Today at Photokina, Leica has announced the new Leica TS-APO-ELMAR-S 120 MM F/5.6 ASPH. TILT/SHIFT LENS:
Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) –Leica Camera presents the Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH., the first fully-adjustable tilt/shift lens for the Leica S medium format system. This apochromatically corrected lens provides options for parallel shifting and tilting according to Scheimpflug and offers photographers the full range of adjustment options traditionally found in field cameras. Additionally, the new lens guarantees the greatest possible imaging quality, easy handling and universal applicability of the Leica S-System.
The Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. is ideal for product and object photography where perfect perspectives and maximum depth of field are required. Consisting of six individual lens elements, the lens’ optical system allows parallel shifts (shift) of up to 12 mm in all directions as well as tilting of the plane of focus (tilt) by up to 8°. Its apochromatically corrected lenses ensure that the familiar superior quality delivered by the S-System is maintained, even when fully exploiting the limits of creative freedom.
Tilting the plane of focus allows photographers to place it at any chosen point within the image. As such, the optimum depth of field can be achieved without stopping down sharply and without having to accept the qualitative disadvantages of a closed aperture. The Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. also allows photographers to adjust the location of the plane of sharpest focus.
Parallel shifting enables precise correction of converging or diverging verticals without the loss of
resolution generally encountered when applying corrections with post-processing software. This
simultaneously ensures that the performance and capabilities of the S-System are preserved and
that photographers have complete control over all lines within the image frame. As a result of its
large image circle, the Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. allows the combination of tilting and shifting for maximum artistic flexibility.
As a result of its special construction and external form, the Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6
ASPH. differs to some extent from the remainder of the S-System lens portfolio. For instance, it
features an integrated lens hood specially optimized for its optical system. Shifting and tilting
movements are controlled by a total of four rings and two additional rings manually control the
aperture and distance settings.
As with the entire Leica S-System, the Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. is distinguished by ruggedly enduring design and construction that guarantees years of dependability, even with frequent use. Including the new Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH., the current S-System range offers a total of eight lenses (five of which will also be available in CS versions with a central shutter), guaranteeing uncompromising imaging quality for all areas of photography.
The lens is supplied complete with a tripod mounting plate with 1/4″ and 3/8″ bushes that allows
the lens to be fixed securely in any position. The Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. will be available through select Leica dealers beginning in January 2013.
The Leica TS-APO-Elmar-S 1:5.6/120mm ASPH is priced at $6,950.
This is the Schneider lens – not that that is a bad thing..!!