Today, as part of their May 10 event, Leica has announced the Leica S-Adapter H, which allows Leica S2 users to mount Hasselblad H lenses to their cameras. The press release:
LEICA CAMERA AG EXPANDS THE LEICA S PROFESSIONAL CAMERA SYSTEM
New Leica S-Adapter H Enables use of Hasselblad H Lenses on the Leica S2
Solms, Germany (May 10, 2012) – Leica Camera AG presents a new accessory for the Leica S professional camera system: the Leica S-Adapter H. This adapter allows the portfolio of Hasselblad H-system lenses to be mounted onto a Leica S2 camera body with all lens functions, such as autofocus, central shutter control and automatic diaphragm, retained. The smart electronics of the adapter facilitate the complete integration of the lenses into the Leica S-System.
The Hasselblad H-system features a total of 11 central shutter lenses with focal lengths from 28 to 300 mm. As the S2 features a dual shutter system, users may toggle between the focal plane shutter (FPS) in the camera body or the central shutter (CS) in the lens utilizing the main switch. Photographers now have access to numerous additional lenses that increase the photographic options offered by the Leica S-System.
Hasselblad H-system users also benefit from the new adapter. The versatility of Hasselblad H lenses is expanded considerably when combined with an S2. For instance, as a result of the dual shutter system of the Leica S2, H lenses can be now used with the focal plane shutter at speeds of up to 1/4000th of a second. In combination with the Leica Maestro high-performance image processor, the camera’s image sensor enables perfect, noise-free exposures up to ISO*1250.
Furthermore, the DNG format of images from the S2 enables direct connection to Adobe Lightroom 4 workflow software and seamless data transfer to Adobe Photoshop. The dedicated lens correction profiles computed by Leica for both programs help photographers to achieve maximum performance from the H lenses. In cases of a longer shooting session with high image frequency, the S2 also offers significant advantages due to its low power consumption. The optional multifunctional grip S with separate controls is a particularly useful aid for optimum camera handling for portrait-format shots.
The Leica S-Adapter-H will be available in May of 2012 for $1,950.
This is an exciting new product, as it allows not only for full auto focus and aperture control, but for the use of the Hasselblad lens' built in leaf shutter! Stay tuned for more insight from David and myself. To pre order the Leica S-Adapter-H check out Dale Photo & Digital's website.
This is a huge deal to those H users who had legacy issues with buying an S2, or needed lenses that Leica has yet to provide.
This is terrible news for my wallet…please put me on the list for one of these when they come in. Kudos to Leica and Hasselblad for giving their customers more options. This is the way it should be…
anyone tried them out yet? especially focus accuracy?
On the other hand I would have preferred to get the missing lenses in the Leica lens-line-up. Because adapter plus Habla-lens = Leica lens, and maybe the Leica-lens will be better.
On the other hand, who knows when the CS lenses will finally show up (they say october, but they said allready a lot), and this can be the solution for the summer.
Has this adapter been released yet?
yes, there are some on the market allready. There is a thread about it.
Don’t forget to order a rear lens cap separately 😡