LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH
Introduction of LEICA D SUMMILUX 25mm/F1.4 ASPH

SECAUCUS, N.J. (September 26, 2006) – Panasonic today introduced two new interchangeable lenses designed specifically for the digital SLR camera. Both the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH and the LEICA D SUMMILUX 25mm/F1.4 ASPH comply with the Four Thirds System.

The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens (35mm equivalent: 28-100mm) is a bright F2.8 standard zoom lens that was previously sold with the LUMIX L1 package and is now offered separately. It delivers an outstanding optical performance and incorporates Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. – an optical image stabilization system that can add up to three additional exposure stops when shooting. Also equipped with an aperture ring, the D VARIO-ELMARIT lens provides easy, intuitive shooting when used in-conjunction with Panasonic’s first digital SLR camera LUMIX DMC-L1.

The new LEICA D SUMMILUX 25mm/F1.4 lens (35mm equivalent: 50mm) is a bright, large-diameter F1.4 standard lens. Like the D VARIO-ELMARIT lens, it incorporates an aperture ring. It boasts as many as 10 lens elements in 9 groups, including a large-diameter aspherical lens, which assure a superb optical performance and F1.4 brightness, while one super ED (extra-low dispersion) lens and three ED lenses reduce color bleeding to an absolute minimum.

LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH.

World's first Leica digital specific lens with MEGA O.I.S.
This large-diameter standard zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 28-100mm) complies with the Four Thirds standard. It comprises 16 lens elements in 12 groups and incorporates Panasonic's advanced MEGA O.I.S. – an optical image stabilization system that provides outstanding hand-shake correction. Resolution is high from edge to edge and distortion is extremely low. Designed specifically for the digital SLR camera, the D VARIO-ELMARIT lens meets Leica's stringent quality and performance standards.

MEGA O.I.S. - Panasonic's advanced hand-shake correction technology
With its outstanding hand-shake correction performance, Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. makes it possible to shoot at up to three additional exposure stops. The D VARIO-ELMARIT lens maximizes this advantage by incorporating Panasonic's Venus Engine PLUS LSI into the lens. Together, these technologies make it possible to take clear macro shots or shots in dim lighting without using a tripod.

Two large-diameter aspherical lenses for superb optical performance
Two large-diameter aspherical lenses help the D VARIO-ELMARIT lens meet Leica's extremely high optical performance standards. They help capture images that are clear from corner to corner across the entire zoom range, with minimal distortion.

Aperture ring for easy, intuitive operation
When used in conjunction with the LUMIX DMC-L1, the D VARIO-ELMARIT lens puts an aperture ring at the user's fingertips, along with the focus ring and zoom ring. This gives users the kind of easy, pleasant, intuitive operation offered by the familiar film camera.

Minimum focus distance of 29 cm over the entire zoom range
With its minimum focus distance of 29 cm, the D VARIO-ELMARIT lens provides a maximum photographic magnification of 0.32x (35mm equivalent). This combines with MEGA O.I.S. hand-shake correction to make it possible for users to take outstanding macro shots without using a tripod.

Circular aperture diaphragm
Seven aperture blades give the aperture a rounded shape that, when shooting at larger aperture, produces a beautiful smoothness in out-of-focus areas.

Multiple lens coatings minimize ghosts and flare
Multi-coated lenses reduce ghosts and flare to an absolute minimum, helping the D VARIO-ELMARIT lens deliver an optical performance that meets Leica's lofty standards.

LEICA D SUMMILUX 25mm/F1.4 ASPH

Bright, large-diameter F1.4 25mm fixed focal length lens (35mm equivalent: 50mm)
A large total of 10 lens elements in 9 groups, including a large-diameter aspherical lens, give this bright, standard F1.4 lens a superb optical performance. A large-diameter front lens ensures sufficient peripheral light levels, and a large-diameter front aspherical lens reduces light degradation all the way to the lens periphery. The result is high resolution and absolutely minimum lens distortion.

One super ED lens and three ED lenses
Four extra-low dispersion lenses suppress chromatic aberration, thus minimizing color bleeding.

Aperture ring with a familiar, intuitive touch
When the D SUMMILUX lens is used with the LUMIX DMC-L1 digital camera, the user has an aperture ring as well as a focus ring at his or her fingertips. These rings provide the same kind of easy, pleasant, intuitive operation people enjoy with the familiar film camera.

Minimum photographic distance of 38 cm for beautiful macro shooting
Unlike the 50mm lenses used on conventional 35mm film cameras, the D SUMMILUX lens uses a floating focus that reduces minimum photographic distance to just 38 cm. In addition to the lens's high optical performance and low aberration, maximum photographic magnification of 0.18x (35mm equivalent), which combines with the F1.4 brightness allows beautiful macro shooting.

Circular aperture diaphragm
Seven aperture blades create a rounded shape. This combines with the F1.4 brightness to produce a beautiful smoothness in out-of-focus areas at larger aperture.

Multiple lens coatings minimize ghosts and flare
Multi-coated lenses reduce ghosts and flare to an absolute minimum, helping the D SUMMILUX deliver an optical performance that meets Leica's lofty standards.

Specifications

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

###