Dallmeyer Series XIV 140/2.9 [V1]

Reviews

1. 

   16:9 – June 17, 2025

   First generation Series XIV lenses were not Dallcoated, and can therefore be dated no later than 1950. They are distinguished by thin bezels front and rear and copperplate script rendition of the Dallmeyer logo. Engraving of the front bezel was very light and aged badly, sometimes disappearing completely, hindering remote identification of these lenses from photographs.

   This is a surprisingly sharp and very well corrected 2+1+1 projection lens with great colour and beautiful contrast. However, this pre-Dallcoated sample is triggered more spectacularly by light falling on the front element than any lens I’ve used: allow it to catch a glimpse of the sun and you have a full-on white-out meltdown on your hands. A hood isn’t just advisable, it’s mandatory when using this otherwise highly appealing pre-1950 lens for digital capture.