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Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical Lens

The Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical is a 55mm f/1.2 lens designed for Canon FD mount cameras. Used copies start from $1,855.38 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical Lens

Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical Lens

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Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical — image 1
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Canon FD 55mm f1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical BL Lens SSC

Condition: Good

Product Highlights

  • 55mm Focal Length
  • Wide f/1.2 Aperture
  • Canon FD Mount
  • Aspherical Lens Element

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Canon FD 55mm f1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical BL Lens SSC
Canon FD 55mm f1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical BL Lens SSC

Good

$1,855.38

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Lens Overview — Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical

The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical is a manual focus prime lens built for Canon FD mount SLR cameras. With a maximum aperture of f/1.2, it sits among the faster standard primes ever produced for the FD system, making it a compelling choice for photographers who prioritize light-gathering capability and shallow depth-of-field rendering.

The lens covers a full frame image circle, so it performs without vignetting on the full-frame SLR bodies it was designed for. At 55mm, it falls squarely in the standard focal length range, making it versatile across portraiture, street, and everyday shooting scenarios. Focus is entirely manual, so users should be comfortable with manual focus techniques to get the most from its wide-open aperture.

The filter thread measures 58mm, a common size that makes finding compatible filters straightforward. Weighing 620g, it has a solid, substantial build typical of Canon's professional-grade FD glass. While it lacks image stabilization, that is expected for a lens of this era and design.

For collectors and adapted-lens enthusiasts, the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical represents a historically significant piece of Canon's optical heritage, sought after for its unique rendering at maximum aperture.

Key Features — Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical

55mm f/1.2 Maximum Aperture: One of the fastest standard primes ever made for the FD system, capable of shooting in very low light and producing a shallow depth of field.

Aspherical Optical Element: Includes a rare hand-ground aspherical element that reduces spherical aberration wide open, a technically demanding feature for its era.

S.S.C. Coating: Canon's Super Spectra Coating reduces flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy in mixed or backlit lighting.

Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full-frame image circle with no vignetting on the 35mm SLR bodies it was built for.

Canon FD Mount: Fits Canon FD and FL mount SLR bodies, and can be adapted to modern mirrorless systems with a readily available FD adapter.

Manual Focus Design: Fully manual focus operation with a smooth focus ring suited to deliberate, precise focusing at wide apertures.

Lens Specifications — Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical

Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Creative Effects, Night
Lens TypePrime
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length55mm
Maximum Aperturef/1.2
Camera SystemSLR
Lens MountCanon FD
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread58mm

Description — Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical

The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical is a prime lens built for Canon FD mount SLR cameras, covering a full frame image circle. Its maximum aperture of f/1.2 makes it one of the faster lenses in the FD system, ideal for situations demanding strong light-gathering capability or pronounced background separation.

The 55mm focal length places it firmly in the standard range, delivering natural perspective for a broad variety of shooting situations. Focus is manual only, putting direct creative control in the photographer's hands. The 58mm filter thread accommodates a wide selection of readily available filter accessories.

At 620g, the lens has a weighty, premium feel that reflects the build standards of Canon's top-tier FD glass. Image stabilization is not present, consistent with the optical design of this era. Whether used on a classic FD-mount SLR or adapted for modern mirrorless shooting, this lens remains a sought-after piece of Canon's legacy optical lineup.

Pros — Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical

  • ✓Exceptionally wide maximum aperture of f/1.2 for outstanding light-gathering performance
  • ✓Full frame coverage with no crop factor penalty on compatible SLR bodies
  • ✓Standard 55mm focal length offers versatile framing for a wide range of subjects

Cons — Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical

  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support, requiring hands-on technique especially at f/1.2
  • ✗Canon FD mount is legacy and not natively compatible with modern Canon EF or RF cameras without an adapter
  • ✗No image stabilization, which places the full burden of camera steadiness on the shooter

Videos — Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical

Canon's Noctilux Killer - The FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical (shot entirely with Sony FX30) — Kai W

Resources & Downloads — Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Canon 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical

What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Canon FD mount, designed for Canon FD-system SLR cameras. It is not directly compatible with Canon EF or RF mount cameras without a third-party adapter, and adapters may affect focus confirmation or infinity focus.
Does this lens have autofocus?+
No. The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical is a manual focus only lens. Shooters will need to focus by hand, which requires careful technique particularly when shooting wide open at f/1.2 where depth of field is very shallow.
What is the filter thread size on this lens?+
The lens has a 58mm filter thread, a widely used size that makes compatible UV filters, polarizers, and other accessories easy to source.
Does this lens work on full frame cameras?+
Yes, the lens is specified for full frame coverage, meaning it projects an image circle large enough for full frame SLR sensors and film planes without vignetting.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, image stabilization is listed as None in the specifications. Users should rely on proper hand-holding technique or a tripod to minimize camera shake, especially in lower light conditions.
How heavy is the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical?+
The lens weighs 620g, giving it a solid, substantial feel. This weight is worth factoring in when considering extended handheld shooting sessions.

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