Angénieux Type S21 50mm f/1.5

Angénieux Type S21 50mm f/1.5

The Angénieux Type S21 50mm f/1.5 is an exceptionally rare French fast normal lens in original Leica screw mount. This profile covers the factory LTM rangefinder version and excludes later conversions from Exakta, M42 or other mounts.

Optical qualities

Rendering

Its six-element, four-group double-Gauss formula combines a very fast f/1.5 aperture with full-frame 35mm coverage. Contemporary collector testing describes a veil-like glow and abundant bokeh near full aperture, with definition increasing as the lens is stopped down. Formal laboratory data for the original LTM version remains limited.

Handling

The original screw-mount version is rangefinder coupled and focuses to approximately 1m. The fast aperture demands careful focusing at short distances, especially on older camera bodies.

History

Development and Launch

The Type S21 debuted in 1953. Leitz Auction documents an exact original Leica M39 example manufactured circa 1953, confirming that the rare screw-mount version was a factory product rather than a later conversion.

Production Evolution

S21 lenses were also made for reflex-camera mounts. Many examples now offered for Leica M have been professionally converted, but those adaptations do not represent the original factory LTM barrel.

Special Editions/Variants

Early and later barrel treatments are documented within the wider S21 family. Only the confirmed black-and-silver factory LTM finish is recorded here.

Collector Notes

Original Leica screw-mount examples are reported to have been made in only very small numbers. Inspect the rangefinder cam and factory barrel construction carefully, because converted S21 lenses are substantially more common.