Light Lens Lab 50mm F1.9 Rigid-ZS6

The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 is a manual full-frame standard prime for Leica M-mount cameras. Light Lens Lab positions it as part of its Rigid series and says it recreates the Super-Six rendering. It is aimed at M-mount users who like expressive bokeh and a classical colour signature in a small brass lens.

Optical design

The lens has six elements in four groups. According to Light Lens Lab, it uses a classic double-Gauss optical design with refined tuning. The company says the distinctive Super-Six rendering gives expressive bokeh and a classical colour signature. In response to community feedback, a low-contrast version will also be offered, which Light Lens Lab says keeps more highlight and shadow detail and gives a more film-like tonal response. The maximum aperture is f/1.9 and the minimum aperture is f/22.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual with a range from 0.7 m to infinity. There is no autofocus. The filter thread is E39. The mount is a quick-change M-mount bayonet. Light Lens Lab says all internal and external components are manufactured in house, which gives it control over optical and mechanical quality.

Build and size

The body is made from brass alloy, which Light Lens Lab says balances durability with compact handling. The weight is approximately 263 g without accessories, the length is 45 mm and the diameter is 54 mm. This is a short and fairly light lens for a metal bodied 50 mm.

Where it fits

The Rigid-ZS6 is slower than the company's 50mm f/1.5 Z21 but smaller and lighter, which makes it the more compact of the two. Other 50 mm M-mount lenses in the database include the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2, the Leica Summarit-M 50mm F2.4 ASPH, the Voigtlander 50mm F1.5 Nokton VM II, the Thypoch Eureka 50mm F2 and the Thypoch Simera 50mm F1.4. Most of these are modern designs, while the Light Lens Lab aims for a vintage character, according to its maker.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Small and light at 263 g and 45 mm long
• Brass alloy body
• f/1.9 aperture
• Classic double-Gauss layout with a defined Super-Six character, according to the maker
• A low-contrast version will also be available, per Light Lens Lab
• Fully published size data

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Slower than the f/1.4 and f/1.5 alternatives
• Brass adds density compared with lighter materials
• Optical correction goals are not described beyond the Super-Six character

Verdict

The 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 is a compact, brass-bodied standard lens for M-mount users who want a vintage rendering over a technical one. It stands out for its small size and for the option of a lower-contrast variant.