Which canon FL lenses?

sonyrokkor · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 11:10 pm Post subject: Which canon FL lenses?

Are there any of the canon fl lenses good to buy now, in 2013?

1,2/55; 2,5/35; 1,4/50, 3,5/19 R?

Are they good? Any other?

Arkku · Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 1416 Location: Helsinki, Finland

The only one I've tried is the 55mm f/1.2. It's good, although bit of an “effect lens” (but that's usually the case with f/1.2's).

fermy · Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 1974

Well, FL lenses are certainly no worse than Zeiss Jena or Minolta MC of the same vintage, people certainly do buy those Wink

I have only two budget FL lenses: 1.8/50 and 3.5/135 and I like them. Compared to later FD lenses, you get weaker coating, smoother rendering, prettier slimmer lenses (lower weight too compared to breechlock FDs, but higher weight compared to FDn), and A/M switch. FDn will likely be a better bet in terms of resolution and contrast, FLs are a bit more retro, but not without charm and performance. Here are some of my FL 50mm f1.8 shots:

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary

55/1.2 is good, I also like the 58/1.2 which has a nice rendering.
I have a bunch more FL's but hardly use them as I always seem to be trying other lenses.
I did just pick up an FL 35/2.5, it has a small hump on the back that hits a part on the adapter so it won't mount fully.

fermy · Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 1974

Can't you just file down the screw in the adapter (or even remove it completely as the lens has A/M switch so the screw is not needed)?

Bille · Joined: 03 Jan 2013 Posts: 381

Bille · Joined: 03 Jan 2013 Posts: 381

fermy · Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 1974

Hey, you've got a great site with Canon FL/Fujinon/Hexanon info. Someone has posted the link to it not so long ago. Nice to see you here. Is it 100% sure that there is no way to mount 19mm FL on NEX? It looks like a great lens, being so small and non-retrofocus. How many mm does one lack to mount it?

Bille · Joined: 03 Jan 2013 Posts: 381

fermy · Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 1974

Yeah, I thought that the sensor baffle would be the problem. However, perhaps one can trim (or remove) the hood that protects the rear lens element?

On m4/3 I think the sensor baffle would be an issue too, but even if not, I don't think the lens would make sense on m4/3. Pany 20mm pancake would likely be better wide open than this lens at f4.

casualcollector · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2013 1:47 pm Post subject:

Bille · Joined: 03 Jan 2013 Posts: 381

sonyrokkor · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2013 2:10 pm Post subject:

Thanks gentlemen, one more time.

Excelent site.

I just to buy a 19/3,5 R FL to my nex 3. Well, good luck to me, didn't the purchase !!!!

The 1,4/50 FL II have great fame among my friends. The same like the 1,2/58 (it came with the pellix, if i'm right).

fermy · Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 1974

FL 19mm F3.5 R is a retrofocus lens, you should be able to fit it to any mirrorless. The lens that has issues is FL 19mm F3.5 (without R, but with protruding rear element).

sonyrokkor · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 8:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks fermy

Now, I will have to spend the money....... Very Happy