For the opportunity Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC Review Many thanks to Alexander from the Manual Optics section.
Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC review
TTX Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC:
Focal length: 55 mm
Diaphragm: F / 1.2-F / 16.0 (values of 1.2, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 can be set)
Number of aperture blades: 8 pieces
MDF: 0,6m
The weight: about 600g
Bayonet mount: Canon FD (in this case, reworked FD -> EF)
Front Filter Diameter: 58 mm
Please note that this Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC can not be used on modern Canon EOS digital SLR cameras, since the Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC has a FD type mount (mount to the camera), and all modern Canon digital cameras EOS have a Canon EF, EF-S mount. In this review, I used a Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC lens converted to EF-S... If you do not deal with altering the lens, then you will need to use a special adapter Canon FD - Canon EF with a lens to get normal operation with the lens. The lens may degrade the image quality.
FD 55mm f / 1.2 from different sides
The lens has a brother Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC Aspherical, which is one of the first lenses using aspherical elements. The lens of this Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC review is often referred to as 55mm f / 1.2 pre-aspherical or 55mm f / 1.2 non-aspherical in order to distinguish between lenses. Also, in the Canon Lens FD lens range there are a lot of lenses of the 50mm F / 1.2 type. You can read how to use different non-autofocus lenses in the section old lenses at canon.
Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC on the modern CZK
old man Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC can show exorbitant image quality. When working with a lens, the first thing you notice is its weight. For an ordinary fifty dollars, Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC It is simply huge. This is most likely the largest fifty-fifty (55mm) I've ever used. Together with the lens hood, the lens looks great on the camera.
Photo by Canon 55 1.2. Very small DOF, the image seems soft
The lens has a special SSC coating (Super Spectra Coating), which allows you to normally transfer side and backlight, and also helps to achieve excellent contrast in the image.
Sample photo on a Canon 55mm F1.2 FD
Focusing on the lens is very smooth. Focusing ring metal, not rubberized. The ring rotates a little more than 180 degrees with an easy flight for infinity and a flight for 60cm MDF. At the same time, the lens protrudes the trunk 0.5cm forward. When focusing, all lenses move together.
Sample photo on a Canon 55mm F1.2 FD
The diaphragm in my converted version has only manual control. Most likely, in the native state under the FD mount, the diaphragm had automatic control. The diaphragm ring rotates easily, with a nice click. DoFs are available for F / 4.0, 8, 11, 16 with a dot for infrared shift. The diaphragm has as many as 8 petals with a matte finish. Petals form a regular (not rounded) octagon.
Sample photo on a Canon 55mm F1.2 FD
Regarding F / 1.2: yes, 1.2 is huge aperture, it's as much as 2.25 times lighter for F / 1.8. Such aperture can help out in dark conditions. But focusing even in good conditions is very difficult; in dark conditions, focusing can be a problem.
Example photo on a Canon 55mm F1.2 FD. Bokeh
Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC. very well made lens. He is many years old, but he works perfectly. On modern cropped CZKs Canon EGF lens will match 88mm for Canon APS-C crop = 1,6x, And 71,5mm for Canon APS-H crop = 1,3x. This EGF very convenient for use in portrait photography. It's very good that Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC. can be used without problems on full-frame cameras and on Canon APS-H cameras.
Sample photo on a Canon 55mm F1.2 FD
Image quality
The lens produces a good, sharp and contrasty image. On F1.2, aberrations are noticeable, which completely disappear if you set the aperture F2.8. The lens is devoid of distortion and vignetting on APS-C cameras. The lens is sharp even on F1.2 with a light soft effect that appears due to the very small depth of field. Unfortunately, I can only judge the lens when used on APS-C the camera. The bokeh of the lens is amazing, with discs in the blur zone similar to lemons. The image quality is on top.
Bokeh at full aperture
Sample Photos
All photos taken on Canon 350D APS-C, crop=1.6x. Without processing. RAW – > JPEG 3MP, Q=85%, autolevels, added watermark with options EXIF. Pictures were taken using native protective filter Canon 58mm UV 1x and Canon S-60 60mm lens hoods (with clamping device for smaller diameter filters).
