Leitz iD Mount Announced – Static /i Metadata for HUGO and SUMMILUX-C Lenses

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by Alexandra ThompsonToday

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Leitz Cine has introduced the Leitz iD Mount, an optional mount that adds a metadata interface to HUGO and SUMMILUX-C lenses. Compatible cameras can record the lens name, focal length, serial number, distortion map, and shading map with every clip. The mount costs €500 and is available with new lenses or as an upgrade for existing ones.

New HUGO and SUMMILUX-C lenses can be ordered with the iD Mount installed and programmed at the factory, while owners of lenses already in the field can purchase it separately.

Installation and camera support

The SUMMILUX-C version uses PL, while the HUGO version uses LPL. Because the metadata interface is self-contained, installation requires no electronic modification inside the lens. After the mount exchange, Leitz specifies a standard backfocus check and any necessary shim adjustment.

For cameras and workflows that already support /i metadata lenses, Leitz says no additional camera accessory, license, battery, or special configuration is required. How the information is displayed depends on the individual camera and monitoring setup.

Static metadata, not full telemetry

The key distinction is that the iD Mount records static /i metadata. This includes the lens name, focal length, serial number, owner data, distortion map and shading map, along with other defined /i metadata fields supported by the system.

It does not provide live, frame-by-frame focus or iris information. Cooke /i Technology can record changing values such as focus distance and T-stop for every frame. Because the iD Mount does not connect to electronics inside the lens, it cannot read those changing settings.

Instead, the system is designed to provide persistent lens identification and optical characterization data, so the footage carries a reliable record of which lens was used and how that lens behaves optically. If the electronic metadata interface is unavailable or unsupported, the lens remains mechanically functional and behaves like a standard non-metadata lens.

Why the metadata matters

Leitz sees several uses for that information throughout production and post. Keeping lens identity and focal length with the footage can reduce manual lens logging and make it easier to identify the same lens for reshoots.

The distortion and shading maps are particularly useful in VFX workflows. Leitz says they can be used for plate undistortion, compositing, lens matching and emulation, and for reapplying the original lens characteristics once visual effects work is complete. Productions should, however, confirm during prep that their complete media and post-production pipeline will preserve the metadata through delivery to VFX.

“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,” said Leitz Cine Managing Director Rainer Hercher.

HUGO and SUMMILUX-C compatibility

The iD Mount is available for both HUGO and SUMMILUX-C lenses.

HUGO is Leitz Cine’s full-frame prime family based around Leica M optics and normally uses interchangeable LPL or L mounts. The iD Mount adds a metadata-enabled LPL option.

One iD Mount design works across all focal lengths in the HUGO family. SUMMILUX-C mounts, however, are determined by focal length.

SUMMILUX-C is the company’s Super35 prime family and uses PL mounts. One exception is worth noting: the 135mm SUMMILUX-C is not compatible with the iD Mount.

Programming the mount

Existing lens owners can provide Leitz with their lens serial numbers and order mounts with the lens-specific information already programmed for an additional fee.

For those who prefer to handle programming themselves, Leitz also offers the iD Mount Update Base. It works with free Leitz software that can create, review, change, or delete the stored information. Selecting the lens family and focal length automatically loads the corresponding maps.

Leitz says the software will be distributed through the respective app stores for macOS and Windows, with a tutorial video to follow. Programming itself does not require an internet connection, account, or subscription, and one Update Base can be used for an entire lens family.

Price and availability

The Leitz iD Mount costs €500 per mount, while the iD Mount Update Base costs €320 in either PL or LPL versions. Both the mount and Update Base are available globally now through Leitz Cine and authorized partners.

For more information, please visit the Leitz Cine website.

For productions already using /i metadata in their camera and post-production workflow, is that enough, or is frame-by-frame focus and iris data the more useful part of the system? Let us know in the comments below.