From 1971 until 1987, Canon produced the FD lens-mounting system that replaced the earlier FL mount. This system originally featured the breech-lock mount, a forerunner to the bayonet mount. Although popular in the 1970s to 1980s, the FD family of dozens of lenses was superseded by the Canon electro-optical system and its electro-focus mount.
FD Lens Mount
An FD lens contained three outer bayonet lugs for the breech-locking action. This breech-lock mount allowed a less abrasive action during contact between the camera body and the lens. The inner diameter of the mount measured 48mm. The thin 42mm flange back allowed other lenses to adapt to the FD mount. The FD lens, however, was incompatible with other camera systems. A lens mount adaptor worked with a limited number of fixed lenses.
In 1976, Canon launched the "New FD" mount with the Canon AE-1 camera body that included a built-in micro central processing unit (CPU). The new FD lenses could mount by twisting the whole lens barrel with the mounting surfaces in contact with each other. The Canon F-1 camera featured a coupling pin for lens-body communication to allow fully coupled auto-exposure metering. The FD II series allowed a quicker fit-and-lock type for mounting and dismounting. (See Reference 4) The FD lenses series did not allow auto focusing, a tremendous advantage of the EF lens mount introduced in 2003.
Wide-Angle Lens
One example of a fixed wide-angle lens was the 24mm f/2.8 FD SSC. The SSC designation referred to the super spectra or multi-coatings on the lens. The aperture ranged from the maximum f/2.8 to the minimum f/16. The lens construction included nine elements in eight groups. The maximum magnification was 0.11x with an angle of view of 83 degrees. Focusing ranged from 1 foot to infinity. The threaded filter measured 55mm in diameter. Lens dimensions measured 66mm diameter x 52.5mm length. The lens weighed 330 g.
Standard Lens
In 1979, Canon launched the 50mm f/1.8 FD lens. This standard lens incorporated the New FD mount. The lens construction consisted of six elements in four groups. Focusing distance ranged from approximately 2 feet to infinity. The maximum magnification is .1x with a 46-degree angle of view. The aperture ranged from a maximum f/1.8 to a minimum f/16. This prime lens included five aperture blades. The lens accepted 52mm filters. Dimensions measured 63mm diameter x 35mm length. The lens weighed 170 g.
Zoom Lens
Canon's most powerful telephoto zoom lens of the series was the New FD 150-600mm f/5.6L. The L series refers to the Luxury Series. Launched in 1982, this lens included 19 elements in 15 groups. This compact lens included an inner focusing system and one-touch revolving mechanism. The maximum aperture was f/5.6 and the minimum aperture was f/32. The closest focusing distance was approximately 36 feet. Maximum magnification was .26x. The zoom ratio was 4x. Dimensions included 123mm diameter x 468mm length. This lens weighed 4,350 g.
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