Angénieux 35mm f3.5 Type X1, made in France. A rare Leica screw mount lens with rangefinder coupling, manufactured in 1946—shortly after World War II. Serial number 91xxx places it in the very first production batch. The aluminum barrel weighs only 59g, making it exceptionally compact and lightweight. As expected from Angénieux, its unique and bold design truly stands out.

It features a Tessar-type optical formula with 3 groups and 4 elements. The lens is uncoated and has meter-based distance markings. Production of the Type X1 is said to have lasted only about four years, ending in 1950. Besides the Leica mount, there were also versions made for Contax (which are larger and heavier) and Alpa—each of them rare.

Please note: this particular unit exhibits the common Type X1 issue of asymmetrical sharpness. When focused at infinity, the left edge of the image tends to blur slightly.

There is some fading and minor signs of use, but for an Angénieux lens, the overall appearance is in good condition. It pairs beautifully with a black paint Leica body.
The aperture and helicoid operate smoothly, and it couples accurately with the rangefinder.
There is slight glass discoloration on the front element and a small chip on the edge of an internal element. However, there is no haze or separation.
As noted earlier, there is some tendency for uneven sharpness across the frame, but for those who value the unique rendering and design of the Angénieux X1, this is a highly suitable piece.

This item was sold in-store while we were preparing it for listing. Thank you very much.