Using EF lenses on FD mount?

heinzkeinz · Oct 24, 2010

Is it possible? I've seen lots about using FD lenses with EOS cameras, but can it be done in reverse? My Canon 7e is busted and I've got my eye on a T90 for cheap. Does anyone know of a method of adapting EF lenses to FD? I've never actually used an FD mount, so if this is an entirely preposterous question, sorry. I don't know much about the actual size of the FD vs EF mounts, and it may be physically impossible.

Thanks for any input.

Darkroom317 · Oct 24, 2010

I seriously doubt it. FD lenses are found easily and are inexpensive.

heinzkeinz · Oct 24, 2010

That's what my research is leading me to believe. Thought I'd ask.

I am salivating a bit at some of the FD lenses I've seen out there, for sure.

Les Sarile · Oct 24, 2010

If you have full frame EOS lenses - not the EFS, then you might consider the EOS film cams as opposed to FD mount cams. The pro level cams like the EOS1, 1n & 3 are very reasonably priced. Of course you might also consider the non-pro EOS film cams too such as the Elan 7, 7N, 7NE, and others depending on your requirements.

hpulley · Oct 24, 2010

It is better to use FD lenses on FD bodies like F-1, FTbN, A-1, T-90 and EF lenses on EOS bodies, EOS-1, 3, even the oldest 650/630/620 are really good and can be purchased very cheaply these days. The mount to film distance is different from FD to EF mount to it is a pain to use them on the other mount.

Jeff Kubach · Oct 24, 2010

I would go for an used EOS body from KEH.

Jeff

David A. Goldfarb · Oct 24, 2010

Some FD lenses can be used with EOS cameras and a mechanical or mechanical-optical adapter, because they are mechanically controlled lenses and can be stopped down manually by turning a ring on the adapter.

EOS lenses are electronically controlled, so an adapter to use EOS lenses on FD body would require a power source and controller to set the aperture, which sounds like a cumbersome and expensive proposition. I think there are such things for large format using the Rollei Electronic Shutter and the like, where cumbersome isn't a problem, and evidently there are studios with deep pockets that need that kind of control.

j-dogg · Oct 24, 2010

I have an adapter to use Nikons on my EOS Rebel XTi.

I actually have an Elan 7e it's a very nice camera. You can find the FD adapters on that auction site, that's where I got my Nikon adapter.

heinzkeinz · Oct 29, 2010

I'm likely going to get another EOS body, it seems. I have a bunch of EF lenses that I am loath to part with. I have broken two EOS bodies in the past month and a half, though, so I am getting a bit frustrated. (Door latch on both. I promise I'm not abusing them, they just seem to be flimsy.)

I've got an Elan IIe and 7ne. Is the 1n that much more durable? They're pretty cheap out there, so I'm thinking about it.

2F/2F · Oct 29, 2010

If you can mechanically adapt the EF lenses to the FD bodies, then you can shoot them wide open. EF lenses have their apertures set electronically, so you would be limited to shooting wide open. You'd also need a hand held light meter, or to be good at guessing exposure.

What would be neat would be an adapter that incorporates a mechanically-set aperture ring that would electronically control the aperture of the EF lens, but no such thing exists, TMK.

Even high-end EOS bodies sell for peanuts now. I got my EOS 3 in like-new condition, even with the box, for $180 shipped via A.P.U.G. classifieds. At that price for a 3, it would be hard to suggest anything "lower."

dnjl · Oct 30, 2010

heinzkeinz said:
I'm likely going to get another EOS body, it seems. I have a bunch of EF lenses that I am loath to part with. I have broken two EOS bodies in the past month and a half, though, so I am getting a bit frustrated. (Door latch on both. I promise I'm not abusing them, they just seem to be flimsy.)

I've got an Elan IIe and 7ne. Is the 1n that much more durable? They're pretty cheap out there, so I'm thinking about it.

The 1n should have a significantly higher build quality. However, when buying a used one keep in mind that the 1n is likely to have been used by a professional. You can get an Elan7 in excellent condition because its previous owner didn't use it that much, but with the 1n that might be a bit more difficult.

hpulley · Oct 30, 2010

Once you have used EOS-1 series bodies there really is no going back, the build quality, autofocus, metering and features are unmatched though the 3 is close. Otherwise, get something older like the 600/620/630/650 series which were the first ones made and ironically the best built aside from the 1-series. My 650 was made in 1988, still going strong. Doesn't focus as fast as my EOS-1N RS but for 99% of what you need it does it all.

cmo · Nov 4, 2010

There is a chinese company that produces adapters to use EOS lenses - wide open - on Olympus Pen F/FT half frame SLRs and other SLR systems. They are pretty expensive, though, and there is no power source, no aperture control, no stabilizer, no AF, of course.

Using EF lenses on FD mount?

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