The Canon FD 35mm is a spherical prime lens from the FD series, produced by Canon starting in 1970 for SLR cameras.
1. Overview
The Canon FD 35mm is a spherical prime lens from the FD series, which Canon produced for SLR cameras starting in 1970. In filmmaking, it became accessible through adaptations to modern camera systems – originally a still photography lens, not a cinema prime.
2. Characteristics
Flare behavior according to the CINEFLARES datasheet:
- Types: Spherical Spot, Caustic
- Colors: Blue, Amber, Green
- Intensity: Strong
Linked Pattern Entries:
3. Creative Use
With a T2.1, it's fast enough for available light, but its weight of 1.7 kg suggests a rehoused unit – such adaptations usually provide a focus mechanism with a 0.8-module gear and defined breathing control. The vintage character is primarily evident in the flares: spherical spots and caustic refractions in blue, amber, and green with strong intensity – not a subtle shimmer, but a visible intervention in the image. For indie productions seeking an organic look without an anamorphic budget, the 35mm focal length on full-frame offers a versatile viewing angle. Typically rentable from rental houses with curated vintage sets, rarely found in standard packages for large studio productions.
4. Specs Overview
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | CANON |
| Type | Prime FF |
| Year | 1970 |
| Country | Japan |
| Era | Vintage |
| Focal Length (Reference Datasheet) | 35.0mm |
| T-Stop Range | T2.1 – T22.0 |
| Squeeze | 1.0× |
| Weight | 1.7 kg / 3.8 lb |
| Close Focus | 0.3 m / 12" |
| Distortion | N/A |
5. Status Tracker
- [x] Datasheet extracted (DOM-direct, 2026-04-20)
- [ ] Overview formulated
- [ ] Creative use researched
- [ ] AI-Illu or Manufacturer Photo (with Attribution)
- [ ] Translations (9 languages)
- [ ] Import via import-lexikon.mjs