Canon FD and FL compatible?

[user237428934]

If I buy a Canon FD to Leica M adapter for my M240, will this work together with a Canon FL lens? Mixed information about compatibility on the internet.

 

[Mackinaw]

Yes. Canon FD or FL lenses both have the breechlock mount, and both will fit on your M240 adaptor.

I regularly use my 500mm FL-F lens on my M240.

Jim B.

 

[user237428934]

Sounds good. I'm able to get a cheap 1.2/55 FL and maybe want to give it a try.

 

[Mackinaw]

It will fit with no problem. You'll just need to set the lens aperture to "manual." Enjoy.

Jim B.

 

[Dwig]

If I buy a Canon FD to Leica M adapter for my M240, will this work together with a Canon FL lens? Mixed information about compatibility on the internet.

The R, FL, and all variants of the FD mount fit exactly the same body flange. There are some differences that may affect some adapters:

• R lenses have diaphragm levers that extend further into the body than FL & FD lenses that prevent proper mounting on bodies made for FD lenses (and possibly some/all FL series bodies) and may conflict with some adapters.
• FD lenses exist in 3 major variants; Original FD, FDn, & New FD, to give them names.

• Original FD lenses lack a lock on the A position (actually marked with "0") and lack a lock on the mounting flange.
• FDn lenses have a lock on the A position and on the mounting ring. There is also a spring on the mounting ring that turns it slightly when it mates with a body.
• New FD lenses mount in a bayonet style with the whole lens turning rather than just the mounting ring. These lenses lack any method of holding the diaphragm lever in the stop-down position. You must rely on the adapter to provide this function or find one of the rare plastic clips that Canon sold for a brief period. Otherwise, the adapted lens only works at maximum aperture.

The "New FD" lenses' lack of a provision for holding the diaphragm in the stop-down position is the likely cause for many of the "compatibility" problems mentioned.

​

 

[Bille]

It will fit with no problem. You'll just need to set the lens aperture to "manual." Enjoy.

Jim B.

Not so fast. Some FL lenses do have a protruding pin at the back that would push against the adapter. You can always cut off the pin but this will affect functionality on Canon SLRs.

 

[Mackinaw]

You’re making this far too complex. An FD/FL/R adaptor for the M240 is nothing more than a tube with the breechblock mount (I’m using a Canon Lens Mount Converter B). No coupling levers to worry about. Just put the aperture mechanism on “manual” for whatever Canon FD/FL/R lens you’re using and shoot away. I've been using R, FL and FD lenses on my M240 for more than a year. No issues.

Jim B.

 

[Dwig]

... I've been using R, FL and FD lenses on my M240 for more than a year. No issues.

Jim B.

Good to hear that there are no clearance issues with the adapter that you're using.

If it is just a hollow tube then it doesn't have its own mechanism for closing the aperture on NewFD lenses, which don't have their own provision for this. There are some adapters that do have such linkage. If this, or any internal anti-reflection baffle, isn't designed correctly it can clash with FL and/or R lenses even when it works properly with FD lenses.

 

[user237428934]

Not 100% convinced after the last posts but will give it a try. Adapter is not expensive and can be sold again. Lens is cheap. Hope it works.

 

[Steve M.]

At the risk of being beat up by the digital crowd AND the Leica folks (if you're gonna do something, do it right), just buy yourself a FT QL, FTn or F1 and shoot the lens w/ some good B&W film loaded in one of those to experience the joy of early Canon cameras. They were truly the Japanese economy versions of the Leicaflex SLRs, except (marginally) smaller and lighter. Well, the F1 may be as heavy as a Leicaflex, it's a close call. These are truly fun cameras to shoot.

 

[johnf04]

The FTQL is a lovely camera to use - beautifully engineered, silky and smooth . They, and the lenses they use, aren't expensive, either.

 

[user237428934]

At the risk of being beat up by the digital crowd AND the Leica folks (if you're gonna do something, do it right), just buy yourself a FT QL, FTn or F1 and shoot the lens w/ some good B&W film loaded in one of those to experience the joy of early Canon cameras. They were truly the Japanese economy versions of the Leicaflex SLRs, except (marginally) smaller and lighter. Well, the F1 may be as heavy as a Leicaflex, it's a close call. These are truly fun cameras to shoot.

I have one SLR and that's a Canon EOS 1V. After the experience of that viewfinder and the ergonomics of that body I really can't use one of the old cameras again. 🙂

I want that lens for a special purpose and I want it on a digital body.

 

[user237428934]

The Novoflex adapter arrived and I tested it with an old FD 70-210 f4 that I have still lying around. That works very well and I was surprised that the lens is actually really good.

I was too slow for that FL 55mm that was offered in a local forum. Ordered a FD 55mm SCC on ebay instead. A couple of EUR more, but I want such a lens.

 

[Bille]

I was too slow for that FL 55mm that was offered in a local forum. Ordered a FD 55mm SCC on ebay instead. A couple of EUR more, but I want such a lens.

I owned and used both. They are about equal in performance, the FL is a little lighter and more compact. Depending on what kind of look you are after, you might want to try the FL 58/1.2 and FL 50/1.4 (shorter type I). Georgeous bokeh on these undercorrected optical designs.

The later FL 50/1.4 II (long barrel) was the blueprint for any fast Canon standard lens up to the current EF 50/1.4.

http://billead.com/canonfl/