| Year | 1976 |
| Lens Groups | 6 |
| Lens Element | 8 |
| Aperature Blades | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Closest Focusing | 1. m |
| Max. Magnifcation | 1:10 (0.1x) |
| Filter Size | 72 mm |
| Diameter x Length | 81 x 71 mm |
| Weight | 756 gr (1.67 lb) |
| Hood | - |
I own both of the FD 1.2/85mm variants as well as previously owning the second EF successor - I had sold the latter to fund the manual lenses and couldn't be happier. Both of these lenses are sharp wide-open, particularly in the center of frame and get very sharp when stopped down - amazingly, the EF wasn't any sharper even though it was released decades later. There have been definite improvements in coatings in the EF versions, but all the 1.2/85mm's still have their fair share of fringing. Some say the bokeh is legendary on these 85's, I wouldn't disagree. Many people have said the FD 85's share the same lens design, possibly, but there is definitely a difference in how the lenses were polished as the out-of-focus points of lights on the nFD contain concentric rings (similar to the EF versions) while the original breach-lock does not have these rings. The nFD also seems to have a warmer look versus a bluer/cooler tone about it. Other differences include the number of aperture blades, the nFD has 8 where the breach-lock has 9, not that they get used that often. The breach-lock version is heavier and feels more sturdy, but I wouldn't say either of them are light, both are well built. The nFD 85 has plastic hood that is easily worn and no longer fits tightly. The nFD version is definitely the more-affordable of the two, but one could expect to pay $600 or more for a good copy. The older version is rarer and has seemingly picked up a cult status as of late and I've seen prices exceed $2000 on eBay, nuts. I have dedicated Flickr albums to both of these and other classic Canon lenses. Enjoy!
Canon nFD 85mm f/1.2L
https://www.flickr.com/photos/83792268@N03/albums/72157674189782574
Canon FD 85mm f/1.2 S.S.C.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/83792268@N03/albums/72157677998805186
The best portrait lens Canon has ever made. Light intensity, sharpness and a wonderful Bokeh, absolutely incredible. Overall, better than the successor and the current AF lenses. Mechanically a dream, everything goes easily and precisely. After twenty-five years still perfect in use, built for centuries. This lens was made by Canon without lens hood as available light lens on the market, but there is a well-fitting Canon lens hood, namely the screw lens hood from the EX 125 F3.5.
This lens is the latest member in my FD collection alongside with canon 35 f2 SSC and 85 1.2 FDL.rnIt is not razor sharp wide open compared to the FDL version, however, richer in details. The color is slightly muted and leaned to the warm side. rnBokeh is very smooth even for close background. It can easily turn fuzzy distractions, even at 30 cm range into a creamy wall. rnSkin tone is nice, a lil bit yellower compared to the FDL. rnI take back 0.5 for the lack of hood. Canon designed it this way, I guess they were confident that this lens is Flare Free LoLrn
I have converted this lens and use it on my EOS 5D. It is simply incredible. The grandpa of the 85L and predecessor of the newFD 85L. Only grandpa has 9 blades. The build quality and manual focus action is simply superb. Sharpness is incredible, even wide open. Bokeh is simply gorgeous. Colour is very slightly muted , but very true. Contrast is moderate. Both of these aspects are favourable to me over the more modern versions.