Lens · prime
Canon FD 85mm f/1.8
Canon · from 1974
Canon FD 85mm f/1.8: 6 elements in 4 groups, 8 aperture blades, 0.85m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 345g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. (April 1974); New FD85mm f/1.8 (June 1979).
- Focal length
- 85mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.8
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 4
Known for
- Portraits
- Headshots
- Fashion
- Events
Considerations
- 0.85m minimum focus not close
- Manual focus challenging at f/1.8
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Creamy, beautiful subject separation
Rendering: Flattering with excellent skin tones
Colour: Neutral, accurate skin rendering
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
FD S.S.C. (breech-lock)
1974-1979
Chrome breech-lock ring; 55mm filter
6 elements in 4 groups, 0.9 m MFD, 425 g
New FD
1979-1990
All-black, bayonet-style mount; 52mm filter
6 elements in 4 groups, 0.85 m MFD, 345 g
Common issues
- Sticky aperture
- Focus ring wear
- Coating scratches
Buying guide
Test at wide aperture for focus accuracy. Check 8-blade aperture operates smoothly.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 |
| Min Focus | 0.85m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Weight | 345g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 4 |
| Coating | SSC (Canon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £100 - £200
- Mint
- ~£280
Indicative, no dated source.