Canon FD: your thoughts?

[drew.saunders]

I sold all my FD bodies (F-1 original, F-1N) and lenses (24/2.8, 35/2.8 engraved "US Navy," 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 100/4 Macro w/ tube, 300/5.6) a while ago in trade for a large format lens, which I don't regret. The best lens of the lot was the 100/4 macro with 50mm extension tube. I sent it all to Keh for one trade-in price, and I wouldn't be surprised if the 100 macro was at least half the value. I always got great results from the little 35/2.8, and found the "US Navy" factory engraving to be kind of an interesting touch. I got it new at a used price many years ago, I'm guessing either Canon made too many or the Navy ordered too many, but Brooklyn Camera Exchange got the extras and passed them on at a great price. I watched the Keh web page for a few days to see my old lenses come and go, and the macro never even made it to the web page.

For the curious, I got a Fuji 250/6.3 large format lens for all of that plus a little cash. Fuji's EBC coating is just amazing stuff.

 

[sahe69]

Bodies:

EF
A-1
F1N
T90

Lenses:

17/4
24/1.4 ASPH (or L)
35/2 - all versions are really good
55/1.2 ASPH (or L)
85/1.2 ASPH (or L)
100/2 FDn, a true gem
135/2
80-200/4L

The whole FD system is a real bargain today, most likely because the lenses can't be fitted on DSRLs in a sensible way.

The only downsides with the system are that
a) due to the very good prices it can become very addictive (!!!!GAS warning!!!!)
b) should you decide to let go of them it can take some time to sell, even if you have good prices.

Been there, done that. Twice. 😀 And considering to take the plunge 3rd time because I never owned all the three APSH primes mentioned above. :bang: :angel:

 

[Krosya]

Bodies:


The whole FD system is a real bargain today, most likely because the lenses can't be fitted on DSRLs in a sensible way.

:

I have a FD to EOS adapter that works well for all of my FD lenses. Works good on digital EOS as well as film ones.

 

[icebear]

filmfan,

as many wrote already FD lenses can be found at bargain prices and why go for EOS (i.e. autofocus film) ? I also had 2 T90's , started out with the AE-1. For concert photography I used 1.2/85L and 2.8/200, both great lenses... long time ago in evil SLR land😉.

 

[sahe69]

I have a FD to EOS adapter that works well for all of my FD lenses. Works good on digital EOS as well as film ones.

The general opinion is however that the optical element which is necessary in the FD-EOS adapters adversely impacts the image quality. Unless you have the original Canon-made FD-EOS adapter which are ultra-rare and priced accordingly. That being said I never had a Canon DSLR so never tried it out myself - just relied on other's reviews.

I'm shooting myself nowadays with a Nikon DSLR and am so far happy with the Nikon offering. However at times I wake up at night sweaty and screaming "Aspherical FD!!!" 😛

 

[dogberryjr]

Not to suggest that I'm addicted to FD or anything, but here's a list off the top of my head, and not counting duplicates: Bodies- T70 (my first camera), AE1, AE1 Program, A1, F1N; Lenses- 50mm 1.4, 1.8, 3.5; 55mm 1.2 AL (the original ASPH), 85mm 1.2L, 28mm 2.8, 2.0, 2.0 CF; 35mm T/S, 2.0, 17mm 4.0; 24mm 2.8, 2.0; 100mm 2.8, 135mm 2.5, 70-210 f4, 80-200 L . . . and more.

Yeah, I'm a fan.

 

[Fujitsu]

What are your favorite Canon manual focus SLRs and lenses?

Canon FT with FL lenses (will create a beautiful "retro" look) or the F1 (first generation) / FTb with early FD series lenses.

Absolutely great stuff.

Im less a fan of the late FD stuff with electronic cameras. Even though my AE-1 is still working perfectly and has NEVER seen service or care. Take that Leica M!

 

[spyder2000]

There quite a few FD bargains out there to be sure. One of them is generally not the BW-52C lens hood for the New FD 24 f/2 lens. I still have and use an F1n, a 'new' F1, and an A-1. The A-1 was an impulse buy because I couldn't afford one when they were new. I so wanted to be hexaphotocybernetic.

The F1's are as smooth as silk. The A-1 feels like an "A" series camera in comparison.

 

[dogberryjr]

No connection to the seller.

There is an 85mm f1.2 L for sale for $300 in the Cincinnati Craigslist. Unless it's incredibly beat, this is a steal. http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/pho/1794697053.html

 

[stephan_cautaerts]

My favourites: the 50/1.2L and the 135/2. The latter, I bought from Kermaier, by the way. I have used also for a long time 50/1.8, 20/2.8, 100/2.8 and 135/2.8. All second hand bargains. Actually using the FD-system only occasionally with an F-1n and still having a nice boxed A-1 for sale.
Stephan

 

[kermaier]

No connection to the seller.

There is an 85mm f1.2 L for sale for $300 in the Cincinnati Craigslist. Unless it's incredibly beat, this is a steal. http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/pho/1794697053.html

That is a steal! I regret having sold mine (and my 24/1.4 L) before I knew there'd be a micro-4/3 system to breathe new life into the old glass. 🙁

Still have my 50/1.2 L though! 🙂

Ari

 

[raid]

I still have both; 85/1.2L and 50/1.2L. This super pair is a great addition to my Canon set.

 

[wakarimasen]

Any suggestions for T90 servicing, including the famous 'eee' problem?

Best regards
RoyM

 

[raid]

There is a repairman ("Steve") who fixes the EEE problem for $125. I forgot his last name ... who knows him here?

 

[dogberryjr]

There is a repairman ("Steve") who fixes the EEE problem for $125. I forgot his last name ... who knows him here?

This guy: http://www.cameraclinic-usa.com/page5.html

I haven't used him, however.

 

[wakarimasen]

Thanks for the responses. On the offchance, I called one of the repairers that I've used before, here in the UK, and it seems that all will be fixed for £50!
The camera arrived today and ir's in lovely condition. I can see why people like them.
Best regards
RoyM