DK-Optic Chiaro 3-inch 76mm f/1.9

DK-Optic Chiaro 3-inch 76mm f/1.9

The DK-Optic Chiaro 3-inch 76mm f/1.9 is a modern, rangefinder-coupled Leica M lens based on the optical concept of the Dallmeyer Super Six 3-inch f/1.9. It was introduced publicly around CP+ 2026, initially described in launch coverage as a 75mm lens, while DK-Optic subsequently listed the precise focal length as 76mm. Its combination of a short telephoto focal length, fast aperture and historically derived optical formula places it primarily in the portrait and character-lens category.

The lens employs six elements in four groups and a 16-blade diaphragm. Focusing extends to 0.7 metres and is coupled to the Leica M rangefinder. Aperture control uses a dampened manual preset mechanism rather than conventional click stops. The exterior is made principally from 7075 aluminium, while the focusing helicoid and aperture mechanism use CNC-machined brass components. A detachable threaded metal hood is supplied.

DK-Optic offers coated and uncoated optical versions in the same silver-chrome exterior finish. The coated version is intended to provide greater contrast and more controlled flare, while the uncoated version preserves more of the flare and lower-contrast behaviour associated with early Super Six lenses. DK-Optic also offers a separate M645 version, which must not be confused with this native Leica M model. The manufacturer’s product page does not currently provide a usable filter-thread specification, so the filter diameter remains unconfirmed.

Optical qualities

Rendering

Independent testing describes the Chiaro as a deliberately vintage-style lens rather than a highly corrected modern short telephoto. At f/1.9 it produces relatively gentle detail, residual glow, shallow depth of field and pronounced subject separation. Contrast and apparent sharpness increase when the aperture is stopped down, with more conventional results reported from approximately f/4.

Bokeh and transitions

The six-element, four-group design and 16-blade diaphragm produce rounded out-of-focus highlights across much of the aperture range. The transition from focused to defocused areas is gradual, although the precise appearance depends strongly on subject distance, background structure and lighting.

Flare resistance

Backlighting can produce conspicuous flare patterns, especially with the uncoated version. This behaviour is part of the lens’s historically styled presentation but can reduce contrast or obscure fine detail. The supplied hood may reduce stray light entering from outside the frame.

Digital use

The lens can be mounted directly on Leica M film and digital cameras. Its 76mm focal length does not correspond exactly to the standard 75mm Leica frameline, and users should allow for differences between the displayed frameline and the recorded field of view. Accurate rangefinder calibration is particularly important when focusing near 0.7 metres at f/1.9.

History

Development and Launch

The Chiaro 3-inch was developed as a contemporary interpretation of the Dallmeyer Super Six 3-inch f/1.9, a British six-element, four-group design associated with portrait, projection and cinematographic applications. The Leica M version was previewed for its world premiere at CP+ 2026. Early reporting used the rounded designation 75mm f/1.9, while the production lens and manufacturer’s listing identify it as a 3-inch, 76mm lens.

Production Evolution

No major optical or mechanical revisions have been documented since the lens’s 2026 introduction. A review reported that DK-Optic expected production of individual models to be limited to approximately 200 to 300 examples, but a final production quantity and allocation between coated and uncoated versions have not been confirmed. No authoritative serial-number sequence has been published.

Special Editions/Variants

Two factory optical variants are documented: Silver Chrome Coated and Silver Chrome Uncoated. These appear to share the same Leica M barrel, optical formula and mechanical specifications. A separate M645-mount edition is also available, but it is a distinct model outside the LeicaLensList rangefinder scope rather than a Leica M special edition.

Collector Notes

Historical lenses should not be judged from one sample alone. Haze, fungus, separation, cleaning damage, displaced elements and dried lubricant can alter contrast and focus more than modest design differences. Film choice, processing, digital sensor cover glass and adapter tolerances also influence results. A hood may reduce oblique flare but cannot correct internal contamination.