In the world of photography, some lenses are more than just tools — they are pieces of history. The Canon FL No.138758 is one of those rare lenses that still makes people curious, even decades after it was made.
This lens wasn’t just made for taking pictures. It was made with care, with strong materials, and with a focus on quality. Whether you’re someone who collects old cameras or just loves the look of vintage photos, this lens has something special to offer.
In this article, we’ll take a friendly, step-by-step look at everything you need to know about the Canon FL No.138758. We’ll explore where it came from, what it can do, why it’s still useful today, and why many people still love it.
What Is the Canon FL No.138758 Lens?
The Canon FL No.138758 is not just a random number — it’s a unique serial number found on a classic Canon FL lens made in the 1960s. These lenses were used on Canon’s early SLR film cameras.
While we don’t know exactly which model this number belongs to, experts believe it’s likely one of Canon’s fast prime lenses from that time — like the FL 50mm f/1.4, the FL 55mm f/1.2, or the FL 58mm f/1.2. All of these were known for their beautiful image quality and solid build.
The number 138758 makes this lens feel like a one-of-a-kind piece. It tells us this lens was made in a time when lenses were built with real care — using metal, glass, and a lot of hands-on skill.
A Quick History of Canon FL Lenses
Canon introduced the FL lens mount in 1964. It was created to replace the older R-mount and came before the more famous FD lenses. The FL series helped Canon grow into a trusted name in photography.
FL lenses were used on cameras like the Canon FX, Canon FP, and Canon Pellix. These cameras were strong and reliable, and they needed lenses that could match their performance. That’s where FL lenses came in.
What made these lenses special was their solid, all-metal design. They also had warm lens coatings that gave photos a soft, vintage feel. Every FL lens had a smooth focus ring, clear engraved numbers, and a strong, mechanical feel. It’s no wonder many of them still work perfectly today.
Canon FL No.138758 Production Timeline
By looking at the serial number, many people believe the Canon FL No.138758 was made sometime between 1965 and 1968. These were the golden years for FL lenses, when Canon was putting out some of their best manual-focus lenses.
Back then, making a lens wasn’t just about machines. It involved skilled workers, careful checks, and high standards. That’s why so many Canon FL lenses from the 60s are still in good condition today.
If you find a lens with the number No.138758, it likely came from this special time — making it a great find for collectors or photographers who love gear with a story.
Canon FL No.138758 Specs and Features
Even though there’s no official list for this exact serial number, we can make a good guess about what the Canon FL No.138758 offers based on other FL lenses from the same period.
Here are some of the features you can expect:
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Mount Type: Canon FL mount (manual, bayonet-style)
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Focus: Manual focus with a smooth helicoid system
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Aperture Type: Preset or semi-automatic diaphragm
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Max Aperture: Likely between f/1.2 to f/1.8, great for low light and shallow depth of field
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Build Quality: All-metal body with engraved markings — built to last
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Lens Coating: Warm amber or single-layer coating for vintage color tone
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Minimum Focus Distance: Around 0.6 meters (may vary by model)
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Filter Thread Size: Usually 58mm, a common size at that time
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Weight: Between 400–600g depending on the exact model
Another interesting fact — some FL lenses used thorium glass, which was slightly radioactive. This gave the lens more light-bending power (refractive index), especially in ultra-fast lenses like the 58mm f/1.2.
Don’t worry though — many photographers still use these lenses safely. Just store them properly and avoid keeping them close to film or sensors for long periods.
Image Quality: What You Can Expect
If you’ve never used a lens like the Canon FL No.138758, you’re in for a real treat. The photos it takes feel soft, dreamy, and full of character — very different from modern lenses.
Let’s break down what kind of images you’ll get:
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Creamy Background Blur (Bokeh): Thanks to the wide aperture, this lens gives you soft, smooth backgrounds. It makes your subject stand out and adds a beautiful look to portraits.
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Vintage Color Feel: The coating and glass give a warm tone that works great for moody scenes, old-style portraits, or artistic shots.
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Sharpness When Needed: At wide apertures, the lens may look a little soft, especially around the edges. But if you stop it down to f/4 or f/5.6, it becomes much sharper — perfect for landscapes or street photography.
This lens doesn’t try to be perfect. It adds a style and mood to your shots — something that many modern lenses just can’t do.
Using Canon FL No.138758 on Modern Cameras
You might be wondering — can I use this lens on a modern camera? The good news is yes, you can!
