Canon FD 50mm 1:1.8 busted release button

[jay moussy]

A yard sale FD 50mm came with a busted release button, that is, I think there is normally a silver button doing the job..

I can take the lens off the body with an approximate press in the area where the button was, but it is a bit iffy, and I fear I may damage it, eventually.
Can I assume the release is produced strictly by a down movement, in which case I could make a crude button replacement?
The lens normally stays on an AE1 Program body.

Now, I could get another 50mm, or something else...?

 

[AgX]

The lens is most common and cheap, thus there is no risk if you feel you have to tinker on it.

Take off the mount and see how you could substitute that button. I found mounting the steel ring of the mount back again quite fiddly.

There should be repair manuals for the newFD lenses around, so you could have a look at that button in the respective sketch.

 

[AgX]

From the net...

 

[gone]

According to the photo AgX posted, you should be fine. I'd put a bit of tape over the missing button area, just in case. Keeps debris out, and prevents that little flat pin from trying to escape.

That's a really good lens you have, almost all the FD/FDn lenses are excellent.