Angénieux 28mm f/3.5 Type R11

Angénieux 28mm f/3.5 Type R11 LTM

The Angénieux 28mm f/3.5 Type R11 LTM is a rare French wide-angle rangefinder lens made for Leica screw-mount cameras. It belongs to the early Angénieux Retrofocus family, a historically important series that helped establish the inverted-telephoto wide-angle design in postwar 35mm photography [1]. In Leica LTM form, the Type R11 is a collector-relevant lens because it combines Angénieux optical design, a distinctive French industrial finish, and rangefinder coupling for Leica screw-mount and compatible M39 cameras.

The LTM version uses a 6-element, 6-group retrofocus optical construction and is rangefinder coupled. Flashback Camera documents both early and later Leica screw-mount examples, with the early version made in 1953 and a later version manufactured in 1957[2]. The lens is typically seen with a blue anodized aluminium barrel and silver or chrome control rings, giving it a distinctive two-tone appearance. Later examples are described as having thicker knurling on the aperture and helicoid rings, while early examples have a slightly different front-barrel profile.

For LeicaLensList, this entry should be kept separate from Exakta, M42, Alpa, Rectaflex, Leica R, and converted Leica M versions. The Leica screw-mount version is especially collectible because production appears to have been limited compared with more common SLR-mount Type R11 lenses[3]. Filter size is version-dependent, with Flashback Camera noting 56.5 mm for the early LTM type and 58.5 mm for the later LTM type. Because of this variation, collectors should verify the exact filter size, mount, rangefinder coupling, distance scale, and originality of the barrel before buying.

History

Development and Launch

The Type R11 was introduced in 1953 as one of Angénieux’s early Retrofocus wide-angle designs. The Retrofocus concept was important because it allowed wide-angle lenses to be designed with a longer back focus than older symmetrical wide-angle formulas. Although this was especially useful for SLR cameras, Angénieux also produced rare Leica screw-mount examples for rangefinder use.

Production Evolution

Known Leica screw-mount examples include an early 1953 version and later 1957 examples. Flashback Camera describes the later LTM version as having thicker knurling on the aperture and focusing rings, while the early version has a different outward-flaring front profile and a feet-marked distance scale on at least one documented example. Leitz Auction also records a 1957 M39 screw-mount Type R11, confirming that Leica screw-mount production was present by the late 1950s.

Special Variants

The Type R11 was produced in multiple mounts, including Leica screw mount, Exakta, M42, Alpa, Rectaflex, and other systems[4]. These variants should not be merged into one database entry, because mount, flange distance, barrel construction, focus scale, filter size, and collector value differ. Leica screw-mount examples are among the more desirable versions for Leica-compatible rangefinder collectors.

Collector Notes

Collectors should verify that a Type R11 is a true Leica screw-mount rangefinder-coupled lens and not an SLR version or later conversion. The LTM version should have Leica L / M39 screw mount and proper rangefinder coupling. Important checks include the Type R11 engraving, P. Angénieux Paris markings, serial number, distance scale, early or late barrel type, filter size, coating condition, haze, cleaning marks, focus accuracy, and whether the lens has been modified. Early examples may use a 56.5 mm filter size, while later LTM examples may use 58.5 mm.