Leitz Cinematic 50mm Lens
The Leica 50mm M 0.8 is a 50mm f/1.4 cinema lens designed for PL Mount mount cameras. Used copies start from $5,058.18 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leitz Cinematic 50mm Lens
Used Leica 50mm M 0.8 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Leica 50mm M 0.8
Key Features — Leica 50mm M 0.8
PL Mount: Industry-standard cinema mount compatible with professional camera systems from ARRI, RED, and other major cinema manufacturers.
T1.4 Maximum Aperture: Wide maximum T-stop allows shooting in lower light conditions and enables shallow depth of field for subject isolation.
Full-Frame Coverage: Image circle covers full-frame sensors, making it compatible with large-format cinema cameras without vignetting.
50mm Prime Design: Fixed standard focal length delivers a natural perspective with no optical compromises introduced by a zoom mechanism.
Manual Focus Only: Designed for dedicated focus pullers, offering precise, repeatable focus control suited to professional cinema workflows.
77mm Filter Thread: Standard filter diameter accommodates common screw-on filters and integrates with most cinema matte box setups.
Lens Specifications — Leica 50mm M 0.8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Video / Cinematography |
| Lens Type | Cine |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Camera System | Cinema / Video |
| Lens Mount | PL Mount |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 77mm |
Description — Leica 50mm M 0.8
The Leitz Cinematic 50mm is a prime cinema lens designed for the full-frame format, built on a PL Mount that integrates directly into professional digital cinema camera setups. With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, it provides genuine versatility in challenging lighting conditions and gives cinematographers precise control over depth of field. At a focal length of 50mm, it occupies the classic standard lens position — a natural perspective that suits a wide variety of narrative and documentary applications.
Focus is manual, in keeping with professional cinema practice and enabling precise, repeatable pulls during production. The lens weighs just 466g, keeping it manageable across handheld, gimbal, and aerial applications where weight budgets are real constraints. A 77mm filter thread accommodates standard cinema filtration tools.
Image stabilization is rated as None, so stabilization requirements should be addressed at the rig or camera level. The lens is categorized within the Cinema / Video camera system ecosystem, confirming its intent as a purpose-built tool for motion picture and high-end video production.
Pros — Leica 50mm M 0.8
- ✓Wide f/1.4 maximum aperture provides strong light-gathering performance
- ✓Full-frame lens format ensures coverage for large-sensor cinema cameras
- ✓PL Mount offers compatibility with professional cinema camera systems
Cons — Leica 50mm M 0.8
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus option for run-and-gun or solo operators
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring external stabilization solutions
- ✗Single PL Mount limits direct use on non-PL camera systems without an adapter
Videos — Leica 50mm M 0.8
Why It's Expensive - Tiny Leica 50mm Lens! - Leica Summicron-M 50mm F2 (Ep. 10) — ZY Cheng
Frequently Asked Questions — Leica 50mm M 0.8
What camera mount does the Leitz Cinematic 50mm use?+
The lens is built with a PL Mount, which is the standard professional cinema lens mount. This makes it directly compatible with cameras that accept PL Mount lenses.
Does this lens cover full-frame sensors?+
Yes, the lens format is specified as Full Frame, meaning it is designed to cover full-frame cinema sensors without vignetting.
Does the Leitz Cinematic 50mm have autofocus?+
No, this lens is manual focus only. This is consistent with professional cinema lens design, where focus is typically controlled by a dedicated focus puller using a follow focus system.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The maximum aperture is f/1.4, allowing for significant light capture and shallow depth-of-field work when needed.
What filter thread size does this lens use?+
The filter thread size is 77mm, which is compatible with a wide range of screw-on filters and matte box adapter rings commonly used in cinema production.
How heavy is the Leitz Cinematic 50mm?+
The lens weighs 466g, making it relatively manageable for a full-frame f/1.4 prime cinema lens and suitable for use on weight-sensitive rigs and gimbal setups.