CW Sonderoptic Launches Large Format Leica Thalia Lenses at NAB 2017

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An interview from the 2017 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 showcases their new set of 9 Spherical Large Format, the Thalia Lenses, as well as the complete set of Leica M 0.8 Cinema Lenses & two new Leica Cine MacroLux Diopters.

The Leica Thalia prime lenses offer a consistently cinematic look and feel throughout the range of 9 lenses from 24mm to 180mm with an image circle of 60mm. The lenses are incredibly lightweight and compact with a matched from diameter of 95mm and are available in PL mount with /i Technology metadata contacts. The unique always-round iris design creates a bokeh that is smooth, distinct and full of character. And although these are not vintage lenses, the Leica Thalias offer many of the characteristics that have led cinematographers to pair older lenses with digital sensors. They are smooth, forgiving, and clear without being overly sharp. The innovative iris design of the Leica Thalia lenses maintains a circular iris through all aperture stops, creating a cinematic bokeh that comes alive with character. Out-of-focus elements maintain their structure, which further adds to the sense of dimensionality in the image.

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. The Leica M 0.8 lenses retain all the classic image characteristics of the regular Leica M lenses, but feature a smooth iris rotation and larger 0.8 module / 32 pitch gear rings for focus and iris. CW selected 5 lenses for this series, choosing the fastest in each focal length. They include: 21mm f/1.4, 24mm f/1.4, 28mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.4 and the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux. Redesigned mechanics allow them to work seamlessly with traditional cine accessories. They will be purpose-built, assembled and calibrated on the regular Leica M line at Leica Camera in Wetzlar.

Leica Cine MacroLux +2, +1 and +0.5 optics offer cinematographers and lens owners a creative way to get different looks and extend the performance of prime, zoom and anamorphic lenses with 95mm front diameters. Each shares the same mechanical housing, which means that all three are compatible with 95mm front diameter prime, zoom and anamorphic lenses and that all of them can be stacked and combined for new effects. The Leica Cine MacroLux +2 offers a greater macro effect for table top and close up work. The much requested +0.5 provides many more options for use with wide angle lenses.

For more information please visit: www.CW-Sonderoptic.com