Everyone loves using vintage lenses, but everyone also knows that the older the lens, the more likely it is to be difficult to work with. Modifying vintage lenses can be a great solution, but it has to be done right. If you’re interested in unlocking the charm, powers, and characteristics of vintage glass like Canon FD lenses, then this might be worth checking out.

IronGlass has announced that it is adding select Canon FD lenses to its list of compatible lenses for its AIR rehousing design. Here’s what you need to know about the AIR platform and what rehousing features are set to be available.

IronGlass Canon FD AIR Rehousing

For those who have used them in the past, Canon FD lenses have a strong legacy built on their balanced rendering, controlled contrast, and natural response to light. However, while this character is what makes them great, using Canon FD lenses for video has always been difficult.

IronGlass’s AIR rehousing design is a helpful format built around how cameras are used today, with true cine mechanics. If you’re looking to use lenses in your modern production workflows and hoping to rely on compact bodies, stabilised rigs, and lightweight builds, you’re likely not going to want to work with large, full-size housings.

These AIR rehoused designs can help address these issues by turning vintage options, like the Canon FD lenses, into compact mechanical systems that remain precise, repeatable, and predictable in operation.

IronGlass Canon FD AIR RehousingIronGlass Canon FD AIR RehousingCredit: IronGlass

Rehousing Features and Focal Lengths

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, here’s the full list of rehousing features:

  • Internal focus system
  • 77mm filter thread
  • 80 mm front with full clip-on matte box compatibility
  • User-swappable mount
  • 180-degree focus ring rotation
  • Unified focus and aperture gear positions across the set
  • Improved close focus distance
  • New round 15-blade aperture
  • T-stop markings
  • Full-frame / LF+ sensor coverage
  • Native, user-swappable mounts: E, Z, RF, L, GF and M. One AIR set can follow you across multiple cameras without extra kits or fragile adapters.
  • (By default, all AIR lenses are assembled in E-mount. If you prefer a different mount, we will include a second mount of your choice free of charge with your order.)

And the core range of focal lengths the Canon FD AIR series is built around:

  • FD 20mm F2.8
  • FD 28mm F2
  • FD 35mm F2
  • FD 50mm F1.4
  • FD 85mm F1.8
  • FD 100mm F2.8

For full pricing and availability info on these Canon FD AIR rehousing options, check out the company’s website here.

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