The L-mount alliance: Panasonic, Leica and Sigma
You too can benefit from the L-mount partnership and discover the numerous advantages of the bayonet standard.
With the alliance between Panasonic, Leica and Sigma, the three companies have created a cross-format standard for the first time in the history of digital photography. On this page you will find countless possible combinations of Lens and cameras from the three brands, opening up an unlimited spectrum of creative freedom for you. All the quality and functional features of the systems are retained and you can shoot without loss!
With the L-Mount, a new era of flexibility begins, so you can enjoy uncompromising compatibility of APS-C and full-frame cameras from Leica, Panasonic, Sigma, DJI, Blackmagic, ASTRODESIGN, SAMYANG and Sirui with the corresponding Lens. Immerse yourself!
5 reasons for the L-mount system
Panasonic relies on the L-mount system for its cameras - a mount that impresses with its versatility and openness. So that you can see at a glance what makes this bayonet so special, we have summarized the most important advantages for you:
1. Broad manufacturer alliance:
The L-mount system is not only used by Panasonic, but also by Leica (who originally developed it), Sigma, DJI and other partners. This means that there is a large selection of cameras and Lens from different manufacturers that are all compatible with each other. You are therefore not restricted to one brand and benefit from greater variety and flexibility.
2. Flexible flange focal distance:
With a flange focal distance of just 20 millimeters, the L-mount is one of the shortest full-frame mounts. This makes it easier to adapt third-party lenses, such as those from the Leica M or R system, classic DSLR lenses or even special cine lenses. This makes it easy to continue using existing lens collections or to expand the creative palette with special lenses.
3. Large inner diameter:
The bayonet diameter of 51.6 millimeters offers enough space for fast lenses without making the lenses unnecessarily large. This allows modern designs such as very fast f/1.2 or f/1.4 lenses to be realized while still remaining compact and optically powerful.
4. Professional cine support:
The L-mount is not only intended for photography, but is also used in the professional video sector. Manufacturers such as Blackmagic offer cine cameras with L-mount, and cine Lens are also available. This makes the system particularly attractive for all users who want to use both photography and video at the same high level.
5. Future-proof through continuous growth:
The L-mount system is constantly evolving: new partners, such as Viltrox recently, are expanding the range and bringing additional Lens to the system. This means that the ecosystem is constantly growing and you can also be sure that an investment in cameras and Lens will last in the long term.
Diameter
The L-mount diameter of 51.6 millimetres is suitable for use on cameras with a full-frame sensor as well as cameras with an APS-C sensor. L-Mount Lens are compatible with both camera types, considerably expanding their range of applications.
The bayonet
The camera bayonet made of wear-resistant stainless steel with four flange segments can withstand even the heaviest loads. The L-mount prevents tilting and ensures that the Lens sits particularly firmly and flat, guaranteeing optimum sharpness on the sensor.
Construction
The very short flange focal distance of just 20 mm ensures a short distance between the Lens and the sensor. This means that complex retrofocus constructions can be dispensed with and optics can be designed more compactly. In addition, adapters for Lens with other bayonet connections can be used without any problems.
Smooth transmission
The standardized L-mount contact strip ensures smooth communication between the electronic components in the lens and camera, including the transmission of digital correction values from the lens and the installation of firmware updates on lenses.
The L-Mount Alliance jointly uses the L-Mount standard developed by Leica Camera AG for mirrorless camera systems. It currently consists of Leica Camera, SIGMA, Panasonic, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH, DJI and Samyang. The partners of the Alliance use the L-Mount standard for cameras and Lens, which are each offered under their own brands. The technical development of the L-Mount is carried out jointly.
The L-mount is a lens mount for mirrorless system cameras, which was introduced to the market by Leica Camera with the Leica T in 2014 for an APS-C system and in 2015 with the Leica SL for a full-frame system. The large aperture, with a diameter of 51.6 mm, allows both high-aperture and the most compact Lens possible. The communication interface is designed to be future-proof and the mount enables the construction of systems protected against dust and splash water. The flange focal distance of the L-Mount is 20 mm and allows the adaptation of a wide range of different Lens.
L-MOUNT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. Leica is the licensor for the L-Mount standard, Panasonic, SIGMA, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH and DJI are licensees. The L-Mount is a lens mount for mirrorless system cameras, which was introduced to the market by Leica Camera with the Leica T in 2014 for an APS-C system and in 2015 with the Leica SL for a full-frame system. The large aperture, with a diameter of 51.6 mm, allows both high-aperture and the most compact Lens possible. The communication interface is designed to be future-proof and the mount enables the construction of systems protected against dust and splash water. The flange focal distance of the L-Mount is 20 mm and allows the adaptation of a wide range of different Lens.
L-MOUNT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. Leica is the licensor for the L-Mount standard, Panasonic, SIGMA, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH and DJI are licensees.
Panasonic and Leica have had an intensive business relationship for many years, and Panasonic and SIGMA are in regular contact due to their collaboration on the Micro 4/3 system. Through this constellation, and with Panasonic as an intermediary, the three companies, each of which has its own strengths and unique selling points, came together. Panasonic stands for advanced technologies, especially in areas such as digitization, autofocus and optical image stabilization technologies. Leica's expertise in optical design, premium product manufacturing and its world-renowned brand has proven itself time and time again over the decades.
SIGMA's high level of product development and mass production has given the company a unique reputation as a supplier of high-performance lenses and cameras. Although all three companies operate as independent competitors, there are few areas of overlap. As this is the basis for a balanced and equal partnership, it was decided to form the L-Mount Alliance. Due to its versatility, customers will benefit greatly from the L-Mount as they will have an unprecedented choice of products that are compatible with each other.
That is possible. As the L-Mount standard evolves within the Alliance, key components and technology platforms (hardware and software) may be required that are jointly developed. In addition, further joint developments are also possible, which could lead to jointly used key components, technologies or modules for product development. However, such developments would be carried out independently of the L-Mount Alliance as part of a project-related development cooperation.
