FD 17mm f/4 Question

Has anyone had the chance to use the original (SC coated) version alongside the later versions with SSC coating and is there much difference in terms of veiling flare etc?

I haven’t compared them but my New FD 17mm flares like a mofo.

I had the original 17/4 and was very disappointed with it. Part of the reason was that for my FL system I had used the phenomenal 19/3.5 R which was a superb lens. As to the differences between the different coatings, I can't contribute anything.

I loved my New FD 17mm f4. I tend to avoid flare, so I don't remember it being a particular problem. I should have some sunrise/sunset shots, so will check.

 

I chose it over the FL 19mm for ease of use on the T90, and the extra 2mm.

Here's an (extreme) example of the 17mm flare (Bryce Canyon National Park). In my experience, all FD lenses have more flare issues than multicoated lenses from other manufacturers.

By the way, Canon was very proud of the FD 17mm:

Imagine using the term perfect for things made by people!

 

A user has to know their tools. ANY wide angle will have flare problems. Many that are not wide angle also.

 

Older lenses and older coatings have been improved over the last 100 years, to be sure, but perhaps not so much as you'd think.

 

Here's a newer Canon 17mm. I've never had a flare problem with it, but that has more to do with me than with the lens:

Some deluded souls actually try to square the circle by rigging some kind of shade for it...

 

Edited March 4, 2022 by JDMvW

By the way, Canon was very proud of the FD 17mm:

[ATTACH=full]1419386[/ATTACH]

Imagine using the term perfect for things made by people!

 

A user has to know their tools. ANY wide angle will have flare problems. Many that are not wide angle also.

 

Older lenses and older coatings have been improved over the last 100 years, to be sure, but perhaps not so much as you'd think.

 

Here's a newer Canon 17mm. I've never had a flare problem with it, but that has more to do with me than with the lens:

Some deluded souls actually try to square the circle by rigging some kind of shade for it...

 

[ATTACH=full]1419385[/ATTACH]

 

I do have that latter lens, for my 5Ds and I actually wouldn’t be without my hood alternative, a Flare Dinkum hot-shoe mounted French flag when using the 17 TS-E

Here's an (extreme) example of the 17mm flare (Bryce Canyon National Park). In my experience, all FD lenses have more flare issues than multicoated lenses from other manufacturers.

[ATTACH=full]1419367[/ATTACH]

 

That’s some ‘Hollywood’ cinematic flare!

 

My primary concern is whether the first version FD 17mm I had ordered, not realising there was a pre SSC version, is whether it would have excessive contrast loss through veiling due to its SC coatings when compared to the later SSC/FDn version that I have past experience of.

 

The lens is now here ready to compare with my current FD option, a Tamron SP 17mm on a long walk this weekend.

 

Sadly the weather will not match your sunny image here in SE England!

A little flare from an FD 20mm f2.8 SSC. The flare was intended.

a Flare Dinkum hot-shoe mounted French flag when using the 17 TS-E

 

That IS a good solution, but I just use my (third) hand or something like a gray-scale card rather than carry around another gadget. I didn't mean that this solution was deluded, just those efforts to actually rig a lens hood for something that almost looks behind itself.

So I did get out today and have a go with the lens. It's Definitely low contrast, compared to the Tamron SP 17/3.5 which I also took along for comparison. The Canon is possibly a bit sharper at the edges. Sadly, there's an issue with scratches in the coating at the centre of the lens which have a noticeable impact in some shots.

 

Sample SOOC jpeg from an A7ii

 

Another Sample from The A7ii

 

The 17 TS-E will flare with the sun towards an edge or corner, but it is usually so well controlled I simply clone them out. Definitely need to keep the front element clean!

 

 

I just use my hand for a shade too.

This is a similar shot but from a different copy of the FD 17mm (an FDn version) which came up at an acceptable price to replace the damaged one. Even though the light is totally different there’s definitely better contrast…

 

Louise Bourgeois - Hayward by bp reid, on Flickr

However, it can still be provoked into some mighty impressive flare…

 

One Blackfriars by bp reid, on Flickr

The 17 TS-E will flare with the sun towards an edge or corner, but it is usually so well controlled I simply clone them out. Definitely need to keep the front element clean!

 

I just use my hand for a shade too.

 

Not wanting to derail my own thread too much but, it’s not really the sun that gives me the biggest issues with the 17mm it’s street lights. These are often multiple sources of flare requiring several shades. I find the TS-E 17 pretty well behaved with single point flare, and also surprisingly flare resistant. As these examples from my other Flickr;

 

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias by Barry Reid, on Flickr

 

Hastings Pier 3 by Barry Reid, on Flickr