Camera Review, Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogMarch 30, 2026Fujifilm X-E5 sample gallery, Fujifilm X-E5 sample images, Fujifilm X-E5 sample photos, X-E5 and Voigtlander, Fujifilm X-E5 and manual focus lenses, Fujifilm X-E5 and Canon FD 50mm f/1.8, Canon NEW 50mm f/1.8 on the Fuji X-E5Comment

Fujifilm X-E5 and Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 - My Newest Camera and First Ever Lens

Does the New Agree With the Old?

This won’t be a full-fledged review, but a few words and pics from a fun little project where I paired my newest camera, the Fujifilm X-E5, with the first lens I acquired back in 1983, the Canon New 50mm f/1.8.

To be clear, this is not the actual lens I owned in the eighties, but a copy I found here locally to pair with a Canon AV-1 film camera.

A Vancouver back alley near Granville Street — 14th Ave, Vancouver. Fujifilm X-E5, Canon FD 50mm f/1.8, K&F Concept FD-FX adapter

The New Camera

All is well with the Fujifilm X-E5 that I got in the fall. I have since added a grip to the camera—the Smallrig L-Shaped Mount Plate with Silicone Handle. Overall, it adds some stability to the experience and gives a better grip when manually focusing lenses.

I’ve used the classic viewfinder lately. With its retro look and simple layout, I found it to be a fun flashback, especially the needle-looking expore compensation, which has me excited. But also, the viewfinder is clear of info, which can take away from your compositions.

A woman walks down Granville Street on a sunny winter day in Vancouver. — Granville Street, Vancouver. Fujifilm X-E5, Canon FD 50mm f/1.8, K&F Concept FD-FX adapter

The Old Lens

From my previous review of the Canon 50mm f/1.8

The Canon New FD 50mm f/1.8 dates back to 1979 and is a nimble and lightweight option for sure. At a mere 6 oz (170 g), you barely feel its presence on the camera. We have 6 elements in 4 groups with 5 aperture blades, and the closest focus distance is 23.6", 60 cm. The filter size is 52mm, and the dimensions are 2.5" x 1.4", 63 x 35 mm.

The manual focusing feels butter-smooth, and I believe this may be the best aperture ring on any Canon FD lens I have tested recently. It is adjustable in half-stops, and this lens has less friction. The aperture rings in these older lenses tend to become a tad sticky.

I stumbled upon the lens at Beau Photo here in Vancouver and paid $58.00, including taxes—such a bargain.

Dial M for Murder poster at the Stanley Theater — Granville Street, Vancouver. Fujifilm X-E5, Canon FD 50mm f/1.8, K&F Concept FD-FX adapter

Focus Aids (MF Assist)

I wouldn’t have thought the 2.36m-Dot 0.62x OLED on the Fujifilm X-E5 would be any good for manual focusing, but it’s proved better than I expected.

In the MF Assist menu on your Fujifilm X-E5, you have three assist modes: Digital Split Image, Digital Microprism, and Focus Peaking with yellow, red, or blue highlights. The intensity of the colors can be adjusted to high or low.

I have tried all the assist modes and have decided to turn them off, as I appreciate having my viewfinder as clear as possible, free from distractions. This does not mean that they cannot be helpful in certain situations, ie. low light scenarios. I would encourage you to experiment to see which works best for you.

I use the command dial on the back of the X-E5 to punch in to confirm accurate focus.

Stanley Theater at Granville Street in Vancouver. — Granville Street, Vancouver. Fujifilm X-E5, Canon FD 50mm f/1.8, K&F Concept FD-FX adapter

Image Quality

Images lack some sharpness at lower f-stops, ie, f/1.8 and f/2. You may like this look, and inevitably, it resembles the look of images captured in the late 20th century.

Stop the lens down to f/4 or 5.6, and images clear up nicely with colors that are pleasing to my eye, and it's fun to add Fujifilm’s film simulations for even more filmic results.

Please click the sample images to view them at up to 2500 pixels, depending on your monitor size. You can also pinch-zoom on a mobile phone.

A pedestrian walks be a car dealer on West 4th Ave in Vancouver. — West 4th Ave., Vancouver. Fujifilm X-E5, Canon FD 50mm f/1.8, K&F Concept FD-FX adapter

It’s a Wrap

If you browse your local photography store or local online buy-and-sell market, you can often find an old gem such as the Canon FD 50mm f/1.8, or perhaps another lens you used earlier in your photography journey. Also, if you are new to photography, it can be an inexpensive way to add more lenses to your kit.

Keep in mind that these lenses will not have weather-sealing or the fancy coatings you see on modern lenses, but they often do not fall as far behind in overall image quality as we might think.

In the case of the Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 on the Fujifilm X-E5, the results aren’t flawless, but I certainly find them good enough, and at times, you may not be looking for flawless photos. Using older lenses can add character or a vintage vibe to your photos, which is often missing when using all modern gear.

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm X-E5 (body only) - B&H Photo

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Fujifilm X-E5 and Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 Sample Images

Below are sample photos from the Fujifilm X-E5 and the Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 lens, processed in Lightroom. I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the images.

Please click to view larger images.