Dallmeyer Super Six 2-inch f/1.9 This is an original Leica screw mount version, a rare variant with limited production. It features a modified double Gauss design with a 4-group, 6-element construction.
The Dallmeyer Super Six (DSS) 50mm in Leica L mount was produced in several variations over time, despite its low production numbers. Early versions featured J.H. Dallmeyer’s cursive engraving on a black-painted brass barrel, followed by chrome-plated brass, aluminum barrels, and both uncoated and coated versions.
This particular lens is the aluminum barrel version, believed to have been manufactured around the same time as the Super Six included with Ilford's Witness camera, which is one of the more commonly seen models. The distance scale is marked in feet, with a minimum focusing distance of approximately 1 meter. The front of the barrel is discreetly engraved with the DC mark, and the lens is coated with a subtle light blue tint. Despite its compact and understated appearance, it delivers truly remarkable image quality.
At wide apertures, the rendering is soft, smooth, and beautifully delicate—a truly exceptional lens.
Among non-Leitz lenses, this one is particularly hard to come by. A rare gem, perfect for both use and collection.
There are some minor scuffs on the black-painted front edge and light surface wear, but no significant corrosion. For an aluminum-bodied lens, this one is in remarkably clean condition. There are no dents or dings.
Fully overhauled in February 2025, the aperture and helicoid operate with exceptional smoothness. The glass is in good condition, with only slight cleaning marks on the front element and minor whitish deterioration on the coating of an internal element. For a coated DSS, this is considered a well-preserved example.
As with most non-Witness L-mount DSS lenses, rangefinder coupling is somewhat unreliable. At wide open aperture, the coupling works well from 30m to infinity, but as the focus moves closer, a back-focusing tendency becomes noticeable. At the minimum focusing distance of 1m, stopping down three stops brings the subject within the depth of field. Live view or mirrorless cameras are recommended for best results.
Test shots have produced excellent results. We hope you will take a look at our sample images.
