QUESTION: bayonet- and breech-mount lenses interchangeable?

Hi, a newsgroup newbie here...

I have a Canon AE-1 Program whose existing 50 mm lens is a bayonet-mount. I was
looking for a 28 mm lens on Ebay and found what looks like a good one, except
that from the photo it looks like a breech-mount. (I can't reach the seller in
time to ask before the auction ends.)

I remember reading somewhere that breech- and bayonet-mount lenses are
interchangeable, but I have my doubts about this. Little help, anyone? (The
auction closes in 50 minutes...yes, I'm cutting it close.)

Thanks!

 

Yes, any Canon FD (breech or bayonet), FL or R-mount lens will mount on
your AE-1 Program. You'll probably be happier with the automatic
diaphraghm of either version of the FD mount. Most used Canon pre-EOS
lenses are FD anyway. Some folks prefer the breech. I have both and find
the bayonet more convenient, but it's not that big of a difference.

 

Thanks, Drew. I was thinking that the seller was actually selling a
bayonet-mount after all, because the ring at the juncture of the lens and the
camera body was black plastic, not silver (as I understand most Canon
breechlock mount lenses have), but you've reassured me that it really doesn't
matter. Unfortunately, I've lost the auction after a spirited bidding war, but
I guess the other guy just wanted it more than I did! (Thanks again.)

-Denise

 

Any Canon FD series lens, whether breech mount or bayonet mount will
work perfectly on your AE-1 Program. The only difference between the
two mounts is the design, the old FD series use the collar ring
breechlock system, and the new FD's use the bayonet system, but they
both mount properly and work the same on all the A series (AE-1/P,
A-1, AL-1, AV-1, AT-1), F series (old F-1, new F-1, FTb, etc) and T
series (T50, 90, etc...) cameras bodies.

 

If it was a black ring, it was NOT a Canon brand lens...most likely an
aftermarket lens. If it did NOT have a ring, then it may well have
been a new FD lens, but some aftermarket companies also used the
bayonet mount for their FD compatable models, whereas some used the
breechlock.

 

Canon's breach and bayonet mounts. People will be muzzle loading next!

 

There a damn sight better than what's available today! I'll take
"muzzle loading" over point-n-shoot any day!