Photo Corners headlinesarchivemikepasini.com
A S C R A P B O O K O F S O L U T I O N S F O R T H E P H O T O G R A P H E R
Enhancing the enjoyment of taking pictures with news that matters, features that entertain and images that delight. Published frequently.
Panasonic Announces Leica 12mm f1.4 Prime Lens
15 June 2016
Panasonic has introduced its Leica DG Summilux 12mm f1.4 prime lens for the Micro Four Thirds system featuring slash- and dust-resistance with a near silent autofocusing for video. The 24mm equivalent lens
"The new H-X012 is a precisely engineered lens that will be a joy to use," promised Doug Campbell, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic, said. "It delivers the exceptional imaging capabilities you'd expect from a Leica lens and this attention to quality is also reflected in the construction and styling. Weather sealing with a splash and dust-proof design, plus a metal lens mount, barrel and hood ensure long-term durability and performance."
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the new prime lens include:
- Designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras
- 24mm equivalent focal length
- Bright f1.4 maximum aperture
- Two aspherical elements help maintain the compact size and reduce spherical aberrations and distortions
- Two ultra extra-low dispersion elements and one extra-low dispersion element minimize color fringing and chromatic aberrations
- The near-silent autofocus performance complements movie recording applications
- Physical controls include a manual aperture ring and an AF/MF switch
- The metal construction of the lens is durable as well as splash- and dust-resistant when paired with Lumix Micro Four Thirds cameras
- A rounded nine-blade diaphragm
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the Leica DG Summilux 12mm f1.4 include:
LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm f1.4 LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Micro Four Thirds Focal Length 12mm (24mm equivalent) Aperture f1.4 to f16 Angle of View 84° Minimum Focus 7.87 inches Magnification 0.1x Optical Design 15 elements/12 groups
9 rounded diaphragm bladesAutofocus Yes, near silent Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 62mm Dimensions 2.76 x 2.76 inches Weight 11.82 oz. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Panasonic said the Leica DG Summilux 12mm f1.4 ASPH will be available in July for $1,299. Adorama and B&H are both accepting pre-orders now.
For more information see the news release below.
Panasonic Unveils Leica DG Summilux 12mm f1.4 ASPH
Meeting professional needs with high image quality, durability and style
Panasonic has unveiled the Leica DG Summilux 12mm f1.4 ASPH (35mm camera equivalent: 24mm), the latest addition to the company's range of powerful and compact interchangeable lenses for Lumix G Micro Four Thirds system cameras.
Doug Campbell, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic, said, "The new H-X012 is a precisely engineered lens that will be a joy to use. It delivers the exceptional imaging capabilities you'd expect from a Leica lens and this attention to quality is also reflected in the construction and styling. Weather sealing with a splash and dust-proof design, plus a metal lens mount, barrel and hood ensure long-term durability and performance."
The f1.4 large aperture supports low-light and astrophotography as well as demanding video applications and produces an impressive, natural defocusing effect. The 24mm wide-angle has appeal from dramatic landscape shots to architecture and drone photography. An aperture ring provides direct, intuitive control.
With an inner focus drive system and a stepping motor, the new Leica DG Summilux 12mm f1.4 ASPH is capable of smooth, silent operation together with Panasonic's high-speed, high-precision Depth from Defocus technology for both photo and video recording. DFD supports the precise focusing essential for recording 4K video.
Integrating two aspherical lenses, two UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and an ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens, the lens system comprises 15 elements in 12 groups. The adoption of five special lenses makes it possible to clear the stringent LEICA standard for exceptional image quality with high resolution and minimum distortion. Nine blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings.
The Leica DG Summilux 12mm f1.4 ASPH will be available in July for $1,299.