Canon has always been at the forefront of optical technology, creating lenses that cater to both amateur and professional photographers. Among the various lenses produced by Canon over the years, the Canon FL No.138758 lens holds a special place for its vintage appeal and high-quality optics. While newer models dominate the lens market today, this classic lens still captures the attention of photography enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate manual focus lenses. In this article, we will dive deep into the specifications, performance, and usability of the Canon FL No.138758 lens.
Introduction to the Canon FL No.138758 Lens
The Canon FL No.138758 lens is part of Canon’s FL series, a range of manual focus lenses designed for the company’s FL camera system, which was introduced in the late 1960s. Unlike Canon’s modern autofocus lenses, the FL lenses are fully manual, requiring the photographer to adjust focus and aperture settings manually. For those who value hands-on control and the nostalgia of vintage photography, the Canon FL No.138758 lens is a beloved choice. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its features, image quality, build, and the overall shooting experience.
Key Features of the Canon FL No.138758 Lens
- Lens Mount and Compatibility
The Canon FL No.138758 lens uses the Canon FL mount, which was compatible with Canon’s FL series of SLR cameras. This mount is different from the more commonly known Canon EF mount, so modern Canon DSLR or mirrorless cameras would require an adapter to use this lens. Nevertheless, many photographers are willing to make the leap to use these classic lenses for their unique qualities. - Focal Length and Aperture
This lens has a standard focal length of 50mm, which is considered ideal for portrait and general-purpose photography. With an aperture of f/1.8, the Canon FL No.138758 lens offers a good balance of low-light performance and depth of field control, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor shots. - Manual Focus Design
The FL series lenses, including the Canon FL No.138758, are fully manual in terms of focus and aperture control. This means there is no autofocus system, and the photographer must focus manually by turning the lens barrel. While this may seem like a drawback in today’s fast-paced digital photography world, many purists argue that the manual focus allows for greater precision and involvement in the creative process. - Build Quality and Durability
The Canon FL No.138758 lens features a solid metal body, which gives it a vintage, high-quality feel. Unlike many modern plastic lenses, this lens is built to last and feels robust in the hand. However, being a vintage lens, some units might show signs of wear, so it is essential to check for any issues like dust or mold inside the lens before making a purchase.
Image Quality
One of the most critical aspects of any lens is its image quality, and the Canon FL No.138758 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. Despite being a vintage lens, it produces sharp, contrast-rich images with vibrant colors. The f/1.8 aperture is wide enough to create pleasing background blur (bokeh) in portraits and other creative compositions. The lens’ sharpness remains consistent even at the widest aperture, making it an excellent choice for photographers who appreciate old-school glass that still performs well today.
- Sharpness and Detail
At its maximum aperture of f/1.8, the lens delivers surprisingly sharp images with good detail retention, especially in well-lit conditions. However, when shooting at wide apertures, users should be cautious of slight softness towards the edges of the frame. Stopping the lens down to f/4 or f/5.6 improves sharpness across the entire frame. - Chromatic Aberration
Like many older lenses, the Canon FL No.138758 can show some chromatic aberration, especially in high-contrast scenes. Purple fringing around bright objects is noticeable at wide apertures but can be minimized with proper post-processing techniques. - Bokeh
The bokeh produced by this lens is smooth and pleasing, with a natural, circular blur that enhances portraits and other creative shots. The 7-blade aperture design contributes to the quality of the bokeh, making it an enjoyable lens for portrait photographers.
Performance in Real-World Use
When it comes to actual usage, the Canon FL No.138758 lens excels in specific areas but does require some effort from the photographer. The fully manual controls can be a challenge for beginners, but they offer a greater sense of satisfaction for those who prefer to have full creative control.
- Focus Control
The manual focus ring is smooth and precise, which is essential when working with such a narrow depth of field at wide apertures. However, it’s important to remember that achieving critical focus can be tricky, especially in low light or when shooting moving subjects. - Aperture Control
The aperture ring is also manually adjusted, which means that photographers need to make sure they are aware of the correct exposure settings before each shot. This feature can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on the user’s comfort level with manual settings.
Pros and Cons of the Canon FL No.138758 Lens
Pros:
- Great image quality with good sharpness and vibrant colors.
- Solid metal build quality, built to last.
- Pleasant bokeh and excellent subject isolation.
- Offers a unique, hands-on shooting experience with manual controls.
Cons:
- Fully manual, which may be a hassle for some photographers, especially those used to autofocus.
- Can show chromatic aberration, especially at wide apertures.
- Limited compatibility with modern Canon cameras without an adapter.
Conclusion
The Canon FL No.138758 lens is a fantastic option for photographers who want to experiment with vintage lenses and enjoy the manual controls that provide a more involved photography experience. While it may not have the same convenience or performance as modern autofocus lenses, its image quality and nostalgic appeal make it a worthwhile addition to any lens collection. Whether you’re into film photography or adapting it to digital cameras, the Canon FL No.138758 lens delivers exceptional results with a unique vintage charm.
FAQ
1. Can I use the Canon FL No.138758 lens on a modern Canon camera?
Yes, you can use this lens on modern Canon cameras, but you’ll need an adapter for Canon EF or RF mount cameras.
2. What type of photography is the Canon FL No.138758 lens best for?
This lens is ideal for portraits, street photography, and general-purpose shots due to its 50mm focal length and wide aperture.
3. How does the Canon FL No.138758 compare to modern lenses?
While it lacks autofocus and modern coatings, it offers a unique vintage look and high-quality image performance that many photographers appreciate.
4. Does the Canon FL No.138758 lens work well in low light?
Yes, its f/1.8 aperture allows for good performance in low light, but manual focus might be challenging in very dim conditions.
5. Is the Canon FL No.138758 lens good for video?
This lens can be used for video, but the manual focus control requires a steady hand, and it may not be the best choice for fast-moving subjects.
