/60, and iso 3200 with a 50mm.

 

[Calzone]

Leica has five f/2 primes on its L-mount lens roadmap. (21, 24, 28, 35, and 50). If these are reasonably sized, I will be a lot more interested in the L-mount system.



I have no idea why anybody would want a 50mm prime that has 15 elements, weighs two pounds, and takes a 77mm filter. Why? So it has perfect sharpness in the corners at f/1.4? Who cares—nothing is in focus in the corners at f/1.4 anyway!

AA,

My 50 Lux-SL uses an 82mm filter. I understand if people are put-off or offended by the size. No doubt that it is beyond big; it is huge.

What goes unspoken though by critics is that the rendering is beautiful, the balance between sharpness and softness is just right, and the bokeh is kinda wonderful.

As a gauge of where I'm coming from I also highly regard my Noct-Nikkor for its center sharpness, my 50 Rigid for its center sharpness, but my 50 Lux-R "E60" and 50 Lux-SL for across the frame. Understand that the Noct-Nikkor is more "dreamy."

A while back I owned a 35 Lux-R (the latest version) This lens at F1.4 was kinda "dreamy." I kinda mention this because this lens used a E67 filter size and although a 35mm lens was the same weight and size as a 75 Lux-M.

The future 35 Cron-SL will be E67 and is the same size as the currently available 75 Cron-SL. The 50 Cron will also be the same size filter and body size. I would not say that they are compact or small or lightweight. It does seem that all these new APO Crons will physically be all the same size and will be E67. Kinda modular as far as size.

For me the M-glass on the SL seems small and undersized, and the SLR glass (Nikon and Leica) balance best and feel right as far as ergonomics.

There still are good reasons to love M-bodies for compact size and low weight.

Cal

 

[CameraQuest]

Panasonic seems to be going Sony Alpha hunting full bore

https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/25/17897454/panasonic-full-frame-mirrorless-camera-photokina-2018

 

[Disappointed_Horse]

AA,

My 50 Lux-SL uses an 82mm filter. I understand if people are put-off or offended by the size. No doubt that it is beyond big; it is huge.

What goes unspoken though by critics is that the rendering is beautiful, the balance between sharpness and softness is just right, and the bokeh is kinda wonderful.

As a gauge of where I'm coming from I also highly regard my Noct-Nikkor for its center sharpness, my 50 Rigid for its center sharpness, but my 50 Lux-R "E60" and 50 Lux-SL for across the frame. Understand that the Noct-Nikkor is more "dreamy."

A while back I owned a 35 Lux-R (the latest version) This lens at F1.4 was kinda "dreamy." I kinda mention this because this lens used a E67 filter size and although a 35mm lens was the same weight and size as a 75 Lux-M.

The future 35 Cron-SL will be E67 and is the same size as the currently available 75 Cron-SL. The 50 Cron will also be the same size filter and body size. I would not say that they are compact or small or lightweight. It does seem that all these new APO Crons will physically be all the same size and will be E67. Kinda modular as far as size.

For me the M-glass on the SL seems small and undersized, and the SLR glass (Nikon and Leica) balance best and feel right as far as ergonomics.

There still are good reasons to love M-bodies for compact size and low weight.

Cal

Thanks for the reply. I guess I shouldn't have said that I have no idea why anyone would a jumbo-sized 50mm prime—I do understand all of the the factors you described. I'm just a bit frustrated that all of the manufacturers are making their new fast 50s gigantic, leaving anyone in search of a reasonable sized lens out in the cold (or spending fifteen grand for an M10 and a 50mm APO Summicron ASPH).



Frankly the size of all the new full frame mirrorless lenses is making the Fuji X and Micro 4/3 systems a lot more appealing to me.

 

[TennesseJones]

Thanks Cal! Interesting.

So the Panasonic body is a new Leica SL in essence, but Panasonic and Sigma will also make native lenses for it?

So if you have an investment in Leica SL lenses you’ve had a good day. If not it’s still essentially considering buying into a new system.

