Comparison
Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. vs Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8
The Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. is a 85mm f/1.8 Canon FD lens made 1974-1990s, valued at $100 to $340 used. The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is a 90mm f/2.8 Leica R lens made 1964-1996, valued at $300 to $800 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. | Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Native mount | Canon FD | Leica R |
| Production years | 1974-1990s | 1964-1996 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss | 5 elements / 4 groups, telephoto |
| Typical used value | $180 | $480 |
| Value range | $100 to $340 | $300 to $800 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFT |
What actually differs
- The Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. is 1.3 stops faster: f/1.8 against f/2.8.
- The Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. is cheaper. Typical used value is $180 against $480, a gap of $300 (roughly 2.7x). Ranges: $100 to $340 versus $300 to $800.
- The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is longer at 90mm against 85mm, a 5mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
- The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is the older design; production began around 1964 against 1974 for the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. (1964-1996 versus 1974-1990s).
- They use different mounts, Canon FD and Leica R, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 4 groups for the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C., 5 elements in 4 groups for the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8.
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. wins on the 1.3 stops of extra speed and the $300 lower typical price, and the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.