Optical and Build Quality on 135mm f2.5 B/L S.C FD?

[lilserenity]

Hiya,

 

I have searched and couldn't find an exact answer so here goes. Hope I don't

tread on anyone's toes :-)

 

I own an EOS 3 and very happy with it too, at one point I did consider getting

an FD mount Canon, but realised I would end up owning too much camera stuff, so

I'm keeping things simple! I'm looking at getting an FD mount adapter, one that

will loose infinity focus but will allow me to shoot more or less wide open (so

say f/2.5-2.8 on this lens.) Infinity focus is not a requirement for me as I

would be using the adapter to get a good affordable portrait lens.

 

I like the 135mm aspect, as I do a lot of black and white work (using shooting

Tri-X, XP2 or FP5) and want to get a good quality portrait lens. I have in my

arsenal so far a 50mm f/1.8 II and a 70-200mm f/4L -- not much but very much

useful. In an ideal world I would get a 135mm f/2 EF but realistically I am

saving for the 28-70mm f/2.8 (which I can get cheaper than a 24-70.)

 

My question is quite simple, I'm adept at manual focussing, I don't have the

split focussing screen I could get for my EOS 3; but I love portraiture work

with manual focus, just seems so much more 'intimate.' (I'm sure someone in

this area will agree, no need to preach here!)

 

I can get a 135mm f/2.5 breech lock s.c FD for about ﾣ35 (so ~$70USD) and it's

in super condition, smooth focussing ring, no scratches on the front or rear

elements, a few very minor scuffs on the barrel but overall looks nice.

 

Is this a good lens to shoot at f/2.5 or f/2.8 (maybe up to f/4 even)? I'm not

expecting pin sharpness, just good resolution, crispness I would guess, nice

bokeh and something that will give me a decent portait telephoto lens?

 

I'd be virtually always shooting in aperture priority mode (I very rarely use Tv)

 

Thanks in advance!

Vicky

[egoldste]

The 135/2.5 is an excellent portrait lens. It is designed with residual SA left uncorrected. From about f/2.5-4.5, you will get the subtle classic "smooth, yet sharp" look which is so desirable and usually so expensive. Saturation and resolution are very good. Medium contrast as are most other FD lenses.

 

You cannot go wrong with this wonderful lens. Check yours very carefully for haze/dust; lenses of this vintage usually need a good c/l/a.

 

Shoot and enjoy.

[gnashings]

It would be cheaper and better in every way to just get a decent FD body if you really want a manual focus lens... This is a pretty pointless exercise in "doing for the sake of doing". And guess what, infinity focus, a bright, large view finder WITH split image focusing comes free - I wonder how much it would cost to stick one of those on a EOS3. Add to that the cost of the adapter... and I am sure you can easily pay for a useable FTb, or an A1 if that's more your style. And as to having more "camera stuff", again, at least you will have a fully useable camera kit, as opposed to a lens and adapter that is completely useless other than for a specific task, when used a specific way. Now, that's fine - many such lenses/accessories exist in all fields, but generally not when there is a better and simpler (not to mention probably cheaper way of doing the same thing).

[Lou_Meluso]

Vicky, The Canon FD 135mm F2.5 is one of the finest portrait lenses in the Canon FD line up. It gives a creamy feel to the high values that is very attractive. It would be worth it to own an FD body if only for this lens. Stopped down, it is brilliantly sharp. Here is an example of this lens, wide open, handheld. Canon F-1, Fuji Superia 400.<div></div>

[awahlster]

I agree buy a FD mount body if you want to use an FD mount lens.