The HUGO family of high-end full-frame cinema lenses has just been announced by German lens manufacturer Leitz. It will initially include seven T1.5 focal lengths ranging from 21 to 90mm, as well as a 50mm T1.0.

The Leitz HUGO lenses are named after renowned engineer Hugo Wehrenfenning, whose work at Leica Camera (formerly Ernst Leitz GmbH, Wetzlar) includes the development of the classic Leica M bayonet mount, which is still in use today, as well as several of the early M series lenses.

Leitz HUGO lenses, which build on the success of the Leitz M 0.8 series, use the same Leica M optics but have entirely new housing designs and construction standards to match those of other Leitz cinematography lenses. These lenses will have an LPL mount, larger focus scales with a 270° rotation, and much improved close focus capability in addition to the conventional cine orientation of the focus and iris scales. As soon as they reach 1.78 lbs. /.81 kg in weight and between 2.7 and 4.4″ (68 and 112 mm) in length, they continue to be extraordinarily small and light. Leica M or Leica L mounts are additional lens mount options.

The HUGO series will include readily available parts, replacement elements, and lens technician training to assure reliable and consistent use for many years, just like other Leitz cine lenses. Future HUGO lens upgrades will be possible for existing M 0.8 lenses.

The Leica M mount has a modest flange depth of 27.8 mm, which was essential in the development of tiny, rapid, high-quality lenses that have been a mainstay of street photographers, war correspondents, and adventurers who need to move light, travel far, and shoot quickly for almost seven decades. The Leitz HUGO lenses capture the same spirit and bring the famous images of M glass into the realm of moving movies with uncompromising quality, durability, and adaptability. M glass is known for its rich colors, artistic flares, and rounded image field.

More info on Leitz’s website.