Canonflex RM + FL Lens Compatibility?

[PGraham3]

I recently got a few Canonflex RM cameras with a Super-Canomatic 50mm 1.8 lens attached. I read somewhere that FL lenses would work well with these Canonflex cameras, but I also read conflicting information debunking this claim. Thus, there didn't seem to be any clear-cut information if FL lenses would be compatible or not.

Are FL lenses compatible with Canonflex cameras (which have R mount)?

 

[BobD]

CameraQuest says:

"The Canonflex MOUNT is almost the same as the later Canon FL/FD series cameras, but NOT the same. Lenses have a different set of connections at the back. In practical terms, you may damage your camera or lens by interchanging earlier Canonflex bodies and lenses with later FL/FD bodies and lenses. Some will be OK, some not OK, so be careful."

https://www.cameraquest.com/canonflx.htm

 

[PGraham3]

@BobD
That's exactly what I'm talking about. There doesn't seem to be a clear-cut answer. I actually read this excerpt a few days ago . To be specific, I would like to see if I could use a Canon FL II 50mm f/1.8 lens, but can't find any info if this would damage the camera or not. Would do you think?
-Paul

 

[BobD]

My guess is that the 50/1.8 FL will work on the Canonflex but I don't say that from experience.

My reasoning:
It's the most common FL lens and surely, if there was a problem mounting it on a Canonflex, we would have heard lots of stories warning us about it.

 

[AgX]

The Canonflex automatic-diaphragm mechanism does not work with FL-and FD-lenses.
Thus the term "compatible" must be defined.

FL- and FD-lenses can only be used in stepped-down mode.

 

[PGraham3]

Hello, @AgX.
Yeah, that’s what I’m figuring regarding the automatic-diaphragm mechanism, that it wouldn’t work, but that I could still breech-lock the lens on the RM and simply stop-down the lens and fire the shutter without damaging anything. So as long as that’s all good, I’m in business.
-Paul