Angénieux 28mm f3.5 Type R11, manufactured in 1953. This early version is characterized by three silver bands on the barrel and finely knurled focusing ring. It is a retrofocus-type lens with 6 groups of 6 elements, and uses an Exakta mount. It has a preset aperture and is marked in feet, with a minimum shooting distance of 2 feet.
Note that the filter diameter varies between the early and late models: the early model has a 56mm diameter, while the later model has 58mm.
The lens features the distinctively elegant barrel design that is immediately recognizable as an Angénieux. This early model has a slightly smaller filter diameter compared to the later model, giving it a more streamlined and compact appearance. The image rendering is excellent, offering a gentle quality at wider apertures and good sharpness when stopped down.
The lens performs relatively well against backlight and provides richly nuanced and finely detailed images. It is also well-regarded for its excellent reproduction of red hues.
Includes the original aluminum front cap.
There are minor scuffs, but overall, the appearance is clean and the black paint remains intact.
The lens underwent a full service in April 2024. The aperture and helicoid have been finely tuned for smooth operation.
There are some light cleaning marks on the glass and minor coating damage, only visible when held under strong LED light, but these are unlikely to affect image quality. For an early model R11, which often shows more signs of use, this lens is in very good condition.
