Panasonic Adds Leica Ultra-Wide To M43 System

There’s more good news for users of Micro Four Thirds system cameras as Panasonic launches the Leica DG Summilux 9mm f/1.7 (model H-X-09). It has an effective length of 18mm combined with the fast maximum aperture of f/1.7 and with a very short minimum focusing distance of just 9.5cm. This gives an effective maximum magnification of 1:2, which is half life size, and should allow you to do some pretty interesting things with close-ups.

To match the capabilities of the Lumix camera bodies, the new 9mm f/1.7 has a weather-sealed construction and is also insulated to allow for operation is subzero temperatures down to -10º Celsius. An ultracompact design, the new lens is just 55mm in length and weighs a mere 130g. The screwthread filter fitting is 55mm.

On the inside, the optical construction uses 12 elements in nine groups that includes two aspherical types, two with extra-low dispersion characteristics and one ultrahigh refractive index (UHR) type. Collectively, these correct for both lateral and longitudinal chromatic aberrations, and astigmatism.

The UHR element enhances the uniformity of centre-to-corner sharpness and also contributes to the lens’ compact dimensions.

Panasonic says the lens’ focusing mechanism supports the DFD (Depth From Defocus) sampling at 240fps and has been designed to minimise focus breathing. The manual focusing ring has either linear or non-linear adjustment of focus. With nonlinear adjustment, the amount of focus shift is governed by the rotation speed of the focus collar… in other words, if you turn it quickly, you’ll make big adjustments, but turning it slowly allows for more precise control due to smaller degrees of adjustment. With the linear setting, the focus is shifted at a constant speed according to the rotational angle of the focus ring. In this mode, the sensitivity (i.e. the amount of focus shift per the rotational angle of the focusing collar) can be adjusted from 90º to 360º in 30º increments. The seven-blade diaphragm allows for seamless exposure adjustment when shooting video.

The Leica DG Summilux 9mm f/1.7 will be available in Australia from July priced at $849.

For more information visit www.panasonic.com.au.