My plan is to modify an existing part (the spacer/ring that is secured to the barrel with the three larger screws, and holds the aperture ring down) and use it as a spacer for the new mount. I'll likely spend hours filing/sanding it down to the right thickness.
Stage two will be the new aperture mechanism, which looks dead simple on this one. I've got some semi-soft aluminum that'll do the trick.
Stage three will be to rough-up the bottom surface of the M42-EOS adapter and then just JB-Weld the bugger on there
I owe you a lot for getting me started in the alt and conversion arena. If you give me your mailing address I will send you one of my spacers....no charge. It doubles as a screw hole template as well to guarantee accurate centering and radial (relative to the camera...aperture scale on top) positioning of your M42 adapter.....and thereby your lens.
Nick you should market that stuff or at least release the designs, it would be nice to know a recipe for nFD conversions. I take it you must have a lathe and some machining skills/tools?
TWoK wrote:
Looks pretty similar to the Nikkor 24/2. I'm surprised you're not going to try a MF 24L
Too expensive, too heavy and from what I have read, the 24/2 is better. For what I paid, this will end up being one of my best bargains yet. All other comparable 24/2s I see out there on the used market go for many times more $$$.
I'm going cheaper and cheaper all the time with my line-up.
I also recently converted a Vivitar 24mm f2 RL edition. It was originally Canon FD mount. I have to say that I like it every bit as much as the Canon FD. I could post some pics on the alternate image thread and/or with your permission I could post a couple of pics from it on this thread when time permits.
I think the "recipe" for nFD conversions has pretty much been unravelled on these threads. As for the spacers, there might be a market.....albeit...a small one perhaps.
I also recently converted a Vivitar 24mm f2 RL edition. It was originally Canon FD mount. I have to say that I like it every bit as much as the Canon FD. I could post some pics on the alternate image thread and/or with your permission I could post a couple of pics from it on this thread when time permits.
Let me know,
Nick
Sure, no problem. I'd love to see them. I have had both the Kiron and Komine Vivitar 28/2s (still own the Komine-Viv, actually) and they are/were both very good for wide open, low-light stuff, B&W, etc. but not too exciting stopped down. Do you find the same thing with your Viv 24/2?
I find the characteristics of this Vivitar to be more like other WA lenses. It just keeps getting better stopped down. I also completed conversion of the nFD 20mm f2.8 a couple of months ago but I'm only just getting a chance to try it out now. It looks promising....escpecially stopped down. It's one that requires a mirror shave though to reach infinity on the 5D.
Mr.Burns wrote:
The first one kinda reminds me of a LensBaby shot.
Interesting thread, and I appreciate and respect what all has been said here in the effort to get the best lens quality for the cheapest price.
The Canon digital EOS cameras evolved as the mainstream "alt" platform for non-Canon lenses, primarily due to the lack of IQ in Canon EF wide angle lenses, and the favorable short EF mount register compared to other lens mounts.
Am I correct in hearing, in this thread and others like this, that the FD line of wides is better than the EF offerings? This is not what I've learned and experienced. Yes, the 50L and 85L class lenses seem to be roughly equivalent between the FD and EF versions, with excellent IQ. The Canon teles are reported to be excellent. However, the wides are thought to be lackluster with quite significant field curvature and other CA aberrations. Traits that are concealed by the shallow depth of field, close range, and B&W images on LCD monitors, exampled on these forum threads.
“Lens babies” like, maybe an appropriate adjective to use, due to the apparent sharpness/out of focus, in the wide angle FD lenses? No?
TWoK wrote:
Looks pretty similar to the Nikkor 24/2. I'm surprised you're not going to try a MF 24L
The fd 24L costs nearly as much as the MK1 EF 24L. Ridiculous but pretty well true - I had great aspirations to get one but the reviews of it from years past sounded un-promising and the price was a joke.
I've had my eye on the 24/2 so il be interested to see some more when yours is done too cogi.
