Angénieux 50mm f1.8 Type S1, genuine Leica L-mount, manufactured in 1948. 4 elements in 6 groups, uncoated, with meter markings.
The Type S1 is a classic lens produced from the mid-1940s, also known as the Alitar for Alpa Reflex. Despite its large aperture of f1.8, it is compact and lightweight, with an all-aluminum barrel weighing just 110g.
At wide open f1.8, the rendering is soft, but by stopping down to around f2, the sharpness increases, delivering a three-dimensional, stunning image. The uncoated version is known for its rich, flavorful rendering, which some prefer over the coated version.
This lens looks incredibly stylish when mounted on a Leica, making it a perfect companion for black paint bodies. It is a coveted piece for Angénieux fans and a rare find.
The lens barrel, faded to a deep color, exudes a rich, textured patina. There is a slight dent near the base of the helicoid, and the filter thread shows some signs of impact repair, but the filter attachment and removal function perfectly.
The distance control knob, often prone to loss, remains the original part from the period.
A full overhaul, including focusing adjustment, was completed in 2019. Thanks to careful servicing, the aperture and helicoid still offer a smooth and pleasant tactile feel, and the rangefinder coupling works flawlessly.
The uncoated glass shows only slight signs of age-related yellowing, but there are no noticeable cleaning marks or haze. The lens produces clear, stunning images, with very clean glass for an Angénieux lens. Real-world test shots yielded excellent results.
This is the same lens as in the previous sale, and example photos are available on the test gallery, showcasing images shot at wide open aperture and around f2. I hope you’ll take a look.
