Old style lens adaptation

Is anyone aware of an "adapter" that will allow the use of older style canon type lenses on the EOS series cameras? I've been advised that Nikon makes one for their cameras/lenses, but I have quite a few lenses for my old A1, AE1, etc and would like to use them on the EOS.

Check here:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=57023

The bottom line is for good quality images you need the rare and expensive Canon FD-EOS converter, as well as particular Canon telephoto lenses.

If you get an adapter from eBay for $40 you can use the other lenses, but image quality is poor.

Have Fun,

or you could sacrifce with getting just the FD to EOS adapter for around 30 bucks. Only problem is you lose autofocus and cannot focus to infinity. Not good if you shoot landscapes.

See this very recent thread:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=198810

Avoid Canon FD lenses on an EOS camera, they are not worth the trouble. The adapter either:

1) Cannot focus the FD lens to infinity (these adapters have no optical element)
2) Include an optical element that significantly degrades image quality.

There are inexpensive adapters that allow you to use Pentax M42 screw mount lenses, Nikon lenses, Olympus OM lenses, and many others without the downsides listed above.

All of these adapted lenses will require manual focus and manual control of the aperture.

I personally use Olympus OM lenses, Pentax M42 screw mount lenses, and a Pentax M42 screw mount bellows on my Canon 10D camera.

I have a Pentax Takumar 500mm F/4.5 with the M42 screw mount that works nicely on my Canon 10D. My other favorite on my 10D is an Olympus OM Zuiko 24mm F/2.8.

Enjoy! Lon

The above is true for the cheap adapters. However, let me state for the record that use of the Canon FD-EOS converter does not degrade the images in any way and allows for focusing to infinity. Exposure automation works fine in the "Av" mode on any EOS body, film or digital. However, there is a steep cost (currently around $800) for the converter, and only selected Canon telephoto lenses work with it. If you get more than one of the selected FD lenses, the total cost is much less than the equivalent EF versions, and you get great images. You still have to focus manually, but that can be learned.

Have Fun,

Yep, I am aware of the Canon produced adapter you cite.

But, somehow I do not think an $800.00 adapter that is almost impossible to find, and only works on a few esoteric FD telephotos was the info the OP was fishing for. Possibly they can comment.

Since you seem to very concerned with absolute precision in text, I can assure you that "Canon FD-EOS converter does not degrade the images in any way" is not accurate. Possibly if you insert the word "meaningful” in the mix might make it commensurate with your high standards for absolute accuracy.

Enjoy! Lon

There have been multiple comments in the last couple weeks summarily trashing FD lenses on EOS bodies, so as the owner and user of the Canon converter, I think my in any way comes closer than your:

The Canon adapter gives a 1.26x teleconverter effect, which is not high enough to affect the image quality. I'm not a pixel peeper, but I'll stick with my assessment. Perhaps you have different results?

Have Fun,

Check my sig, and you will find 6 FD lenses that work just dandy in that combo, so again, esoteric would not be the correct adjective, especially for a sports or nature photog. But then, YMMV. . .

Have Fun,

The 1.26X teleconverter effect is not the issue, I suspect the inexpensive adapters also, produce a teleconverter effect of a similar value. Since your Canon FD/EOS adapter and those inexpensive Ebay FD/EOS adapter share about the same teleconverter effect do they both “not degrade the images in any way".

And, the fact that you are a “pixel peeper” (or not) is not germane either. You posted a declarative sentence including "Canon FD-EOS converter does not degrade the images in any way". It did not say, “in my opinion” or “"Canon FD-EOS converter does not degrade the images in any meaningful way". Or, with my lenses I cannot observe any image degradation.

I am of the “opinion” that if you introduce an optical element(s) into the path of a lens that was not originally designed to accommodate that element, and intended this element(s) to function on several different lens designs, it is only reasonable to surmise that it will degrade the image. Possibly not much, possibly not in a meaningful way, or possible not to a degree that you have personally observed. But, certainly it could not stand up to the absolute declaration of “Canon FD-EOS converter does not degrade the images in any way".

