Lens · prime
Canon FD 17mm f/4
Canon · from 1971
Vintage35mm
Canon FD 17mm f/4: 11 elements in 9 groups, 6 aperture blades, 0.25m minimum focus, 72mm filter thread, 360g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD17mm f/4 (March 1971); FD17mm f/4 S.S.C. (March 1973); New FD17mm f/4 (December 1979).
- Focal length
- 17mm
- Max aperture
- f/4
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 11 / 9
Known for
- Architecture
- Interiors
- Landscape
- Creative work
Considerations
- f/4 limits low light
- Perspective distortion at edges
- Breech-lock versions are heavy (450-490 g)
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)4, level 4 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast4, level 4 of 5
Flare resistance4, level 4 of 5
CA control3, level 3 of 5
Vignetting control3, level 3 of 5
Distortion control3, level 3 of 5
Bokeh: N/A for ultra-wide
Rendering: Extreme perspective, controlled distortion
Colour: Neutral
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
FD / FD S.S.C. (breech-lock)
1971-1979
Chrome breech-lock ring; S.S.C. marking from 1973
11 elements in 9 groups, 450-490 g
New FD
1979-1989
All-black, bayonet-style mount
11 elements in 9 groups, 360 g
Common issues
- Focus ring wear
- Front element scratches
- Coating wear
Buying guide
Check the front element carefully. Test focus operation.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 17mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Min Focus | 0.25m |
| Filter Size | 72mm |
| Weight | 360g |
Optical design
| Formula | Retrofocus |
| Elements | 11 |
| Groups | 9 |
| Coating | SSC (Canon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £200 - £380
- Mint
- ~£480
Indicative, no dated source.