A Tribute to Photographic History

DK-Optic has unveiled the Chiaro 1.5-inch (38mm) f/1.9, a new manual-focus lens designed specifically for Leica M-mount camera systems. This optic serves as a homage to the legendary Dallmeyer Super Six lens from the 1930s. Staying true to the spirit of the original, the manufacturer has retained the imperial measurement for focal length, mirroring the naming convention of its vintage inspiration.


«The Super Six 1.5-inch f/1.9 stands as one of the most legendary standard-focal-length lenses in the realm of painterly optics. In its era, it represented the absolute pinnacle of balancing extreme resolving power with dream-like bokeh. The unique “3D Pop” it delivers wide open remains just as highly coveted today as it was decades ago.»

Optical Design and Character

The Chiaro 1.5-inch features an optical structure identical to the original, utilizing a 6-element, 4-group configuration. DK-Optic explicitly states that they chose to avoid the clinical, high-contrast look of modern glass in favor of replicating the specific aesthetic qualities of the 1930s classic.

Key performance characteristics include:

  • Subject Isolation: When shot wide open at f/1.9, the lens produces a notable three-dimensional spatial effect.
  • Painterly Bokeh: Areas outside the depth of field transition rapidly into a soft, artistic blur.
  • Sharpness Progression: While it prioritizes character at wide apertures, the lens gains increased contrast and sharpness as it is stopped down.

Precision Manufacturing

Each unit is produced in a specialized workshop using high-end manufacturing techniques. The construction process includes:

  • 5-axis CNC machining of internal brass components.
  • The use of legacy 'new old stock' optical glass.
  • A lens barrel crafted from 7075 aerospace-grade aluminum.
  • A focus helicoid and aperture assembly made from aerospace-grade brass to ensure a smooth, premium tactile experience.

Positioning and Pricing

Retailing for $1,600, the Chiaro 1.5-inch f/1.9 is positioned as a boutique product that reflects its bespoke assembly. While it represents a significant investment, the lens remains a more accessible alternative compared to many high-end contemporary optics designed for the Leica M-mount ecosystem.