Lomography unveils Daguerreotype-inspired Achromat lens for modern-day DSLRs

Lomography is at it again with Kickstarter. This time, they’re reviving the world’s first photographic optic lens from 1839, the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens.

Following in the footsteps of their Petzval and other lenses, Lomography is bringing back an iconic lens originally designed by Louis Daguerre and Charles Chevalier in the mid–19th century. The lens is known for its unique aesthetic, which Lomography claims ’alternates between razor-sharp images [and] silky soft focus.’

Much like their previous lenses, the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens uses a Waterhouse Aperture plate system, which uses aperture plates ranging from f/2.9 to f/16 to drop into place to select an aperture. Also included are two custom-designed aperture plates – the Lumière and Aquarelle – which feature unique designs in them to give the bokeh in your shots a painterly aesthetic.

This marks the fifth Kickstarter campaign Lomography has taken part in. This, along with their still-growing line-up of lenses shows there’s very little risk to this not succeeding, even after funding.

Already, Lomography has amassed over 200% of their initial $100,000 goal, showing it’s funding is already successful with 33 days still to go.

The lens comes in both brass and black and will be offered in Canon’s EOS EF-mount and Nikon’s F-Mount. These, of course, will be compatible with the dozens of adapters to attach to other DSLRs and mirrorless cameras on the market.

Below are a collection of sample images, courtesy of Lomography and their respective photographers:

At the time of posting this, the lowest pledge available is $400. This will get you a single lens with all of the aperture plates and a custom case. They’re currently expected to ship in October of 2016, but how soon they get to your doorstep will depend on how quickly you pull the trigger on your pledge.

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