Trying to work out what’s more enticing versus the Nikon Z cameras, which seem to me very good. And if you have Nikon lenses etc etc...

T,

Partly. Another element is the collaboration between these companies, which also is not new news. Some of the native Leica CL lenses are not made in Germany, and are clearly marked "Made In Japan." Panasonic and Leica have collaborated before.

What is suggested is creating a standard and sharing of research and development between these three entities. Pretty much they move together.

Perhaps not news, but buzz.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I shouldn't have said that I have no idea why anyone would a jumbo-sized 50mm prime—I do understand all of the the factors you described. I'm just a bit frustrated that all of the manufacturers are making their new fast 50s gigantic, leaving anyone in search of a reasonable sized lens out in the cold (or spending fifteen grand for an M10 and a 50mm APO Summicron ASPH).



Frankly the size of all the new full frame mirrorless lenses is making the Fuji X and Micro 4/3 systems a lot more appealing to me.

AA,

Your frustration is also well noted, respected and acknowledged. I understand fully.

I'm fortunate enough that my almost 6 year old Monochrom with replaced sensor and overhaul is still a great camera for me.

A M10 and 50 Cron APO surely is a crazy rig. Also crazy expensive.

Not to give you GAS, but if bought for the long-long term, like I bought my Monochrom, it is cost feasible to buy the M10 and 50 Cron.

Pretty much it is not so crazy when framed as a good camera to keep more than a decade. Others might think you crazy, but I wouldn't.

Cal

 

[Disappointed_Horse]

AA,

Your frustration is also well noted, respected and acknowledged. I understand fully.

I'm fortunate enough that my almost 6 year old Monochrom with replaced sensor and overhaul is still a great camera for me.

A M10 and 50 Cron APO surely is a crazy rig. Also crazy expensive.

Not to give you GAS, but if bought for the long-long term, like I bought my Monochrom, it is cost feasible to buy the M10 and 50 Cron.

Pretty much it is not so crazy when framed as a good camera to keep more than a decade. Others might think you crazy, but I wouldn't.

Cal

I appreciate that Cal. Unfortunately, it's my wife I'd have to convince.

 

[Calzone]

Thanks Cal! Interesting.

So the Panasonic body is a new Leica SL in essence, but Panasonic and Sigma will also make native lenses for it?

So if you have an investment in Leica SL lenses you’ve had a good day. If not it’s still essentially considering buying into a new system.

Trying to work out what’s more enticing versus the Nikon Z cameras, which seem to me very good. And if you have Nikon lenses etc etc...

T,

This just opens up many possibilities, and also makes for different price points.

Who would think that a Noct-Nikkor mounted on a Leica CL would be such a crazy rig (87mm F1.2) and easy to focus due to pure magnification.

Although crazy looking my 50 Lux-SL becomes a 75 Lux with AF.

Pretty much like you gleened I'm just recycling what I already own.

Interesting to note that Panasonic weather proofed their S and S1 cameras. That with the dual card slots indicate that this camera is rather serious.

Dual IS will be a game changer. Really why do you need high ISO anymore? How many F-stops do you need when your camera effectively has a gyroscope? Pretty much the same technology the Navy SEALS used to rescued that American Captain from Somalie Pirates in the Indian Ocean. Understand that my SL has no IS in the camera body. The in lens IS on the longer Leica zooms 24-90 and longer works to gain 3 F-stops. How much more with additional in body?

So far Leica in this game of leakage is a bit quiet. What will Leica be offering in the new SL?

I'm working on a campaign currently that will raise the cash for a new SL2, so I hope to have the money in the bank to pre-order at a dealer.

Cal

 

[dourbalistar]

What is an "L" mount?

