One of the fun things I enjoy about using adapters on my digital mirrorless cameras is the ability to use classic (vintage) film camera lenses that were initially designed for use on an SLR. In this case, I’m shooting with a Canon NFD Reflex Lens 500mm f8 ‘Mirror Lens.’

Here is a description of the lens by Canon –

This high performance super telephoto lens with a focal length of 500mm utilizes catadioptric system while enabling handheld shooting due to being lightweight and compact.

Reflex lenses have two significant features: one is the ability to almost completely compensate for secondary chromatic aberration which is more likely to occur at longer focal lengths in general dioptric system; the other is a dramatic reduction in the overall lens length due to the light path being looped back.

While making the most of these advantages of catadioptric system, optimal positioning of the optical system based on Canon’s own new optical design technology is used to properly compensate for various aberrations including aberration changes resulting from focusing that tend to occur in reflex lenses, providing quality image reproduction in all shooting ranges from close distances to infinity.

Moreover, in order to prevent reductions in contrast resulting from inner reflection, which is a problem in reflex lenses, the entire lens is given multilayered coating in addition to meticulous consideration being taken, such as electrostatic flocking being performed inside the lens barrel.

Furthermore, it has the feature of filters being able to be replaced with the lens attached to the camera by adopting a filter inserted into the light path.

Here are a few images I shot this morning from my studio windows. The 35mm equivalent focal length of this 500mm lens on a 1.5 crop sensor APS-C camera (my T2) is 750mm!

This set is compact and not very heavy. I’ve even shot hand-held, but most images will benefit from using a tripod and the self-timer function to trip the shutter. I’m using a K&F Concept FD-FX adapter to use my Canon lens from 1981 on my X-T2 from 2016. I enjoy the unique look of digital images when shooting with a classic lens. I purchased the lens recently (I’ve owned a few in the past) for only $100, which included the digital adapter, Canon lens caps, the filter, and a beat-up case.

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Comments are always welcomed, as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by, and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

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