Difference btwn ssc , sc , and newer fd lenses?

[mike_pender]

I've had an AE-1 since new in '80. A few years ago, I added

a Tokina 35-135 zoom and vivitar 155 flash. I've had loads of

fun and success with this camera. Recently, while looking at

used fd lenses, particularly the 50mm 1.4 ssc, I've noticed

the sc and ssc designation.

After you've finished laughing, I'd like to know what these

designations represent. I haven't been able to find anything on

any sights I've visited on the net.

 

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Thanks. Mike / N9IVO

pender111@home.net

http://members.home.com/pender111

[alan_swartz]

Hi Mike. I teach for a living. There are no questions that ought to

bring on laughter. Since I'm practiced at answering the same

questions over and over (grin, though), I'll tackle yours. The

earlier FD lenses with the silver breechlock ring were anti-

reflection coated in two different "grades": SC was short for Spectra

Coating, SSC for Super Spectra Coating. SSC was obviously the better

coating. When the "New FD" mount came out around 1979--the mount

many folks call a bayonet mount, with a release button--Canon began

treating all the lenses with SSC, except the 50mm/1.8. Other

differences: some of the New FD lenses also contain more plastic

(varies by lens, from a little to a lot), many are lighter in weight,

some have larger maximum apertures or smaller minimum. Some have

different optical designs, some not. In general, the older lenses

that used 55mm filters switched to 52mm. There is a lot of net

discussion about the relative merits of the two mount variations.

I've had no problems at all with the newer mount. There you go--way

more than you wanted to hear!

[terry_carraway]

BTW, S.C. is a single coating while S.S.C. is a multi coating.

 

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Most lenses used the same or better optical formulas when going from

FD to New FD, but the difference is not great. And the 50mm f1.4

S.S.C. is the benchmark lens for many optical benches used for testing

lenses.

 

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The only reason to stadardize on one or the other is filter size. And

if you don't mind using a step up ring, buy all filters in 55mm size

and get the best deal on the lens you want.