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Archive 2014 · Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R

  
 
pixelreaper
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p.3 #1Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
Ah...to bad! I would love to find a good alternative to my Canon TS-e 17mm for when I want to travel lighter. I love 17mm as I find it to be the sweet spot b/w 14mm - 24mm for ultra wide angle.

Thanks for the response Fred!

Any other good 17mm / 18 mm smallish legacy glass someone can recommend for the a7r for landscape work?

Dimitri

Fred Miranda wrote:
pixelreaper wroteHi Fred!

Any experience with the FDn 17mm?

Got my 20mm f/2.8 and I love it. Amazing sharpness and only the slightest softness in the last few pixels of the upper corners. Great lens design and form factor.

Thanks again for the recommendation.

Dimitri

Fred Miranda wrote
tsdevine wroteIt was sort of a chicken and egg problem for me. I ordered the CIECIO7 adapter a little over a week ago, since I heard it shared some of the desirable qualities of the Novoflex....it should be getting here in the next few days. I didn't want to spend $$$ on the Novoflex until I had some idea how the lenses performed. It's coming from Poland, and I ordered it before I saw all the buzz as to how the FD lenses are performing. The 24mm nFD 2.8 just came today. I also have a 28mm nFD, 50mm FL, and a 70-150 f/4.5 FD (got the last 3 sold together on eBay.) So I have a bunch of lenses and no adapter....brilliant.

So I guess I'll see first hand and access the adapter when I get it, then decide whether to invest in the Novoflex.

I'm very interested in the mythical Novoflex EF / E adapter that you know is in the works.

-Tim

Fred Miranda wrote
pixelreaper wroteHi Fred!

After seeing these samples I just ordered my 20mm FD f/2.8 off eBay! I also splurged on the Novoflex adaptor. Do you think the Novoflex is really worth the extra money? I figured with the money I will save when I return the Zeiss 24-70mm F/4 I still came out ahead. I picked up what looks to be a very clean copy of the lens for <$300. I hope the optics are as good as your copy!

Also, 1 other question. is the lens attached to this post the same Canon "FDn" you are using? I wasn't sure as is just said "FD" in the eBay description. Also I noticed there is an SSC version. I hope I got the right lens

Thanks

Dimitri
That's the lens. I will post a picture of the FDn 20mm f/2.8 with the adapter on the A7R.
It's hard to justify spending $200 for an adapter but I highly recommend the Novoflex and would not use any other adapter. There is a trick when attaching it for aperture control. Don't throw away the manual.
I also have a few FD lenses. My favorites are in order: FD 35 f/2.8 TS, FDn 20 f/2.8, FDn 24 f/2.8, FDn 50 f/1.2L and FDn 300 f/4L.
The 35 f/2.8 TS is way better than the TS-E 24 f/3.5L II + 1.4x extender, especially in the corners. However I never pass 5mm shifting in order to maintain great border resolution.
All FDn lenses do have moderate CA but it's easily fixed in LR without noticeable resolution loss.
The FDn 50 f/1.2L performs very similarly to the monster EF 50 f/1.2L. But it's much smaller/lighter with better bokeh to my eye.

Regarding the electronic Novoflex EF / E adapter. Last time we talked, it was still in development phase with ETA between March and June.
I'm glad you got a good copy Dimitri.
I would stay away from the FD 17mm f/4. I tried it and wasn't impressed with the resolution on the edges of the frame.
Fred
Mar 13, 2014 at 11:52 AM
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p.3 #2Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
pixelreaper wrote:
Ah...to bad! I would love to find a good alternative to my Canon TS-e 17mm for when I want to travel lighter. I love 17mm as I find it to be the sweet spot b/w 14mm - 24mm for ultra wide angle.

Thanks for the response Fred!

Any other good 17mm / 18 mm smallish legacy glass someone can recommend for the a7r for landscape work?

Dimitri

Fred Miranda wrote
pixelreaper wroteHi Fred!

Any experience with the FDn 17mm?

Got my 20mm f/2.8 and I love it. Amazing sharpness and only the slightest softness in the last few pixels of the upper corners. Great lens design and form factor.

Thanks again for the recommendation.

