Canon 85mm 1.8 FD vs SSC

Hey everyone!

 

I am buying a new 85mm for my F1 and had two offers with the same price, that being the normal 85mm and the other one the SSC.

 

Was wondering what the difference between them two was and which one you would get?

 

Thanks!

 

Daniel

A "normal" 85 f1.8?

 

Without any more info, one is probably the New FD lens while the SSC is the older breach lock style. Just me, but I like the breach lock lenses. "SSC" stands for super spectra coating. But don't be misled, the New FD is multi coated, too. SSC, or SC (spectra coated) was all about marketing. Lenses that were SSC v SC were that way because the needed the extra coating usually as they had more elements.

 

They dropped that SSC - SC nonsense when they introduced the "New" FD lenses.

 

My personal opinion is that the older breach lock lenses were better built.

 

Here's the total skinny on FD lenses: Canon FD lenses - Main Index Page

You can compare the spec of each at the Canon Camera Museum:

New FD85mm f/1.8 - Canon Camera Museum - the New FD lens, and

FD85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. - Canon Camera Museum - the old FD one.

 

As far as I can see, the new lens is 80g lighter, takes a 52mm filter instead of 55, focuses a few cm closer, and stops to f/22 where the old one only stops to f/16.

Takeaway: same optics, probably the same coating. One lens is lighter and smaller, the other heavier, larger, and (probably) better built.

I always go with the 'new' FD (FDn), but that's because of the A- and T-series FD Canons that I have.

If it is the Canon F-1N (1982 Model) i would choose the FDn version. Only with the new FD lenses you can see the selected aperture in the finder, it doesnt work with the SSC lenses.

If it is the Canon F-1N (1982 Model) i would choose the FDn version. Only with the new FD lenses you can see the selected aperture in the finder, it doesnt work with the SSC lenses.

 

I wouldn't base my choice on that. Besides, you see it when using the camera in manual and with stutter priority.

Edited October 9, 2018 by chuck909

Detail Information on the Viewfinder of New Canon F-1

The reading of the aperture ring only works with new FD lenses (second illustration from top), not with the SSC lenses and for me this is a reason ...

If seeing what the aperture is in the viewfinder instead of looking at the lens itself when in the aperture mode is a big deal, sure, go with the newer lenses. But I would never recommend passing on a good BL just for that very minor reason.

 

The again, if our OP has a New F1 with the AE finder, the point is moot.

Then again, if our OP has a New F1 with the AE finder, the point is moot.

 

Oops, I meant WITHOUT the AE finder.