The L-Mount Alliance, officially announced at Photokina 2018, now has 10 member companies with the addition of Viltrox.
VIltrox Joins L Mount Alliance
Viltrox joined nine other companies that have been members since the alliance’s inception: Leica Camera AG, Sigma Co., Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, Ernst Leitz-Wetzlar GmbH, DJI, Astrodesign, SAMYANG Optics, Blackmagic Design, and SIRUI. By joining the L-Mount Alliance, Viltrox will be able to develop products that use the L-Mount, which will provide users with the significant benefit of a wider range of options when it comes to photography and filmmaking.
The L-Mount was developed by Leica Camera AG with the goal of creating a flexible, robust, precise, future-proof bayonet mount capable of meeting the most demanding needs.
Since its introduction, Leica and its strategic partners have continued to develop the L-mount, repeatedly improving it into a new and more sophisticated technology. The L-mount has been adopted by alliance partners for their cameras and lenses, and the portfolio has steadily expanded to approximately 20 cameras and over 120 lenses.
Lenses manufactured for different systems within the L-Mount Alliance can be used on any camera without adapter or functionality restrictions, which is one of the many benefits of using a common bayonet.
“The L-Mount Alliance has been a strategic cornerstone of Leica Camera AG since its inception, embodying openness, innovation and the highest standards of quality in the world of photography,” Valentino Di Leonardo, technical expertise and licensing manager at Leica Camera AG, said.
“The system offers unprecedented choice for photographers and filmmakers. With the addition of Viltrox, our network is further strengthened by the addition of a highly respected partner who shares our vision of building a future-oriented and diverse system.
“Viltrox brings valuable know-how in developing high-performance lenses and will bring a breath of fresh air to the entire alliance. Through this collaboration, we hope to offer a more comprehensive and versatile system that meets all the demands of photography and filmmaking.”
“Joining the L-Mount Alliance will enable Viltrox to further expand its portfolio of high-performance, versatile and affordable lenses,” Daniel Dye, CEO of Viltrox, commented.
This collaboration will inspire a new generation of creators, from passionate Leica enthusiasts to seasoned experts, while further strengthening a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem with alliance partners such as DJI, Panasonic Corporation, Blackmagic Design, and Sigma Corporation, and adding new strength to Leica’s product lineup.
About the L-Mount Alliance
All members of the L-Mount Alliance can use the L-Mount standard developed by Leica Camera AG for mirrorless camera systems. Alliance members include Leica Camera AG, Sigma Co., Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, Ernst Leitz-Wetzlar GmbH, DJI, Astrodesign, SAMYANG Optics, Blackmagic Design, SIRUI, and the latest addition, Viltrox.
Each partner company will adopt the L-mount standard for cameras and lenses sold under their own brand, sell their products as competing products, and pursue their own unique product and marketing strategies. Through this alliance, the partner companies will also work to improve the technology behind the L-mount standard.
About the “L-mount” standard
The L-mount has a mount diameter of 51.6 mm, making it suitable for use with full-frame cameras, but also compatible with cameras equipped with APS-C sensors. Its short flange focal distance of just 20 mm allows for a shorter distance between the lens and the sensor, enabling the development of more compact optical devices, which is particularly advantageous for the development of wide-angle lenses. To ensure resistance to extreme loads and ensure maximum reliability even after years of heavy use, the camera bayonet is made of wear-resistant stainless steel.
Four flange segments allow the lens to be securely attached to the camera without tilting. The L-mount’s standardized electronic contacts ensure smooth communication between the lens and camera’s electronic components. Future firmware updates will also allow for compatibility with technological advances, enabling the lens to fully realize its potential.