Dimitri

Fred Miranda wrote
tsdevine wroteIt was sort of a chicken and egg problem for me. I ordered the CIECIO7 adapter a little over a week ago, since I heard it shared some of the desirable qualities of the Novoflex....it should be getting here in the next few days. I didn't want to spend $$$ on the Novoflex until I had some idea how the lenses performed. It's coming from Poland, and I ordered it before I saw all the buzz as to how the FD lenses are performing. The 24mm nFD 2.8 just came today. I also have a 28mm nFD, 50mm FL, and a 70-150 f/4.5 FD (got the last 3 sold together on eBay.) So I have a bunch of lenses and no adapter....brilliant.

So I guess I'll see first hand and access the adapter when I get it, then decide whether to invest in the Novoflex.

I'm very interested in the mythical Novoflex EF / E adapter that you know is in the works.

-Tim

Fred Miranda wroteThat's the lens. I will post a picture of the FDn 20mm f/2.8 with the adapter on the A7R.
It's hard to justify spending $200 for an adapter but I highly recommend the Novoflex and would not use any other adapter. There is a trick when attaching it for aperture control. Don't throw away the manual.
I also have a few FD lenses. My favorites are in order: FD 35 f/2.8 TS, FDn 20 f/2.8, FDn 24 f/2.8, FDn 50 f/1.2L and FDn 300 f/4L.
The 35 f/2.8 TS is way better than the TS-E 24 f/3.5L II + 1.4x extender, especially in the corners. However I never pass 5mm shifting in order to maintain great border resolution.
All FDn lenses do have moderate CA but it's easily fixed in LR without noticeable resolution loss.
The FDn 50 f/1.2L performs very similarly to the monster EF 50 f/1.2L. But it's much smaller/lighter with better bokeh to my eye.

Regarding the electronic Novoflex EF / E adapter. Last time we talked, it was still in development phase with ETA between March and June.
I'm glad you got a good copy Dimitri.
I would stay away from the FD 17mm f/4. I tried it and wasn't impressed with the resolution on the edges of the frame.
Fred


It's not legacy but the current Zeiss 18mm f/3.5 is compact and has beautiful rendering. There is one for sale on the B&S board for $900.
Mar 13, 2014 at 12:05 PM
pixelreaper
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p.3 #3Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
Yeah, that one is definitely on my radar but for now I am waiting on Novoflex's EF - E-mount converter before buying any more EF mount glass.

BTW, I don't know if it's worth the money, but man, the Novoflex FD>E-mount adaptor is awesome! It fits better and tighter than the native e-mount lenses on my A7r. I love that has no moving parts and that anodized the finish is on par with RRS.

You mentioned having the Fdn 24 f/2.8. I am curious why or if you prefer it over the Fdn 24 f/2? I am trying to decide b/w them and from the reviews I am seeing (very few out there) it look like the 24 f/2 may be sharper and obviously brighter. Did you ever try it out?


Fred Miranda wrote:
pixelreaper wroteAh...to bad! I would love to find a good alternative to my Canon TS-e 17mm for when I want to travel lighter. I love 17mm as I find it to be the sweet spot b/w 14mm - 24mm for ultra wide angle.

Thanks for the response Fred!

Any other good 17mm / 18 mm smallish legacy glass someone can recommend for the a7r for landscape work?

Dimitri

Fred Miranda wrote
pixelreaper wroteHi Fred!

Any experience with the FDn 17mm?

Got my 20mm f/2.8 and I love it. Amazing sharpness and only the slightest softness in the last few pixels of the upper corners. Great lens design and form factor.

Thanks again for the recommendation.

Dimitri

Fred Miranda wrote
tsdevine wroteIt was sort of a chicken and egg problem for me. I ordered the CIECIO7 adapter a little over a week ago, since I heard it shared some of the desirable qualities of the Novoflex....it should be getting here in the next few days. I didn't want to spend $$$ on the Novoflex until I had some idea how the lenses performed. It's coming from Poland, and I ordered it before I saw all the buzz as to how the FD lenses are performing. The 24mm nFD 2.8 just came today. I also have a 28mm nFD, 50mm FL, and a 70-150 f/4.5 FD (got the last 3 sold together on eBay.) So I have a bunch of lenses and no adapter....brilliant.

So I guess I'll see first hand and access the adapter when I get it, then decide whether to invest in the Novoflex.

I'm very interested in the mythical Novoflex EF / E adapter that you know is in the works.

