Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

500/5.6 Canon FL-F (Fluorite)

The 500/5.6 Canon FL-F (or Fluorite) lens was the most expenive offered in the FL era. It uses two fluorite elements, much the same as the slightly earlier 300/5.6 FL-F. Fluorite provides a very refraction and dispersion, which can be used to reduce chromatic aberration. Fluorite is very difficult to work with, which is why the lens was so expensive.

It appears that earlier examples were marked FL-F, and later examples FL Fluorite on the barrel. It was provided in a trunk case with two 95mm filters, a Y3 yellow and a skylight. I have seen pictures of earlier lenses with chrome filters, mine have later style black rims.

Introduced	June 1969	Filter Size	95mm
Construction	6 Elements in 5 Groups	Cap Size	105mm
Angle of View	5 Degrees	Shade	Built-in
Minimum Aperture	f/22	Case	Special
Weight	2700g	List Price, May 1971	$800.00

The 500/5.6 Canon FL-F, inside the case.

The 500/5.6 Canon FL-F on a black Canon FT.

With the shade extended.

The rear of the lens.

The filters with their cases.

The special case.