DK-Optic is a new Chinese lens manufacturer, and they will soon introduce a new Impastolite 50mm f/1.5 lens for Leica M-mount (already listed for sale on eBay) – this is a modern reproduction of the legendary vintage Dallmeyer Septac Anastigmat 50mm f/1.5 lens:
Background on the Original Dallmeyer Septac
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:
