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.

This item was previously sold by our shop and has now returned after being carefully used by the previous owner.
There are minor scuffs, but the overall appearance remains clean and well-maintained, just as it was at the time of the previous sale. The black paint is also well preserved.
Fully overhauled in 2024. Thanks to meticulous servicing, the aperture and focusing helicoid still operate very smoothly.
The glass shows a few cleaning marks and some slight coating blemishes, which are only visible under strong LED light. However, these should have virtually no effect on image quality.
For an early R11, which is often found heavily used, this is in remarkably good condition.
Comes with the original front cap.