Angenieux 40mm f1.8 Type S2
The Angenieux 40mm f1.8 Type S2 is a fast standard prime from the French maker Angenieux, designed in the screw-mount era for compact rangefinder and small-format use. Its f1.8 maximum aperture and 40mm focal length place it between a classic 35mm wide and a 50mm normal, intended as a versatile general-purpose optic. Today it is regarded primarily as a collector's lens given its rarity and the historic reputation of Angenieux glass.
Sales data for this reference is extremely thin: a single UK auction hammer result of £18,000 in November 2024 is the only data point on file, and as a wholesale saleroom figure it sits well above what most postwar standard primes sell for. With only one sale to anchor the range and median, today's value for a clean Type S2 should be treated as indicative rather than established, and condition, originality and matching caps or case can swing the price materially. Buyers asking what a 40mm f1.8 Type S2 is worth at saleroom level should expect strong four- to five-figure territory rather than typical user-lens pricing.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | EUR 18,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 45 (Lot A01140) Title: Angénieux f. Leica M Type S2 1.8/40mm
Description:
Extremely rare cine lens made in France for 35mm, here professionally adapted in Leica M mount, in very good condition, optics showing significant cleaning marks, with rear cap and rubber hood. Estimate: EUR 18,000 - EUR 20,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Angenieux 40mm f1.8 Type S2 worth today?
Based on the only logged UK auction result, a Type S2 hammered at £18,000 in late 2024, so current value at saleroom level is in that region for a clean, complete example, though a single data point makes any precise figure provisional.
How much does an Angenieux 40mm f1.8 Type S2 sell for at auction?
The lens sells for premium collector money rather than user prices; the one verified UK hammer result on file is £18,000, reflecting its rarity in the Angenieux range.
Why is the price so high compared with other 40mm lenses?
Angenieux fast standards from this era are scarce, and the Type S2 designation in particular surfaces rarely at auction, so the price reflects collector demand and limited supply rather than everyday photographic utility.
What should I check before buying one?
Prioritise glass clarity (no fungus, haze or separation), clean dry aperture blades, smooth focus, and originality of markings and mount, since restoration parts for Angenieux primes are effectively unobtainable.