Also Spanish for "The Mount". 😀

 

[drewbarb]

full frame Foveon using L-mount, easily adapted for M-glass. anyone interested? (besides me 😀 )

Looks like you're going to get it.

https://www.dpreview.com/news/4798649806/sigma-to-take-foveon-full-frame-and-move-to-l-mount

 

[jarski]

Looks like you're going to get it.

https://www.dpreview.com/news/4798649806/sigma-to-take-foveon-full-frame-and-move-to-l-mount

just noticed this as well. cool times 🙂

am curious what will happen to IR-filter arrangement of older SD cameras. new L-mount may not provide enough depth for it (?)

 

[Range-rover]

T,

This just opens up many possibilities, and also makes for different price points.

Who would think that a Noct-Nikkor mounted on a Leica CL would be such a crazy rig (87mm F1.2) and easy to focus due to pure magnification.

Although crazy looking my 50 Lux-SL becomes a 75 Lux with AF.

Pretty much like you gleened I'm just recycling what I already own.

Interesting to note that Panasonic weather proofed their S and S1 cameras. That with the dual card slots indicate that this camera is rather serious.

Dual IS will be a game changer. Really why do you need high ISO anymore? How many F-stops do you need when your camera effectively has a gyroscope? Pretty much the same technology the Navy SEALS used to rescued that American Captain from Somalie Pirates in the Indian Ocean. Understand that my SL has no IS in the camera body. The in lens IS on the longer Leica zooms 24-90 and longer works to gain 3 F-stops. How much more with additional in body?

So far Leica in this game of leakage is a bit quiet. What will Leica be offering in the new SL?

I'm working on a campaign currently that will raise the cash for a new SL2, so I hope to have the money in the bank to pre-order at a dealer.

Cal

The new Lumix camera's look good, everybody seems to be going mirrorless crazy now, and with the new Fuji and the Fuji with 100 megapixels
coming soon it looks good.

 

[Calzone]

The new Lumix camera's look good, everybody seems to be going mirrorless crazy now, and with the new Fuji and the Fuji with 100 megapixels
coming soon it looks good.

Bob,

I still have those prints I made for you. Let me know when you can make it to a NYC Meet-Up. Since October is PhotoPlusExpo we can likely hook up in November.

For those lurking I used the Noct-Nikkor and 50 Lux on a Leica CL. With the crop factor the Noct-Nikkor became a 87/1.2 and the 50 Lux effectively became a 75 Lux. Bob has a lot of character in his face and is a lanky tall guy, but these were tight head and shoulder shots taken with the lens wide open.

The prints were made using Piezography Pro where the splitone is blended in the printhead.

It is really unbelievable the technology available to us today. I have digital negative capabilities without having to change inksets. I basically could contact print a digital negative to print limited editions. Pretty much I could do a Salgado without the best lab in Paris if I had the studio space.

Leica Rumors just sent me a new Leica SL lens roadmap that extends into 2019 and 2020.

Cal

 

[leicapixie]

I guess a lot here do NOT know that a lens cannot do all the wonders and blunders as regards the dynamic range!
A lens can be contrasty (Nikon) and very sharp(Leica).
It can be adjusted by use of optical glass to have both.
More elements correct faults but use up light, no matter how excellent transmission of light is...
Using huge diameter lenses in order to have "wide apertures" is bad design and poor quality control..
What you are all seeing in the Sensor of S cameras is a "Program" specifically for Leica lenses.
No program one day, sherbet results..
While all here applaud BIG is Better, nobody comments on Elephant in room, the magnificent i-Phones.
I don't own one but realty please..
Pulling suitcases of gear is a silly way to be a photographer unless there is money in hand at end of being a porter..

 

[jarski]

...Elephant in room, the magnificent i-Phones.
I don't own one but realty please..

Since the topic is L-mount alliance, I don’t feel obligated of talking about iPhones.

