4 versions of the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4

Most people will tell you there are three versions of the canon FD 50 mm f/1.4 There are actually four (or even five) different versions, and this video will show you some subtle variations.
FD 50mm f/1.4 “Chrome Nose” 55mm filter, weighs 370 grams 1971-1972, “L” or “M” date code “o” auto, no aperture lock button
FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. (I) 55mm filter weighs 350grams 1973-1974, “M” or “O” date code “o” auto, silver aperture lock button
FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. (II)a 55mm filter, weighs 305 grams 1974-1975 “O” or “P” date code “A” auto, silver aperture lock button
FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. (II)b 55mm filter, weighs 305 grams 1974-1979 “P,Q,R,S,T” date code “A” auto, black aperture lock button
FDn 50mm f/1.4 52mm filter, weighs 235 grams 1979-1985 “T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z” date codes, new “bayonet” style mount

[@megiMove]

My stepmom found the oldest lens there for 3 dollars at a garage sell yesterday 🙈🤣 and she gave it to me.. just ordered the adapter for my fujifilm xt5.. tok some time finding out how to move the aperture.. i thought it was a broken lens.. 😂🎉 exited to try it out

[@kn_sqa2912]

My "FD 50mm f1.4 S.S.C." is,
weighs 301 grams,
“O”date code,
“o” auto, silver aperture lock button.
Although have “o” auto, mine may be S.S.C. (II)b, because weighs are 301 grams. So optical system may be same as “A” auto, S.S.C. (II)b.

[@MikeSowsun]

Interesting, thanks.

[@philbarrance]

i love the fl lenses not strictly fd but canon and completely adaptable with fd

[@saulekaravirs6585]

Thankyou for the information. I had not realized that the FDn version without the SCC markings had the same coatings and optics as the SCC versions.
I have two different FD 50mm f/1.8 lenses, kit lenses from two cameras I was given.
First I got the "New" FD 50mm f/1.8 kit lens from the Canon A-1 that my dad got as a graduation present in 1980 and he gave to me when I expressed an interest in photography.
Then my dad's friend heard that I liked using old camera gear and was even fixing it. He gave me his late wife's Canon FT-b(new) which I cleaned up and used as well.
That came with the breach lock 50mm f/1.8 kit lens.
I don't know how much is different between them, but min aperture on the new is 22 and the old is 16, also the filter thread is different, 52(new) and 55(old). I wonder how many version there were at f/1.8, the so called, nifty fifty and what differences they have.

[@MikeSowsun]

There are actually 5 different versions of the FD 50mm f/1.8 (2 chrome nose versions, 2 breechmount S.C. versions, 1 FDn version) Check out this excellent website for more information on the first 4 versions: flynngraphics.ca/fd-50mm-f1-8/

[@saulekaravirs6585]

@@MikeSowsun Thanks for that link. It looks like a have an FD 50mm f/1.8 SC (I) with a date code "Q" and the "New" FD version. Always fun to learn something new.

[@philbarrance]

what about the fl?

[@MikeSowsun]

Sorry, I don’t have an FL version to compare. I believe there are three different FL 50mm f/1.4 versions. The last FL version appears to have the same optics as the first FD version. Here is some good info about the 3 FL versions: flynngraphics.ca/fl-50mm-1-4/

[@philbarrance]

@@MikeSowsun no probs thanks for the reply my fl 50 f1.4 is in the repair shop as the iris has jammed