How much is my modified FD 55mm f1.2 worth?

[min lee]

This is one I personally took apart and remove the click stops for the aperture ring. I did this over a year ago and it's still working fine. I'm currently using it with a Bower FD-EOS converter on my 5D Mark II. The focus ring is a little stiff. It's fine if you're focusing by hand but when using it with my Cavision follow focus and Redrock focus rings, it slips occasionally if not tighten down all the way. I have it listed in the marketplace right now as a feeler but I have a tough time assessing how much it's worth because I put in a lot of work removing the click stops and it's different from the ones listed on keh/ebay.

 

[Huy Vu]

This is a tough one. I believe that this is the version without the SSC coating and aspherical element, both of which would cost considerably more. It's nice that you've declicked the iris ring but to be honest that's more of a perk for me as a buyer and for me doesn't substantially increase the value of the lens. I would pay around ~$150 for something like this.

On a side note, did you ever get a chance to compare this lens with the FD 50mm f1.4? I've been considering getting a 55mm f1.2 but I don't know if if the non-aspherical versions offers any substantial improvement at around f4-5.6 range. The 50mm f1.4 is already an excellent lens in term of sharpness and since I don't usually shoot wide open I wasn't sure if the 55mm would be worth the investment. Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

 

[min lee]

Thanks for your input. I've never used the 50mm 1.4 but I do have a 50mm 1.8. I haven't done any direct side by side comparisons but in general the image of the 1.2 is far more pleasing. The 1.8 isn't bad but the biggest thing going for it is its small size. I live in Richmond and work in Frisco, if you ever want to meet up and check it out for yourself, feel free to hit me up: mindlee (at) gmail (dot) com

 

[Huy Vu]

Thanks Min, I will do that. The 50mm f1.8 is an ok lense considering that it's dirt cheap, but the 50mm f1.4 is a huge leap forward in quality for not that much more. Would love to see how a 55mm f1.2 stack up.