Introducing the Leica M 0.8 Lenses – a dynamic solution for the world of moving pictures

CW Sonderoptic, sister company to Leica Camera, will introduce the new Leica M 0.8 lenses at a series of trade shows in September, including IBC, Cinec and Photokina. The Leica M 0.8 lenses bring the iconic look and character of Leica’s legendary M glass directly to the world of moving pictures by making it easier than ever to work with these lenses in true cinema applications.

For over 60 years the Leica M full frame lenses have inspired photographers and cinematographers alike with their unique interpretation of light, skin tones and color. Now, thanks to a series of design innovations, the new Leica M 0.8 lenses can bring that classic look to a variety of professional cine cameras.

CW selected five lenses for this series, choosing the fastest in each focal length. The lenses will be available individually or as a set and include: 21mm f/1.4, 24mm f/1.4, 28mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.4 and the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux.

The Leica M 0.8 lenses feature a smooth iris rotation and larger 0.8 module / 32 pitch gear rings for focus and iris, allowing them to work seamlessly with traditional cine accessories like manual follow focuses and wireless FIZ systems. They will be purpose-built, assembled and calibrated on the regular Leica M line at Leica Camera in Wetzlar.

“Where the lenses will really make their mark is in the look that they will deliver to all cameras regardless of sensor size,” said Gerhard Baier, Managing Director of CW Sonderoptic. “The character of the Leica M 0.8 lenses is truly unlike anything else in the cinema world at this time. The way they render light and the way they treat skin tones and highlights and focus roll off – they have an emotional tone that is almost impossible to put into words. We are very excited to bring this new opportunity for creativity to the industry.”

Designed for full frame (24x36mm) sensors and film stocks, the Leica M 0.8 lenses cover larger sensors like RED’s Dragon 8K VistaVision, Sony’s a7 series and the Leica SL, while smaller sensor cameras will benefit from using more of the sweet spot of the lens. Their small size and lightweight bring a great advantage for drone and gimbal applications.

The M 0.8 lenses retain the existing Leica M mount, which is necessary to maintain their compact size. RED’s DSMC2 design allows the use of their Leica M Mount on all of their cameras with interchangeable mounts, including Scarlet, Epic, Weapon 6K, Weapon 8K VV and Helium 8K. A modified OLPF will be required for RED cameras and will be available directly from CW. Adapters are also widely available for Sony E and FZ mount cameras from the Sony A7 series up to the F55.

The lenses are expected to start delivering in Q1 2017 and will be available through CW Sonderoptic’s global reseller network. Current estimated prices per lens range from €5300 for the 35mm to €12,000 for the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux.

Full product details are available at www.cw-sonderoptic.com