Today at Photokina Leica has announced the new Leica ELPRO-S 180 which adds close-focusing capability to the already superb Leica APO-Tele-Elmar-S 180mm f/3.5:
Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) – Leica Camera presents the Leica Elpro-S 180 close-up lens, a specially calculated accessory lens for the Leica APO-Elmar-S 180 mm f/3.5 that reduces the close focusing distance to 1.1 meters (approximately 3 feet, 7 inches / 43 inches). Attaching this accessory lens achieves a significant increase, approximately 30 percent, of the reproduction ratio of up to 1:4.5.
In contrast to the majority of apochromatic accessory lenses, the Leica Elpro-S 180 is dedicated to one particular lens. Additionally, this new release avoids lateral chromatic aberrations and ensures that there are no detrimental effects on the excellent imaging qualities of the lens.
The Leica Elpro-S 180 is attached to the threaded filter mount of the lens, in the same manner as a filter. Autofocus, exposure metering and all other camera and lens handling functions are fully maintained when using the Leica Elpro-S 180.
Beginning in October 2012, the Leica Elpro-S 180 close-up lens accessory will be available at select Leica dealers.
The new Leica ELPRO-S 180 will be priced at $1,450.
for me one of the most exiting novelties of this year. Just a bit expensive, though.