| Year | 1968 |
| Lens Groups | 5 |
| Lens Element | 7 |
| Aperature Blades | 8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Closest Focusing | 0.6 m |
| Max. Magnifcation | 1:9.2 (0.109x) |
| Filter Size | 58 mm |
| Diameter x Length | 67 x 52.5 mm |
| Weight | 480 gr (1.06 lb) |
| Hood | - |
This is the newest addition to my collection of classic 50's. Relative to the other f1.2 lenses, this is probably the best value out there. The build quality is beyond reproach, nothing buy metal and glass, the thing just feels solid. I would say the only true weakness is resistance to flare as it seems any direct light source really washes out the contrast. Resolution is surprisingly strong across the frame, even wide-open, but the contrast is not as notable until stopped down. There is barrel distortion that is noticeable if you're shooting anything with straight lines in your frame - a +6 correction in LR seems to counteract this nicely however. Bokeh is of the bubble variety and can be distracting at times if there is a busy out-of-focus background (like a bunch of trees) when you are focusing on something at mid or longer distance. For closer distances, the bokeh is quite buttery particularly when using a close-focus adaptor or extension tube. If you're looking at getting into these old manual lenses and want that fast aperture without breaking your bank, at around $150 for a good copy, this might be your ticket. I have several Flickr albums dedicated to Canon's old lenses - here is the location for this beauty!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/83792268@N03/albums/72157704504236591
This is a good entrant into the world of f1.2 lenses. Not so expensive and also very good build quality. Find a good one in good condition and this lens is gold. This lens is heavy. Metal and large glass combined to make such a beast. The front metal aperture ring is miles better than nFD lenses and it clicks with such satisfaction. The dot next to f1.2 is f1.4, to note ;) Image quality is good albeit a bit of spherical aberration at open apertures but quickly goes away at around f2.8. Sharpness is usable at f1.2 and really stirs up at f2.
F1.2 produces the most characteristic aspect of this lens. What's the point of an f1.2 lens than!? Dreamy and creamy with a bit of glow with just enough sharpness for portraits that extrudes a vintage look wide open. Bokeh is not the strongest showing a slight noticable field curvature and cat eye effect but it's flare and low contrast can be a issue due to the lack of advanced multi coatings but it's okay because this lens has a sort of old charm to it. Colors are good still with a bit of old character. The front element is yellow but this one is not radioactive like the 58mm f1.2. It's clear inside so no UV treatment necessary. Stopped down and this monster can get quite sharp and picks up in contrast and sharpness impressively.
For what's it's worth, this lens is remarkable especially for the value today. Find/buy them while they're still in good condition and prices.
Great and affordable 1.2 lens. Sharp enough wide open. Bokeh can be a bit wild at times, but I like it. For image samples, see http://www.theweekendlens.com/canon-fl-55-f12.html for a video shot with the lens, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT4pbGJsEh8