Another fast classic: the Canon 55mm f/1.2 FL

 Last year I discovered the fun of scrolling through Facebook Marketplace for bargains (aka stuff I don't space or a need, but are too much of a bargain to deny). I've managed to only pick up three things so far: a Canon CanoScan 8800 (a replacement for my aging Epson Perfection 2450), Nikon 85mm f/1.8S, and a Canon 55mm f/1.2 FL that came with a Canon FT QL body. The lens is a lovely piece of metal and glass, comparable to my Nikon 55mm f/1.2 (surprisingly, I haven't written about this lens on this blog).

I've had minimal experience with the lens so far, but from what I've seen, it has the same image quality as the Nikon: lots of veiling flare when shot wide open, but gains enough contrast by f/2. Sadly I forgot to bring it along to test it out with the Christmas lights, but I'm pretty sure it's going to have similar coma issues as the Nikon since they're from the same generation.

Not a bad start

I did a little cleanup of my kit. Since I haven't used the Fuji XT-1 in over a year, I took that as a sign to let go of the lenses. The 56mm f/1.2 and 23mm f/1.4 have gone on to new homes, where I hope they will receive much love. The Nikon 35mm f/1.8ED and 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition have also moved on. Of the three lenses, the 50mm saw the least use and the least admiration, but it had the nicest cosmetics. Nikon would sell more lenses (to me at lesat) if they added the classic silver ring to their lineup.

So that leaves me with the 35mm f/2 and the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 to us with the XT-1. I really doubt that either will get much use since the Z7 is the superior camera, and the V2 the more portable one.

I also found a clean Canoscan 9000F for $50. It'll make a good replacement for my ancient Epson Photo Perfection 2450 (purchased for S170 waaaaay back in 2004) for scanning MF negatives.

The jury is still out on the Nikon 50mm f/1.8S. So far I can't find anything to complain about with regards to the IQ, but I just can't connect to the focal length. It's neither wide enough nor tele enough, it's just too.....normal.