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This is how Canon shooters got autofocus 40 years ago and it still works today

Canon might have the edge in autofocus today, with dual-pixel AF (and quad-pixel rumoured to be on the way… eventually) and possibly even beating out Sony’s Eye AF face detection. They’re even bringing back the Eye Controlled Autofocus System for the EOS R3. But back in the early 80s, autofocus wasn’t something you really heard much about… From any brand.

In fact, the first SLR with autofocus wasn’t released until 1985. But that doesn’t mean autofocus wasn’t available. Canon actually made autofocus lenses for their FD mount cameras. They weren’t cheap and they weren’t particularly common but they did exist, as this video from Kai Wong demonstrates. And it still works on today’s mirrorless cameras.

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This video is everything you need to know about using low-budget Canon FD lenses for video

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There was a time when it was hard to even give Canon FD lenses away. I remember picking up a Canon A-1 and 50mm f/1.8 FD lens about 12 years ago at auction for £3. Both camera and lens worked flawlessly, too. Now, though, FD lenses have become a big hit with filmmakers. Their prices have gone up a little bit in the last few years, but many can still be found for bargain prices.

In this video, Media Division spends almost an hour and a half walking us through the Canon FD lens lineup to see how they perform and compare to the rare and expensive Canon K35 cine lenses, which were used to shoot everything from Aliens and Her to Westworld and The Handmaid’s Tale. Can Canon FD match the look of K35?

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