Leica and Lumix lenses for which cameras?

[NZDavid]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I spotted a news item in a magazine about a range of Leica and Lumix lenses. These include a 7-14mm (not sure what that translates to in 35mm) and a 45mm macro. There may be more. I would find an ultra wideangle quite useful. But such is the welter of new models I have no idea which models they go with -- GF1, G1? And doesn't it seems strange there is no Leica body for them? A shame there isn't a new model X for example. Anyone got more information on these lenses?

[andybarton]

Have you googled them David?

 

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0909/09090202panasonic45mmmacro.asp

 

 

 

Leica stated a couple of years ago that they have no interest in selling a Micro 4/3 camera themselves.

[lct]

I spotted a news item in a magazine about a range of Leica and Lumix lenses. These include a 7-14mm... I have no idea which models they go with -- GF1, G1?... Anyone got more information on these lenses?

About the (tempting) 7-14, see: Panasonic Lumix G 7-14mm F4 Lens Review

[stickan1]

I have both lenses and use them with my GF1. They are very fine. There is a dedicated mu43 forum at Mu-43.com - Micro Four Thirds User Group where you can find lots of info and photographs taken with these lenses. But if you use mu43, the lens to have is the panasonic 20/1.7, perfect for street. /Stig

[NZDavid]

When I googled first time I didn't spot the review; probably my search criteria. Then of course, having posted this, I found more info -- but those links and comments are very helpful, thanks. The ultra-wide lens looks interesting. A Leica alternative does seem a logical move, but who knows?

 

By the way Panasonic describes it ("Panasonic has also announced the Leica DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm F2.8 ASPH"), it looks (to the uninitiated) like Leica is merely a name Panasonic has invented, or just a company offshoot. Which parts are Leica and which parts are Panasonic is unclear -- but as long as the lens itself is clear perhaps that doesn't matter.

[jaapv]

Not that unclear - the link has been explained serveral times in this forum. Leica supervises the Panasonic design process, has the final say in the design and imposes Leica quality control on the production.

[stunsworth]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

You need to double the focal lengths to get the 35mm equivalents.

 

The only lens I have for my gf-1 is the 20mm. Very happy with is so far.

[hector_jorge]

Have you googled them David?

 

Panasonic Leica 45mm F2.8 Macro lens with OIS: Digital Photography Review

 

 

 

Leica stated a couple of years ago that they have no interest in selling a Micro 4/3 camera themselves.

 

A M4/3 Leica may replace the loss of the R line. A couple of years is a lot of time in the photographic industry, so maybe they are now exploring other options, or, at least, they should be.

[StS]

I would find this one interesting:

 

L-X025 - Lenses - Shop and Compare at Panasonic

 

This would be an 1.4/50 in the 35mm world...

 

Stefan

[NZDavid]

All those lenses look impressive. Obviously the collaboration with Panasonic has produced results. Even some of the prices (like the 7-14mm) are nudging Leica territory! The M4/3 concept -- small format, big picture -- also seems close to Leica's roots. One to watch.

[jonoslack]

Have you googled them David?

 

Panasonic Leica 45mm F2.8 Macro lens with OIS: Digital Photography Review

 

 

 

Leica stated a couple of years ago that they have no interest in selling a Micro 4/3 camera themselves.

 

Hi Andy

I think that the dpreview review of the 45 macro is rather unfortunate. Sure, there are sharper lenses (though it's surely sharp enough). What they miss is the beautiful and delicate bokeh (unusual in macro lenses), which, taken together means that it's also a sterling portrait lens.

I haven't tried the 7-14, but have only heard good reports.

 

All the best