Leica R

1. Overview

The Leica R is a vintage spherical prime lens series, originally developed by Leitz for 35mm film starting in 1964. GL Optics has rehoused selected focal lengths, making them usable on film sets with modern PL mounts and cinema focus rings. The 19mm variant covers full frame and is positioned as a wide-angle option for productions seeking organic vintage character.

2. Characteristics

Flare characteristics according to CINEFLARES datasheet:

• Types: Spherical Spot, Rainbow, Caustic, Ring
• Colors: Blue, Purple, Amber
• Intensity: Average

Linked Pattern Entries:

• spherical-spot
• rainbow-flare
• caustic-flare

3. Creative Use

The 19mm is suitable for wide-angle establishing shots and tight interiors where presence is desired without a distorting fisheye effect. The T2.9 aperture is open enough for available light but not so fast that the image becomes uncontrollable. Vintage optics of this generation typically have simpler coatings, resulting in slightly reduced micro-contrast and softer highlights. The flare types—spherical spots, rings, and caustics in blue, purple, and amber—are present with backlight but are stated by the manufacturer to be of average intensity, thus controllable. This series is primarily used in independent productions and commercial assignments through specialized rental houses that carry cinema-rehoused Leica sets; studio productions tend to opt for more homogenous modern sets.

4. Specs Overview

5. Status Tracker

• [x] Datasheet extracted (DOM-direct, 2026-04-20)
• [ ] Overview written
• [ ] Creative use researched
• [ ] AI-Illu or Manufacturer Photo (with attribution)
• [ ] Translations (9 languages)
• [ ] Import via import-lexikon.mjs