Personal experience:
The lens is very, very difficult to shoot at F1.2. The depth of field is very small. Focusing without Live View on 1.2 is very difficult. I had to shoot with bracketing focusing to pick up for a review of 20-30 photos with a normal sharpness of 1.2. Due to the need to remake old FD, FDn lenses for modern cameras, I come across the fact that they often take Nikon 50mm f / 1.2 AI-S Nikkor MF for Canon and used with Nikon F mount adapter - Canon EOS, which does not require lens. But personally to me the image with Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC liked more for Nikon 50mm f / 1.2 AI-S Nikkor MF.
Photo by Canon 55 1.2
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How to use FL/FD/FDn mount lenses
To use a Canon FL, Canon FD, or Canon FDn mount lens on modern mirrorless cameras, you should use the appropriate adapter:
- Canon RF/RF-S: adapter FD/FDn/FL -> RF/EOS R
- Canon EF-M: adapter FD/FDn/FL -> EF-M/EOS M
- Sony NEX/ILCE/IMCE/FE/E: adapter FD/FDn/FL -> NEX/ILCE/FE/E
- Nikon Z: adapter FD/FDn/FL -> Z
- Panasonic L / Sigma L / Leica L/T/TL: adapter FD/FDn/FL -> L
- fujifilm x: adapter FD/FDn/FL -> X/FX
- Samsung NX: adapter FD/FDn/FL -> NX
- Micro 4/3 (Panasonic/Olympus): adapter FD/FDn/FL -> M4/3
- Nikon 1 : adapter FD/FDn/FL -> N1
The adapters are suitable for FL, FD and FDn mount lenses, these mounts are backwards compatible. But using lenses with a Canon FL / Canon FD / Canon FDn mount on SLR cameras is difficult due to the long working distance. In such cases, a corrective lens adapter must be used, which will degrade the image quality.
Conclusions:
Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC... - excellent super fast prime lens. For use on modern cameras requires some work. It attracts with a sharp contrasting image and good bokeh. Recommend.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
thanks for the great review, Arkady! as always - the highest class, I have long wanted to know about the possibilities of fast fixes kenon! I really liked the bokeh. is it possible to use this lens on nikon?
It’s very problematic on Nikon, it needs to be redone for the native Canon, and under Nikon it will be necessary to download more.
Personally, he was holding the Canon FD 55 / 1.2, converted to Nikon, with an adapter for Canon. So if you have a lathe and hands growing from the right place, you can get that too;)
And with infinity, how were things going there?
Duzhe tsikaviy ob'єktiv. You can prick and fall into your hands.
Arkady, it will be very interesting to know the comparison of him with the modern "elka" if you have such an opportunity in the future
L has 50mm, and this 55mm at 5 play a role.
I use Canon 1.4 FD but on the EOS-FD adapter. It turns out a total focal length of 100mm and a loss of aperture ratio of almost 1,5 stops. Can you tell me who you can contact to be redone on EOS?
You can apply here. https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/09/manualnaya-optika/
Good afternoon!
I really ask for your help! Bought Canon FD 50mm 1.4 SSC. To it is a chip adapter FD-EOS. The camera is the first penny. The adapter does not screw onto the carcass. Where did you go?
Thank you for your reply!
Good afternoon! Thanks for the nice review. I have two questions for the author. How to distinguish Canon FD 55 / 1.2 Aspherical from non-aspherical - by markings or by serial numbers? How will this lens compare to the Rokkor 58 / 1.2 in terms of sharpness and design?
On Asperical, the word is engraved and filled with orange paint. You will see - you will not mix it up.
And this lens, in my opinion, is emitting radiation ...? If so, what is your opinion on this ...
No, the one in the review does not sound. The phonite is the one with the Aspherical prefix.
Those. Radioactive glass is only available on the Canon FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC Aspherical.
And in the same radioactive background in Canon FL 58 mm f / 1.2.
There is a lot of information about this on the Internet. It’s enough to simply drive in the search engine: “List of radioactive lenses” or “Radioactive lenses”.
So the Canon FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC is not radioactive!
