More Canon FD Lens Test Results

[Steve M.]

I bought a Canon FD SSC 85 1.8 lens (center camera) to compete w/ my FD 135 2.5. The 85 is a beater. It has tons of dust inside, but clean glass. Flares if there's big light, and has lots of pincushion anywhere near the edges. Keep everything in the middle and it's a great lens. Kodak C41 B&W, Walgreens scans.

 

[pdexposures]

Looks pretty good, I have the 100mm f/2 which has caused me to stop looking for an 85mm. But I have always wondered how the two stack up against each other!

 

[sparrow6224]

Steve: that last shot is a really great portrait. I admire it. I have just started shooting a roll to compare a new (to me) 135/2.5 to my beautiful but insanely large 135/2. Anyone have opinions to offer on these two lenses? I'm puzzled to notice that the 135/2.5 often does not even appear (or almost never even appears) on lists that purport to show the complete FD line of lenses. These usually show only the f2 and f2.8 (and f3.5 and whatever). Why is that? Was the f/2.5 so shortlived? Even so it EXISTED so should be listed, yes? I only learned of it and saw the beautiful images it makes by reading about it here.

Anyway I'd be interested in the opinions of anyone who has shot both the f/2.5 and the f/2.

 

[Steve M.]

The 135 has really smooth bokeh and no visible distortion, but the 85 lens has that 1.8 thing going for it, along w/ being smaller and lighter. I'll probably sell the 135. People love the 100 2.0 lenses, as you mentioned.

Thanks. The photos have potential, but my lousy focusing and the usual eyeglass reflection gremlins need to be addressed on the next roll. I'm not sure why the FD 135 2.5 is so underrated. You can get them in FL mount as well, but I think the coatings are better on the FD lenses. The 135 2.0 is more lens than I'd want to carry, but in a studio it would probably shine.

These old FD lenses have a Leicaesque pop to them. Who knew?

 

[wakarimasen]

I just bought a breech-lock 135mm f/2.5. Unfortunately the seller sent the wrong lens, and so we have to do a swap.

For more information on FD lenses, try looking at http://www.fdreview.com/

I've dallied with OM and am still tempted to try Nikon, but I can't face getting rid of my FD gear.

Best regards
RoyM