Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C.
The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. is a 55mm f/1.2 manual-focus lens for the Canon FD mount, made by Canon from 1973-1979. It uses 7 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss. Typical used value is $180 to $600, with most examples near $320, and it adapts to Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount with a plain mechanical adapter.
Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. specifications
Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. specifications
Why collectors want it
A fast normal lens with a dreamy low-contrast look wide open that cleans up by f/2. The rarer S.S.C. Aspherical variant uses a hand-ground aspheric element and sells for much more than the standard S.S.C. Some early samples use thoriated glass that yellows.
Mount and adapters for the FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C.
The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. 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 | 55mm on full frame; 83mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Canon FD to Sony E |
| Fuji X | Plain mechanical, 24.3mm | Yes | 83mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Canon FD to Fuji X |
| MFT | Plain mechanical, 22.75mm | Yes | 110mm on Four Thirds (2x) | Canon FD to MFT |
| Canon RF | Plain mechanical, 22mm | Yes | 55mm on full frame; 88mm on APS-C (1.6x) | Canon FD to Canon RF |
| Nikon Z | Plain mechanical, 26mm | Yes | 55mm on full frame; 83mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Canon FD to Nikon Z |
| L-mount | Plain mechanical, 22mm | Yes | 55mm on full frame; 83mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Canon FD to L-mount |
Frequently asked
What mount is the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C.?
The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. 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 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. worth in 2026?
A used Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. typically sells for $180 to $600, with most clean working examples near $320. Basis: eBay sold listings, 2024-2025; Aspherical variant trades far higher, roughly 700 to 1300. This is an estimate, not an appraisal; condition, variant, and service history move the number.
Does the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. 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 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. frames as a 55mm lens; on APS-C (1.5x) it frames like a 83mm, on Canon APS-C (1.6x) like a 88mm, and on Micro Four Thirds (2x) like a 110mm. 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 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. made?
Canon made the FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. from 1973-1979. That puts the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. 2 years into the life of the Canon FD mount, which appeared in 1971 on the Canon F-1 and FTb.
What is the optical design of the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C.?
The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. uses 7 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss. Double Gauss designs are near-symmetrical six- or seven-element formulas that support fast apertures with good correction; fast versions show glow from spherical aberration and swirl from mechanical vignetting wide open. 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 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C.?
Close alternatives in the same focal class are the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f/1.2 (55mm f/1.2, $300 to $900), the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 (55mm f/1.7, $30 to $120), and the Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC (55mm f/1.8, $50 to $170). The Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 and The Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC cost less on the used market.
Alternatives to the FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C.
Lenses within 15mm of 55mm from other makers, ranked by how close they sit in focal length, aperture, and price.
Side-by-side comparisons
- Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. vs Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8
- Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. vs Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC
- Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. vs Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2
- Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. vs Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7
- Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. vs Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f/1.4
- Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. vs Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 58mm f/1.2
- Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. vs Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f/1.2
Where this lens fits
Appears in these lists
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Terms this lens demonstrates
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.