With the use of iD Mount compatible cameras can recognize the lens and record a package of static /i metadata with every clip, make it easier to identify the exact lens and focal length used. 

With the introduction of the Leitz iD Mount, an optional mount with a metadata interface for Leitz HUGO and Leitz SUMMILUX-C lenses, compatible cameras can recognize the lens and record a package of static /i metadata with every clip, including the lens name, focal length, serial number, distortion map, and shading map.

Leitz Cine says that “by keeping this information with the footage through dailies and post production, the iD Mount can reduce manual lens logging, make it easier to identify the exact lens and focal length used for reshoots, and give visual effects teams immediate access to useful optical data. The recorded maps can support plate undistortion, compositing, lens matching and emulation, and reapplication of the original lens characteristics after visual effects work is complete.”

The iD Mount provides persistent lens identity and characterization data rather than full lens telemetry. It does not transmit live, frame-by-frame focus or iris positions, or calculations based on changing lens settings. 

According to Leitz Cine, “new HUGO and SUMMILUX-C lenses can be ordered with the optional iD Mount installed and programmed at the factory. Owners of existing lenses can purchase mounts as upgrades. The SUMMILUX-C version uses a PL mount, while the HUGO version uses an LPL mount.”

Owners of older lenses can provide the serial numbers of their existing lenses and receive iD Mounts encoded with lens-specific information before shipping for an additional fee. This allows the mounts to arrive ready for installation without requiring the customer to program them. The self-contained interface requires no internal electronic connection to the lens; installation consists of exchanging the mount and completing a standard backfocus check and any required shim adjustment.

“Lens metadata has become increasingly important throughout production and post production. The iD Mount gives owners of HUGO and SUMMILUX-C lenses a practical way to add useful identification and optical data without changing the performance or character of the lenses themselves. It is a simple upgrade designed to make these lens families even more useful in modern workflows,” said Managing Director Rainer Hercher.

Customers who prefer to program mounts themselves can use the Leitz iD Mount Update Base and free Leitz software to create, review, change, or delete the stored information. Select the lens family and focal length and the software automatically loads the corresponding maps. The software will be available through the respective app stores for macOS and Windows. Full instructions via a tutorial video will be available soon.

The Leitz iD Mount is priced at €500 per mount. The Leitz iD Mount Update Base is priced at €320 for either the PL or LPL version.

The Leitz iD Mount and Leitz iD Mount Update Base will be available globally now through Leitz Cine and authorized partners.