Panasonic: L2 Technology agreement with Leica is no threat to L-mount alliance

Following the announcement of the L2 technology collaboration between Panasonic and Leica Camera, there had been some speculation that closer working between two of the three members of the L-mount alliance might lead to parallel versions of L-mount, with Sigma cameras and lenses missing out on technologies developed by the L2 partnership.

We contacted Panasonic for comment and were subsequently told that L2 is completely distinct from the L-mount partnership and that L-mount aims to maintain stable compatibility across the three brands’ products.

Below is Panasonic’s statement to DPReview:

‘L² Technology is not the new alliance but the new value created by Leica Camera AG and Panasonic.

L-Mount is a lens mount standard developed by Leica Camera AG and it is licensed to the Alliance members by Leica Camera AG.

Panasonic is one of the licensed member and we are aiming to have stable product compatibility between the Alliance partners. Therefore, as L-mount alliance member we will keep compatibility also with Sigma products. There is no change on this point.

L² Technology is the symbol that Leica camera AG and Panasonic will invest and develop the new value together.

This new value will be integrated to our new cameras for Panasonic and Leica and by each company we will have our own marketing story.’