CW Sonderoptic Creates Lenses for Large Format Sensors at NAB 2018
An interview from the 2018 National Association of Broadcasters Convention in Las Vegas with Seth Emmons of CW Sonderoptic. CW Sonderoptic, sister company to Leica Camera, designs and manufacturers premium cinema products including the Leica Summilux-C and Leica Summicron-C prime lenses. In this interview Seth talks with us about their solutions to meet the needs of growing demands for Full Format & Large Sensor Sensors.
The Leica Thalia Prime Set from CW Sonderoptic includes the following focal lengths: 24mm, 30mm, 35mm, 45mm, 55mm, 70mm, 100mm, 120mm, 180mm . Each lens features a 60mm image circle to cover an ARRI ALEXA 65 and other large format cine cameras. They include a PL mount and support /i Technology metadata through mount contacts. The lenses are compact and feature a uniform 95mm front outer diameter. With a range from 24mm to 180mm these lightweight Thalia lenses include what CW Sonderoptic calls a unique always-round iris design for a smooth, distinct bokeh which is full of character. Although these are not vintage glass elements they can pair well with digital sensors. The manufacturer labels them as smooth and clear without being overly sharp.
The Leica Thalia large format cine lenses will soon be available in ARRI’s new LPL mount. Currently available in PL and ARRI XPL mounts, manufacturer CW Sonderoptic is introducing the new mount for compatibility with ARRI’s Alexa LF camera. The LPL mount versions of the Leica Thalia lenses will include electronics for metadata and will be swappable on existing PL or XPL lenses.
The family of Leica M 0.8 lenses is growing with the addition of three new focal lengths: 50mm f/1.4, 75mm f/2.0, and 90mm f/2.0. They join the previous five M 0.8 lenses: 21mm f/1.4, 24mm f/1.4, 28mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux. The three new lenses are expected to begin delivering in Summer 2018 with pricing to be determined.
The Leica M 0.8 lenses are expanding their camera compatibility with interchangeable M mounts for ARRI’s Alexa Mini and Amira cameras as well as the SONY Venice FF camera. The Leica M Mount for ARRI Alexa Mini / Amira cameras is available now directly from CW Sonderoptic’s worldwide sales channels for 790 Euros/1100 USD. The mount can be swapped out just like the PL and EF mounts. Cameras require a one-time hardware replacement of the cover-glass frame and front cover to provide room for the rear of the optics before use. This service can be done by ARRI Service or by personnel who have completed ARRI’s Advanced Service Training.
The Leica M Mount for SONY Venice FF cameras is currently in development by CW Sonderoptic and is expected to be available in Summer 2018 with pricing to be determined.
For more information please visit: http://www.CW-Sonderoptic.com
