Simmod Lenses has announced a recycled glass rear element for the Canon FD 85mm F1.2 L. In the spirit of the company’s founder and owner Ron Sim CSC, it is not a luxury item for some, but an affordable option that allows users to apply the FD 85mm F1.2 L lens for cinema-style shooting.
The popularity of Canon FD lenses has skyrocketed in recent years, and the FD 85mm F1.2 L is said to be the most popular among DPs and creators. Since the optical design is the same, it is routinely used as a replacement for the rare and expensive Canon K35 85mm T1.3. The FD 85mm F1.2 L is said to be the one and only with its smooth bokeh, thin depth of focus, and Canon-like rendering.
Why remake the glass elements of lenses that came out more than 40 years ago and spread them widely?
Simmod is known for supplying conversion kits that convert high quality still lenses into ones suitable for cinema shoots. The company has collaborated with Edmika, a lens mount manufacturer and original developer of Canon FD to EF, to develop an FD to EF cine conversion kit, a useful tool for vintage Canon lens photographers around the world. is the solution.
Initially, the FD 85mm F1.2 L lens did not offer a DIY conversion due to the difficulty of removing the rear element from the stock housing. So Simmod had to send the lens to their office in Canada and have it professionally converted to EF. Today, this service is no longer necessary because you can purchase a DIY kit and follow the simple steps yourself, and even if the rear element breaks, you can replace it at a reasonable cost.
Complex Technical Challenges
Remanufacturing existing lens elements is difficult because there is no room for error and it must match the design of more than 40 years ago. Also, the original formulations and specifications are not readily available from Canon’s archives. Furthermore, the rear lens of the FD 85mm F1.2 L is aspherical. In other words, the surface curve is not part of a simple sphere, but a complex profile that is much more difficult to remanufacture. Simmod has successfully replicated this lens by combining a highly complex manual glass molding process with the latest measurement and manufacturing methods.
Sold as a kit
The FD-EF Cine Conversion Kit for FD 85mm F1.2 L comes standard with a replacement element for immediate use if the original is damaged, or “none” if you can afford to wait for a replacement if damaged. can be ordered at
You can also order this replacement rear element separately if the original gets scratched or damaged.
Simmod Lens Full Conversion
The full Simmod Lens conversion includes an EF lens mount that replaces the existing FD lens mount, a redesigned Edmika Dampened Controlled Gear (DCG) aperture ring, a SIMple Fit follow focus gear, and an 80 or 85mm outer diameter for matte box and accessory mounting It consists of a front cine ring and a cine lens cap. As a result, the usability has improved and it has become possible to handle professional production. Conversion to other popular vintage lens manufacturers is also possible.
Get the options you need for a full Simmod conversion, including custom lens caps, front cine ring, follow focus gear and moreVintage lenses like the FD 85mm F1.2 L will last a lifetime in DP’s hands with Simmod’s full conversion, protecting their investment.
Simmod Story
Simmod was founded by award-winning cinematographer and vintage lens enthusiast Ron Sim CSC. He said he originally worked on conversions in his spare time between shoots.
The company has grown from a small company to one of the world’s leading lens cine modeling companies. In recent months, it has invested heavily in new research and development, machinery and facilities that enable large-scale, precision work. The production of a recycled glass rear element for the Canon FD 85mm F1.2 L is said to be the first of many developments to be launched in the coming months.
Price
The Simmod FD-to-EF Cine Conversion Kit with brass Edmika lens mount for Canon FD 85mm F1.2 L (with playback rear element + JIS driver) retails for US$330 (excluding tax and shipping).
