Angénieux Type P1 90mm f/1.8

Angénieux Type P1 90mm f/1.8

The Angénieux Type P1 90mm f/1.8 is a rare, exceptionally fast short telephoto made in original Leica screw mount. Its factory LTM barrel is rangefinder coupled and belongs in LeicaLensList independently of the more frequently encountered reflex-camera versions.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The five-element, four-group Ernostar-type formula provides a full stop more speed than many period 90mm lenses. Surviving user reports describe moderate softness and lower contrast at f/1.8, with stronger definition after stopping down. Its shallow depth of field makes accurate rangefinder calibration especially important.

Handling

The original LTM version uses a large 56mm filter fitting. A minimum focusing distance around 1m is consistent with documented Type P1 examples.

History

Development and Launch

Leitz Auction records an exact original rangefinder-coupled Leica M39 Type P1 from 1950. Flashback Camera documents additional genuine Leica screw-mount examples from the early 1950s and confirms the 5/4 Ernostar construction.

Production Evolution

The Type P1 was also supplied in Exakta and other reflex mounts. This entry represents the factory Leica screw-mount rangefinder version, not an adapted SLR lens.

Special Editions/Variants

Early examples occur with metre or feet distance scales. These scale variations remain within one Type P1 profile because no separate optical identity is established.

Collector Notes

The large front element, fast aperture and scarce original LTM mount make the Type P1 highly collectible. Confirm genuine factory rangefinder coupling before treating a Leica-mounted example as original.