In case you’re somebody who lives and breathes storytelling by means of images and filmmaking, the announcement of Leica‘s new Leitz HEKTOR cine lenses will in all probability provide the chills. These lenses are a love letter to cinema’s golden age. Designed particularly for full-frame mirrorless cameras, these six prime lenses – starting from 18mm to 100mm – are one thing particular.
The lineup covers lenses that seize temper. That delicate Petzval swirl, the nice and cozy flares, the way in which the perimeters fall off, it is a look that digital perfection cannot replicate, a texture that provides emotional depth to each body. And the truth that they arrive with interchangeable mounts means they will match virtually any full-frame mirrorless system, whether or not Sony, Canon, Nikon, or L-mount.
The Leitz HEKTOR cine lenses undoubtedly carry the spirit of the unique Thirties Hektor lenses – making this assortment really feel like a reborn piece of historical past. And that comes with a worth.
Every lens prices round $7,400 / £5,830, with the total set hovering over $42,000 / £33,790. As thrilling as these lenses are, for many impartial creators, that will appear huge funding. Nonetheless, that is considerably cheaper than different Leitz cinema lenses – reminiscent of these within the present Thalia and Hugo ranges, that are roughly double the value.
Leica created lenses with actual character and soul, the type many filmmakers chase however not often discover. Even when the HEKTOR lenses by no means make it into your package, it is thrilling to see what’s potential when a lens is constructed for character. Let’s not overlook in visible storytelling, the digital camera doesn’t outline the look – it is the lens that shapes the picture.
“We spent quite a lot of time exploring and testing to get the character of those lenses proper, to make them one thing that will be interesting to fashionable cinematographers however timeless of their magnificence,” mentioned managing director Rainer Hercher.
“Too usually lenses are designed to be as quick, clear and as cheap as potential with out giving consideration to the attributes that create a fantastic, compelling picture. In listening to our prospects we heard them asking for one thing with soul, with emotion, one thing that would assist elevate their work. The Leitz HEKTOR lenses are for them.”
HEKTOR line – Overview
Focal lengths: 18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 73mm, 100mm
Max. aperture: T2.1
Lens mount: Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-Mount
Picture circle: 47.8mm (full-frame protection)
Entrance diameter: 80mm
Filter thread: 77mm (apart from the 18mm lens)
Matched focus / Iris ring location: All focal lengths
Focus rotation: 120°
Iris rotation: 49°
Focus scales: Imperial and metric scales, each engraved
Iris blades: 9-blade aperture
Iris form: Round by means of all stops
Construct: Compact and light-weight design (all beneath 1kg)
Manufacturing: Designed and assembled in Germany
The HEKTOR lenses can be found to order now, for instance, at B&H, with anticipated availability in 2-4 weeks. You can too go to the Leica web site to discover a supplier in your space to hire or purchase HEKTOR lenses.
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