https://www.dpreview.com/news/0172829968/panasonic-announces-500-leica-dg-summilux-9mm-f1-7-lens-for-micro-four-thirds

Panasonic says the lens' autofocus is 'capable of smooth, silent operation, complementing the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system with the sensor drive at [up to] 240 fps.'

When manually focusing, the lens can be set to linear mode, which adjusts focus at a fixed rate with the rotation of the focus ring, or a non-linear setting, which will shift focus faster based on the rotational speed of the focus ring. This non-linear setting can be adjusted from 90 to 360 degrees (in 30 degree increments) to get just the right amount of throw for your needs, allowing pre-planned focus pulls when shooting video.

Also for video recording, Panasonic says it’s worked to reduce focus breathing as well as providing 'micro-step' aperture control for smoother iris adjustments, to ensure there aren't large (eg 1/3rd EV) jumps as the aperture is adjusted.

PR

Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new large-aperture ultra-wide fixed focal length lens, the LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm F1.7 (35mm camera equivalent: 18mm) for the LUMIX G Series based on the Micro Four Thirds standard.

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm (H-X09) is an ultra-wide-angle lens with a large aperture, as well as an unparalleled lens that features an exceptionally short focusing distance of 0.095m (3.7 inches) with an outstanding magnification ratio of 0.25x (35mm camera equivalent: 0.5x). The combination of these lenses makes it possible to distinguish the subject’s presence against the background. It also boasts high descriptive performance and smooth, beautiful bokeh, clearing the stringent LEICA standards, and is suitable for use by professionals and high amateur users for both photo shooting and video recording.

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm F1.7 comprises 12 lens elements in nine groups including two aspherical lenses: two ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens to effectively suppress axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration of magnification. Astigmatism is also corrected with these aspherical lenses, achieving high resolving performance. Furthermore, a Ultra-High Refractive Index (UHR) lens achieves uniform quality from the center to edges of the image while downsizing the lens unit.

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm F1.7 is capable of smooth, silent operation, complementing the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system with the sensor drive at max.240 fps. For the non-linear setting, focus is shifted with a variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring while focus is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for the linear setting. Sensitivity (the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees1 by 30 degrees to enable intended focus operation. The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm F1.7 also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was a fatal problem of all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography. Together with a micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change, professional quality video can be recorded.

With its approximately 130g (4.5 ounces) compact size and light weight, the LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm F1.7 features stunning mobility characteristic of a Micro Four Thirds system. The rugged dust/splash-resistant2 design of the lens can withstand high mobility and harsh conditions, including frigid temperatures at 10 degrees below zero.

The filter diameter is 55 mm, with a 7-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

Panasonic is committed to the development of the Micro Four Thirds lenses to further expand its lineup in order to fulfill the needs of customers.

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 9mm F1.7 will be available at valued channel partners for $499.99 in late July.

This lens was listed for a late june release. Howevere, it seems no one has received one yet.

As I have one on pre-order I contacted my dealer. Their system now shows delivery in mid OCTOBER.

A real bummer for my summer shots for sure.