Introduction
In the world of vintage lenses, there are certain names and serial numbers that hold a special place in the hearts of both photographers and collectors, and the Canon FL No.138758 is one such example. More than just a camera accessory, this lens represents a unique period in the evolution of photographic technology, blending timeless craftsmanship with historical importance. Canon, a brand synonymous with optical excellence, used the FL series to redefine lens design during the mid-20th century.
The FL No.138758 stands as a testament to that era, offering a piece of history that continues to inspire creativity even today. Its value lies not only in the images it can still produce but also in its role as a physical link to a time when every piece of camera equipment was engineered with care, precision, and artistry.
Origins of the Canon FL Series
The Canon FL lens series was introduced in 1964, marking a major milestone in Canon’s journey from a domestic Japanese brand to a globally respected leader in optics. The FL mount was designed as the successor to the earlier R-mount lenses, offering improvements in optical performance and handling. These lenses were primarily made for Canon’s SLR cameras of the time, including the FX, FP, and Pellix models.
In the competitive photography market of the 1960s, Canon needed to innovate to compete with Nikon, Minolta, and Pentax, and the FL series allowed them to offer lenses that were both mechanically robust and optically advanced. The FL line laid the foundation for the even more famous FD series that would dominate the 1970s and 80s, but it retains a charm and mechanical precision that many enthusiasts still prefer.
Understanding the Serial Number 138758
The serial number 138758 is more than just an identifier—it provides clues to the lens’s origin and rarity. Canon’s serial numbering system in the 1960s often indicated production batches and approximate manufacturing dates. Based on this number, experts believe the lens was produced between 1965 and 1968, a golden age for FL lenses when Canon was pushing the limits of optical design. Collectors value such specific serial numbers because they confirm authenticity, provide insight into production history, and can indicate relative scarcity. For those building a collection of vintage Canon optics, owning a lens with a traceable production history adds both personal satisfaction and potential investment value.
Technical Specifications of Canon FL No.138758
While the exact model tied to serial No.138758 may vary, it likely belongs to one of Canon’s high-quality standard primes, such as the FL 50mm f/1.4, FL 55mm f/1.2, or FL 58mm f/1.2. These lenses share several common characteristics. The lens uses the Canon FL bayonet mount, designed for compatibility with the company’s 1960s SLRs. It operates with a fully manual focus system driven by a precision helicoid mechanism, allowing smooth and controlled focusing.
The aperture is typically either a manual or semi-automatic diaphragm, enabling creative depth-of-field control. Many FL lenses from this era incorporated high-refractive-index glass—sometimes containing thorium—to achieve wide apertures while maintaining sharpness. Coatings were either single or amber multi-coated, helping to reduce reflections and improve contrast. Construction is entirely metal, with engraved markings for durability, and filter thread sizes commonly ranged from 55mm to 58mm. Weight could be anywhere from 400 to 600 grams, depending on the model, making it substantial but balanced in hand.
Optical Performance & Image Rendering
Photographers who use the Canon FL No.138758 often remark on its distinctive rendering qualities. Thanks to its wide maximum aperture, the lens can produce exceptionally shallow depth of field, delivering creamy and smooth bokeh that beautifully isolates subjects from their backgrounds. Colors tend to have a warm, organic tone, especially if the lens has thorium elements that have aged slightly, imparting a golden hue.
Wide open, the lens may show a touch of softness and chromatic aberration, particularly in high-contrast areas, but stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 usually results in excellent sharpness and contrast across the frame. In low-light situations, the wide aperture enables hand-held shooting without excessive ISO noise. Lens flares can occur when shooting directly into strong light sources, but many photographers appreciate this as part of the lens’s vintage charm.
Build Quality and Design
Like most of Canon’s FL series, the No.138758 is built like a precision instrument. Its all-metal construction gives it a reassuring solidity, and the engraved markings ensure longevity even with heavy use. The focus ring turns smoothly, with just the right amount of resistance for accurate manual focusing.
The aperture ring clicks firmly into place at each stop, reflecting the high manufacturing standards of the time. Aesthetically, the lens embodies mid-century industrial design, with a minimalist black-and-silver finish that looks as good on display as it does mounted on a camera. Compared to modern lenses, which often use plastic for weight reduction, the FL series feels more durable and timeless.
Historical Significance in Photography
The Canon FL series, including the No.138758, was instrumental in shaping Canon’s global reputation. During the 1960s, these lenses were widely used by both amateur and professional photographers, from travel journalists to studio portraitists. The optical performance and mechanical reliability of FL lenses helped Canon compete head-to-head with Nikon, especially in the growing professional SLR market.
The success of the FL system directly influenced the design philosophy behind the FD series, which would dominate the next two decades. In this sense, owning an FL lens is like owning a prototype for future greatness.
Compatibility with Modern Cameras
One of the reasons the Canon FL No.138758 remains relevant is its adaptability to modern systems. With the right adapter, the lens can be mounted on most mirrorless cameras, including Sony E-mount (A7 series), Canon RF-mount (EOS R series), Fujifilm X-mount, and Micro Four Thirds systems from Olympus and Panasonic. These adapters preserve infinity focus and allow full manual control of focus and aperture.
