Fotodiox adapters: Has anyone used a fotodiox adapter for Canon FD to EF? There are two types, one has focus confirmation, the other does not.

thrash50

Has anyone used a fotodiox adapter for Canon FD to EF? There are two types, one has focus confirmation, the other does not.

User ID

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You need the focus confirmation for
almost all applications cuz modern
[aka "AF era"] focusing screens are
barely worthy of the name. They do
have a very slight texture, so gross
focusing effects, such as macro or
longer FLs, will show focus on the
screen to a useful degree.

Or .... if you're adapting not for
"everyday use" but some special
need such a prized old landscape
lens or macro lens, and subjects
are static, just get the unchipped
adapter and use the Live View on
a tripod.

`

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Just be aware of the several "gotchas" concerning adapting FD/FL lenses to the EOS mount. The search function should turn up a number of threads on the subject. If not, check back, and I'll be glad to enumerate the various considerations.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

thrash50 wrote:

Has anyone used a fotodiox adapter for Canon FD to EF? There are two types, one has focus confirmation, the other does not.

Yes I have, I started with the one that had the chip, but my camera did not like it, so I took a knife and got rid of the chip and ta da, it works just fine!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

If the particular adapter has a lens, then you need to be aware that it will (a) act as a TC with an ~1.5X magnification in terms of FL and (b) the CA (on the one I tested) was abysmal. If it doesn’t have a lens, then it likely won’t focus to infinity. Either way, you’ll have to focus wide open and then stop down to take the shot as the FD lens has a mechanical lever to stop down which the adapter can’t support - a real pain, and you better not be in a hurry. You can actually change the mount on the FD lens which is in the $100 range (per lens) which addresses the infinity focus, CA and magnification issues, but doesn't address the stop down metering problem. Bottom line: lots of issues unless it’s a very special FD lens. PeterFF has extensive experience on the subject - you might PM him with questions.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Fotodiox makes many types and styles, I've bought several and they work well, are built well. Check out their sight, they explain their products pretty well. One of mine has a manual stop down lever and it works!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

olemikey wrote:

Fotodiox makes many types and styles, I've bought several and they work well, are built well. Check out their sight, they explain their products pretty well. One of mine has a manual stop down lever and it works!

Yes, you can stop down the lens to the selected aperture with the lever (if the adapter has one), but you still need to focus wide open (typically too dark if stopped down) and then stop down to meter and expose. Add to that modern screens designed for AF, not manual (no microprism or split image), and the resulting system is more oriented to slow deliberate work (not a bad thing!) as opposed to any sort of work where there is subject movement.

One possible help for the focusing issue is to install Magic Lantern (if it supports your typical body) which will provide focus peaking. Unless infinity focus is unnecessary, I would pick one of the lensless adapters. The One with the lens that I tested had such poor CA that the black and white test target was blue and white. If it’s a really special lens (very fast or L series) I’d opt for changing the mount. It allows both infinity focus, and no change in CA or FL/magnification.

TonyBot

TriX wrote:

If the particular adapter has a lens, then you nee... (show quote)

TriX -- where can you get the mount changed? I've got a couple of FD lenses I just love!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

TonyBot wrote:

TriX -- where can you get the mount changed? I've got a couple of FD lenses I just love!

I believe it’s EdMika. You actually remove the FD mount and screw on the replacement mount. It’s a semi-permanent conversion, so you need a mount kit for each lens you convert.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

TriX wrote:

Yes, you can stop down the lens to the selected ap... (show quote)

I think they work well for what they are (I have several & both have stop down) - yes get things set and then stop down, I usually just go about 1-3 stops depending where the sweet spot is for a particular lens, and my Sony and Nikon cameras work fine with them. I'm very happy that it made my Sigma 400mm (Yashica A/F mount - not Contax Yashica mt) usable on both camera systems, as it was just a shelf queen before (and in perfect condition), allows me to use all my Sony lens on my Nikons, etc. etc. I don't find it hard to focus or work with, just different. The one for the Yas A/F does boost by 1.5X, the one for my Nikons (Nikon body to Sony/Minolta A-mount) does not. I will buy their adapters again when I need one. I use viewfinder mostly, and live view when I'm feeling lazy, and no issues. Focus peaking works on the Sony cameras, I'll have to go check the Nikons, I think focus assist worked there too. My $.02 om

TonyBot

TriX wrote:

I believe it’s EdMika. You actually remove the FD mount and screw on the replacement mount. It’s a semi-permanent conversion, so you need a mount kit for each lens you convert.

Got it! For 75$ each, there is a lot of good glass out there a DIYer can make use of.
Here's link for any others (Google won't get you anywhere) http://edmika.com/

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Those edmika look quite interesting...god deal for the Canon folks!

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

The Ed Mika mounts can be good, as it resolves the problems of having a poor corrective lens in the Fotodiox adapter, or not focusing to infinity. But last I checked (long time ago) he did not make an EOS mount for every Fd lens. If you have a match, you would be in business, though.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

thrash50 wrote:

Has anyone used a fotodiox adapter for Canon FD to EF? There are two types, one has focus confirmation, the other does not.

To answer your question precisely, no, I have not. I have done with other types of lenses, and I would recommend getting an adapter with chipped focus confirmation.

Secondly, I have adapted several Canon FL / FD / FDn lenses to EOS with the Ed Mika conversions. The results retain the original optical characteristics of the original lenses, with full infinity focus. It can be a complicated thing. This may help you: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-246186-1.html

Good luck

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Peterff wrote:

To answer your question precisely, no, I have not. I have done with other types of lenses, and I would recommend getting an adapter with chipped focus confirmation.

Secondly, I have adapted several Canon FL / FD / FDn lenses to EOS with the Ed Mika conversions. The results retain the original optical characteristics of the original lenses, with full infinity focus. It can be a complicated thing. This may help you: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-246186-1.html

Good luck

Glad you responded Peter. Your experience is most welcome.