Leica R

The Leica R lenses were part of Leica’s line of 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras. These started with the Leicaflex cameras in 1964 and continued through the Leica R-series cameras, until production ended in 2009. As the lenses were originally designed to cover the 36mm x 24mm film area, these lenses cover full frame cine cameras.

Even though the Leica R cameras discontinued, the Leica R lenses live on till today as they can be adapted for use on various digital mirrorless systems due to their excellent optical performance.

The Leica-R lenses are renowned for their sharp, non-clinical resolution mixed with good contrast and subtly warm colours. The bokeh is smooth when wide open, but still produces the iconic look when stopped down. This is the reason why TLS use the original iris during the rehousing process.

The TLS rehousing make the lenses suitable for modern filmmaking and cinematography. The rehousing process is also designed to improve their functionality, such as adding smoother focus and aperture mechanisms, as well as standardising lens housing to fit professional cine lens mounts and accessories.

Rehoused Leica R lenses by TLS are sought after in the film industry for their vintage character, beautiful bokeh, and strong colour rendering while offering the mechanics and robustness needed for professional cinema use.

Key Features

Focus Mechanism: The focus throw is increased to allow for more precise focus pulling, a crucial feature in cinematography.
Improved close focus: Most of the rehoused Leica-R’s have an improved close focus once rehoused at TLS.
Aperture Control: The aperture is smooth, allowing continuous iris adjustments.
Lens Mount: The original Leica R mount is replaced and is available in PL mount.
Housing: The lens is rehoused in a high-grade aluminium alloy and stainless-steel housing, eradicating any backlash/image shift from the original mechanics.
Focus and iris Gearing: The rehoused lenses have standardised gear positions for focus and iris, making them compatible with cine lens control systems.
Improved Durability: The new housing improves the durability and reliability of the lens for use in demanding film production environments.

Leica R Specification

Focal Range	19mm V1			24mm			28mm V1			35mm Summilux			50mm Summilux			60mm Macro			80mm			100mm Macro			135mm
Mount	PL			PL			PL			PL			PL			PL			PL			PL			PL
T-Stop	T2.9			T2.9			T2.9			T1.5			T1.5			T2.9			T1.5			T2.9			T2.9
Min. Object Distance typ.	9"			12"			8"			20"			17"			11"			2ft 2" or 26"			17"			3ft 4" or 40"
Ø Image Circle Across T-stop	T2.9	T5.6	T16	T2.9	T5.6	T16	T2.9	T5.6	T16	T1.5	T8	T16	T1.5	T8	T16	T2.9	T5.6	T16	T1.5	T5.6	T16	T2.9	T5.6	T16	T2.9	T5.6	T16
Ø Image Circle - Close Focus (mm)	47	47	45	52	52	52	53	53	52	51	51	51	54	54	54	47	47	46	60+	55	52	TBC	TBC	TBC	60+	60+	57
Ø Image Circle - Infinity (mm)	45	45	44	50	50	50	50	50	48	48	48	48	52	52	50	48	48	47	60+	60+	57	TBC	TBC	TBC	60+	60+	57
Front Diameter (mm)	110			110			110			110			110			110			110			110			110
Total Length (mm)*	64			69			69			83			69			121			94			155			123
Total Length (inches)*	2.5"			2.7"			2.7"			3.3"			2.7"			4.8"			3.7"			6.1"			4.8"
Weight* (kg)**	0.96			0.95			TBC			1.39			1.00			TBC			1.47			TBC			1.58
Weight* (lbs)**	2lb 2.1oz			2lb 1.8oz			TBC			3lb 1.3oz			2lb 3.4oz			TBC			3lb 4.1oz			TBC			3lb 7.8oz

*Total approximate length is measured from the flange to the front of lens
** Weight subject to change with further developments
TBC - To be confirmed

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Through the Leica Glow: Berlin-based Cinematographer Michael Krautter Captures Atmosphere with TLS Rehoused Lenses

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