Angénieux 28mm f3.5 Type R11 in Exakta mount. This is the later version of the R11, featuring coarser knurling on the aperture and focusing rings. Three silver bands around the barrel add a distinctive accent. Made in 1955. Retrofocus design with 6 elements in 6 groups. Distance scale in meters. Minimum focusing distance is 0.5m. This example has a 56mm screw-in filter thread.

The beautifully designed barrel is unmistakably Angénieux. Wide open, it offers a gentle rendering, while stopping down produces a pleasantly sharp and contrasting character. It also handles backlight relatively well, with rich tonal gradation and finely detailed rendering. The lens is also well regarded for its attractive reproduction of red tones.

Many examples of this Angénieux show light wear or fading on the barrel, but this one retains its deep black finish very well and is in quite beautiful cosmetic condition. The matte bead-blasted chrome bands also have a beautiful finish.

Fully overhauled in August 2026. The aperture and helicoid have just the right amount of torque, giving the lens an excellent feel in use and making it a pleasure to shoot with.

There is extremely minor coating deterioration on an internal element, visible only when held against a strong LED light, but it should have virtually no effect on images. The glass is very clean for an Angénieux.

The original front and rear caps and an MS hood made by Miyazaki Optics to fit this lens are included. The hood can be separated into two sections, allowing a 62mm filter to be fitted between them.

Sample images are available in our Test Shoot Gallery. They were taken by one of our staff members during a visit to a place he considers his second home. The way this Angénieux captures the unique perspective of a remote island with such atmosphere is truly impressive. A very fine lens.