Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 AL

FD 55mm ƒ/1.2 AL

Maker	Canon
Technical data
Focal length	55 mm
Aperture (max/min)	ƒ/1.2 – ƒ/16
Close focus distance	0.6 m (24 in)
Max. magnification	0.11
Diaphragm blades	8
Construction	8 elements in 6 groups
Physical
Max. length	55 mm (2.2 in)
Diameter	75.8 mm (2.98 in)
Weight	605 g (21.3 oz)
Filter diameter	58 mm
History
Introduction	March 1971
Discontinuation	1980

The Canon FD 55mm ƒ/1.2 AL is a camera lens made by Canon, first introduced alongside the Canon F-1 single-lens reflex camera in March 1971. It was the first lens for any 35mm SLR system to incorporate an aspherical element. The lens was manufactured until 1980.

Design

Canon FD 55mm ƒ1.2 AL element diagram

The FD 55mm ƒ/1.2 AL uses a variation of the double-Gauss lens design, in which the positive meniscus element of the front Gauss pair is aspherical. In total, the lens has 8 elements in six groups: a front element, two Gauss pairs, and three additional rear elements.

Variants

In March 1975, Canon introduced a version of the lens, known as the FD 55mm ƒ/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical. Although, this version was the first to formally signify that it is multicoated, the original version without S.S.C. engraving has used this type of multicoating as well.

Radioactivity

Like a number of other contemporary lenses, the Canon FD 55mm ƒ/1.2 AL incorporated thoriated glass, a kind of optical glass that is doped with thorium dioxide. The inclusion of this compound makes the glass radioactive.

Over time, thorium decay causes F-centers to form in the glass, resulting in an amber discoloration. The discoloration can be repaired by exposure to a source of ultraviolet radiation, such as direct sunlight.