Canon 50mm F1.4 FD SSC Review

Scott Larson wrote:

It does have onion bokeh which some people don't like.

Interesting, I actually really love the bokeh as it gives the lens extra character, though looking back through my images I guess I can see how some people might not like it.

Unusual bokeh and interesting optical designs and flaws are part of why I love collecting and using old lenses. It allows me to go back and photograph familiar locations in new ways, or in the case of product photography it helps me to achieve a unique and eye catching aesthetics.

To my understanding, onion ring bokeh results from aspherical elements, Canon's FD 50mm, 1.4 did not use asphericals. There was a 55mm, 1.2, AL SSC which did have a single aspherical element.

I have this lens, but without the SSC designation. I believe the SSC version came out in 1973. I have a newer version from the mid 80's. I think they dropped the SSC markings on the newer version, as I think the coatings became the norm on most all their lenses in later years. I really enjoyed this excellent lens on my Canon A-1 film camera, and I hope to use it again (with adapter) if I buy a mirror-less camera in the future.

NikonHaoleboy wrote:

To my understanding, onion ring bokeh results from aspherical elements, Canon's FD 50mm, 1.4 did not use asphericals. There was a 55mm, 1.2, AL SSC which did have a single aspherical element.

While onion ring bokeh can be associated with aspherical lens elements, poor manufacturing can also cause onion ring bokeh in non aspherical elements. An example would be Canon's budget oriented FDn 50mm F1.8. It does not contain any aspherical elements, but the bokeh balls look terrible. That lens was made in a time of cost cutting. Even the earlier FL and FD 50mm F1.8 didn't have this problem.

Canon FDn 50mm F1.8 PSF.

Scott Larson wrote:

NacMacFeegle wrote:

Scott Larson wrote:

It does have onion bokeh which some people don't like.

Interesting, I actually really love the bokeh as it gives the lens extra character, though looking back through my images I guess I can see how some people might not like it.

It would be great if you could post one or two of these images.

Here's a few that I featured in the video:

Out-of-focus points of light in these images show some chromatic and spherical aberration and coma, but there isn't any "onion ring" bokeh.

After reading the thread, I pulled out my FD 500mm 1.4 SSC as well as my EF 50mm 1.8 and EF 50mm 1.4. I shot all three with the EOS R on a tripod with appropriate adapters.

I bought the FD lens in 1976 just in time to miss the July 4 bicentennial. It served me well for about 20 years with my Canon FTb film camera.

I think all three are pretty sharp with the FD lens a hair softer. I did not see any donut bokeh.

The (almost) 44 year old FD 50mm 1,4 SSC lens

shot with FD 50 mm 1.4 SSC

shot with EF 50 mm 1.8

shot with EF 50 mm 1.4

The subject is "onion ring" bokeh, which is caused by the use of aspherical elements and the way those elements are manufactured. "Donut" bokeh which is normally produced by mirror telephotos results from the ring shape of the primary or main mirror in the optical design.

I have the Canon 50mm F/1.4 SSC Breech Lock FD Mount Lens but am considering replacing it with a Canon 50mm F/1.4 FD Mount Lens because the latter is smaller and lighter. Is it worth the change since the replacement will cost about $250? (but I will sell the breech to recoup some of the cost)

DaveAE1 wrote:

I have the Canon 50mm F/1.4 SSC Breech Lock FD Mount Lens but am considering replacing it with a Canon 50mm F/1.4 FD Mount Lens because the latter is smaller and lighter. Is it worth the change since the replacement will cost about $250? (but I will sell the breech to recoup some of the cost)

For 70g or 115g weight saving and 8mm in length? The New FD lens has the same glass elements, I don't know if the coatings were improved, it's less robust and I find the New FD lenses about a second slower to change than the chrome ring type.

Hello, just wondering if anyone happens to know the filter thread size for this particular lens?

Thank you.

Thupten wrote:

Hello, just wondering if anyone happens to know the filter thread size for this particular lens?

Thank you.

55mm. https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/fd150.html.  the original FD lenses used 55mm, 58mm or 72mm filters. The 55mm size was dropped for the New FD lenses and 52mm of 58mm was substituted.

Hi Sittatunga, thanks very much for this.

All the best.