For DSLR users, adaptation is possible but often limited by flange distance, particularly with Canon EF mounts, where infinity focus may be lost without an optical correction element. On modern digital cameras, manual focusing is aided by tools like focus peaking and magnification, making it easier than ever to achieve precise results.
Canon FL No.138758 vs. Modern Lenses
When comparing this vintage lens to its modern counterparts, several differences stand out. Modern lenses excel in autofocus speed, optical sharpness, and electronic integration, but they can feel clinical in their rendering. The Canon FL No.138758 offers a warmer, more character-rich image quality that many photographers prefer for artistic work. While modern lenses often use lightweight plastic-metal hybrids, the FL lens’s all-metal build feels more solid and durable.
Price is another factor—vintage FL lenses in good condition can be found for $80–$300, while modern equivalents often cost more, especially with similar aperture sizes. For genres like portraiture, street photography, and cinematic video, the vintage rendering can be more appealing than the technical perfection of modern optics.
Collectors’ Perspective
For collectors, the Canon FL No.138758 is desirable for several reasons. Its specific serial number indicates a limited production run, enhancing its rarity. The mechanical precision and historical value make it a conversation piece in any vintage camera collection. Over time, well-maintained examples tend to hold or increase in value, especially as interest in vintage photography equipment grows. Even for those who don’t actively shoot with it, the lens makes for an attractive display item, symbolizing an era when camera gear was built to last a lifetime.
Buying Guide for Canon FL No.138758
If you’re looking to purchase this lens, prices will vary based on condition. Mint examples can fetch $200–$300, while good condition lenses often sell for $120–$180. Average condition lenses may be found for $80–$120, and non-functional units are usually valued under $50 for parts or display. The best places to search include eBay, KEH Camera, local camera shops, and photography forums. When inspecting a lens, check for smooth focus movement, clean and dry aperture blades, and the absence of fungus, haze, or deep scratches. Always verify the serial number to ensure authenticity.
Maintenance and Care
Preserving a vintage lens like the Canon FL No.138758 requires proper storage and handling. Keep it in a cool, dry environment, ideally with silica gel packs to absorb moisture and prevent fungus growth. Clean the exterior with a soft microfiber cloth, and use a blower to remove dust from glass surfaces. Avoid harsh cleaning agents that might damage the coatings. If the lens contains thorium glass and shows yellowing, it can be treated with UV light exposure to restore clarity. Periodic professional servicing can keep the aperture and focusing mechanisms in peak condition.
Creative Uses in Modern Photography
The lens’s vintage character makes it ideal for creative projects. In portrait photography, its shallow depth of field and warm color rendering create a nostalgic, dreamy look. Street photographers appreciate its ability to add mood and personality to urban scenes. Experimental photographers can embrace its flares and vignetting for artistic effect. Videographers often adapt the lens to achieve a cinematic, film-like quality that’s hard to replicate with modern glass.
Real-World User Experiences
Photographers who have used the Canon FL No.138758 often describe it as more than just a tool—it’s an experience. Many praise the tactile feel of the focus ring and the satisfying click of the aperture stops. Some enjoy the imperfections, like slight softness wide open, which can add character to images. On online forums, users frequently share sample shots that showcase the lens’s warm tones and unique bokeh, proving that even after decades, it still has the power to inspire.
Potential Drawbacks
While the lens has many strengths, it also comes with limitations. It lacks autofocus, requiring patience and skill to use effectively. Chromatic aberration and softness can be noticeable at wide apertures. Its weight can make it tiring for extended hand-held shooting, and sourcing replacement parts can be challenging if repairs are needed. These drawbacks, however, are often outweighed by the creative benefits and historical charm.
Final Verdict
The Canon FL No.138758 is more than a vintage lens—it’s a piece of photographic history. For collectors, it offers rarity and design elegance; for photographers, it delivers a unique visual signature that modern lenses often lack. While it may not match today’s optics in technical perfection, its imperfections are part of its beauty. Whether displayed on a shelf or mounted on a mirrorless camera, this lens bridges the gap between past and present, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.
FAQs About Canon FL No.138758
Q1: What is the Canon FL No.138758 lens?
The Canon FL No.138758 is a vintage camera lens from Canon’s FL series, produced in the mid-1960s. It features manual focus, all-metal construction, and high-quality glass elements, making it popular among collectors and photographers who appreciate classic lens design and image rendering.
Q2: When was the Canon FL No.138758 made?
The Canon FL No.138758 was most likely manufactured between 1965 and 1968, during the peak production years of Canon’s FL lens series.
Q3: Can the Canon FL No.138758 be used on modern cameras?
Yes, the Canon FL No.138758 can be used on most modern mirrorless cameras with the right FL-mount adapter. It will work in full manual mode, allowing you to control focus and aperture yourself.
Q4: What is the image quality of the Canon FL No.138758 like?
The Canon FL No.138758 produces warm, vintage colors, creamy bokeh, and a classic film-like look. It is sharp when stopped down, but wide open it may have slight softness and chromatic aberration, which many photographers find artistically appealing.
Q5: How much is the Canon FL No.138758 worth today?
The price of a Canon FL No.138758 depends on its condition. In excellent condition, it can sell for $200–$300, while average condition lenses often cost between $80 and $150.
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