The Canon FD lenses were manufactured from the early 1970s through the late 1980s. During the first decade of production came the SC/SSC variants then followed on by the nFD/FD-L series. These lenses soared in popularity once it was understood that they were a close match to the legendary Canon K-35 cine lenses. One of the only true cine lenses from the vintage era to cover full frame sensors. However, the Canon FDs were useless to the cine world as they were designed for stills photography. This is why TLS took on the challenge to rehouse these lenses. Not only do they offer an affordable equivalent to the Canon K-35s, but they can also be used to increase the focal lengths on offer for the limited K-35 range.

During the rehousing process, TLS introduce a circular iris (14-16 blades depending on size) which gives a smooth circular bokeh at any aperture setting. This gives the lenses a more distinctive, cinematic look while also matching the style of the Canon K-35 iris. The new housing is also designed using our non-linear cam focus system across the entire range, including the floating element designs.

Some of the focal lengths in the FD range are notably slower than the core, fast set. Therefore, TLS set on a mission to find other lenses with similar characteristics to match with the set. Working alongside industry leaders and cinematographers, these have created the FD-X (FD-Xtended) lenses which include 18mm T1.6, 35mm T1.5, 45mm T1.5 and 70mm T1.3. The 18mm and 70mm use original Canon FD base lenses with a wide-angle adaptor to create these new focal lengths. Therefore, there is a comprehensive set of lenses from 14mm through to 200mm.

These lenses are mostly 110mm front diameter except for the 18mm FD-X. The 18mm FD-X with the Angeniuex wide-angle adaptor is 143mm front diameter. All lenses are internal focussing and the iris and focus gears are in the same position across the set. As standard, they all come with PL mount and nearly 300 degrees of focus rotation.