Lens Review - Canon nFD 50mm f1.8
Canon nFD 50mm f1.8
The human eye sees the world at around 50mm so images shot at 50mm look rather mundane to me. However, with that being said it’s a very versatile focal length able to make compositions in any situation. They say there are two types of photos. Those that tell the truth and those that tell a lie. The 50mm is very good at telling the truth. One interesting thing about this nFD 50mm f1.8 is that It was the only lens in the nFD series that was given the older S.C. (Spectra Coating) treatment as opposed to the new S.S.C. (Super Spectra Coating) treatment. In turn this gives the images shot with this lens a really distinct halation or glow around bight areas. If it’s that old vintage look you’re after this lens is the one for you.
LENS SPECS
Released Date: 1979
Format: 35mm
Mount: Canon FD
Filter: 52mm
Aperture Blades: 5
Aperture Range: 1.8 - 22
Min Focus Distance: 0.6m
Weight 170g
Weather Sealing: No
Optical Design: 6 Elements in 4 Groups
APS-C Conversion Approx.: 80mm
Design and Build Quality
The Canon nFD 50mm f1.8 showcases the classic New FD (nFD) lens design, characterized by its bright green and white lettering, a ribbed aperture ring, and a pointed pyramid-textured focus ring. These distinct textures allow for easy adjustments without needing to take your eye away from the viewfinder, enhancing the shooting experience. This thoughtful design language was a hallmark of all Canon nFD lenses. Weighing in at just 170 grams, the nFD 50mm f/1.8 is a compact and lightweight option, making it ideal for photographers seeking a small, versatile setup. It was commonly used as a kit lens with popular Canon film cameras, such as the AE-1 Program, further solidifying its reputation among enthusiasts.
Special Features
At the time this lens was released it featured Canon’s New FD (nFD) mount which was a bayonet style locking system making it a lot easier to mount lenses to a camera. If you are looking to buy vintage canon lenses keep in mind that nFD, FD and FL lenses are all compatible with the same FD mount adapters. My adapter of choice is the Fotodiox Pro Lens Adapter FD to RF (adapter video review)
In the 1980s, Canon introduced Super Spectra Coating (S.S.C.) on all their new nFD lenses to reduce lens flare and ghosting, which are common issues when shooting in bright light or with backlighting. This coating helps to minimize reflections between the lens elements and maximizes light transmission. As a result, images taken with lenses featuring Super Spectra Coating have improved contrast, better color accuracy, and enhanced overall image quality. However, the nFD 50mm f1.8 was the only lens in the nFD lineup to not receive the upgrade. Instead the nFD 50mm f1.8 featured Canon’s older coatings called Spectra Coatings (S.C.)
Gear Shots
Focusing
Focusing with the Canon nFD 50mm f1.8 offers a smooth and intuitive user experience, thanks to its well-designed focus ring. The pyramid-textured grip provides excellent tactile feedback, allowing for precise adjustments even in colder conditions. The focus throw is just right, making it easy to achieve sharp focus without excessive turning. This makes it especially enjoyable for manual focusing, whether capturing portraits or street scenes. Overall the user experience with this lens is fantastic.
Optical Performance
The Canon nFD 50mm f1.8 is appreciated for its solid optical performance, delivering sharp images with pleasing contrast and color rendition, particularly at f2.8 and beyond. The lens excels in producing vibrant images with good detail, making it a favorite for both portraits and everyday photography. However, at its maximum aperture of f1.8, it can exhibit some noticeable softness, especially in the corners, and chromatic aberration may be present in high-contrast areas of an image. Additionally, while it handles flare reasonably well thanks to its Spectra Coating, strong backlighting can still lead to ghosting and or loss of contrast. Overall, the nFD 50mm f1.8 is an interesting lens. It features the older S.C. coating which make it susceptible to halation in backlit situations and in my opinion this adds to the vintage charm of this lens. It really creates a unique image. If you’re looking for a clinically sharp lens that creates a perfect image than this lens might not be the one for you.
Now let’s talk bokeh. With a maximum aperture of f1.8 you can open up this lens and get some nice subject separation. The bokeh circles are pretty good in the middle and start stretching out towards the edges of the frame. There are some slight onion ring patterns on some of the bokeh balls but nothing out of the ordinary for a vintage lens.
Versatility
The Canon nFD 50mm f1.8 is an exceptionally versatile lens. With its 50mm focal length, it excels at finding appealing compositions in a variety of situations, making it suitable for portraits, environmental portraits, street photography, landscapes, and product shots. It’s a great focal length for just about any type of photography which is why 50mm is often everybody’s first lens. Its lightweight and compact design make it an ideal travel companion, allowing you to carry it effortlessly wherever you go. If you appreciate the vintage charm of older lenses and want something that can easily fit in your bag without adding bulk, this lens is a fantastic choice.
User Experience
My user experience has been great. Considering I got this lens as a gift 30 years ago with the AE-1 Program it’s been in my collection for a long time. I’ve had a lot of fun shooting with it. Sadly though the aperture mechanism has developed a bit of sometimers. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Often it’s stuck at f1.8. A little bit of haze has also developed over the glass elements inside the lens. This is common with vintage lenses. I’m going to have to open it up, greases the aperture mechanism, then take out the lens elements and individually clean them and put the lens back together again. I’ve never done it before but it will be a fun project for this vintage lens enthusiast. I’ll be sure to make a video of the process and share my experience with you in a YouTube video.
Sample Photos
Final Thoughts
The Canon nFD 50mm f1.8 is a fantastic little lens that offers plenty of character. While it may not be the sharpest or the highest-performing vintage 50mm lens on the market, its unique qualities can add a delightful touch of character to your images. If you appreciate the charm that vintage lenses bring, I highly recommend giving this one a try. Best of all, it's really affordable, making it an ideal starter lens for anyone looking to dive into the world of vintage photography.
