The original Dallmeyer Septac Anastigmat 50mm f/1.5 dates back to the 1950s (with prototypes as early as the late 1920s or 1930s) and was produced by the British optical company J.H. Dallmeyer. It’s a rare cine and still photography lens, originally an option for cameras like the Ilford Witness, and is considered one of the fastest and most coveted 50mm lenses from that era. The design is a 7-element in 4-group Sonnar-type anastigmat, based on earlier innovations like the 1938 Simlar lens. Vintage examples exist in uncoated and coated (e.g., DC coated) versions, with the uncoated ones being particularly rare and prized for their “oil-painting” style bokeh, soft melting highlights, and three-dimensional rendering that doesn’t match modern sharp optics. Originals are extremely scarce, with auction prices reaching around £25,000 (about $32,000 USD) for well-preserved copies.
Specifications the DK-Optic Impastolite 50mm f/1.5 lens
Focal Length: 50mm
Maximum Aperture: f/1.5
Mount: Leica M (with rangefinder coupling for accurate focusing on M-series cameras)
Optical Design: Replica of the original 7-element Sonnar-type, but with new elements for improved consistency
Build: Compact and robust, available in two finishes (black or silver)
Coatings: Black version features amber coatings for controlled flare; silver version is uncoated for a more vintage, high-contrast look with potential for stronger flare and glow
Other: Designed to evoke the original’s artistic qualities, such as soft, swirly bokeh, melting highlights, and a painterly feel in out-of-focus areas, while being suitable for both stills and cine use
A few pictures from the making of the DK-Optic Impastolite 50mm f/1.5 lens:
Next, a few comparisons with the original Dallmeyer Septac Anastigmat 50mm f/1.5:
Sample photos from the DK-Optic Impastolite 50mm f/1.5 lens:
새로운 렌즈 제조사의 등장이네요. 이번에도 중국 입니다..ㅋ
그들의 기세와 기술력은 무서울 정도.,.
제조사 이름은 DK 옵틱스네요. 50.5 렌즈를 출시했습니다.
Dallmeyer Septac Anastigmat 50mm f/1.5 lens 를 복각해서 내놓은 듯 합니다.
https://leica-korea.com//media/leicakorea/0a4ef124-f041-4d67-8906-fa30cfc9417c/2025/11/image-6.png373560leicakoreahttps://leica-korea.com//media/leicakorea/0a4ef124-f041-4d67-8906-fa30cfc9417c/2025/08/logo_20250831-300x63.pngleicakorea2025-11-13 14:47:132025-12-05 23:15:41DK-Optic Impastolite 50mm f/1.5 렌즈 출시 (M mount)
The Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical “11873” lens for M-mount was initially prototyped in 2023 and reviewed by Leica Society International. The lens has been refined with upgraded aspherical and high-refractive ED elements, improved alignment, and optimized performance for modern high-megapixel sensors. Here are the details (previous coverage of LLL lenses can be found here):
Specifications
Focal Length: 35mm
Format Coverage: 35mm Full Frame (24×36mm)
Optical Design: 9 elements in 5 groups (aspherical elements in groups 2 and 5)
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.7 m (rangefinder-coupled)
A prototype of the 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical “11873” was first completed in 2023 and submitted to Leica Society International for in-depth testing and review. Based on their valuable feedback, we decided to postpone its release to make significant improvements to both the optical design and quality control process. The review of the first prototype of the 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical “11873” has been published by Leica Society International.
Please note that during the review of the 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical “11873,” the lens tested was our first prototype. Over the past two years, we have implemented several key changes to optimize performance for modern high-megapixel sensors. Insights from another optical project—soon to be announced—contributed to the final prototype of the 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical “11873.” After testing the final iteration of the 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical “11873,” we are satisfied and confident in moving forward with production.
Use of ED/Achromatic element and Lanthanide element: effectively reducing distortion, diffraction, and chromatic aberrations. Retains the legendary controlled “glow” characteristic at f/1.4.
