Press release:
The LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 120 mm/f2.5 portrait lens, new accessories and a new camera firmware update are now available
Leica Camera AG, Solms, has expanded the LEICA S2 professional camera system. In addition to optional accessories such as the multifunctional grip, the professional charger and a hand strap, a new lens for portraits, beauty, product and macro photography is now also available: the LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 120 mm/f2.5. A new camera firmware update that ensures optimum lens use on the S2 is also now available as a download for all registered users in the owners’ area on the Leica website.
Following the introduction of the LEICA SUMMARIT-S 35 mm/f2.5 ASPH. wide-angle lens, the LEICA SUMMARIT-S 70 mm/f2.5 ASPH. standard lens and the LEICA APO-ELMAR-S 180 mm/f3.5 telephoto lens, the LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 120mm/f2.5 is now the first fast macro-telephoto lens with superior imaging quality in the Leica S-System line-up. In terms of 35-mm photography, the new lens has an angle of view corresponding to that of a 96-mm lens (multiplication factor 0.8). With a maximum aperture of 1:2.5, it offers a significantly higher speed than other lenses available in the medium-format segment and provides superior imaging qualities and brilliantly pure, natural colour rendition at all apertures from its closest focus setting to infinity. It is also an ideal lens for ‘available light’ photography and the conscious use of selective focus, and it therefore particularly suitable for use in creative photography.
Absolute dedication to superior imaging quality is a key factor in the design and construction of all Leica S lenses. This, for instance, explains why specially formulated glasses are used in their construction. At the same time, extremely narrow tolerances in the manufacturing process guarantee the superior performance of all S-System lenses. Vignetting and aberrations, such as distortion and chromatic aberration, are reduced to a hardly detectable minimum. Of course, this also applies to the LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 120mm/f2.5. Thanks to its elaborate construction with nine elements in seven groups, including three elements with anomalous partial dispersion – two of which are highest-quality fluoride lenses for the correction of chromatic aberration – it guarantees the ultimate in optical performance. The LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 120mm/f2.5 already reveals its outstanding characteristics at maximum aperture: outstanding contrast in even the finest structures and excellent reproduction of details across the entire image field.
As with all Leica S-System products, the LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 120mm/f2.5 is solidly built and designed to last a lifetime. The lens features a robust bayonet mount and is elaborately dust- and splash-proofed. This ensures absolute reliability even under the harshest conditions.
The same applies to the new dust- and splash-proofed Leica S-Multifunctional Grip, an accessory with numerous benefits in everyday camera use. For example, it provides balanced ergonomics and improves the camera’s handling characteristics when using telephoto lenses for exposures in vertical format. Featuring additional controls like a shutter-release button, an AF/AE memory button and a click wheel, the grip ensures easy handling and, for on-location photography, offers twice the battery capacity, thanks to an integrated compartment for a second, back-up S-battery. The range of optional accessories also includes the Leica S-Hand Strap. This neoprene accessory strap – featuring an innovative, rapid Velcro-fastening system – provides an absolutely safe and steady grip.
Another new product in the S-portfolio is the Leica Professional S-Charger. This dual battery charger is designed for the simultaneous recharging of two Leica S-batteries. The charge levels of each battery are indicated on an illuminated display. An integrated overheating protection function guarantees absolute safety.