-Tim
I also have a few FD lenses. My favorites are in order: FD 35 f/2.8 TS, FDn 20 f/2.8, FDn 24 f/2.8, FDn 50 f/1.2L and FDn 300 f/4L.
The 35 f/2.8 TS is way better than the TS-E 24 f/3.5L II + 1.4x extender, especially in the corners. However I never pass 5mm shifting in order to maintain great border resolution.
All FDn lenses do have moderate CA but it's easily fixed in LR without noticeable resolution loss.
The FDn 50 f/1.2L performs very similarly to the monster EF 50 f/1.2L. But it's much smaller/lighter with better bokeh to my eye.

Regarding the electronic Novoflex EF / E adapter. Last time we talked, it was still in development phase with ETA between March and June.
I'm glad you got a good copy Dimitri.
I would stay away from the FD 17mm f/4. I tried it and wasn't impressed with the resolution on the edges of the frame.
Fred
It's not legacy but the current Zeiss 18mm f/3.5 is compact and has beautiful rendering. There is one for sale on the B&S board for $900.

Mar 13, 2014 at 02:38 PM
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p.3 #4Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
pixelreaper wrote:
Yeah, that one is definitely on my radar but for now I am waiting on Novoflex's EF - E-mount converter before buying any more EF mount glass.

BTW, I don't know if it's worth the money, but man, the Novoflex FD>E-mount adaptor is awesome! It fits better and tighter than the native e-mount lenses on my A7r. I love that has no moving parts and that anodized the finish is on par with RRS.

You mentioned having the Fdn 24 f/2.8. I am curious why or if you prefer it over the Fdn 24 f/2? I am trying to decide
...Show more →
Fred Miranda wrote
pixelreaper wroteAh...to bad! I would love to find a good alternative to my Canon TS-e 17mm for when I want to travel lighter. I love 17mm as I find it to be the sweet spot b/w 14mm - 24mm for ultra wide angle.

Thanks for the response Fred!

Any other good 17mm / 18 mm smallish legacy glass someone can recommend for the a7r for landscape work?

Dimitri

Fred Miranda wrote
pixelreaper wroteHi Fred!

Any experience with the FDn 17mm?

Got my 20mm f/2.8 and I love it. Amazing sharpness and only the slightest softness in the last few pixels of the upper corners. Great lens design and form factor.

Thanks again for the recommendation.

Dimitri

Fred Miranda wroteI also have a few FD lenses. My favorites are in order: FD 35 f/2.8 TS, FDn 20 f/2.8, FDn 24 f/2.8, FDn 50 f/1.2L and FDn 300 f/4L.
The 35 f/2.8 TS is way better than the TS-E 24 f/3.5L II + 1.4x extender, especially in the corners. However I never pass 5mm shifting in order to maintain great border resolution.
All FDn lenses do have moderate CA but it's easily fixed in LR without noticeable resolution loss.
The FDn 50 f/1.2L performs very similarly to the monster EF 50 f/1.2L. But it's much smaller/lighter with better bokeh to my eye.

Regarding the electronic Novoflex EF / E adapter. Last time we talked, it was still in development phase with ETA between March and June.
I'm glad you got a good copy Dimitri.
I would stay away from the FD 17mm f/4. I tried it and wasn't impressed with the resolution on the edges of the frame.
Fred
It's not legacy but the current Zeiss 18mm f/3.5 is compact and has beautiful rendering. There is one for sale on the B&S board for $900.


I'm also waiting for the Novoflex EF-NEX adapter and agree that the FD-NEX version is awesome. Meanwhile if you get a good Metabones copy, it works quite well.
Regarding the FD 24 f/2: I have never tried it but if it works just as good as the 24 f/2.8, it will be a great lens when stepping down. They will probably share the same moderate CA and low distortion.
Fred
Mar 13, 2014 at 02:53 PM
DamonJoyce
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p.3 #5Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
Well, after all this talk, I pulled the trigger on a 20/2.8!

I'd love to go Novoflex, but it's so pricey. If I did, I'd dump all my other legacy glass for FD... I've got the Oly 24/2.8, Konica 50/1.7, and Konica 85/1.8. How do the FD equivalents perform?
Mar 13, 2014 at 06:42 PM
timballic
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p.3 #6Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
We hear so much about the "bland" nature of the EOS EF lenses on this forum, do these FD lenses have more "character" than the lenses that replaced them?


