Angénieux 50mm f1.8 Type S1. Genuine Leica L-mount. Manufactured in 1945. 6 elemenst in 4 groups. Uncoated. Distance scale in meters.
The Angénieux Type S1 is one of the early masterpieces from Angénieux, produced from the mid-1940s. It is also known as the Alitar for Alpa Reflex cameras. Despite its high-speed, large aperture of f1.8, the lens is compact and lightweight. The all-aluminum barrel weighs just 110g.
The rendering at maximum aperture is soft and dreamy, but stopping down slightly to around f2 introduces sharpness and delivers a three-dimensional, stunning image quality. The uncoated version is often praised for its unique character, offering a more nuanced rendering compared to the coated version—a factor that often leads to a tough decision for enthusiasts.
This lens looks incredibly stylish when mounted on a Leica, and it pairs exceptionally well with black-painted bodies. A must-have for Angénieux fans, and a true collector's item. Rare.
The lens barrel shows a very minor scratch on the front edge, but there are no significant scratches or dings elsewhere, suggesting it has been handled with great care over the years. The patina, faded to a warm persimmon hue from years of use, adds to its charm. Combined with the subtle aluminum sheen of the helicoid, the lens exhibits a refined, vintage elegance. The original distance adjustment knob, often missing, remains intact.
Fully overhauled including focus adjustment in December 2024. The aluminum helicoid, prone to wear over time, has been carefully restored for smooth operation. The aperture mechanism also works smoothly, and the rangefinder coupling is perfectly aligned.
Under strong LED light, a few small spots resembling fungus marks are visible on the inner elements. However, thanks to thorough glass cleaning, these marks are stabilized, and further deterioration is unlikely. The lens shows no notable cleaning marks or haze, and the glass is clear. Test shots yielded excellent results.
Please check out sample photos at our testing gallery, all shot wide open.
