Lens Information from Prep through Post Production

The Leitz iD Mount adds a metadata interface for lens identification to 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.

The information can remain connected to the footage through dailies and post production, reducing manual lens logging, supporting continuity and reshoots, and giving VFX teams the lens data they need to work more efficiently.

Identification that Travels with the Footage

The iD Mount creates a persistent record of the lens used for every clip. Lens name and focal length can appear in supported camera and monitoring outputs, while the recorded metadata identifies the individual lens by serial number. Camera teams can spend less time recording or confirming lens information, and productions can quickly identify the same lens and focal length when returning for reshoots.

Built for Production and Post Production

The recorded metadata gives production, dailies, and post production teams a consistent reference for the lens behind each image. VFX teams can use the Leitz-provided distortion and optical illumination falloff maps to undistort plates, integrate visual effects, match or emulate lens behavior, and reapply the original characteristics after compositing.

New Lenses or Existing Inventory

New Leitz HUGO and Leitz SUMMILUX-C lenses can be ordered with either the standard mount or the optional iD Mount. The SUMMILUX-C version uses a PL mount. The HUGO version uses an LPL mount. One iD Mount design serves every focal length within the HUGO lens family. SUMMILUX-C mounts are determined by focal length, and the 135mm SUMMILUX-C lens is not compatible with the iD Mount.

Existing lenses can be upgraded by replacing the original mount and then programming it. The metadata interface is fully self-contained. After a standard backfocus check and any necessary shim adjustments, the lens is ready to work again. iD Mounts can be ordered with metadata preloaded if the lenses’ serial numbers are supplied. Or, lens owners can update and change the metadata themselves with the Leitz iD Mount Update Base.

Programming the Mount is Simple

The Leitz iD Mount Update Base connects the mount to a computer, allowing the stored lens information to be created, reviewed, changed, or deleted using free Leitz software. Select the lens family and focal length, enter the individual lens information, write the data to the mount, and verify the result on a compatible camera. The correct Leitz-provided distortion and shading maps are loaded automatically.

Designed for /i Metadata Workflows

The Leitz iD Mount is designed to work with cameras and production workflows that support /i metadata. If a camera already works with other metadata-enabled lenses, no additional camera accessory, license, battery, or special configuration is required.

What it does and does not do

Leitz iD Mount Update Base

The Leitz iD Mount Update Base is available in a PL version for SUMMILUX-C and an LPL version for HUGO. An owner or facility needs just one Update Base for each lens family. Programming takes only a few minutes per lens on a Mac or Windows computer and does not require an internet connection, account, license, or subscription.

The Update Base connects to the computer using the included removable cable with USB-A and 3.5 mm-style connectors. The lens rests on the shaped base so the electrical contacts align.

Questions?

Q: Will it work with my camera?

A: The Leitz iD Mount is designed for cameras and workflows that support /i metadata. If your camera already recognizes other metadata-enabled lenses, the iD Mount requires no additional camera equipment or license. The way identifying information is displayed depends on the camera and monitoring configuration.

Q: Can the maps replace distortion and shading grids?

A: The Leitz-provided maps can remove the practical need to shoot separate distortion and shading grids when the production and VFX team approve a metadata-based workflow. Productions should confirm during prep that their complete media and postproduction pipeline preserve the metadata through delivery to VFX.

Q: What happens if the electronic interface is unavailable?

A: The lens remains mechanically functional and behaves like a standard non-metadata lens.