Leitz announces new HUGO lenses

The new Leitz HUGO lenses are designed to be small, fast, lightweight, and as close-focusing as possible, with the full personality of the Leica M lens glass creating character at capture. The initial set of seven full frame lenses ranges from 21mm to 90mm, all T1.5, with 18mm and 135mm focal lengths to follow soon. A 50mm T1.0 lens will also be available. The initial seven-lens set is priced at €107,300 with the 50 mm T1.0 at €18,900.

“Every lens we create is in some way an interpretation of the Leica M look,” said Rainer Hercher, managing director at Ernst Leitz Wetzlar. “The Leitz HUGO lenses are a more literal implementation that builds off the popularity of the Leitz M 0.8 series by using the same iconic Leica M optics, while elevating the housing design and build quality to match existing Leitz cinematography lenses in durability, usability, and importantly serviceability.”

The lenses will have an LPL mount as well as the traditional cine orientation of focus and iris scales, expanded focus scales with a 270° rotation, and greatly increased close focus ability. They remain incredibly compact and lightweight starting at 1.78lbs / .81kg, and between 2.7 – 4.4” (68-112mm) in length.

Like other Leitz cine lenses, the HUGO series will have readily available parts, replacement elements, and lens technician training will ensure reliable and consistent use for many years. Existing M 0.8 lenses will be eligible for a conversion to HUGO lenses in the future. Pricing and availability to be determined.

The Leitz HUGO lenses take their name from esteemed engineer Hugo Wehrenfennig whose work for Leica Camera (then Ernst Leitz GmbH, Wetzlar) included creating the classic Leica M bayonet mount still in use today as well as many of the early M series lenses.