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Photography Question 

Curtis T. Scott
 

Canon FD Lenses


I am looking at some 135mm FD lenses, the options are f3.5, f2.8, and f2.5. The first two I have heard of, but I am not sure of the f2.5. Can anyone tell me about it, is it any good? is it comparable to the f2.8?


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June 21, 2008

 

Christopher A. Walrath
  I have not seen or heard of the f/2.5. I would say that if it more in price steer away from it as the increase in speed/aperture size would be negligible, not even one third of a stop. Let your wallet be your guide on this one.

Thank you
Chris


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June 21, 2008

 

Curtis T. Scott
  I have seen the older f2.5 SC with the chrome ring, but this doesn't appear to be that model. It looks more like the newer models.
Thanx
Curtis


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June 21, 2008

 

Jon Close
  The f/2.5 is and earlier version of the f/2.8. f/2.5 is 1 full stop greater maximum aperture than f/3.5, f/2.8 is 2/3 stops greater.

When in doubt, consult the online Canon Camera Museum. There was an FL 135 f/2.5 introduced in 1965. Other than for collecting, I would avoid this one. It lacks modern technologies like multicoating. http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/fl/data/100-1200/fl_135_25.html

The FD 135 f/2.5 S.C. introduced in 1975 added Spectra-Coatings. http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/fl/data/100-1200/fl_135_25.html I haven't used this lens, but know of no reason to avoid it.

With the New FD mount (no breech locking ring) in 1979, the f/2.5 became f/2.8 and a new FD 135 f/2 was introduced. http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/nfd/data/135-800/nfd_135_28.html.


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June 22, 2008

 

doug Nelson
  The FD 135mm f2.5 is a cult classic among Canon film fans. It is a wonderful portrait lens, rendering out-of-focus highligts very smoothly. It is a successor to the old FL 135 f2.5, also a fine lens of its type. Razor sharpness isn't everything. A portrait of your wife at f4 will make her happy. Some in my Japan gallery and my web site cover page were shot with a 135 f2.5.

If it's razor sharp you want, look at the FDn 135mm f2.

The 135mm f3.5 FDn is a very decent compact telephoto.


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June 25, 2008

 

Ben Myerson
  I don't think you would be disappointed with any of these lenses although I would advise you to go for the later FDn optics because they are multi- coated, I have the 2.8 one but the 3.5 is also a very good lens and aperture for aperture is probably the best performer of the lot, and since most pictures are taken at f5.6 or smaller I'm sure it would be O.K.


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July 03, 2008

 
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