Leitz Cine has introduced the Leitz iD Mount, an optional mount with a metadata interface for the Leitz HUGO and Leitz SUMMILUX-C lenses.
With the iD Mount, compatible cameras can recognize the lens and record a package of static /i metadata with every clip, including the lens name, focal length, serial number, distortion map, and shading map. The Leitz iD Mount is designed for cameras and workflows that support /i metadata. If your camera already recognizes other metadata-enabled lenses, the iD Mount requires no additional camera equipment or license
This information is then kept with the footage through dailies and post production. This is very handy as it reduces manual lens logging, makes it easier to identify the exact lens and focal length used for reshoots, and gives visual effects teams immediate access to useful optical data. The recorded maps can support plate undistortion, compositing, lens matching and emulation, and reapplication of the original lens characteristics after visual effects work is complete.
The iD Mount provides persistent lens identity and characterization data rather than full lens telemetry. It does not transmit live, frame-by-frame focus or iris positions, or calculations based on changing lens settings.
New HUGO and SUMMILUX-C lenses can be ordered with the optional iD Mount installed and programmed at the factory. Owners of existing lenses can purchase mounts as upgrades. The SUMMILUX-C version uses a PL mount, while the HUGO version uses an LPL mount.
Owners of older lenses can provide the serial numbers of their existing lenses and receive iD Mounts encoded with lens-specific information before shipping for an additional fee. The self-contained interface requires no internal electronic connection to the lens; installation consists of exchanging the mount and completing a standard backfocus check and any required shim adjustment.
Customers who prefer to program mounts themselves can use the Leitz iD Mount Update Base and free Leitz software to create, review, change, or delete the stored information. Select the lens family and focal length, and the software automatically loads the corresponding maps. The software will be available through the respective app stores for macOS and Windows. Full instructions via a tutorial video will be available soon.
Pricing & Availability
The Leitz iD Mount is priced at €500 per mount. The Leitz iD Mount Update Base is priced at €320 for either the PL or LPL version.
The Leitz iD Mount and Leitz iD Mount Update Base will be available globally now through Leitz Cine and authorized partners.
