p.1 #1 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
Light Lens Lab has introduced a new Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 "Rigid-ZS6" lens based on the classic Dallmeyer 50mm f/1.9 ZS6 Super Six design, a historically significant optical formula known for its distinctive rendering and character.
The original Dallmeyer Super Six is highly sought after because it represents one of the more unique evolutions of the double-Gaussian lineage. It is known for its highly expressive rendering, with a combination of smooth but structured bokeh, subtle glow at wider apertures, and a tonal response that many describe as 'organic' rather than clinically corrected. It also carries a certain vintage cinematic quality that modern lenses tend to suppress in pursuit of sharpness and contrast. As a result, surviving originals are rare, expensive, and often considered collector pieces as much as working lenses.
LLL's interpretation follows this heritage optical path, using a refined double-Gaussian based design that aims to recreate the Super Six signature rendering while applying modern manufacturing precision.
The lens features what LLL calls a 'Super Six' rendering character, emphasizing expressive bokeh and a classic color signature. In response to community feedback, a Low Contrast version will also be offered, designed to preserve more highlight and shadow detail and push the rendering further toward a film-like tonal response.
Mechanically, the lens is built with a brass alloy construction for durability and balanced handling. All optical and mechanical components are manufactured in-house, reflecting strict quality control across the entire production process.
Optical design consists of 6 elements in 4 groups, covering full-frame. It focuses from 0.7m to infinity and uses a aperture mechanism with half-stop increments, ranging from f/1.9 to f/22. The lens uses an M-mount quick-change bayonet, E39 filter thread, and supports an A42 clip-on hood (sold separately).
Dimensions are 45mm in length, 54mm in diameter, with a weight of approximately 263g without accessories.
Included are a metal front cap, metal rear M-mount cap, lens box, black leather pouch, and a 1-year Light Lens Lab warranty.
p.1 #3 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
The imagery looks great already put in order within minutes of email last night for a standard. It is not clear whether these images are the standard or low contrast version, it would be good to see a comparison. I might get the low contrast version but I would like to see a comparison. Fred when you get your copy for review I hope you can get both and put them side by side.
Looking forward to Fred’s review, too. I tried to resist this one since I already have too many 50 mm lenses but I have pre-ordered (low-contrast version).
Looking forward to Fred’s review, too. I tried to resist this one since I already have too many 50 mm lenses but I have pre-ordered (low-contrast version).
After seeing the photos I switched to the low contrast version, that way it will be different than the 16 (! no wonder I play what lens to use today)) M 50s I have and emphasize what is special about it and cover some new ground. With Leica rigid, and a LLL SPII rigid I decided I might as well extend the range and I assume I can always circle back for the standard one if I want it after trying out the low contrast.
p.1 #8 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
Any of you interested in the LLL 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6?
At first I was not very engaged in the all Rigid housing project, it was already one thing that did make me not waiting for this one. I also begin to have quite a collection of 50mm f2 and their rendering is quite similar, I still wish one would match my taste more(I blame the modern coatings, too efficient).
But still, if the rendering of this one was to be the one I’m still looking for, why not but I don’t feel like buying blindly this one as I did for the other LLL lenses I own.
p.1 #9 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
Any of you interested in the LLL 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6?
I ordered a low contrast one, I am one who likes the rigid housing, I have been shooting the "real" Leica rigid for a long time and really like it, I find the button lock suits me much better than the lever lock on the steel rim, I also have a thorium summicron same lock, an elmer same lock, the LLL rigid, the LLL Sp2, so other than needing to code the lenses for easy ID I am happy with the concept. I think the chrome rigid looks good on dig and film and using it is second nature.... s different optics, why not, I sprung for it. If low contrast is too much I imagine I'll buy a standard, but want to play with low contrast version first when it arrives in June.
p.1 #10 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
Sonnar-7 wrote:
At first I was not very engaged in the all Rigid housing project, it was already one thing that did make me not waiting for this one. I also begin to have quite a collection of 50mm f2 and their rendering is quite similar, I still wish one would match my taste more(I blame the modern coatings, too efficient).