 

[Calzone]

I guess a lot here do NOT know that a lens cannot do all the wonders and blunders as regards the dynamic range!
A lens can be contrasty (Nikon) and very sharp(Leica).
It can be adjusted by use of optical glass to have both.
More elements correct faults but use up light, no matter how excellent transmission of light is...
Using huge diameter lenses in order to have "wide apertures" is bad design and poor quality control..
What you are all seeing in the Sensor of S cameras is a "Program" specifically for Leica lenses.
No program one day, sherbet results..
While all here applaud BIG is Better, nobody comments on Elephant in room, the magnificent i-Phones.
I don't own one but realty please..
Pulling suitcases of gear is a silly way to be a photographer unless there is money in hand at end of being a porter..

LP,

Let's not esculate to exaggeration and be practical. I am known to likely be the only person who carries a 7 1/2 pound rigged baby Linhof Tech IV around NYC. I don't carry suitcases full of gear like you suggest. LOL. I say with every Linhof sold comes with a "free gym membership" and at age 60 I look remarkably young, lean and muscular.

As far as lenses being overcorrected like you suggest and about transmission losses, current technology is now at a point where the losses you suggest are no longer valid and getting really close to perfection is nearly attainable.

The reason why the increase in shadow detail and thus the increase of the dynamic range of the "S" glass demonstration I cited was due to ulilizing and exploiting the "sweet spot" of a lens made for a larger format used on a smaller format camera. Doing this clearly demonstrates the level of perfection I mention above.

It is my belief that moving forward lens designers are trying to break out of some of the thinking you support, and don't want to be constrained by size and weight limits anymore.

"Using huge diameter lenses in order to have wide apertures is bad design and poor quality control," you state but I think you forgot about the laws of physics... There is a good reason why a 50 Lux-M ASPH is E46 and 50 Cron-M's are E39: the laws of physics; not bad design; nor bad quality control.

You may not like the fact that physics are involved, and that size and weight constraints are just that: constraints.

Cal

 

[Archlich]

So it is of the SL size and (possibly) weight. 850 grams class, gigantic mirrorless.

 

[ptpdprinter]

So it is of the SL size and (possibly) weight. 850 grams class, gigantic mirrorless.

It does look significantly larger to the Sony in that image. Not sure that's a plus.

 

[Larry H-L]

I think it is clear that mirrorless is evolving from small and light in weight to larger and heavier to serve the needs of the professional market.

If Leica, Panasonic, Sigma and others want to compete for serious amateurs and professionals, they have to make cameras with pro features…. fast glass for photojournalists, big buffers and adequate size to handle comfortably with large lenses for sports shooters, fast tethering ports for studio shooters, and serious image stabilization and heat-sinking abilities for videographers. We’ll probably see 6K or 8K video in a year or two.

These cameras are not meant to replace small M-style rangefinder cameras, they will serve different markets.

Compare the size of the new S1R to a Nikon D850, I’ll guess that the Lumix is slightly smaller and it is lighter as the Nikon tops 1000 grams.

The casual amateur market is drying up because phones have replaced small cameras, so we’ll see more companies competing for the higher-end market.

I do feel that the camera companies will also continue to produce high-quality small cameras for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, some of the new features will start showing up later in the smaller camera bodies.

 

[Calzone]

I think it is clear that mirrorless is evolving from small and light in weight to larger and heavier to serve the needs of the professional market.

If Leica, Panasonic, Sigma and others want to compete for serious amateurs and professionals, they have to make cameras with pro features…. fast glass for photojournalists, big buffers and adequate size to handle comfortably with large lenses for sports shooters, fast tethering ports for studio shooters, and serious image stabilization and heat-sinking abilities for videographers. We’ll probably see 6K or 8K video in a year or two.

These cameras are not meant to replace small M-style rangefinder cameras, they will serve different markets.

Compare the size of the new S1R to a Nikon D850, I’ll guess that the Lumix is slightly smaller and it is lighter as the Nikon tops 1000 grams.

The casual amateur market is drying up because phones have replaced small cameras, so we’ll see more companies competing for the higher-end market.

I do feel that the camera companies will also continue to produce high-quality small cameras for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, some of the new features will start showing up later in the smaller camera bodies.

Larry,

What you write is very thoughtful and sensible. I pretty much agree with all your points. Some great insights here.

Cal