Is this a reply because your feel your Canon FD lenses and/or Canon FD/EOS converters have been insulted?

If that is the case, I apologize to your Canon FD 85-300 f/4.5, Canon FD 200 f/2.8 (both of them), Canon FD 300 f/2.8L, Canon FD 400 f/4.5, Canon FD 500 f/4.5L, and Canon FD 600 f4.5 (both of them), and your Canon FD/EOS converter (all three of them).

If I post on this subject again, and I am sure it will return, I will insert someting to the effect:

"If you cannot affort $800.00, or are unwilling to search for the no longer produced, and extreamly had to find, Canon produced FD lens to EOS body adapter, avoid FD lenses for use on Canon EOS cameras."

Possibly, I need to insert someting about infinity focus with the FD, possibly that is unimportant to some, making the adapter's that do not have any optical element just peachy to use.

Possibly, I need to inset someting about how for use on bellows a FD lens would also be just peachy.

Possibly, I need to insert someting if you do not care about sharp images an FD lens with one of the inexpensive adapters with an optical element would be fine.

Possibly I need to inset if a user is looking for a mild teleconverter effect, and image sharpness is of little importance, use an FD lens with one of the inexpensive adapters with the optical element would also be fine.

Enjoy! Lon

WOW, thems was a mouths fulls if'n I ever hears them, tats fer shur....

Londuck,

So let me get this straight:

• OP comes on and asks about "older style Canon lenses", and you not only trash them summarily, you try to switch him over to Takumars and Zuikos.
  
• You reject out of hand the potential that there is an adapter that will provide no loss of image quality from an FD lens, when the adapter in question was produced by Canon specifically for professionals.
  
• You profess to be the authoritative source on this subject - not once, but twice, as your referral to a "recent thread" would imply.

• The Canon FD-EOS converter is hard to come by - no question. But I did get two of mine via eBay, and the third here on POTN - so they are available.
  
• As mentioned, the converter was a limited production item that was produced to dull the anger of professionals that were upset when Canon abandoned the FD mount for the current EF mount. It is generally regarded, and I agree, that despite the TC factor there is no loss of image quality. You probably saw many images taken with one in magazines over the years and didn't even know the difference.
  
• Let's do some math - Say you want something close to the 400mm f2.8L and the 600mm f4.5. So you start off by buying a Canon FD-EOS converter for $800. Ouch! Big hit! Then you get one of the FD 300 f2.8L lenses that have shown up on eBay recently (at least 6 of them in the last month or so). Even though I paid less than $300 for mine (I was patient), if you budgeted $1000 for it, you would be successful in a very short time. Budget another $1000 for an FD 500 f4.5L (mine was $550), and again you'll have one soon. So now you have (mounted on your EOS DSLR with the 1.26x factor) a 378mm f3.5L or a 630mm f5.6L for a total investment of $2800 - less than the cost of an EF 300 f2.8L alone - but you have to stop the lens down manually and focus by hand. Sounds like a nice deal to me, $800 converter notwithstanding.
  
• I don't need, nor do I want any apologies from you for my kit. I am pleased with it, and I will maintain and evolve it without any consideration from "Mr. Takumar".
  
• I take issue, as noted, with your appearance of being the authority on the subject when you make generalities (poor image quality) about all FD-EOS converters. The Canon unit is not something you can run out and get at your friendly, neighborhood Ritz, but if you want the long glass at a bargain, and you can be patient, it is an option.
  
• Good chance the OP (if still paying attention) is not after an $800 converter. But this thread and this forum are read by a lot of folks, and the facts should be kept straight.

Is there any possibility those "professionals" are still angry?

There is a club? Now that changes everything. I like funny hats, unnecessary pomp, and secret hand shakes.

Where is that queue for those $800.00, "professional", anger mittigating, optical converter/adapters with absolutely no negative image impact? I’m in.

Enjoy! Mr. Takamar (formerly just Lon, but wanting to be Mr. Olympus)