New Leica Summicron-C lenses TBA at NAB Show 2013?

Leica is expected to take part in the National Association of Broadcasters Show 2013, where it will introduce a new series of cinema prime lenses.

After the rumor about Canon’s participation at the NAB Show 2013, it is Leica’s turn to be the focus point of the rumor mill. The company will allegedly announce a new series of cinema lenses called Summicron-C at NAB 2013, said an inside source.

Leica Summicron-C 75mm prime lens caught in action at Kameralabor 2013. Credits: FD Times.

Leica going cheaper, but maintaining a high-quality level for its new cinema lenses

The new lenses will not act as a replacement for the high-end Summilux-C series. Instead, they will be serving as a complementary solution for cinematographers who are not willing to spend so much money on Summilux-C optics.

Leica’s new prime lenses are by no means a cheap, low-entry solution as they are said to offer an improved contrast and warmer colors when compared to the Zeiss Ultra Primes series. Furthermore, the new optics are as “compact” as the Zeiss HS lenses, but they deliver very sharp images, adds the source.

The Leica Summicron-C series gear will come packed with ARRI-PL mount support and a $17,000 price, which is a lot lower than the $25,000 price of the Summilux-C.

Only minor differences between Summicron and Summilux

The new cinema prime lenses will have a similar design to the one offered by their more expensive Summilux-C brothers. The size and diameter will be roughly the same. However, they will weigh less than the Summilux-C lenses.

Another difference between the two lines of cinema prime lenses is that the Summicron-C features 2.0 T-Stop transmission, while the current lineup boasts a 1.4 T-Stop transmission.

The lenses were caught in action at the Kameralabor 2013 event, which took place in Berlin, Germany. The cinematographers and camera assistants who tested the 25mm and 75mm products were impressed by the quality of the lenses.

More details about the new Leica Summicron-C lenses will be revealed during the National Association of Broadcasters Show 2013. The event will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada starting April 6.