Canon 100mm f/2

Canon 100mm f/2

Among Canon's screw-mount telephotos, the 100mm f/2 stands out for pairing a fast f/2 aperture with a compact short-tele focal length, a combination that gave Leica-thread shooters a portrait-friendly lens with strong subject isolation. Produced from 1959 to 1973, it arrived as Canon's rangefinder system was maturing, and it remains a lens that adapter-equipped users still seek out for its rendering [1]. Reviewers note that despite its age the optic resolves with surprising clarity, performing well even when adapted to high-resolution modern sensors.

Optically the lens uses a six-element design in four groups, with a 13-blade diaphragm and a maximum aperture of f/2. It focuses to roughly 1 meter and is built in the Leica thread (LTM, M39) screw mount. As with Canon's longer rangefinder lenses, focusing and aperture operation are handled on the barrel; the lens is not internally rangefinder-coupled in the LeicaLensList record, and there is no six-bit coding. Filters mount on a 58mm thread on the documented black "Late" version [2].

The lens was produced in black finish. A later production variant is sometimes distinguished by sellers as the "Late" version, and it carries a 58mm filter size. Coating is single-layer rather than modern multicoating, which affects contrast more than resolution.

Optical qualities

Rendering Documented impressions describe a lens that is sharp from wide open, with one reviewer reporting near-modern sharpness by f/2.8 and useful resolution even on a 45-megapixel sensor. The out-of-focus rendering is described as smooth and creamy, isolating the subject without the swirl or distraction of older Petzval-type designs.

Contrast and color Because the lens is single-coated, contrast is comparatively soft by modern standards, a trait noted by users who adapt it to digital bodies.

Bokeh and transitions The diaphragm produces rounded highlights wide open and slightly into the stopped-down range, with a polygonal shape becoming visible in defocused highlights around f/5.6 to f/8.

Aberrations A slight green color fringing can appear on bright highlights, consistent with the lens's vintage optical design and coating.

Digital use The lens adapts readily to mirrorless cameras, where close-focus adapters allow shooting nearer than the native minimum distance, and it has been reported to hold up well wide open in such use.

History

Development and Launch The 100mm f/2 was made for Canon's rangefinder cameras using the Leica thread mount during the late period of that system, with production spanning 1959 to 1973. It belongs to the family of Canon screw-mount telephotos that competed directly with Leica's own offerings of the era.

Collector Notes The black "Late" rangefinder version is the form most often encountered in the used market, and verifying the 58mm filter thread and intact single coating is worthwhile before purchase. As with any single-coated lens of this age, internal haze and coating condition are the main things to check. One published user review describes the diaphragm as having 12 blades, which conflicts with the 13-blade figure recorded here; buyers relying on blade count for identification should treat such counts cautiously.