The L-mount alliance: Panasonic, Leica and Sigma

The L-Mount Alliance jointly uses the L-Mount standard developed by Leica Camera AG for mirrorless camera systems. It currently consists of Leica Camera, SIGMA, Panasonic, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH and DJI. The partners of the alliance use the L-mount standard for cameras and lenses, which are each offered under their own brands. The technical development of the L-Mount is done jointly.

The L-mount is a lens mount for mirrorless system cameras that was introduced to the market by Leica Camera with the Leica T in 2014 for an APS-C system and in 2015 with the Leica SL for a full-frame system. The large aperture, with a diameter of 51.6 mm, allows for both high aperture and the most compact lenses possible. The communication interface is designed to be future-proof and the mount enables the construction of systems protected against dust as well as splash water. The back focal distance of the L-Mount is 20 mm and allows the adaptation of a wide range of different lenses.

L-MOUNT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. Leica is the licensor for the L-Mount standard, Panasonic, SIGMA, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH and DJI are licensees. The L-Mount is a lens mount for mirrorless system cameras that was introduced to the market by Leica Camera with the Leica T in 2014 for an APS-C system and in 2015 with the Leica SL for a full-frame system. The large aperture, with a diameter of 51.6 mm, enables both high-aperture lenses and the most compact lenses possible. The communication interface is designed to be future-proof and the mount enables the construction of systems protected against dust as well as splash water. The back focal distance of the L-Mount is 20 mm and allows the adaptation of a wide range of different lenses.

L-MOUNT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. Leica is the licensor for the L-Mount standard, Panasonic, SIGMA, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH and DJI are licensees.

Panasonic and Leica have maintained intensive business relations for many years, and Panasonic and SIGMA are in regular contact due to their cooperation for the Micro 4/3 system. Through this constellation, and with Panasonic as the middleman, the three companies, each with its own strengths and unique selling points, came together. Panasonic stands for advanced technologies, especially in areas such as digitization, autofocus and optical image stabilization technologies. Leica's expertise in optical design, manufacturing of premium products and its world-renowned brand has proven itself time and again over the decades.

SIGMA's high level of product development and mass production has helped the company build a unique reputation as a supplier of high-performance lenses and cameras. Although all three companies operate as independent competitors, there are few overlapping business areas. Since this is the basis for a balanced as well as equal partnership, it was decided to form the L-Mount Alliance. Due to its versatility, customers will benefit greatly from the L-Mount as they will have an unprecedented choice of products that are compatible with each other.

It's possible. As the L-Mount standard evolves within the alliance, there may be a need for key components and technology platforms (hardware and software) that will be jointly developed. In addition, other collaborative developments are also possible, which may lead to shared key components, technologies or modules for product development. However, corresponding developments would be carried out independently of the L-Mount Alliance as part of a project-based development collaboration.