In the world of photography, vintage lenses continue to captivate professionals and enthusiasts alike for their character, craftsmanship, and unique optical qualities. Among these gems is a mysterious and highly collectible piece identified as “Canon FL No.138758”. This serial number has sparked interest due to its alignment with the classic Canon FL lens series, known for their superb build and iconic rendering. In this article, we’ll explore the history, technical details, usability, and collectability of this lens, offering readers a complete overview of what makes `Canon FL No.138758` a notable item in the world of vintage optics.
The Canon FL Lens Lineage: A Transitional Masterpiece
Canon introduced the FL lens mount system in 1964 as a successor to the older Canon R mount. The FL line played a significant role in the development of Canon’s Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) systems, bridging the gap between the R series and the FD lenses that followed in the 1970s. The Canon FL lenses utilized a breech-lock mount and introduced semi-automatic aperture mechanisms, giving photographers more creative control over their exposure and focusing.
Canon FL No.138758 falls squarely within this critical period of transition and innovation. Its serial number suggests it was manufactured between 1965 and 1968, making it a product of a time when Canon was refining its optical engineering and mechanical design.
Technical Speculation Based on Serial Number
While exact technical specifications tied to Canon FL No.138758 remain elusive, seasoned collectors and vintage lens forums often associate this serial number with high-speed prime lenses such as the FL 50mm f/1.4, FL 55mm f/1.2, or FL 58mm f/1.2.
These lenses are revered for several reasons:
- Fast Apertures: With maximum apertures ranging from f/1.2 to f/1.4, they allow exceptional performance in low light and create beautifully shallow depth of field.
- All-Metal Construction: These lenses are robust and built to last, often outliving even the cameras they were designed for.
- Manual Focus Precision: The smooth focus rings and dampened manual control make these lenses ideal for thoughtful composition and fine focusing.
- Pre-Set or Semi-Automatic Apertures: This gave photographers greater flexibility, particularly for stop-down metering and creative aperture adjustments.
Given these traits, Canon FL No.138758 likely represents a fast standard lens crafted during Canon’s peak era of optical innovation.
Craftsmanship and Optical Character
One of the most appealing aspects of the Canon FL series, including Canon FL No.138758, is their classic build. These lenses feature solid metal housings, engraved distance and aperture markings, and a nostalgic design that harks back to the golden age of film photography.
Optically, FL lenses often produce images with a distinctive look that modern glass cannot replicate. Many FL 50–58mm variants exhibit:
- A subtle softness when shot wide open
- Unique bokeh that separates subjects from the background
- Slight glow or halation at f/1.2 or f/1.4
- High central sharpness when stopped down
These characteristics make Canon FL No.138758 ideal for portraiture, vintage-style photography, and cinematic video applications.
Adaptability in the Modern Era
Despite being designed for 35mm SLR film cameras, lenses like Canon FL No.138758 have found a new lease on life with modern digital mirrorless cameras. Thanks to widely available adapters, photographers can mount Canon FL lenses onto contemporary systems such as Sony E, Canon RF, Fuji X, and Micro Four Thirds.
When adapted, these lenses offer:
- Full manual control of focus and aperture
- A distinctive vintage rendering often missing in clinical modern lenses
- A cost-effective entry into high-quality glass with character
Photographers using mirrorless cameras often praise the adaptability and personality of vintage lenses like Canon FL No.138758, using them for everything from street photography to video production.
Collectability and Vintage Value
The market for vintage lenses has grown significantly in recent years, and Canon FL No.138758 is no exception. As collectors search for rare or historically significant models, lenses with specific serial numbers and manufacturing periods gain prestige.
Collectors value this lens for:
- Its potential as a rare serial batch
- High build quality and condition retention over decades
- Optical traits not found in modern designs
- Nostalgic appeal and historical importance
However, it’s important to assess a lens’s condition before purchase. Common vintage lens issues include:
- Fungus and haze inside elements
- Yellowing of lens coatings due to thorium in some high-speed lenses
- Sticky aperture blades or sluggish mechanism
- Scratches or separation in optical elements
Ensuring a clean and functional Canon FL No.138758 is crucial for both photography use and investment purposes.
Tips for Identifying and Maintaining Canon FL No.138758
Identifying the lens model associated with a serial number like Canon FL No.138758 requires attention to details such as focal length markings, aperture ring layout, and lens size. Many FL primes of the era share physical similarities, so a close inspection is necessary.
Maintenance tips include:
- Store in a dry, cool environment with silica gel packs
- Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods
- Clean glass with proper lens solution and microfiber cloth
- Exercise aperture and focus rings regularly to prevent stiffness
A well-maintained Canon FL No.138758 can last decades and deliver beautiful imagery throughout its lifetime.
Practical Applications and Use Cases
Photographers today find immense creative value in using vintage lenses like Canon FL No.138758. These lenses are favored in several scenarios:
- Portraiture: Smooth bokeh and organic rendering enhance subject isolation.
- Documentary and Street Photography: Compact build and unique color rendering add character.
- Filmmaking: Many cinematographers use FL lenses for their non-clinical, “vintage” feel.
- Fine Art Projects: Experimental shooters love the quirks and unpredictability of older optics.
Whether for professional work or passionate experimentation, Canon FL No.138758 proves itself as more than a collector’s item—it’s a tool for expressive image-making.
Conclusion
Canon FL No.138758 represents much more than just a serial number. It encapsulates a pivotal moment in Canon’s optical history, delivering a tactile and visual experience that modern lenses often lack. From its impeccable craftsmanship to its enduring usability through adapters, this vintage lens stands the test of time.
For photographers, videographers, and collectors alike, Canon FL No.138758 offers an alluring combination of heritage, performance, and charm. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or rekindling your love for vintage optics, this lens deserves a place in your creative journey.
FAQs
1. What camera systems are compatible with Canon FL No.138758? It was originally designed for Canon SLRs with FL mounts, but with an adapter, it can be used on modern mirrorless systems like Sony E-mount, Canon RF, Fuji X, and Micro Four Thirds.
2. Is Canon FL No.138758 radioactive? Some high-speed FL lenses (e.g., 55mm f/1.2) contained thorium, which can cause yellowing. However, it’s not harmful unless damaged or improperly handled.
3. How do I clean and store Canon FL No.138758? Use lens-safe cleaning tools and store the lens in a dry, cool area with desiccants. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight.
4. Is Canon FL No.138758 good for video work? Yes. Many filmmakers appreciate its unique rendering and manual control, which suit vintage or cinematic aesthetics.
5. How can I verify if my lens is Canon FL No.138758? Check the serial number engraved on the lens barrel. Combine it with visible physical features like aperture and focus ring design to determine the exact model.
Read More: The Legacy and Mystery of Canon FL No.138758: A Vintage Lens Worth Exploring