Duclos 70-180mm T3 Zoom Lens - PL Mount (Based on Leica)

This Duclos 70-180mm T3 Zoom Lens was based on the venerable Leica 70-180mm f/2.8 Lens. The all new housing designed by Duclos Lenses was done so with careful consideration for professional cinematographers and the motion picture industry. The body is machined from aircraft grade aluminum alloy, which was anodized black for a lightweight, durable finish.

A precision-ground stainless steel ARRI PL mount allows the Duclos 70-180mm to be natively mounted to a wide variety of optional cinema cameras (including imminent 35mm full frame and Vista Vision systems). Integrated 32-pitch (0.8 mod) zoom, focus, and iris gears and a threaded 3/8-16 lens support, and an 80mm front diameter allow for seamless operation with industry standard accessories.

In order to maintain a reduced weight and size, Duclos decided to retain the base Leica lens' telescoping effect, which occured when you rack focused that lens. Had Duclos eliminated this feature, they would have needed a front shroud and sealing requirements which would be counter to the concept of a lighter lens. A Duclose press release about this cine-conversion project explains the details further.