Designed for the digital cinema market, the Leica Summicron-C 18mm Lens (C for cinema) features a stainless steel PL mount and provides a smaller, lighter, albeit slower option to the renowned Summilux-C series of lenses. The 18mm focal length is a common choice for a wide angle lens in the Super 35 format as it provides a strong wide-angle effect without extreme distortion. The small size of the lens makes it suitable not only for regular production but also for stabilized rigs, aerial cinematography, and stereoscopic 3D capture. Projecting a useable image circle of 36mm in diameter, it is compatible with a variety of cameras that have sensors that are slightly larger than Super 35. The T2.0 maximum aperture is consistent among the range, so there is no concern about exposure variations when cutting between Summicron-C lenses. Each lens incorporates geared focus and iris control rings, which share the same position, so swapping lenses can be done without having to adjust your follow focus or lens control system.

The lens features an internal focus design, which means a non-rotating front perfect for clip-on matte boxes. A generous number of focus marks are distributed along the dual focus scales, and the 300° of focus rotation provides for accurate focus pulling. The 95mm diameter front is standard across all Summicron-C lenses, and, except for the 15mm and 135mm, they feature similar weight and the same length.

Covers Super 35mm (36mm Image Circle)    PL Mount    T2.0 to T22 Aperture Range    Geared Focus and Iris Control Rings    8-Blade Iris    Internal Focus Design (Helical Focus)    Shares Gear Position Across Lens Set    300° Focus Rotation    95mm Front Diameter    Weighs 2.9 Pounds

The Summicron-C lenses have an image circle of 36mm, which is more than generous enough to cover the sensors of many popular cameras, including the 6K Red Dragon Sensor, without vignetting. For reference, the image circle requirement for Super 35 is approximately 28mm.

The lens is telecentric, which helps reduce illumination fall-off from light hitting the sensor at a sever angle outside of the image circle.

The modern lens design as well as the cine manufacturing process and tight tolerances ensure low distortion, high resolution and excellent color rendition. Although made using spherical elements only, the Summicron-C lenses provide a sharp image with a naturalistic Bokeh.

The 300° of focus rotation provide for extremely accurate focus marks and focus pulls.

Consistent front diameter and shared focus and iris ring position from lens-to-lens in the series allow for faster lens changes requiring less adjustment of matte boxes and lens accessories.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does this lens work with speed boosters like the Metabones Ultra?

A: It will not. This lens only covers up to an APS-C or Super35 Sensor and Speed Boosters require a full frame lens.

Q: 2. What is the outer diameter of the lens? Will a 95mm clamp-on matte box like the Tilta Mirage work with it?

A: The 7artisans Photoelectric 50mm T2.0 Spectrum Prime Cine Lens (L Mount) is 82mm in diameter at the front of the lens, so you could use Tilta Mirage Matte Box with this lens since the Mirage comes with a 82mm adapter.

Q: 3. drive.google.com/file/d/1humRiBDyovm6bfs7F1nupSbDE8guw8dn/view Please confirm this HENRI kit works with the SIGMA FP?

A: Yes, you can use the Leitz Cine HENRI Support Base Kit for SL2/SL2-S with just about any camera. However, there may be some limitations with the FP. Please see here for more information: https://bhpho.to/3VRFpkL

Q: 4. Has anyone tried using this with the Tilta Mirage Matte Box? Is there a way to clamp it on or does it only work with rails? I notice it says it has a 95mm thread, but a 100mm front.

A: The Tilta Mirage VND Kit fits on lenses 95mm or smaller. Unfortunately, the Venus Optics Laowa OOOM 25-100mm T2.9 Cine Lens is 100mm so the matte box will not fit.

Q: 5. Hi just wandering if this lens will have any vignetting on a a7sii?

A: The lens covers a full frame sensor. It will not vignette when used with an A7SII.

Q: 6. Does this product include lens support? If not, is it fit with ARRI LS-9?

A: The Venus Optics Laowa OOOM 25-100mm T2.9 Cine Lens (PL Mount, Feet) (B&H# VE25100T29PL) comes with a Y-shaped holder which would typically be attached to a lens support. Depending on how you set it up, yes, it would be possible to use the ARRI LS-9 Lens Support for 19mm Studio Bridge Plate (B&H# ARK2.47227.0) as part of a means of support.

Q: 7. Hi, Can the Leitz Henri accommodate cameras other than the SL2 and SL2-S?

A: Regarding the Leitz Cine HENRI Support Base Kit for SL2/SL2-S, the manufacturer explicitly defines its compatibility with the SL2 and the SL2-S.

Q: 8. in full pictures is 36mm?

A: The majority of MFT mount cameras will have a 2x crop factor. Yes, this will be the 35mm Equivalent of a 36mm lens.

Q: 9. what is the focal length on a bmpcc?

A: The original Pocket Cinema Camera has a 2.88x crop factor which will make this lens the equivalent of a 51.84mm. While the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a 1.9x crop factor for a 34.2mm field of view.

Q: 10. What is the minimum focusing distance of this lens?

A: SLR Magic does not list a minimum focusing distance for this lens. However they do list a Closest Focusing Distance of 0.66' / 0.2m for other models of 18mm lenses that they have. It should be in the same range with this model as well.