Leica DC Vario-Summicron is...AUTOFOCUS - but just for the L1

[Brent Robinson]

The new Leica DC Vario-Summicron Lens for Panasonics DMC-LC1 4:3 camera seems to have some interesting features completely avoided when I read the interview with Marius Eschweiler, product manager for compact cameras at Leica in the latest issue of LFI.

First at the website (sorry I lost my How To on making a link):
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=68643&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfModel=DMC-LC1&catGroupId=24999&surfCategory=Lumix%AE&displayTab=S

If you click on the lens in the tech specs section you will find a pop-up that reads:

"The head of the world-renowned Leica lens family, the DC Vario-Summicron lens features an exquisite soft-focus effect, vibrant colors and a general enhancement of nuance and depth."

Also note the picture available in the larger views:
http://www2.panasonic.com/static//SidePhoto/DMC-LC1_Top.jpg

In LFI Mr. Eschweiler states that Leica will be following with it's own 4:3 camera to work with the companies in this group.

Hmmm...Soft FX, AF and 4:3. I am not supporting any of these just passing it along. Though I am not so sure of the head of the family remark.

[jaapv]

I think the one you linked to is the "old" Digilux2 twin with its 2/3" sensor, 5Mp and fixed zoom lens.

[Brent Robinson]

Yup! My apologies. In my haste to find a nice photo I didn't read the (large) print to well (I'm a dork). However, what I was trying to get at was when the LFI article came out I was a little curious as to the complete lack of reference to auto focus - an obvious point. Here is a link from the correct L1 camera.

http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/camera/specificati on/1243/show.html

FYI in the LFI article Marius states that the lens is made in Japan but "optical development takes place in accordance with the knowledge of our lens designers in Solms...". I am not exactly sure what that means. It could go either way but he does state Leica is the developer and manfacturer. One things for sure though from the link: AF and OIS. A curious omission.