Glassless FD to EF adapter

I have an old Canon FD 50mm 1.4 SSC lens that I am considering using with a glassless EF adapt or as a macro lens on my 50D. Does anyone have any experience with this use? What is the focus range I could expect with a glassless adapter? Anyone have a recommendation for a good glassless adapter? Thanks.

I use an EdMika adapter for my 300 and 600. Not exactly inexpensive to use on a 50 1.4 though.

http://www.ebay.com …100mm-135mm-/170911278282

I don't think Ed makes an adapter for the SSC version of my lens. Since I'm really thinking of macro only, the glassless adapter may be enough. Then I might get an EOS-M for the lens.

He lists the 50 1.4 there, but yeah, it's not cheap. You could get a fotodiox unit and knock out the lens. They're pretty cheap.

I thought of that. I once did that with a cheap 2X to make an extension tube. Is the Fotodiox a decent unit?

Don't even bother, the 50mm 1.4 SSC sucks.

It's not usable until 2.8, isn't sharp until F/4.

If he's using it for macro then I'd imagine it'll be stopped down a tad.

maverick75 wrote in post #16679895
Don't even bother, the 50mm 1.4 SSC sucks.

It's not usable until 2.8, isn't sharp until F/4.

I appreciate your comment, but my lens always seemed quite good. Very sharp and nice color. I've also read several good reviews of the lens. I preferred using my Pentax 67 for the big film, but the Canon 50mm never disappointed. My absolute favorite in those days was a Pentax 85mm f2 SMC (for 35mm). I wish I still had that lens.

Now I do have a Soligor 135mm (FD) that I inherited from my father-in-law. That lens is a total dog.

Maybe I have bad copy or something but mine sucks.

maverick75 wrote in post #16679895
Don't even bother, the 50mm 1.4 SSC sucks.

It's not usable until 2.8, isn't sharp until F/4.

This is the first negative comment on this lens that I've read in the last 30 years. Could be bad copy.

I bought a cheap FD adapter off EBay several years ago. Mine has the glass in it to allow infinity focus (not an issue for macro photography). I think mine was like $15.00 and it works well with my FD 500 f8 mirror lens. I think you get a slight teleconverter effect but the focal range is unaffected. Live view makes focusing a lot easier though.

nightcat wrote in post #16680570
This is the first negative comment on this lens that I've read in the last 30 years. Could be bad copy.

I'll go take some pics for you. Maybe my standard are just too high, don't know.

waylandcool wrote in post #16681453
I bought a cheap FD adapter off EBay several years ago. Mine has the glass in it to allow infinity focus (not an issue for macro photography). I think mine was like $15.00 and it works well with my FD 500 f8 mirror lens. I think you get a slight teleconverter effect but the focal range is unaffected. Live view makes focusing a lot easier though.

I can't imagine the IQ to be worth while though. I also have one of those adapters and compared to the glassless adapter the difference is striking.

Here's some samples:

EOS M,
Canon FD 50mm 1.4 SSC @MFD, no filters.
AV mode, ISO 160.
SOOC jpegs, portrait setting, small fine.
No resize so click the links


at 1.4
http://imageshack.com/​a/img842/3496/pxis.jpg
http://imageshack.com/​a/img571/2263/wrbl.jpg


at F/4
http://imageshack.com/​a/img837/9365/80g2.jpg
http://imageshack.com/​a/img843/8150/06f8.jpg

Maybe I'm asking too much from it, but my $6 Cosina 50mm 1.7 is sharper wide open than the Canon at F/4.
Better contrast and colors as well, way more resistant to CA also.

With so many lenses to pick from, why go to the trouble of adapting an FD lens?