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View Full Version : Use FD lens or forget it?

Sorarse
4th of August 2008 (Mon), 08:59
Going through my old camera gear, I came across a 24mm FD lens that I forgot I had. As I have a FD-EF convertor, I thought I would give the lens a try.

I know that with the crop factor of my 40D, this lens is the equivalent of 38mm which falls well within the capabilities of my kit 17-85mm lens. However as the FD is a f/2.8 compared to the kit f/4.0-5.6, I thought it might justify itself a place in my camera bag.

This is a quick snap I took using the lens wide open, so would welcome any comments as to whether I should continue to use it, or just put it back in the cupboard where I found it?

http://www.88qv.com/net/131.jpg
ignutzz
4th of August 2008 (Mon), 09:07
It doesn't look too shabby to me, but I would defer to those with more expertise.

I'm actually in the same predicament as you - I have a full lens kit from an AE-1 film camera that I would love to use on my new 450D. I'm thinking even if the images aren't as perfect as a new direct fit lens, why let them go to waste as I (very slowly) build an EF set???
Sorarse
4th of August 2008 (Mon), 09:26
That's the exact reason why I bought a convertor - to use some of my old lenses from my A1 and T90.

I'm still using a 500mm that I have, as I don't have an EF lens in that focal range. However I do have an EF lens that covers the 24mm so wondered whether the quality at f2.8 (which the EF kit lens can't manage) is good enough to carry on using it.
KarlosDaJackal
4th of August 2008 (Mon), 09:37
Even if its coved by a new lens it could be handy just to have a lens that gives a bit of a different look sometimes.

See it as a creative option rather than a stop-gap measure.
Mike
4th of August 2008 (Mon), 10:16
Well, that there looks like a very nice shot. Have you compared like for like shots with both lenses? The fd lens will probably beat it due to it being a prime for starters. I have an old 50mm pentax lens that I use on the odd occasion and optically it is very good indeed.
Sorarse
4th of August 2008 (Mon), 15:52
Well, that there looks like a very nice shot. Have you compared like for like shots with both lenses? The fd lens will probably beat it due to it being a prime for starters. I have an old 50mm pentax lens that I use on the odd occasion and optically it is very good indeed.

That's a good idea, I'll have to try that to see what differences there are.