Sigma says first L-mount lenses will be released in mid 2019

Dpreview interviewed Sigma CEO Yamaki. Here are some key info about the L-mount strategy:

  • Curiously enough Sigma had developed their own new mount which was about the same as the L-mount in terms of flange distance and diameter. This before they decided to join the L-mount
  • He said too big diamater is bad for the design of slower lenses (they would look ugly as they would be smaller).
  • First Sigma L-mount lenses will be released in mid 2019. They will release both: L-mount version of their current 14 ART FF lenses. And special L-mount designed lenses
  • Within three or four years he expects Sigma mirrorless mount lens sales to be much bigger than for DSLR. Maybe 70% to 30%.

CVP store lists the new Panasonic L-mount lenses

CVP.com is the first store listing the new Panasonic L-mount lenses. Still no price info yet 🙁

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Interview with Stephan Schulz from Leica: “L-mount alliance is a closed partnership”

Stephan Schulz from Leica shared some interetsing details in an interview with Reddotforum:

1) L-mount was not designed for APS-C only. From the start Leica had both APS-C and Full Frame in mind.

2) Mr. Schulz says that there is a big difference with Sony E-mount:

That’s a big difference with the L-mount versus the Sony E mount. They started the mount with the NEX, which was APS, but Sony didn’t have full frame in mind at that time. So, they had some challenges in making the lenses work for full frame. The Leica L-mount is much bigger which gives us more flexibility.

3) This is how the L-mount alliance started:

Panasonic approached us, inquiring whether they could use the L-mount we developed for their planned full frame mirrorless system camera. We started a discussion on how this might work and how it would influence our SL business. Ultimately, we decided to move forward.

4) L-mount alliance is not like the Micro Four Thirds alliance:

It’s different because the L-mount alliance is a closed alliance, with Leica Camera AG as the licensor. Future additional members are possible if the current alliance members agree that the alliance as a whole could benefit from adding more members.

5) Possibly issues with currently existing Leica L adapters:

The adapter isn’t part of the current specification which means lens data may not be recognized and used by the camera.

It doesn’t sounds like we can expect new L-mount members to join any time soon. And I am surprised how direct Mr. Schulz talked about the E-mount flaw!

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New interview with Panasonic: “S1 and S1R goal is to take a piece of the Full Frame market”

Photogearnews interviewed a Panasonic UK manager and here are three key info:

1) He makes some Nikon-Canon poke fun and says “you will be pleased to know it has two card slots” 🙂
2) Focus was on the balance between camera and lens
3) Interesting: 30% of the system camera market is Full Frame. 70% non Full Frame (APS-C, MFT)

Interview:

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You can join the new L Full Frame Facebook group if you plan to buy this camera. There you can discuss all features and tests once it’s released!

To readers: While I am working to get some early specs I kindly invite you to stay tuned on L-rumors by subscribing here:
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Leica says new lens manufacturers might join the L-mount

DC.watch interviewed the three managers of the L-mount alliance and there are a couple of interesting points:

1) Leica is considering selling Sigma and Panasonic L-mount products in their Leica stores
2) There are yet no plans to extend the partnership yet.
3) Yes, other Lens manufacturers can use the L-mount specifications to make L-mount lenses

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You can join the new L Full Frame Facebook group if you plan to buy this camera. There you can discuss all features and tests once it’s released!

To readers: While I am working to get some early specs I kindly invite you to stay tuned on L-rumors by subscribing here:
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