This is an update to the previous blog, Leica Camera + Panasonic + Sigma: The ‘L-Mount Alliance’ Will Increase the Importance of the L-Mount Technology to the World of Photography.
The following video presents SIGMA Full Frame Camera, L-Mount Alliance and New Lenses – Video Interview:
“…SIGMA announced interesting news at Photokina – development of their own SIGMA full frame camera, joining the L-mount alliance and introduction of five new lenses. We interviewed SIGMA’s CEO Kazuto Yamaki and asked him about the future of the company…“
NEWS RELEASE
To our customers using SIGMA SA-mount cameras and lenses
2018/08/26
Dear SIGMA customers,
Thank you very much for your trust in and support of our products.
At Photokina 2018 (Cologne, Germany), we have officially announced the beginning of our collaboration with Leica Camera AG and Panasonic Corporation to adopt the L-mount for future SIGMA products.
Following this announcement, we would like provide an outline regarding our plans for future interchangeable-lens cameras and lenses to all customers familiar with SIGMA’s SA-mount system.
SIGMA starts development of a full-frame mirrorless camera
as part of its switch to the L-mount system.
For the development of a new and long-requested full-frame mirrorless camera, the adoption of an optimal, new lens mount system became a necessary step in order to achieve new standards in usability and performance.
While we did consider developing a new mount system in the beginning, the results of technical surveys and investigations led us to the conclusion that Leica Camera AG’s L-mount offers an ideal solution in terms of our short flange back distance and optical design requirements. With our partnership with Leica Camera AG and Panasonic Corporation, we hope to offer a camera system with much greater scalability than possible as a independent manufacturer.
All future interchangeable-lens camera systems developed by SIGMA will feature the L-mount. SIGMA does not plan to develop new cameras equipped with an SA-mount.
SIGMA will continue producing SA-mount lenses.
We plan to continue developing, manufacturing and selling interchangeable lenses – including lenses already available on the market and future products – with the SA-mount, as part of our standard product lineup.
SIGMA is developing a special lens adapter to use SA-mount lenses on L-mount systems.
Parallel to the development of L-mount equipped cameras, we are developing a lens adapter which allows our customers to use their SA-mount lenses on L-mount cameras. We understand the importance of a product environment in which all of our customers are able to use their valuable lens assets without any cutbacks, and we plan to provide the mount adapter together with the release of our new L-mount camera.
We have always understood camera development as an enterprise which requires our passion and embodies the ideals and principles of our company.
In this respect, our employees’ hard work is motivated by the strong conviction that this project cannot be realized without the understanding and trust of all our customers who have come to enjoy our cameras and lenses equipped with the SA-mount.
On this occasion, I would like to extend my personal heartfelt gratitude for your continued support.
At present, the digital camera world is embracing an unprecedented period of change.
On occasion of our company’s full-scale entry into developing mirrorless cameras, we also have to think sincerely about the question, “What camera system does the future require?” Based on our careful investigations, we decided that the adoption of a new lens mount system is a necessary part of the answer.
We understand that in the face of this announcement our customers may be concerned about future product developments and the practicability of SIGMA products they already own.
SIGMA treats our continued support for SA-mount lenses as a top priority. This commitment of ours will not be affected by our move to a new mount system, and SA-mount lenses will continue to be part of our production. Please be assured that we are creating the next generation of our cameras with all of our customers in mind.
We want each of our customers, who came to love SIGMA products as part of a “SIGMA mount system,” to continue using our products without any compromise, and we promise to provide you with an even greater variety of options to enjoy your gear in the future.
Thank you very much for your generous patronage and support.
Kazuto Yamaki
Company Executive Officer,
SIGMA Corporation