Lens · macro
Canon FD 100mm f/4 Macro
Canon · from 1975
Canon FD 100mm f/4 Macro: 5 elements in 3 groups, 6 aperture blades, 0.45m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 455g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FDM100mm f/4 S.C. (October 1975); New Macro FD100mm f/4 (September 1979).
- Focal length
- 100mm
- Max aperture
- f/4
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 5 / 3
Known for
- Macro photography
- Product photography
- Copy work
- Nature close-ups
Considerations
- f/4 limits general use
- Needs extension for 1:1
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Smooth, clinical
Rendering: Flat field, excellent detail
Colour: Neutral, accurate
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
FDM 100mm f/4 S.C. (breech-lock)
1975-1979
Chrome breech-lock ring; 55mm filter
5 elements in 3 groups, 530 g
New Macro FD
1979-1989
All-black, bayonet-style mount; 52mm filter
5 elements in 3 groups, 455 g
Native 1:2 magnification, 1:1 with Canon's matching extension tube.
Common issues
- Extended helicoid wear
- Focus ring stiffness
- Dust ingress
Buying guide
Check helicoid extends smoothly. Elements should be clean for macro work.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 100mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Min Focus | 0.45m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Weight | 455g |
Optical design
| Formula | Telephoto |
| Elements | 5 |
| Groups | 3 |
| Coating | SSC (Canon) |
| Special | Optimised for close focus |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £150 - £280
- Mint
- ~£350
Indicative, no dated source.