Thanks to affordable adapters, you can mount Canon FL lenses onto most mirrorless cameras. Here are some of the popular systems that work well:
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Sony E-mount (like the A7 and A6000 series)
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Canon RF-mount (EOS R models)
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Fujifilm X-mount
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Micro Four Thirds (Olympus and Panasonic cameras)
All you need is a Canon FL to mirrorless adapter. These are usually easy to find and not expensive. You won’t get autofocus, but the manual focusing is smooth and fun to use.
Using a manual lens like this can actually help you grow as a photographer. It slows you down, makes you think about each shot, and helps you learn how light, focus, and composition really work.
Can You Use This Lens on DSLRs?
Using the Canon FL No.138758 on DSLR cameras is possible, but not as easy as with mirrorless systems.
You’ll need a special FL to EF adapter if you want to use it on Canon DSLR cameras. But there’s a small problem — many of these adapters don’t allow infinity focus unless they have a built-in optical element. And sadly, that extra glass can hurt image quality.
So yes, it can work on DSLRs, but it’s not always perfect. If you want the best results with this lens, a mirrorless camera is the way to go. It gives you better focus control and keeps the lens’s original image quality.
Canon FL No.138758 vs. Modern Lenses
How does the Canon FL No.138758 compare with today’s lenses?
Let’s look at a few things:
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Autofocus: Modern lenses have fast and silent autofocus. The FL lens is manual focus only, which some photographers love for more control.
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Build Quality: Today’s lenses are often made with plastic and metal. The FL lens is all-metal and feels more solid in your hand.
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Image Look: Modern lenses are sharp and clean. But the FL lens gives a vintage look with softer backgrounds and warmer tones.
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Adaptability: FL lenses need an adapter. Modern lenses usually fit your camera without one.
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Price: The Canon FL No.138758 usually costs $80–$250 on the used market. Modern lenses can cost much more, depending on brand and features.
So, if you want fast autofocus and perfect sharpness, go modern. But if you want personality, warmth, and a special feel in your photos, this vintage lens is a real treasure.
Why Photographers and Collectors Love FL No.138758
People don’t just love the Canon FL No.138758 because it’s old. They love it because it still works beautifully — and it tells a story.
Every serial number, like No.138758, shows it came from a small batch of carefully made lenses. That makes it a little more special.
The design is also a big reason people love it. The metal body, the smooth focusing ring, and the classic markings all feel great in your hands. It’s not just a lens — it’s a joy to use.
Some versions of this lens even have thorium glass, which gives them a soft yellow glow over time. Many collectors love this glow. And some photographers use UV light to remove it and bring back the original clarity.
How Much Is Canon FL No.138758 Worth Today?
Prices for the Canon FL No.138758 can vary a lot depending on the condition.
Here’s a quick guide:
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Excellent condition (mint): $200–$300
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Good condition: $120–$180
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Average condition: $80–$120
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Non-working / for parts: under $50
Keep in mind, the lens is over 50 years old. A good one still working today is a lucky find!
If you see one for sale, make sure to check all parts carefully before buying. Look for clear glass, clean blades, and smooth focus.
Tips Before You Buy Canon FL No.138758
Thinking of getting one? Great choice — but here are a few simple things to check first:
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The focus ring should turn smoothly, not get stuck.
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The aperture blades should move freely and be oil-free.
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The glass should be clean — avoid lenses with deep scratches, heavy fungus, or haze.
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Check that the lens really has a Canon FL mount, and that the serial number is correct (No.138758).
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Ask the seller for photos from all sides and a look through the lens.
Where should you look?
Try eBay, KEH Camera, Facebook camera groups, or even local vintage shops. Just be patient — good lenses pop up from time to time.
How to Clean and Take Care of Your FL Lens
The Canon FL No.138758 is tough, but it still needs good care to last even longer.
Here are a few tips:
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Store it in a dry place, like a camera bag or case with silica gel.
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Use a soft cloth and a blower to clean dust off the lens. Don’t wipe the glass too hard.
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Never open the lens unless you know what you’re doing. Vintage lenses have small parts that are easy to damage.
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If your lens has a yellow tint from thorium, you can place it near sunlight or a UV light to slowly clear the glass.
Treat it well, and this lens can easily last another 50 years!
Bottom-Line
Yes — 100% yes!
The Canon FL No.138758 isn’t just an old lens. It’s a reminder of a time when lenses were built with care, skill, and style.
It may not have autofocus or modern coatings, but it has something better — soul. It adds mood, warmth, and a timeless feel to your photos. And when you use it, you become part of its story.
If you love photography and want something special in your gear bag, this lens is a beautiful choice.
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