Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH is based in Germany and distributes their premium cine lens under the brand name ‘Leitz’. They are bringing their latest and greatest lenses to the Euro Cine Expo, including two new sets of full frame primes that are now delivering. Take a closer look at the Leitz HUGO and Leitz ELSIE lenses, as well as the amazing optics of the Leitz ZOOMs, at the Leitz stand.
The Leitz ELSIE primes are designed specifically for cinematography and are well-matched in image look and feel with no breathing. However, they do feature some interesting characteristics in keeping with the current trends in cinematography. Although the lenses have a rather large image circle and illuminate beyond full frame, focus and resolution start to fall off toward the edges of the frame drawing the viewers’ attention inward. The ELSIE lenses exhibit the classic, slightly warm Leitz color temperature, which creates beautiful, true skin tones while maintaining an accurate rendition of color across the spectrum and they offer the opportunity for some rich flares wide open.
The Leitz HUGO primes use the same iconic optics as Leica M and Leitz M 0.8 lenses, but add a professional, cine-style housing with longer focus throws, matched gear locations, closer minimum focus, and production-ready durability. Image-wise, they have strong field curvature over the full frame with notable loss of focus, resolution, and illumination in the corners. Compact, lightweight, and T1.5, the HUGO series creates images reminiscent of much older lenses, while offering modern coatings and sturdy, repeatable mechanics.
The Leitz ZOOMs come in two focal ranges: 25-75mm and 55-125mm. Both are T2.8 with no ramping and full frame coverage. These parfocal lenses shoot like primes and are well-suited for any production environment, including Steadicam, cranes, cars, and everything in between. They match beautifully with Leitz lenses but work well with other lenses when looking for a more humane, less clinical look.