Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. vs Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f/1.4

What actually differs

• The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. is 0.4 stops faster: f/1.2 against f/1.4.
• The Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f/1.4 is cheaper. Typical used value is $130 against $320, a gap of $190 (roughly 2.5x). Ranges: $70 to $260 versus $180 to $600.
• The Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f/1.4 is longer at 58mm against 55mm, a 3mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
• The Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f/1.4 is the older design; production began around 1958 against 1973 for the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. (1958-1970s versus 1973-1979).
• They use different mounts, Canon FD and Minolta SR (MC), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
• Construction differs: 7 elements in 5 groups for the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C., 6 elements in 5 groups for the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f/1.4.

Which one to buy

Choose the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. for the 0.4 stops of extra speed. Choose the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f/1.4 for the $190 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.