FD Lenses

[takpro]

Will the EOS cameras accept the old Canon FD lenses? I realize there would be no autofocus, but could a useable image be produced?

TIA

Takpro

[takpro]

I guess I should have researched a little further, I found the answer to my own question.

"The adapters can’t be used on other lenses because they have large protruding front elements which physically interfere (collide) with the rear lens element on other FD lenses. They were known as the “Canon Lens Converter FD-EOS” and were not sold to the public - only accredited professional photographers could acquire them through Canon Professional Services. Apparently they were intended to help pro photographers who had a big investment in huge Canon FD telephoto lenses make the transition to the EOS system. These adapters are thus quite rare, specialized and hard to find today. When they appear on auction sites they tend to have rather high winning bids."

I guess I'll see if I can find a buyer for my A1 and a couple of lenses.

Sorry to take up the bandwidth.

Takpro

[Bob Atkins]

I cover this in some detail here:

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/canon_fd_eos_adapters.html

There are cheaper FD to EOS adapters then the original Canon item and they will fit on most FD lenses. the problem is that the resulting optical quality isn't great unless you stop the lens down quite a bit.

It's certainly not worth buying FD leses for use on an EOS body, but if you have a large collection of lenses and want to experiment, you can certainly find coneverters in the $35 to $100 price range.

[takpro]

Bob, thank you for this excellent information. At one time I was a fairly well informed amateur photographer. But, I am behind the digital learning curve. I do some garden photography, so I did buy a Sony DSC-F717. I love the articulating lens. It allows me to stand and take blossom level shots without having to squat down. Space is often at a premium in a garden. I have many photo opportunities coming in the next few years, so I’m looking for a better camera. I’m trying to decide, like everyone else, between a Canon XSI or 40D or the Nikon D300. If the FD lenses are serviceable, that is a check mark in Canon’s favor. I have an FD 50/1.4 that I have always loved and a 70/210 1:4 that shoots just about anything else. Of course, if I must stop them down, it will often defeat the purpose of having a super fast lens. I’ve never minded paying a little extra for a good lens.
One additional question. Do you think the switch from Compact Flash to SD signals a change of direction for Canon? Will SD be the memory card of the future for Canon?
TIA
Takpro

[Bob Atkins]

I'd think that all future Rebel series cameras will use SD (SDHC) memory. It does enable a slightly smaller camera to be built.

Due to the technical aspects of CF cards (on-board controller), they are still faster than SD cards at the high end, so I suspect we won't see EOS 1D(s) bodies with only SDHC memory in the near future, though dual card cameras (CF and SDHC) may become more common.

I'm not sure about the EOS 10D/20D/30D/40D line of bodies. I suspect they'll probably stay with CF for a while. It does give better compatibility with the pro line of cameras (5D, 1D(s)) while they are also CF.