Lens · prime
Canon FD 50mm f/1.4
Canon · from 1971
Canon FD 50mm f/1.4: 7 elements in 6 groups, 8 aperture blades, 0.45m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 235g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD50mm f/1.4 (March 1971); FD50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. (II) (June 1973); New FD50mm f/1.4 (June 1979).
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.4
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 7 / 6
Known for
- Portraits
- Low light
- Street photography
- General photography
Considerations
- Some vignetting wide open
- Manual focus only
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Creamy, smooth with 8 blades
Rendering: Classic Canon look with excellent contrast
Colour: Neutral, accurate
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
FD (breech-lock)
1971-1979
Chrome breech-lock ring; S.S.C. marking from 1973; 55mm filter
7 elements in 6 groups, f/16 minimum aperture, 305-370 g
New FD
1979-1990
All-black, bayonet-style mount; 52mm filter
7 elements in 6 groups, f/22 minimum aperture, 235 g
Both versions use a 7-element, 6-group design, but the New FD is smaller and lighter with a 52mm filter thread. Breech-lock lenses from 1973 carry the S.S.C. (Super Spectra Coating) marking.
Common issues
- Sticky aperture blades
- Focus ring wear
- Coating damage
Buying guide
Check aperture operation and focus smoothness. S.S.C. coating should show consistent colour.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 |
| Min Focus | 0.45m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Weight | 235g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Coating | SSC (Canon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £50 - £100
- Mint
- ~£150
Indicative, no dated source.