Delivery of Leica Summilux-C Lenses Has Begun
BURBANK—Band Pro Film & Digital, Inc. is proud to announce that the first sets of Leica Summilux-C Cine Lenses are delivering from the new Leica factory in Wetzler, Germany.
Otto Nemenz International in Hollywood, CA, took delivery of several production sets of eight lenses each. “The lenses are already out working on productions,” said Otto Nemenz, president of Otto Nemenz International. “Everyone that has used the lenses likes them and the demand for the Leicas is very high.”
Just prior to IBC, Amsterdam-based rental house Cam-a-lot received the first set of Leica Summilux-C lenses in Europe. Within days the full set of lenses was sent out on a job. The feature film using Cam-a-lot’s Leica lenses is shooting on Red Epics, making this the first project to pair the industry’s highest resolution cameras and lenses.
The Leica Summilux-C lenses, distributed exclusively worldwide by Band Pro, are the first cine lenses produced by legendary imaging company Leica Camera. They also represent the new generation of lens design with unique physical characteristics, as well as imaging advancements, like ultra high resolution and optimization for new digital sensors which reveal more lens imperfections than traditional film.
“The new Leicas are the perfect answer to this new challenge,” said cinematographer Florian Ballhaus, who field-tested the Summilux-C lenses on his recent feature film Gambit (CBS Films). “In the world of digital cinematography with its clean, sharp images, there is an increased spotlight on the choice of lenses. The Leicas have a wonderful character while being perfectly predictable with their gentle Leica look that one expects from the still lenses we all know and love. They are as sharp as you want them to be but the focus falls off quite gently. I found myself using less filtration with them because they render skin tones so beautifully. I was very impressed with how uniquely they handled highlights and flairs.”
New York cinematographer Max Goldman, who used the new Leica lenses on a recent commercial for Diet Pepsi, was also impressed with them. “The Leica lenses render images with a naturalistic look, the same way the human eye sees. The look that comes from these lenses is what I see with my mind's eye when I imagine a scene. Usually I can only get that with anamorphics, but the Leicas have it. That's what I'm looking for with my images.”
Band Pro President and CEO Amnon Band had this to say, “These are in every way the lenses that we’ve been waiting for. When Leica first approached us with this project they had some very high design and performance ambitions for these lenses. All I can say is they’ve delivered.”
About Band Pro Film & Digital, Inc.
Band Pro Film & Digital, Inc. specializes in products and solutions for professional filmmakers and videographers. From their offices in Burbank, CA; New York City, NY; Munich, Germany; and Tel Aviv, Israel, Band Pro offers the highest level of knowledge and expertise along with the finest equipment and accessories available. The company’s research and development protocol allows product lines to expand toward the newest technologies so clients can focus on the art and craft of cinematography. With close relationships in Hollywood and worldwide, and long-standing partnerships with camera and lens makers, Band Pro has remained at the forefront of the newest developments in digital cinema.