adamlang

I'm a big fan of the original F-1, so there's no small wonder that I'd also like the EF, since they look almost identical to each other. I own three EFs now, sort of by accident, but I don't mind. I have spares now for the one, almost mint copy that I also own.

 

One thing that bears mentioning, just in case you're not aware -- unlike other Canons that take a PX625-size battery, the EF picks up the + signal from the side of the battery, not the top. This isn't an issue if you're using the full size batteries, but it does become an issue if you're using the 675 hearing aid batteries, which is what I use. You'll need adapters for your 675s, which can be gotten for cheap. But lacking adapters, I've found a work-around. I tear off some narrow strips of aluminum foil from a roll, then fold them until they're the same depth as the batteries. Then I wrap the foil around the battery until I have the desired diameter. At that point, I trim the foil. I insert the battery and foil together into the battery compartment, but once inserted, I find that I can remove the batteries, leaving the foil in place, for relatively easy replacement. Hey it works, and it'll get the job done until I get some adapters.

 

As for other FD cameras, I've owned them all at one time or another . . . well, except maybe for the TLb, a model that I've never seen the sense in owning. And I've arrived at a few favorites -- endearing ones that have withstood the test of time. These are the original F-1, especially the F-1n, the second version, the FTb, especially the FTbn, the second version, the New F-1, the T90, and even the T70. The only reason why I include the T70 is it has a choice of metering patterns, which includes a partial pattern, which I much prefer. My preference for partial metering patterns grew from the fact that, back in the day, I shot slides almost exclusively. Because of their narrow exposure latitude, having a metering pattern that was able to eliminate any spikes in the readings due to extraneous light sources was most welcome. This is also a big reason why I've always preferred the old F-1 and FTb as first cameras of choice. Their 12% selective area pattern is excellent for slide shooting. The New F-1, when equipped with a Partial focusing screen, produces virtually the same results. And both the T90 and T70 have partial patterns. To my knowledge, none of the other FD cameras have partial metering patterns, and this is the main reason why I've excluded them from my list of preferred FD cameras. The EF, A-1, AT-1, and AE-1 Program are also great cameras that have withstood the test of time very well, but they all have Canon's rather weak centerweighted meterng pattern, which one must use with quite considerable care when shooting slides. They do fine though when shooting C-41 or B&W.

Why bother? The EF automatically adjusts voltage and works great with 1.5 volt 625A alkalines....

I have a pair of 55 Asphericals: the 55/1.2 AL SSC (a beautiful piece!) and a later 55/1.2 SSC Aspherical. The difference between them is easily seen through a viewfinder: the former's glass has browned substantially, while the latter remains very clear. I have also seen 55/1.2 SSC Asphericals which were almost beer bottle brown...seriously. So whether Canon made a running change in glass formulation or these anomalies are related to slightly different trace elements content (like thorium) I do not know, but to me the second theory seems more likely.

 

It's interesting to read Leica expert Erwin Puts' comparison of the top standard lenses done some years ago. When all was said and done, he called Canon's FD 55/1.2 Aspherical the best of the best!