Unbeatable? Canon Lens FL 35mm f:3.5

Cost: $19.9 (Average cost $24)

The FL 35mm f:3.5 has been made in 4 variations. This copy is one of the first version, with the 48mm filter size (later versions had a 55mm filter size).

Although released in 1968, so being a fairly older lens, it actually looks very good and has a heavy quality feel to it. Almost feels and weighs like a solid block of glass. I truly like the mat black coloring of the metal parts, and even after 50 years, everything still works smoothly.

The one bad thing, and this is a personal opinion, is the position of the aperture ring. It's at the front of the lens, so an abnormal location for me and very confusing and annoying while using it.

Image quality is nice, with very rich contrast-full colors and very sharp in the middle of the lens. Toward the outside though, it looses it's sharpness. It's pretty good, but I do prefer a nice old sharp Pentax or Olympus over this one.

Make no mistake, it's a good lens, and earns a spot in any lens collection, if not just for the history of this lens. But I would not use it as a daily shooter.

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 35mm
Maximum Aperture: F3.5
Minimum Aperture: F16
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: Canon FL
Optics: 6 elements, 6 groups
Blades: 6
Focussing: Manual
Minimum Focus: 40cm
Filter Size: 48mm
Weight: 270g
Length: 46-50mm
Production: 1968 - discontinued
Serial Number: 17779
Made in: Japan

More information on Canon Inc.

Samples:

1/160 sec - ISO400 - Handheld

1/800 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/800 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/640 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/640 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/400 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/160 sec - ISO200 - Handheld

Sources:
Canon Lens Museum
flickr.com