Update #2: the domain name cw-sonderoptic.de is registered to Rainer Schnabel (perform a whois check for cw-sonderoptic.de) and of course he works for Leica: see this Google search.
Update: a picture of some of those Leica cine lenses could be seen here (English translation).
Rumors about Leica cinema lenses have been circulating for a while (see here and this link about Leica Cinema GmbH). Today, those rumors are much closer to become a reality. Take a look at this website http://cw-sonderoptic.de:
Looks like a nice lens, right? Well it is, because the rumor is that it will be produced in Solms by Leica. How do I know that? Go to Leica’s annual business report (PDF file) and turn to page 57:
Business relationship with CW Sonderoptic GmbH
With CW Sonderoptic GmbH, a company 100.0%-owned by the Company’s majorityshareholder, ACM Projektentwicklung GmbH, the Company has had a cooperationagreement since April 25, 2008.In the period from April 1, 2008 until March 31, 2009, CW Sonderoptic GmbH has deliv –ered no goods and rendered no services to Leica Camera AG. As at the record date, thereare no accounts payable. In the period from April 1, 2008 until March 31, 2009, LeicaCamera AG has delivered goods and rendered services in a volume of € 609,000. As atthe record date, there are accounts receivable in the amount of € 114,000.Business relationship with CW Sonderoptic GmbHWith CW Sonderoptic GmbH, a company 100.0%-owned by the Company’s majorityshareholder, ACM Projektentwicklung GmbH, the Company has had a cooperationagreement since April 25, 2008.In the period from April 1, 2008 until March 31, 2009, CW Sonderoptic GmbH has deliv -ered no goods and rendered no services to Leica Camera AG. As at the record date, thereare no accounts payable. In the period from April 1, 2008 until March 31, 2009, LeicaCamera AG has delivered goods and rendered services in a volume of € 609,000. As atthe record date, there are accounts receivable in the amount of € 114,000.
CW Sonderoptic is a subsidiary of ACM Projektentwicklung (owner of Leica Camera AG) – you see the connection now?
The rumor is that there may be up to 20 new cinema lenses (!) – they will be better and smaller (and of course more expensive) than the current line of Zeiss cine lenses.
