Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave)
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) is a 35mm f/2 manual-focus lens for the Canon FD mount, made by Canon from 1971-1979. It uses 9 elements / 8 groups, retrofocus wide angle. Typical used value is $150 to $500, with most examples near $280, and it adapts to Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount with a plain mechanical adapter.
Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) specifications
Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) specifications
Why collectors want it
The early concave-front-element version uses thoriated radioactive glass and is a collector favorite for its warm rendering and slight glow. It is noticeably yellowed on many samples, which can be cleared with UV light. Later flat-front versions dropped the thoriated glass.
Mount and adapters for the FD 35mm f/2 (concave)
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) has a native Canon FD mount. Canon FD is a breech-lock bayonet with a 42.0mm register, introduced in 1971 and replaced by the electronic EF mount in 1987. Every mirrorless mount has a shorter register than 42mm, so a plain mechanical adapter puts the lens at its design distance and infinity focus is preserved. The adapter needs a control ring (usually marked Open and Lock) that engages the stop-down lever. Mount the lens in the Open position, turn the ring to Lock, and the aperture ring then stops the lens down normally. FD lenses cannot reach infinity on any DSLR without corrective optics because 42mm is shorter than every DSLR register.
| Camera system | Adapter | Infinity focus | Frames like | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony E | Plain mechanical, 24mm | Yes | 35mm on full frame; 53mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Canon FD to Sony E |
| Fuji X | Plain mechanical, 24.3mm | Yes | 53mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Canon FD to Fuji X |
| MFT | Plain mechanical, 22.75mm | Yes | 70mm on Four Thirds (2x) | Canon FD to MFT |
| Canon RF | Plain mechanical, 22mm | Yes | 35mm on full frame; 56mm on APS-C (1.6x) | Canon FD to Canon RF |
| Nikon Z | Plain mechanical, 26mm | Yes | 35mm on full frame; 53mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Canon FD to Nikon Z |
| L-mount | Plain mechanical, 22mm | Yes | 35mm on full frame; 53mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Canon FD to L-mount |
Frequently asked
What mount is the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave)?
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) has a native Canon FD mount. Canon FD is a breech-lock bayonet with a 42.0mm register, introduced in 1971 and replaced by the electronic EF mount in 1987. With a plain mechanical adapter it fits Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount bodies and keeps infinity focus.
How much is the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) worth in 2026?
A used Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) typically sells for $150 to $500, with most clean working examples near $280. Basis: eBay sold listings, 2024-2025; thoriated concave version commands the premium. This is an estimate, not an appraisal; condition, variant, and service history move the number.
Does the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) work on Sony E, Fuji X, and MFT?
Yes. Canon FD has a 42mm register and every mirrorless mount is shorter (16mm to 20mm), so a simple Canon FD adapter reaches infinity with no optics. On a full-frame body the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) frames as a 35mm lens; on APS-C (1.5x) it frames like a 53mm, on Canon APS-C (1.6x) like a 56mm, and on Micro Four Thirds (2x) like a 70mm. The adapter needs a control ring (usually marked Open and Lock) that engages the stop-down lever. Mount the lens in the Open position, turn the ring to Lock, and the aperture ring then stops the lens down normally. FD lenses cannot reach infinity on any DSLR without corrective optics because 42mm is shorter than every DSLR register.
When was the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) made?
Canon made the FD 35mm f/2 (concave) from 1971-1979. It launched the same year as the Canon FD mount itself (1971).
What is the optical design of the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave)?
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) uses 9 elements / 8 groups, retrofocus wide angle. Retrofocus wide angles put a negative group in front so the rear element clears an SLR mirror box, which is why they are larger than rangefinder wides of the same focal length. Some examples use thoriated glass, which is mildly radioactive and can develop a yellow tint that UV exposure reduces; the thoriated glass guide covers safe handling.
Which lenses are similar to the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave)?
Close alternatives in the same focal class are the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 (35mm f/2.4, $130 to $380), the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S (35mm f/1.4, $350 to $900), and the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 (37mm f/2.8, $40 to $160). The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 and The KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 cost less on the used market. The Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S is faster.
Alternatives to the FD 35mm f/2 (concave)
Lenses within 15mm of 35mm from other makers, ranked by how close they sit in focal length, aperture, and price.
Where this lens fits
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Related guides
- Thoriated glassWhy some 1950s to 1970s lenses are mildly radioactive, which catalog lenses use thorium glass, how yellow tint forms, how UV clears it, and how to handle them.
- Buying checklistA step-by-step checklist for buying used manual lenses: the flashlight test for fungus, haze, and separation, mechanical checks, seller language, grades, and mount traps.