Leica R Cinescope TLS

A full-frame Leica R prime set rehoused by TLS with cinema-ready mechanics and the familiar Leica signature: natural colour, balanced contrast and smooth bokeh. The TLS cam-driven focus system is designed for repeatable pulls with minimal image shift and zero backlash, with improved close focus across much of the range. All lenses share a 110mm front, consistent handling, and PL mount.

Overview

  • TLS rehousing: cam-driven focus, chassis-style housing, designed for zero backlash and stable focus movement.
  • Leica R optical signature: sharp but not clinical, subtly warm colour, smooth bokeh.
  • Full-frame coverage across the set.
  • Unified 110mm front diameter for quick matte box/FF swaps.

Use Cases

  • Narrative, commercial and doc work where you want a classic Leica feel with modern reliability.
  • Mixed lighting and skin-tone critical work where Leica’s warm/neutral rendering helps.
  • Shoots that benefit from consistent fronts and predictable focus behaviour.
Focal Length Aperture Close focus Front Diameter Weight
19mm T2.9 23cm | 9″ 110mm 0.9Kg
28mm T2.9 23cm | 9″ 110mm 0.9Kg
35mm T1.5 51cm | 1’8″ 110mm 1.4Kg
50mm T1.5 43cm | 1’5″ 110mm 0.9Kg
80mm T1.5 56cm | 1’10” 110mm 1.5Kg
135mm T2.9 102cm | 3’4″ 110mm 0.73Kg

1x Cinescope Leica Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.9 Prime Lens
1x Cinescope Leica Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.9 Prime Lens
1x Cinescope Leica Elmarit-R 35mm f/1.5 Prime Lens
1x Cinescope Leica Elmarit-R 50mm f/1.5 Prime Lens
1x Cinescope Leica Elmarit-R 80mm f/1.5 Prime Lens
1x Cinescope Leica Elmarit-R 135mm f/2.9 Prime Lens

Treat the rehousing as the workflow upgrade.
The TLS cam-drive and chassis housing are built for repeatability. Set your motor positions once and keep swaps fast across the set.

Use the wide close focus creatively.
The 19mm and 28mm’s very short MOD is useful for tight environment details without reaching for a macro straight away.

Build your look with aperture.
The T1.5 lenses (35/50/80) give more separation and rounder bokeh; the T2.9 wides/tele are often cleaner and easier to keep sharp across faces.

Standardise the front end.
With 110mm fronts across the set, clip-ons/dioptres stay consistent. Great for quick lens changes without re-rigging.

Keep focus marks honest.
Long-throw cine mechanics reward proper marks; if you’re working wide open, give the focus puller room to work.