But still, if the rendering of this one was to be the one I’m still looking fore, why not but I don’t feel like buying blindly this one as I did for the other LLL lenses I own.
I have been told I may be receiving one for review. If that comes through, I will compare it against other 50mm f/2 lenses such as the original Rigid, Elcan, and SP II. That should give a clearer picture of its unique rendering character.
p.1 #11 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
I have been told I may be receiving one for review. If that comes through, I will compare it against other 50mm f/2 lenses such as the original Rigid, Elcan, and SP II. That should give a clearer picture of its unique rendering character.
p.1 #12 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
EMH2025 wrote:
I ordered a low contrast one, I am one who likes the rigid housing, I have been shooting the "real" Leica rigid for a long time and really like it, I find the button lock suits me much better than the lever lock on the steel rim, I also have a thorium summicron same lock, an elmer same lock, the LLL rigid, the LLL Sp2, so other than needing to code the lenses for easy ID I am happy with the concept. I think the chrome rigid looks good on dig and film and using it is second nature.... s different optics, why not, I sprung for it. If low contrast is too much I imagine I'll buy a standard, but want to play with low contrast version first when it arrives in June....Show more →
I agree and think the low contrast version should be closer to the original.
p.1 #13 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
Hm I directionally like the character of this lens, esp the swirly bokeh. But I’m not sure if the character comes through strong enough to justify a lens that - according to their MTF - has this weak resolution outside the center wide-open. If it would swirl like a Biotar / Helios, then yes, but looks like it’s more controlled..
If they made a Biotar 58mm f2 copy in the Rigid housing, I’d buy it immediately..
p.1 #14 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
I have been told I may be receiving one for review. If that comes through, I will compare it against other 50mm f/2 lenses such as the original Rigid, Elcan, and SP II. That should give a clearer picture of its unique rendering character.
I’m looking forward to this, too. Especially the comparisons. I have the SP II and I’m hoping this is sufficiently different to justify getting yet another 50 mm.
p.1 #16 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
This is again very interesting release from LLL. I already have Speed Panchro II and Z21 "Angenieux". But I also have MS-Optics ISM and one Voigtländer Nokton in 50mm. And EF50L for my Canon. I just might have too many character 50's at the moment to justify purchasing this.
But at the same time 50mm might be my favourite focal length... It is also reasonably priced.
p.1 #18 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
tommmi wrote:
This is again very interesting release from LLL. I already have Speed Panchro II and Z21 "Angenieux". But I also have MS-Optics ISM and one Voigtländer Nokton in 50mm. And EF50L for my Canon. I just might have too many character 50's at the moment to justify purchasing this.
But at the same time 50mm might be my favourite focal length... It is also reasonably priced.
There is no such thing as too many 50mm lenses!
As you might guess, I have a 'few' in my own collection....
p.1 #19 · Light Lens Lab announced a new 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 (Super Six) lens
fjablo wrote:
Hm I directionally like the character of this lens, esp the swirly bokeh. But I’m not sure if the character comes through strong enough to justify a lens that - according to their MTF - has this weak resolution outside the center wide-open. If it would swirl like a Biotar / Helios, then yes, but looks like it’s more controlled..
If they made a Biotar 58mm f2 copy in the Rigid housing, I’d buy it immediately..
Too bad it's not rangefinder coupled. In my opinion, makes it a bit pointless to produce it in M mount.. M cameras are all about rangefinder experience.
Not much info is available about them. Probably best to stick to LLL for the track record.
At least it's rangefinder coupled. They seem to be EU-based: "Dallmeyer lenses are manufactured and distributed by Photo-Vision s.r.o, based in Prague, Czech Republic."
That is their first lens in their portfolio and I don't like the sense of extreme limitedness being "First edition" and "only 250 pieces". Although, nice to see some fresh newcomers to this field
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rscheffler wrote:
There is no such thing as too many 50mm lenses!
