I'm looking into the possibility of using Canon FD lenses on an XL1, and I know there is an adapter for the XL1, but I haven't found any reviews. Specifically, does this adapter possess the infinity focus problem that was prevelant with previous FD/EF adapters?
Also, is there any quality differences between using FD lenses versus EOS series lenses?

Any input from anyone who has experimented with FD lenses on XL1 would be most appreciated.

neither the EOS nor the FD adapter have any optical elements...they're just spacers. The EOS adapter will pass thru electronic signals from the lens to the camera, the FD adapter will not since FD lenses don't have any servo motors or electronic signals.

The FD lenses work well on the XL. One thing though is that the adapter just a mechanical link between the two mounts, there is no electrical connection between the lens and the camera so you will get a -no lens- warning in the viewfinder and digital effects will be unavailable.

From what I can tell, the difference between the FD and the EF lenses is minimal, at least in the L series ones. I've shot with an FD 300/F4L and a 70-200/F2.8L and couldn't really tell the difference in image quality.

Hope this has been helpful

Maybe I'm missing something, but I use the EF adapter XL (for EOS lenses) every day, and it does definitely have optical elements. The EF adapter VL for the old L1/L2 series did not.
The EOS adapter works very well and allows image stabilization to be used, but not auto focus, auto zoom, etc. I think the image is as good or better than what the stock lens gives, even at infinite focus. To use FD lenses requires yet another adapter (EF to FD) in series with the EF adapter. The one I have has glass in it too. You lose some light, and those FD lenses are really heavy.

Steve Siegel

The EF Adapter XL contains 4 elements in four groups. And it is multicoated.

The 4 element, 4 group design is a relay lens. If it was not present, the EOS lens would not focus to infinity.

Jeff

Question: The FD adapter, manufactured by Optex, has glass in it? and question 2, it only works in conjunction with the EF adapter?

I don't think so. I've researched the Optex FD adapter and came to the conclusion it did NOT have glass in it and that it was an XL1 to FD standalone adapter.

Someone please correct me if I've been wrong.

Remember that both lenses started out life as 35mm lenses and not video lenses. Compare the location of the film plane in a FD mount camera to an EOS camera. If you measure the distance from the rear node of the EOS lens and the film plane (location of the chip) it must be maintained or the lens will not focus to infinity. The design of the EOS lens (position of the rear node) and the thickness of the EF adapter move the lens out too far from the chips. The EF adapter contains a relay lens to compensate for the change in distance.

The optical design of the FD lenses and the position of the rear node in relation to the film plane is different from EOS lenses. Because the FD-XL adapter is purely mechanical and not electrical it can be made the exact thickness so that everything focuses correctly and a relay lens is not required.

Jeff

The FD adapter I was refering to was a Tokina product, made to mount an FD lens onto any EOS camera. I didn't know that Optex has another (and it sounds like a better) product.

Sorry.

Steve Siegel

The Optex adapter is a good one...until you look at what it costs....450 bucks.