Comparison
Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. vs Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8
The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is a 50mm f/1.4 Canon FD lens made 1971-1990s, valued at $55 to $200 used. The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is a 50mm f/1.8 M42 lens made 1960s-1990, valued at $20 to $90 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. | Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.8 |
| Native mount | Canon FD | M42 |
| Production years | 1971-1990s | 1960s-1990 |
| Optical design | 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss (Meyer Oreston derivative) |
| Typical used value | $100 | $45 |
| Value range | $55 to $200 | $20 to $90 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount |
What actually differs
- The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is 0.7 stops faster: f/1.4 against f/1.8.
- The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $45 against $100, a gap of $55 (roughly 2.2x). Ranges: $20 to $90 versus $55 to $200.
- Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is the older design; production began around 1960 against 1971 for the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. (1960s-1990 versus 1971-1990s).
- They use different mounts, Canon FD and M42, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 7 elements in 6 groups for the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C., 6 elements in 5 groups for the Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8.
Which one to buy
Choose the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. for the 0.7 stops of extra speed. Choose the Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 for the $55 lower typical price. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.