Ancient Optics Canon FD 35-105mm f/3.5 1/10/2024, 12:00:00 AM

The onset of the year sees Ancient Optics unveiling its latest vintage lens venture. Their newest multi-format cinema lens stands as an advanced iteration of Canon FD 35-105mm f/3.5, originally a full-frame photographic zoom, now easily convertible to a 24-75mm f/2.6 for Super 35 within minutes.

Based in Los Angeles, Ancient Optics specializes in reviving vintage lenses, preserving the original glass essence while enhancing optical performance and mechanics. Among their repertoire of vintage lens projects, Ancient Optics introduces a Canon FD standard zoom adaptable to cover full-frame or Super 35. Let’s delve into the specifics!

 The original Canon FD 35-105mm f/3.5, a relic from the early 80s designed for 35mm photography, now undergoes a modernization by Ancient Optics, enriching its optical capabilities while retaining its essence.

 

The refurbished lens maintains its full-frame coverage and adapts seamlessly to Super 35 by adjusting focus, zoom, iris scales, and incorporating an ARRI LPL hard mount with a built-in speed booster, transforming it into a 24-75mm f/2.6 lens. This switch, taking merely 10 minutes and requiring only a screwdriver, enables a light transmission of T3.7 for full-frame and T2.9 for Super 35.

The full-frame mode lens boasts a sleek black anodized finish, weighing 2.75 kg, while the Super 35 configuration, 250 grams heavier, flaunts stylish silver accents on the lens barrel.

 Ancient Optics assures a seamless blend with other full-frame counterparts, maintaining the Canon FD/K35’s iconic appearance, promising sharp center images, a gentle edge fall-off, and a pleasing bokeh effect.

 The lens retains the original Super Spectra Coatings (S.S.C.), known for their golden and purple flares, effectively handling backlight and high-contrast scenes. Its iris design with five blades remains unchanged.

 Though lacking macro capabilities, the lens significantly improves its minimum focus distance from the original 137 cm/4’6” to 83.8 cm/2’9”. It maintains perfect parfocality from 35 to 85 mm but loses this across the rest of the zoom range, noticeable mainly in projector tests. The lens boasts a generous 330° focus throw in both full-frame and S35 modes.

Price and Availability As of now, no official pricing is available for Ancient Optics’ reconditioned multi-format Canon FD 35-105mm f/3.5 zoom. The lens is anticipated to be available for testing and rental at the Old Fast Glass rental house in California soon. To express interest in this project, inquiries can be directed to Ancient Optics via email at info@ancient-optics.com.