Edited on Mar 20, 2014 at 10:43 AM · View previous versions
Mar 20, 2014 at 05:53 AM
malosify
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p.3 #7Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
DamonJoyce wrote:
Well, after all this talk, I pulled the trigger on a 20/2.8!

I'd love to go Novoflex, but it's so pricey. If I did, I'd dump all my other legacy glass for FD... I've got the Oly 24/2.8, Konica 50/1.7, and Konica 85/1.8. How do the FD equivalents perform?


I've FD 50/1.4 SSC and FD 85/1.8 SSC (of things equivalent to what you have on that list). 50/1.4 is an exceptional lens that really shows what Canon render is all about. My copy of the 85 has too much CA when wide-open, but mainly in the OOF regions. Both are very sharp. Great for portraits, still getting to terms with it for landscape work ...

What I like about the FD line-up is that the look is very consistent. I have 35/2, 50/1.4, 85/1.8, and the render is absolutely identical. Makes on itch for some the FD L glass ...
Mar 20, 2014 at 07:16 AM
Dpedraza
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p.3 #8Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
I was looking up the fd 24mm it's dirt cheap.. Well maybe not for much longer.. I have considered it for my AE-1 lol I am still undecided if I want to get an A7/R I am taking my sweet ol' time on that decision lol

So these will turn into the oly om's price hike and harder to come by?
Mar 20, 2014 at 10:37 AM
Beni
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p.3 #9Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
I'd be interested in a comparison between the FD 20mm and the Zeiss 18mm. Is the zeiss the $800 or so more worth it? Specifically interested in the corners.
Mar 20, 2014 at 11:09 AM
Gunzorro
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p.3 #10Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
I can't resist mentioning how funny I think it is that with the introduction of the high rez and DR of the new Sony a7 and a7R cameras that Canon lenses are being vindicated in the Alt forum after years of scorn and abuse.

Fred -- Since you are liking the FD lenses, I'd recommend trying the 35/2.8 and especially the 50/3.5 macro for inexpensive, high quality imaging. Also, I second the 50/1.4 as a truly fine lens.

Regarding your comment about care or coupling the FD to the Novoflex, I assume you mean to properly align the pin/lever to shift the aperture manual (surely there is no auto aperture?). Does the Novoflex have a rotating collar like the cheaper HK/China adapters to go from wide open to stopped down pre-select aperture in one motion?

These are the lenses I started out my photography career with, beginning with the Canon A-1 body. The new EF lenses are generally a quantum leap forward in IQ and versatility. So if anyone is liking the discovery of these FD lenses, all I can say is the newer models are even better (but pricier). I was devoted to MF because of these FD lenses for a long time after the switch to AF EOS models. But now after all advances in Canon's AF system, I'd never go back to MF except in order to use the TSE, and with the advent of M4/3 and the new Sony FF, some of these nice older MF lenses available from Canon, Nikon, Minolta and others. Overall though, I find the ease and accuracy of Canon AF very hard to beat.

Nice to be able to bring Canon products out of the closet these days on the Alt forum! Hearing praise for the affordable quality of the FD and TSE lenses is a great start!
Mar 20, 2014 at 12:54 PM
freaklikeme
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p.3 #11Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
Gunzorro wrote:
Regarding your comment about care or coupling the FD to the Novoflex, I assume you mean to properly align the pin/lever to shift the aperture manual (surely there is no auto aperture?). Does the Novoflex have a rotating collar like the cheaper HK/China adapters to go from wide open to stopped down pre-select aperture in one motion?


No auto and no rotating ring to engage the aperture ring. You line the lens mount dot up with the white dot on the adapter, which allows the pin inside the adapter to be on the correct side of the lens lever, then rotate the lens clockwise (assuming you're behind the camera) until it's mount dot lines up with the red dot on the adapter. You then push the lens onto the mount and rotate it counter-clockwise until it locks.


Mar 20, 2014 at 02:38 PM
tsdevine
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p.3 #12Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R

The CIECIO7 adapter I have is also like the Novoflex in that regard.

-Tim
Mar 20, 2014 at 02:56 PM
Gunzorro
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p.3 #13Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
So, just straight manual aperture control, like Samyang. Focus wide open, then close down for exposure, or just shoot at the composing aperture like most Alt lens scenarios.

Too bad, I rather like that feature, similar to older lenses with the locking aperture preset ring.