I really think we should have a thread "post your best converted FD shots".
Empire wrote:
The fd 24L costs nearly as much as the MK1 EF 24L. Ridiculous but pretty well true - I had great aspirations to get one but the reviews of it from years past sounded un-promising and the price was a joke.
I've had my eye on the 24/2 so il be interested to see some more when yours is done too cogi.
I really think we should have a thread "post your best converted FD shots".
Well even at $500, which they often go for here, they are not cheap.
Ed Sawyer wrote:
Nick you should market that stuff or at least release the designs, it would be nice to know a recipe for nFD conversions. I take it you must have a lathe and some machining skills/tools?
As far as the lathe goes, I do have access to one as well as a milling machine, CAD driven laser cutting machine etc...and every kind of precision measurement equipment. The nature of my work gives me large amounts of time to do "stuff" in the evenings. I work on a ship....so going home is not an option. I hit the gym every night or every other night and since this alt lens conversion craze hit me work on lenses the rest of my free time. When I'm home I have no time to work on lenses and just barely find time to even check in with this forum.
JimBuchanan wrote:
Interesting thread, and I appreciate and respect what all has been said here in the effort to get the best lens quality for the cheapest price.
The Canon digital EOS cameras evolved as the mainstream "alt" platform for non-Canon lenses, primarily due to the lack of IQ in Canon EF wide angle lenses, and the favorable short EF mount register compared to other lens mounts.
Am I correct in hearing, in this thread and others like this, that the FD line of wides is better than the EF offerings? This is not what I've learned and experienced. Yes, the 50L and 85L class lenses seem to be roughly equivalent between the FD and EF versions, with excellent IQ. The Canon teles are reported to be excellent. However, the wides are thought to be lackluster with quite significant field curvature and other CA aberrations. Traits that are concealed by the shallow depth of field, close range, and B&W images on LCD monitors, exampled on these forum threads.
“Lens babies” like, maybe an appropriate adjective to use, due to the apparent sharpness/out of focus, in the wide angle FD lenses? No? ...Show more →
Jim,
I think the important thing is enjoyment/cost ratio here. I openly admit that my knowledge of machining tools and practices outweighs my knowledge and abilities to be able to fully analyze the various lens attributes revealed in any given photograph. These FD lenses can be obtained cheaply....much cheaper than their EF counterparts in the majority of cases...and I really enjoy the challenge of converting and "rediscovering them" so to speak.
Threads like this one serve as a helpful guide in showcasing and picking out potential conversion candidates. Critical analysis is valuable indeed; but it does not always tell the full story. As we all know, this is due to limited test samples and testing errors and inconsistencies.
In the end, if I enjoy the pics these lenses help me to take I am delighted. If sharing my experiences can help others find enjoyment in these lenses as well, then that is an added bonus.
pengland wrote:
In the end, if I enjoy the pics these lenses help me to take I am delighted. If sharing my experiences can help others find enjoyment in these lenses as well, then that is an added bonus.
+1
Exactly how I feel, Nick.
What started this whole "go cheap" trend for me was seeing 12x18 prints from some of my bargain lenses that absolutely stunned me. I've been using some really excellent (expensive) glass over the past few years and I am shocked at just how irrelevant it is has all been.
There is no doubt in my mind that the enjoyment (of converting and using them) and the photos that we get from these old FDs and nFDs are worth several times more than the cost. I cannot say that for all lenses I have owned.
What this lens will mean to me, whether I end up liking it or not:
- I will enjoy the conversion process
- I will gain yet more experience with FD conversions
- I will enjoy the continued exchange of ideas with some good people
- I will share my experiences and sample photos with others. Some of the photos might even be keepers.
The above is worth what I paid for the lens, but if I do end up liking it (ie. if it lives up to its reputation):
- I will end up selling 3 lenses and replacing them with this lens, lightening my camera bag, simplifying my lens choice and putting a wad of cash back in my pocket.
