I am just catching up on news from the past two weeks: on October 1st Leica announced a new Elmarit-S 45mm f/2.8 ASPH lens priced at $6,350 for the normal and $7,450.00 for the CS version:
New: LEICA ELMARIT-S 45 mm f/2.8 ASPH. Class-leading standard wide-angle lens for the Leica S-System
Solms, Germany, 1 October 2013: Further defining the S-System as the ultimate solution for the most demanding professionals, Leica Camera AG has unveiled a new wide-angle lens, the Leica Elmarit-S 45 mm f/2.8 ASPH. Attaining class-leading critical levels of performance in all measurable areas, the Leica Elmarit-S 45 mm f/2.8 ASPH. sets new standards for wide-angle focal lengths in the medium format category. With this addition, the lens portfolio for the Leica S medium format system is now comprised of nine lenses (six of which are also available in a CS variant) with focal lengths ranging from 24 mm to 180 mm, assuring uncompromising imaging quality in almost all situations. Leica is also offering firmware updates FW 2.3.0.0 for the Leica S and FW 1.3.0.0 for the Leica S2 and S2-P, ensuring the optimum functionality of this new lens.
The equivalent angle of view of the Leica Elmarit-S 45 mm f/2.8 ASPH. corresponds to that of a classic 35 mm lens for 35 mm photography. Its moderate wide-angle with neutral reproduction of perspectives makes this versatile lens not only ideal for landscapes and architectural photography, but also in the studio or on location. At the same time, the Leica Elmarit-S 45 mm f/2.8 ASPH.’s fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 makes it an optimal tool for available-light photography and the conscious use of selective planes of focus. Thanks to its brilliant colour rendition and outstanding imaging performance from the closest focus to infinity at all apertures, the Leica Elmarit-S 45 mm f/2.8 ASPH. guarantees perfect results in any photographic situation.
The Leica Elmarit-S 45 mm f/2.8 ASPH. was developed to meet the stringent demands that professional users place on a camera system in their everyday photographic work and guarantees superior image quality. It offers maximum contrast rendition, highest resolution and extremely low distortion, even wide open. This lens also offers excellent control of flare to ensure high-contrast images, even when shooting a backlit subject. This results from its extremely elaborate optical design and construction: A total of twelve lenses are employed to achieve the Leica Elmarit-S 45 mm f/2.8 ASPH.’s exceptional optical performance. Three lenses made from glass with anomalous partial dispersion minimise chromatic aberrations, and two further lenses are manufactured from glass with particularly low dispersion. An additional lens element with an aspherical surface minimises monochromatic aberrations. Rear-group focusing guarantees consistently outstanding imaging properties from infinity to its closest focusing distance.
As with all Leica S-System products, the Leica Elmarit-S 45 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is rugged and reliable, and designed to offer a particularly long operational lifespan. Ensuring absolute dependability, even under the harshest shooting conditions, the lens features an extremely robust bayonet mount and is fully sealed against dust and spray.
Technical data LEICA ELMARIT-S 45 mm f/2.8 ASPH. (CS)
| Lens type: | Fast wide-angle lens with one aspherical element for exceptional imaging performance |
| Compatible cameras: | All Leica S-Models |
| Angle of view | ~ 62°, 53°, 37°(diagonal, horizontal, vertical),
corresponds to approx. 36 mm in 35 mm format |
| Optical design: | Number of lenses/groups: 12/9, aspherical surfaces: 1, position of entrance pupil: 83.95 mm / 83.95 mm (at infinity/closest focusing distance, in light impingement direction in front of the bayonet flange) |
| Focusing range: | Working range: 0.6 m to ∞, scales: Combined metre/feet scales, smallest image field/largest reproduction ratio: ~ 456 x 304 mm/1:10.1 |
| Iris/aperture settings: | Electronically controlled iris, f-stops selectable in half-stop increments with the click wheel on the camera, smallest aperture value f22 |
| Flash sync speed (CS-vers.): | 1/1000 s. (1/125 s without central shutter) |
| Bayonet: | Leica S quick-change bayonet with contact strip for Leica S-Models |
| Filter mount: | threaded mount for E82 filters, non-rotating filter mount |
| Lens hood: | Lens hood with bayonet mount (supplied with the lens) |
| Finish: | Black anodized |
| Dimensions: | Length to bayonet flange : ~ 136/163 mm (with/without lens hood), largest diameter ~ 88/132 mm (with/without lens hood) |
| Weight: | ~ 1030/1110 g (with/without central shutter) |
