Canon FDn 50mm f/3.5 Macro
a dedicated macro lens with great reviews
The FDM 50mm f/3.5 S.S.C. (image from the Canon Museum). I am still waiting for a copy of this lens.
There are two lenses in the FD series that bear the name “50mm f/3.5 Macro”. The first is the FDM 50mm f/3.5 S.S.C. which was released in March of 1973. It is designed as a dedicated macro lens that enables shooting from infinity to half life size. One can get even closer with the use of bellows or extension tubes.
The optical system was designed to compensate for problems that arise in macro shooting: aberations in the margins of the frame and marginal illumination problems. This lens also provides excellent operability by incorporating an information mechanism for full-aperture metering and stop-down metering in addition to a fully automatic diaphragm control mechanism.
These are images of the lens I have. Note the lack of silver locking ring found on original FD mounts. Also note that the lens information is printed on the outside of the lens barrel towards the front edge. On the other lens, pictures above, this information is printed inside the barrel on a lens locking ring.
The lens I have is the FDn 50mm f/3.5 Macro introduced in June of 1979.
Lens Type: Macro Prime
Focal Length: 50mm
Max Aperature: f 3.5
Min Aperature: f 32
Lens Mount: Canon FDn
Construction: 4 groups, 6 elements. Six diaphragm blades.
Coating: Lens coating is S.S.C. (super spectra coating)
Filter Thread: 52mm – does not rotate with focus
Accessories: There are many accessories available including bellows and extension tube sets. It takes hood BW-52A. Lens cap is C-52 (CG2-0070).
Function: Auto Aperture, Full aperture metering (AE operation when used with all Canon automatic SLR cameras.
Weight: 235 g
Notes: This is a lens that has aberrations specially corrected for extreme close-up work. The lens focuses all the way from infinity to as close as 23.2cm (9.1 in.) without additional attachments.
An extra long helicoid makes the tremendous focusing range of the 50mm Macro possible. Use it as you would any normal lens, focusing from 18 inches to infinity. In addition to its close-up and copy work capabilities, the 50mm Macro is a great lens for all function and applications.
Attachment of the specially designed Extension Tube FD 25-U increases the versatility of the lens, decreasing closest focusing distance shooting down to 0.205m allowing magnification from 0.5X to life-size. Use of extension tubes, bellows and other accessories designed especially for closeup photography will permit even greater magnification.
Serial No.: 65931
Condition: Excellent – optics are clear, no marks
Collection No.: L-18
This page is not a review of this Canon equipment but rather a record of an item in my collection. I have no connection with Canon and receive no remuneration nor benefit for this listing. It is for my own use and possibly your enjoyment!.