Thanks!
Mar 20, 2014 at 05:24 PM
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p.3 #14Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
Gunzorro wrote:
So, just straight manual aperture control, like Samyang. Focus wide open, then close down for exposure, or just shoot at the composing aperture like most Alt lens scenarios.

Too bad, I rather like that feature, similar to older lenses with the locking aperture preset ring.

Thanks!


Jim,
I am not sure if I understood your question but all you need to do is to attach the Novoflex adapter in the way Brad described above.
You will be able to control aperture on the lens and see the changes in the viewfinder/LCD before shooting.
Fred
Mar 20, 2014 at 05:32 PM
freaklikeme
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p.3 #15Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
Gunzorro wrote:
So, just straight manual aperture control, like Samyang. Focus wide open, then close down for exposure, or just shoot at the composing aperture like most Alt lens scenarios.

Too bad, I rather like that feature, similar to older lenses with the locking aperture preset ring.

Thanks!


So that's not how those adapters work with FD lenses. The ring itself just engages or disengages your ability to use the aperture ring. No matter what you have the aperture set at on the ring, once you rotate the ring and disengage the lever, the iris closes to the same position every time.
Mar 20, 2014 at 05:54 PM
Gunzorro
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p.3 #16Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
Here's the type of adapter I'm talking about. "Open" is wide open for focusing, "Lock" is the rotated position that depresses the DOF level to the selected aperture -- no clicking through all the settings to get to your desired taking aperture.





Mar 21, 2014 at 11:05 AM
mcbroomf
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p.3 #17Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
I have the Fotasy FD-Nex adapter and some kind of no-name (says SLRKIT on the side). They both work as you describe Jim

Mike
Mar 22, 2014 at 02:35 AM
LightShow
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p.3 #18Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Nice thread! What are the differences among FD, FDn, and SSC? What can I expect performance wise from each? Thanks

40Driggs wrote:
The oldest lenses are FL, next came SSC lenses which have better coatings and then the new FD lenses are a different body that is lighter weight.

Close, FL(+Pellex), then FD(Silver Nose), then SSC, then FDn.


FL and SSC versions use the "breach lock" system to mount the lens to the camera. I went with new FD for the lighter weight and (in my opinion) easier mounting system.

The FDn mount on the lens is more temperamental, and has been known to wear out and become loose or become dirty and jam, I prefer the breech lock version because it is very solid when mounted, it is only a minor pain when swapping lenses.


lenticular11 wrote:
I have been watching this thread with interest and some satisfaction.

Peire - simply stunning shots with the 24!

I picked up a breech-lock FD24/2.8 a couple of years back for my 5N, but used it little due to the foibles of FD/FL aperture pins on adapters, alluded to a little by Fred.

There is another reason I prefer the breech lock versions, just push the aperture lever to the end of its slot and it will stay there and the aperture ring is now always engaged when mounted(I have a bad habit of forgetting to turn the lock ring on the adapter and would shoot a bunch of shots wide open thinking they were stopped down, not any more, sadly the FDn don't do this.


One klutzy challenge I have right now though - I managed to totally bind the 24s FL breech lock ring against the rear lens cap - nothing wants to budge. Does anyone have a solution? I note two tiny Phillips head screws on the side of the lock ring. Perhaps if I unscrew those I can free up the jam?

Just make sure you turn the lock ring the correct way, looking from the front the ring turns CCW, when looking at the rear cap, turn the lock ring clockwise, or just look for the red dot on the lock ring, and turn it towards the DOF scale.
Mar 24, 2014 at 07:04 PM
retrofocus
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p.3 #19Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
Gunzorro wrote:
Here's the type of adapter I'm talking about. "Open" is wide open for focusing, "Lock" is the rotated position that depresses the DOF level to the selected aperture -- no clicking through all the settings to get to your desired taking aperture.


I am using Fotasy adapters for my A7R - got it for FD and M42 lens mounts, both work perfectly fine. Also using the Canon 50/3.5 macro FD lens.
Mar 25, 2014 at 07:14 AM
sculptormic
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p.3 #20Canon FDn 20mm f/2.8 and 24mm f/2.8 on A7R
Wide angles which I like on the A7r. And yes those FD(n) lenses are just great.


Empty82 by Michiel Schierbeek, on Flickr


Empty76 by Michiel Schierbeek, on Flickr


Empty81 by Michiel Schierbeek, on Flickr


Empty79 by Michiel Schierbeek, on Flickr
Mar 25, 2014 at 07:36 AM
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