Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Shuichi Takayama) is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0, a large-aperture, wide-angle, single focal length lens that conforms to the Micro Four Thirds System standard.
A long-awaited addition to the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL series of compact lenses - whose outstanding imaging performance is achieved by combining the latest optical technologies with the superior craftsmanship honed over the long history of the legendary ZUIKO lenses - this lens is a single focal length lens with a wide angle of 12mm (equivalent to 24mm of 35mm cameras) and a large aperture of f2.0. In addition to capturing the world with the unique and powerful perspective of the wide-angle lens, this lens also boasts excellent imaging performance, delivering crystal-clear images with high contrast and sharpness throughout the image area. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor shooting, this lens is also provided with the new MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism that enables fast, quiet autofocusing with both movies and still images. An elegant metallic outer finish gives this lens a classic feel that transcends time when combined with the OLYMPUS PEN E-P3 camera, which will be released simultaneously with the lens. The launch of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 is scheduled for 22nd July, 2011.

Main Features

1. Coexistence of compact size with high performance and high image quality thanks to superior craftsmanship supported by the latest technologies
2. Sophisticated textured metallic finish for a stylish, classic look in a highly compact design
3. New Snapshot Focus mechanism that lets you shift the focusing point a specific distance by sliding the focus ring toward the camera body

Pricing & Launch Date

Category	Product Name	MSRP	Launch Date
Interchangeable lens	M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED12mm f2.0	95,000 yen (99,750 yen incl. tax)	22nd July, 2011

Main Features

1. Coexistence of compact size with high performance and high image quality thanks to superior craftsmanship supported by the latest technologies

Olympus-proper optical technology that contributed to the establishment of the tradition of ZUIKO lenses
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 is composed of 11 lens elements in 8 groups. These elements include a DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) element that ensures very high accuracy, an Super HR (High Refractive index) element with high spherical aberration correction capability, and an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element with an excellent chromatic aberration correction effect. The balanced placement of these elements makes it possible for this lens to offer outstanding image quality in a remarkably compact design. Weighing a mere 130 grams, with a maximum diameter of 56 mm and an overall length of just 43 mm, this lens nevertheless provides excellent clarity, contrast and sharpness throughout the image area.
To ensure clear imaging performance even under unfavorable conditions such as when shooting against the light, the lens surfaces are coated with Olympus's special ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating, which features high transmittance and the ability to completely eliminate previously hard-to-prevent artifacts such as ghosts and flares. The ZERO coating is an application of the thin film control technology we developed for microscopes.
Development and production of such a lens is not possible without extensive expertise in the design phase, measurement techniques that can evaluate the surface accuracies correctly, advanced ultrahigh-precision aspherical formation technology, sophisticated polishing techniques and ultrahigh-precision assembly technology. Only a manufacturer with Olympus's expertise and experience could have created such a masterpiece of lens craftsmanship, fusing the essential elements from a wide range of advanced optical technologies into a powerful new lens that will set the standard for years to come.

Large, bright f2.0 aperture that's really effective under low light + Built-in image stabilization mechanism of the PEN series camera
With previous wide-angle lenses, taking a picture in dimly lit conditions was virtually impossible without a tripod and flash. Thanks to its large aperture of f2.0 and wide angle of 24mm (35mm equivalent), the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 has expanded the range of low-light shooting in a big way. Combine that enhanced light-grabbing capability with the image stabilization mechanism built into PEN series cameras, and you've got a lens that serves up sharp, clear images in the dark without requiring a tripod or a flash. Besides typical low-light environments such as in the dusk or indoors, your camera is now able to shoot brilliant wide-angle pictures in locations where a tripod cannot be used such as busy tourist sites or crowded streets, as well as in locations where flash use is prohibited, such as zoos, museums, and aquariums.

MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) mechanism for fast, quiet AF (autofocusing)
The fruit of advanced optical design technology, the MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) mechanism developed to enable fast, quiet autofocusing with a lightweight lens with a small number of lens elements. By driving the focusing lens directly using a metallic shaft and feed screw finished with precision in the sub-micrometric order, rather than using a gear, which is the cause of operating noise, the MSC ensures ultra-quite focusing.
The inner focusing system that incorporates the MSC mechanism adjusts focusing by displacing only one small, lightweight lens element. This enables smooth autofocusing with high speed and low noise. The smooth autofocusing promises comfortable, stress-free shooting of movies as well as still images.

2. Sophisticated textured metallic finish for a stylish, classic look in a highly compact design

This lens is a precision instrument and it looks like it. Though weighing just 130 grams, it exudes solidity and reliability, while its textured metallic finish expresses superior quality and performance.
Designed to be appreciated and used for years to come, the lens represents the unification of "light", "technology" and "mineral". When combined with the OLYMPUS PEN E-P3 camera, which will be released simultaneously with the lens, the result is an exquisite tool, a work of art that transcends the limits of time.

3. New Snapshot Focus mechanism that lets you shift the focusing point a specific distance by sliding the focus ring towards the camera

The new Snapshot Focus mechanism in the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 is designed to allow the user to take snapshots that effectively capitalize of the characteristics of the wide-angle lens. With this mechanism, sliding the focus ring towards you moves the focusing point a specific distance, while rotating the focus ring moves the focal distance within the scale range indicated on the lens cylinder. When, for example, the camera's mode dial is set to the A or M mode, the aperture to f8.0 and the focal distance to 3m, pan-focus shooting (in which both subject and background are focused) is possible, enabling fun, trouble-free snapshot shooting.

Optional Accessories

Product Name	MSRP	Launch Date
Lens Hood LH-48 (New product)	9,500 yen (9,975 yen incl. tax)	22nd July, 2011
Metallic Lens Cap LC-48 (New product)	5,000 yen (5,250 yen incl. tax)
Protect Filter PRF-D46PRO (New product)	3,500 yen (3,675 yen incl. tax)	August, 2011
Lens Case LSC-0710	2,000 yen (2,100 yen incl. tax)	Already on sale

LH-48 Lens Hood
The lens hood cuts unnecessary light from entering the lens during shooting against light. The LH-48 is made of metal and adopts a rectangular design and metallic finish to match the high-grade texture of the lens.

LH-48 Lens Hood

LC-48 Metallic Lens Cap
To enhance the unity with the lens and its high-grade texture, a metallic fitting-type lens cap is available. The LC-48 has an anodized surface with the "OLYMPUS PEN" logo etched using diamond cutting, while the planar area on the surface features a mirror finish.

LC-48 Metallic Lens Cap

PRF-D46PRO Protect Filter
This thin, ultralight protect filter has a filter diameter of 46 mm and is treated with multi-coating.

PRF-D46PRO Protect Filter

Main Specifications

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0

Mount type	Micro Four Thirds System
Focal length    35mm equivalence	12mm    24mm equivalent
Lens construction	8-group, 11 elements (DSA element × 1, aspherical element × 1, Super HR element × 1, ED element × 1, etc.)
Angle of view	84°
AF system	High Speed Imager AF (MSC)
Closest focusing distance	0.2m
Maximum image magnification	0.08X
35mm equivalent	0.16X equivalent
Maximum field size	162×216mm
Number of blades	7 blades (Circular diaphragm)
Maximum aperture	f2.0
Minimum aperture	f22
Filter size	Φ46mm
Dimensions (Max. diameter × Overall length)	Φ56×43mm
Weight	130 grams
Provided accessories	Lens cap (LC-46), Lens rear cap (LR-2), Instruction manual, Olympus International Warranty Card