Angenieux 50mm f1.5, late Type S21. A large-aperture lens admired by enthusiasts worldwide for its stunning presence. Although originally in Exakta mount, this example comes fitted with a one-off, rangefinder-coupled adapter.
The original Leica screw mount version of the Angenieux 50mm f1.5 Type S21 is believed to have been produced in only a few hundred units—roughly as rare as the Hexanon 60mm f1.2—and is both extremely hard to find and highly valuable. Thanks to a carefully executed conversion, this lens can now be used with Leica M rangefinder coupling, making it a dream lens for many.
Manufactured in 1959, with meter distance scale and preset aperture. It features a 4-group, 6-element Double Gauss design. The matte silver band beautifully complements the black barrel, creating a striking visual contrast. When mounted on a black camera body, it looks absolutely stunning. The modification respects the original design and is fully reversible—the adapter can be removed to return the lens to its original Exakta mount.
When used on a Leica, the S21 helicoid should be set to infinity, with focusing performed via the helicoid on the adapter. On live-view or mirrorless cameras, extending both helicoids allows close focusing to approximately 30 cm from the lens front.
It was originally sold about five years ago at our shop as an Exakta-mount lens. The previous owner took great care of it, and now it has returned to us. For this resale, it has undergone a full overhaul and M-mount conversion once again.
The exterior is in very clean condition. There is only a slight loss of paint along the front edge of the barrel, while the rest retains a deep black finish that beautifully highlights the lens’s characteristic design. The textured chrome band of the later Angénieux type also remains in excellent shape.
The one-off adapter was custom made from high-quality aluminum, and its seamless integration with the main body is truly impressive.
Although the lens itself was fully overhauled in 2020, we performed another complete overhaul in September 2025 to ensure perfect condition. Both the aperture and focusing helicoid operate with exceptional smoothness. The rangefinder coupling via the adapter is precise and stable. There is a barely perceptible front-focus tendency at close distances, but accuracy remains well within practical limits. The test shots produced excellent results.
A faint trace of fungus remains on the front element that could not be completely removed during service, but it should have no noticeable effect on image quality. The original coating is well preserved on all optical surfaces.
Sample photos are available in our Test Gallery. The rendering at wide apertures shows beautiful glow and elegant bokeh—making the journey to Ashikaga all the more enjoyable. All photos were taken using the rangefinder.
Comes with the original front cap and a non-genuine hood that mounts via a Tiffen filter ring, which proved very effective during test shooting.
A rare find.
