DK-Optic Chiaro 1.5-inch 38mm f/1.9: Specs, Prices & Comparisons

Specification

Model number(s): DK-38F19M

Focal Length: 38mm

Aperture: 𝑓/1.9

Release Year (from): 2026

Diameter: 53 mm

Length: 33 mm

Minimum Focus Distance: 0.75m

Elements in Groups: 6/4

Aperture Blades: 10

Mount: M

Material Weight: Aluminum and Brass, 153g

Colors: Silver Chrome

About this lens

DK-Optic Chiaro 1.5-inch 38mm f/1.9

The DK-Optic Chiaro 1.5-inch 38mm f/1.9 is a modern, rangefinder-coupled Leica M-mount lens inspired by the British Dallmeyer Super Six 1.5-inch f/1.9. Announced in July 2026, it adapts the six-element, four-group Super Six concept to a contemporary focusing mount with full 24×36mm coverage. Its unusual 38mm focal length sits between conventional 35mm and 40mm rangefinder lenses.

The lens focuses to 0.75m and uses a dampened manual preset aperture rather than a conventional clicked aperture ring. Its exterior barrel is manufactured from 7075 aluminum, while the focusing helicoid and aperture components are machined from brass. A threaded metal hood, hood cap and rear cap are supplied. The lens accepts 37mm filters, while the front of the supplied hood accepts 49mm accessories.

The authorized Japanese distributor lists the lens body at approximately 33mm long and 153g without the hood. DK-Optic’s international product page lists 48mm and 188g with the hood mounted, excluding caps, and notes that final production weight may be adjusted. The main database fields therefore use the bare-lens measurements supplied by the authorized distributor.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The Chiaro deliberately retains the character of the Super Six-type double-Gauss formula instead of pursuing uniform modern correction. A documented test of the blue-coated version found a defined central subject accompanied by soft glow, spherical aberration, gradual corner fall-off and backgrounds that can become mildly swirling. These effects vary with focusing distance, subject placement and background structure.

Sharpness

The tested blue-coated example produced a comparatively defined central image at f/1.9, although residual glow reduced the impression of clinical sharpness. Contrast and resolving power increased noticeably when the lens was stopped down. Apertures between approximately f/2.8 and f/5.6 produced more conventional results in the published test.

Bokeh and transitions

At close and medium distances, the f/1.9 aperture creates a rapid transition from the focused subject into softer peripheral detail. The ten-blade diaphragm maintains a rounded opening when stopped down. The strongest separation is obtained at shorter focusing distances, while the rendering becomes less conspicuous when the lens is used farther from the subject.

Flare resistance

The blue-coated version provides greater contrast and better resistance to flare than the uncoated edition. Published testing found flare and chromatic aberration reasonably controlled for a vintage-inspired design, although backlighting could still produce halation and reduced contrast. The uncoated edition is intended to make these effects more visible.

Digital use

The lens is rangefinder coupled throughout its focusing range and can be used directly on Leica M film and digital bodies. Leica cameras do not provide dedicated 38mm frame lines, so the 35mm frame lines are the closest reference. The recorded field is slightly narrower than the area indicated by those frame lines. Live view or an electronic viewfinder can provide more precise composition on compatible digital bodies.

History

Development and Launch

DK-Optic developed the Chiaro series as modern recreations of lenses based on the Dallmeyer Super Six optical family. The original British Super Six was an asymmetric double-Gauss design produced in several focal lengths, including a 1.5-inch f/1.9 version. Original 38mm Super Six lens heads have occasionally been converted to rangefinder-coupled Leica M mounts, demonstrating their relevance among collectors of adapted British optics.

The Chiaro 38mm f/1.9 was formally announced on 31 July 2026. Advance orders opened through DK-Optic and its authorized Japanese distributor, with initial Japanese deliveries scheduled for late August 2026.

Production Evolution

The initial production uses a silver-chrome aluminum and brass barrel with a dampened manual preset diaphragm. DK-Optic offers two optical finishes, blue-coated and uncoated. No optical-formula changes or later barrel revisions have been documented.

The authorized distributor identifies the product as DK-38F19M. Separate model numbers for the two coating versions have not been confirmed.

Special Editions/Variants

The blue-coated edition is listed as a worldwide production of 150 lenses. It is intended to provide higher contrast, stronger color and better flare control while retaining the underlying vintage-inspired rendering.

The uncoated edition is listed as a worldwide production of 50 lenses. Removing the coating increases susceptibility to flare, halation and reduced contrast, particularly around strong backlighting.

Collector Notes

Collectors should confirm the coating version, serial number and presence of the supplied hood, hood cap and rear cap. The uncoated version is the smaller production edition, although rarity alone does not determine which version is preferable for photography.

The preset aperture should be checked for smooth damping and a complete movement between f/1.9 and f/22. Rangefinder calibration should also be tested at f/1.9 and near the 0.75m minimum distance. Because the lens was introduced as a limited product, later production quantities or mechanical revisions should be recorded separately if DK-Optic changes the initial specification.