Hello)) Advise, please, the lens Canon FD 50mm 1: 1.4 appeared, I want to put it on the Canon 600 D, is this even possible ?? if yes, then
Tell me how ??
Thank you in advance))
You will need: a lathe, a drilling machine, a caliper, a micrometer 0-25. And of course the skill and a bit of cynicism.
In general, this lens is very easy to remake under the EF-S. Things are much worse with the NFD50 / 1.2L because of the rear lens. For four months I suffered with him and racked my brains. But the result simply thrilled me!
Where can I convert FD to EOS?
mbn1969@rambler.ru
Good day. Now I use Pankolar MS 1.8 (portrait shooting) and SMC Takumar 1.4 (evening shooting + rooms, churches) on (Canon 60D). Should I sell Takumar and upgrade to Canon Lens FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC? Thanks in advance.
at full frame the mirror catches
although infinity can be given covering the hole up to 5.6
I do not know who needs infinity at 1.2
the subject is simply super-duper for the edible and just for the portrait, and for these targets 5 meters is enough
You can say that my favorite glass
Radiation phonite. And the phonite is not very weak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyFr6vi_wsA
No, the one in the review does not sound. The phonite is the one with the Aspherical prefix.
Carefully read the text in that video, the link to which you gave, it says "Canon FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC Aspherical", it is this model that is radioactive.
And in the same radioactive background in Canon FL 58 mm f / 1.2.
There is a lot of information about this on the Internet. It’s enough to simply drive in the search engine: “List of radioactive lenses” or “Radioactive lenses”.
So the Canon FD 55mm f / 1.2 SSC is not radioactive!
without any problems it becomes on the Sony Nex series cameras. Without any alterations, using an adapter.
The lens is wonderful
It was a difficult financial situation, I almost sold it
But, fortunately, everything worked out
You can’t sell it
To the best of my ability, I prepared a small report explaining why:
http://mihanev.ru/blog/canon-fd-55-mm-f-1-2-s-s-c.html
I use the younger brothers of this fifty dollars (fd50 1.4ssc and fd50 1.4) converted to eos. The image is excellent, unlike eos -1.4, it has an absolutely working hole, a contrast image, not soft, is eternal
Alexander, can you help with the remake of 50 1.4 on eos? Just acquired and so far in complete confusion what to do. Do you have nowhere site or detailed instructions?
Maria, if you don’t find anyone closer, contact us. I will redo your 50 / 1,4 at its best.
http://baraholka.onliner.by/viewtopic.php?t=12340605
He is beautiful!
Alteration of the lens:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk9JkAJlB4o
Striking examples of this lens ...
http://mihanev.ru/blog/canon-fd-55-mm-f-1-2-s-s-c.html
I did not see the prohibitive quality of the picture, as promised. Takumar or rockcore for twenty bucks will do no worse
20 they do not cost, at least 100. and open software more than that
Guys in Canada have a master who is specifically engaged in remaking FD for EOS, or rather selling a kit for this alteration, for each lens the kit is different! the name of the company is EDMIKA and many prefer to use its adapters with FD glass instead of expensive modern lenses!
Thanks for the info!
I tried to disassemble this lens to remake the shank for EF, but I can't unscrew the lens unit from the body. I unscrewed everything that was possible - it still does not get out. The aperture blade fell off - you can't put it back together ... Anything to advise? And then he is already aimed at working with gas keys, or a grinder ...
Buy such optics, offer
The lens is of course good, but everything is learned in comparison ... It would be very interesting to compare it with olympus zuiko 55 1.2. Well, if possible with zuiko 50 1.2. A decent review would have turned out. Well, personally, I think that canon will lose. Despite the fact that appanents are almost 2 times smaller and lighter !!!
I liked the review very much, just thinking about this
Hello. Please tell me. Is there a ready-made conversion kit for EOS on sale on Ali? Recently I got a lens in good condition Canon FD 55 / 1.2 SSC.
Are there such sets? For the alteration of manual Olympus, it seems there is.
There are sets. But they cost $ 150. Unfortunately, I have not seen Ali yet. Probably you will have to do it yourself from the m42-EOS adapter. Another would be to find a sample aperture plate template.
Here's an example site http://www.fdtoef.com