Canon FL No.138758 – Complete Historical, Technical, and Collector’s Guide

Canon FL No.138758 refers to a specific serial-numbered lens from Canon’s historic FL lens series, produced during the mid-to-late 1960s. The Canon FL mount system marked an important stage in the brand’s lens development, preceding the more famous Canon FD series. Lenses from this era were precision-engineered, built to last, and are still admired for their mechanical quality and distinctive image rendering. The unique number “138758” is a manufacturing identifier, making this particular unit traceable within Canon’s production records.

The FL series played a key role in Canon’s transition into advanced single-lens reflex (SLR) photography. Today, models like Canon FL No.138758 remain sought after by both vintage camera collectors and photographers looking to explore the charm of manual film and adapted mirrorless shooting.

Historical Background of the Canon FL Series

The Canon FL mount was officially introduced in April 1964, replacing the earlier Canon R mount. This move was part of Canon’s strategic shift to compete more strongly in the rapidly growing SLR market of the 1960s. At the time, SLRs were becoming the dominant choice for professionals and enthusiasts due to their ability to provide through-the-lens viewing and interchangeable optics.

FL lenses were made until around 1971, when Canon launched the FD mount, which offered full-aperture metering and compatibility improvements. Despite being discontinued, the FL lenses remain highly regarded for their mechanical craftsmanship and solid optical quality. A lens like Canon FL No.138758 is a tangible piece of this history, offering a direct connection to the golden age of mechanical photography.

Design and Construction Quality

One of the hallmarks of the FL lens series, including Canon FL No.138758, is its robust, all-metal construction. These lenses were built before the widespread use of lightweight plastics, giving them a sense of durability and precision that is rare in modern consumer lenses.

Key design features include:

Full metal housing for long-term durability.
Manual focus ring with smooth, well-damped movement for precise focusing.
Engraved markings for aperture, focus distance, and depth of field, resistant to fading.
Direct aperture control ring allowing manual selection of f-stops.

The mechanical feel of these lenses is often described as “buttery” by enthusiasts, making them a joy to use even decades after their production.

Optical Performance Characteristics

While performance specifics for Canon FL No.138758 depend on its focal length, FL lenses generally share a set of qualities that define their character:

Natural color reproduction with a slightly warm tone.
Sharpness that is respectable for the era, especially at mid-apertures such as f/5.6 to f/8.
Smooth, pleasing bokeh thanks to multi-bladed aperture designs.
Single-layer coatings that produce a softer contrast compared to modern multi-coated lenses, leading to a classic vintage look.

Photographers often appreciate these lenses for their unique rendering, especially when compared to the more clinical sharpness of modern digital optics.

Compatibility and Modern Adaptation

Originally, Canon FL No.138758 was intended for use on Canon’s FL-mount SLR cameras such as the Canon FX, Canon FT QL, and Canon Pellix. However, due to differences in flange focal distance, these lenses cannot be mounted directly onto modern Canon EOS DSLR cameras without optical adapters.

The situation is far better for mirrorless camera users. With the help of simple, inexpensive adapters, FL lenses can be mounted on systems such as:

Sony E-mount (Alpha series)
Canon RF (EOS R series)
Fujifilm X-mount
Micro Four Thirds (Olympus, Panasonic)

This adaptability has sparked renewed interest in FL lenses, allowing modern photographers to experience the tactile and visual qualities of classic glass while benefiting from today’s high-resolution sensors.

The Collectibility Factor

Canon FL No.138758 has both practical and collectible appeal. For collectors, it is part of a finite production run and represents a specific era of Canon’s engineering. Factors that affect its value include:

Physical condition: Lenses with pristine glass and smooth mechanical operation are most valuable.
Original accessories: Lens caps, hoods, and leather cases increase desirability.
Rarity of the model: Some focal lengths in the FL series are harder to find than others.
Serial number significance: Unique numbers can make certain lenses more collectible, especially if they correspond to early or late production batches.

While average prices range between $40 and $150 for standard FL lenses, rarer models or mint-condition examples can command higher figures.

Caring for Canon FL No.138758

Maintaining a vintage lens is essential to preserving its usability and value. Recommended care steps include:

Store in a dry, cool environment to avoid fungus growth.
Use silica gel packets in storage cases to control humidity.
Clean only with appropriate tools such as a soft brush and microfiber cloth.
Avoid disassembly unless by a professional, as improper handling can damage alignment.

Routine maintenance helps ensure that lenses like Canon FL No.138758 remain functional for many decades to come.

Why Photographers Still Use the FL Series Today

Even in a digital era dominated by autofocus and computer-corrected optics, there is a strong following for vintage lenses like Canon FL No.138758. The reasons are both technical and emotional:

Unique rendering – Vintage lenses often have imperfections that produce artistic, film-like images.
Tactile satisfaction – The manual focus and aperture controls create a deeper connection to the shooting process.
Affordability – FL lenses offer excellent optical quality for a fraction of the price of modern lenses.
Build quality – These lenses were engineered to last a lifetime, with metal components that feel substantial in the hand.

For creative projects, portrait photography, or simply enjoying a slower, more deliberate shooting style, the Canon FL series remains a rewarding choice.
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Conclusion

Canon FL No.138758 is not just a random piece of camera equipment—it is a representation of Canon’s mid-20th century craftsmanship, engineering ambition, and commitment to optical quality. Whether you are a collector looking to complete a vintage lens lineup, a photographer seeking a unique creative tool, or a historian documenting the evolution of photographic technology, this lens offers something valuable.

Its solid metal construction, distinctive optical rendering, and connection to a historically significant period in Canon’s history ensure that Canon FL No.138758 will continue to be appreciated for many years to come. Even as technology advances, there will always be a place for the charm and character of a well-built vintage lens.