DK-Optic Chiaro 38mm F1.9

The DK-Optic Chiaro 38mm F1.9 is a manual focus wide-angle lens for Leica M-mount cameras and covers full frame. DK-Optic presents it as a recreation of the British Super Six 1.5-inch f/1.9, a mid-20th-century design. Leica Rumors reported the announcement on 31 July 2026. The unusual 38 mm focal length sits between the common 35 mm and 40 mm lenses and suits photographers who find 35 mm slightly too wide.

Optical design

According to DK-Optic, the lens is a 1:1 reconstruction with no modern optical compromises and uses 6 elements in 4 groups. The glass is described as new old stock optical glass. The aperture runs from f/1.9 to f/22 and the diaphragm has 10 blades. DK-Optic claims strong subject separation and a painterly bokeh at f/1.9, with high resolving power and contrast when stopped down. These are manufacturer statements. The lens is sold in a coated and an uncoated version.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual and couples to the rangefinder. The minimum focus distance is 0.75 m. The aperture is a manual preset, dampened and calibrated according to the maker. DK-Optic says the focus mechanics and aperture parts are machined from brass. A threaded metal hood is included.

Build and size

The barrel is 7075 aluminium with brass mechanics. The lens is 48 mm long including the hood when mounted, 53 mm wide and weighs 188 g without caps. DK-Optic notes that the final weight may change slightly in production. The filter size is listed as 37 mm on the lens body and 46 or 49 mm.

Where it fits

At 38 mm it is a small step longer than a 35 mm lens. Fast Leica M options in our database that are close in field of view include the Voigtlander 35mm F1.4 Nokton VM II, the Voigtlander 40mm F1.4 Nokton Classic, the Voigtlander 35mm F1.2 Nokton VM III and the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. The Chiaro aims at character over correction.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Compact and light at 188 g
• Fast f/1.9 aperture and a useful 38 mm field of view
• Rangefinder coupling and full frame coverage
• Coated and uncoated versions for different looks

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Minimum focus distance of 0.75 m
• Slower than the f/1.4 lenses in the same range
• Brand new model with limited track record

Verdict

The Chiaro 38mm F1.9 is for Leica M users who want a small walkaround lens with a vintage rendering and an unusual focal length. It is a character lens first and a corrected lens second. If you want a standard 35 mm or 40 mm with a longer track record, the Voigtlander options in the database are the more conventional choice.