P. Angénieux Paris 35mm f/2.5 Retrofocus Type R1

P. Angénieux Paris 35mm f/2.5 Retrofocus Type R1 - Good Condition | Wide-Angle Lens | The Pioneer of Modern Wide-Angle Optics

The P. Angénieux Paris 35mm f/2.5 Retrofocus Type R1 (S/N: Not specified) is one of the most historically significant lenses in the history of photography. Designed by Pierre Angénieux in 1950, it was the world’s first "retrofocus" lens for 35mm SLR cameras. This revolutionary optical design allowed a wide-angle lens to be mounted on an SLR without interfering with the flipping mirror, a breakthrough that paved the way for all modern wide-angle SLR photography. Featuring a fast f/2.5 maximum aperture and legendary French optical engineering, this lens is celebrated for its unique "Angénieux glow," characterized by exceptional micro-contrast, a gentle pastel color palette, and a beautifully organic rendering that modern digital lenses cannot replicate.

Key Features

• Historic Retrofocus Type R1 optical design—the first of its kind for SLRs

• Fast f/2.5 maximum aperture for superior low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field

• Versatile 35mm wide-angle focal length ideal for street photography and environmental portraits

• All-metal barrel construction with a distinct mid-century French aesthetic

• Tactile manual focus and aperture rings with a smooth, precision mechanical feel

• Rare and highly sought-after "Angénieux" rendering with soft bokeh and high contrast

• Available in various vintage mounts (Exakta, Leica R, Alpa, etc.) for film or digital adaptation

Introductory Paragraph The P. Angénieux 35mm f/2.5 is far more than a lens; it is a piece of photographic heritage. This specific model is prized by collectors and cinematographers alike for its "soulful" imagery. While contemporary Japanese lenses of the era focused on clinical sharpness, Angénieux optics were designed to capture the "atmosphere" of a scene. The 35mm focal length offers a natural wide perspective that is perfect for storytelling, allowing you to capture a subject within its environment with zero distortion. Whether you are using it on a vintage film body or adapting it to a modern mirrorless system like a Sony A7 or Fujifilm X-series, this lens delivers a signature "filmic" look that is highly valued in the digital age.

Condition Report Good condition. The lens barrel shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its vintage age. The optics are clear, free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The manual focus mechanism is smooth and the aperture ring clicks or rotates (depending on version) correctly. The diaphragm blades are clean and free of oil. The mount is in excellent condition, ensuring a secure fit to your camera or adapter.

Specialist Note "The Angénieux 35mm f/2.5 is the 'holy grail' for many wide-angle enthusiasts. What I love about this lens is the way it handles light; it has a very specific flare and 'glow' that adds a romantic, cinematic quality to your photos. It’s not just a lens; it’s an artistic tool. On a digital sensor, the resolution is surprisingly good in the center, but it’s the character of the edges and the transition to out-of-focus areas that make it special. It’s an overbuilt, mechanical masterpiece from Paris that represents a turning point in camera history. If you want your photos to stand out with a classic European look, this is the lens to use."

What's Included

• P. Angénieux Paris 35mm f/2.5 Retrofocus Type R1 Prime Lens

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: Lenses
  

• Focal Length: 35mm

• Aperture Range: f/2.5 - f/22

• Category: 2. Lenses ▸ Wide-Angle Lens