In-house production: all mechanical and optical components are designed, manufactured, and assembled entirely in-house.
Changes to Aspherical Element Production: Transition from the use of a ground and polished method to a modern moulded and polished method. This change is due to the implementation of moulded aspherical elements, which enhance precision and optical consistency.
New ED and Achromatic Element: Introduced a high-refractive low-dispersion and Achromatic Element alongside the new aspherical element to reduce distortion, diffraction, and chromatic aberration. At the same time, it maintains the legendary character and characteristics through the use of Lanthanide elements.
Enhanced Quality Control: Improved assembly precision and element spacing—particularly between aspherical and spherical groups—to optimize alignment and image quality. The rear element has been slightly extended for better optical performance, while maintaining full compatibility with M-mount and adapted camera systems.
New Optical Standard: Due to the high-performance aspect of 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical “11873.” The lens represents both a tribute to legendary lens design and characteristics and the foundation for our new high-performance optics series.
Refinements of ASPH Element Production: Improve overall performance, minimize aberrations, and reduce diffraction.
Use of Aviation Grade Aluminum and Titanium Alloy: For long-term usage with durability as priority
Finishes & Availability
The lens will be available in the following versions:
Black Paint
Chrome
Titanium Grey Limited Edition
Black Paint and Chrome versions feature bodies and accessories made from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, while the Titanium Grey Limited Edition is made from titanium alloy.
Shipping is expected to start between December 2025 and January 2026.
Included Accessories
For Black Paint and Chrome Finishes:
Leather lens pouch
Matching front and rear caps
Matching 12587 lens hood (material/finish)
Box and documentation
1-year Light Lens Lab warranty
For Titanium Limited Edition:
Exclusive E46 UV Filter in Titanium (available during pre-order period only, until 11/21/2025)
Artralab is teasing a new 28mm f/2.8 lens for Leica M-mount. Artralab already has several lenses for M-mount (see previous coverage) that can be purchased from B&H Photo and Amazon.
Additional information on the upcoming Artralab 28mm f/2.8 lens:
I still remember that at first, we outlined the shape of this lens bit by bit on the computer screen. Back then, there was only one thought in our minds: to make Artra not only live up to the heritage of Leica but also become a “little happiness” for photographers to ignite their creative desire. Over the past two years, we have been constantly refining it and made several prototypes. During the process, problems popped up one after another, but we worked closely with the engineers, adjusting the mechanical design over and over again to overcome different difficulties.
Through such repeated attempts, we finally found the right form — the three “28s”, namely the 28mm focal length, f/2.8 aperture, and 28mm filter diameter, are integrated into this compact lens as precisely and elegantly as three stars. Now that it’s placed here, looking as concise as a gem carefully carved out of time, I know this is the “shape it was always meant to have”. Thank you to the team, and also to every photographer who longs to “set off lightly yet see a vast world”. I hope it can accompany you all to turn more ordinary moments into that warm light in your heart.
저는 개인적으로 Artizlab 과 항상 헤깔리는? 제조사 입니다. 중국이라기 보다는 홍콩 제조사라고 더 강조하는 듯 한데요. 이전에 35.4 렌즈를 출시해서 관심을 좀 가졌었는데 국내에는 정보가 좀 부족한 제조사 중 하나 같습니다. 그래도 꾸준히 렌즈를 만드는 것 같은데 이번에는 28mm f2.8 렌즈를 내놓는군요. 국내에도 조금 더 많이 알려졌으면 하는 바람이 있습니다.^^
https://leica-korea.com//media/leicakorea/0a4ef124-f041-4d67-8906-fa30cfc9417c/2025/10/image-12.png270270leicakoreahttps://leica-korea.com//media/leicakorea/0a4ef124-f041-4d67-8906-fa30cfc9417c/2025/08/logo_20250831-300x63.pngleicakorea2025-10-23 09:13:152025-12-05 23:27:10Artralab 에서 28mm f/2.8 출시 예정 (M-mount)
