Canon BS-55 (Years not documented)
A 55mm bayonet-mount lens hood built for the sharp-eyed Canon FD shooters who demanded clean, flare-free images from their breech-lock glass.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Exact product name | Canon BS-55 Lens Hood |
| Product type | Lens Hood / Accessory |
| Size | 55mm |
| Compatibility | for FD 50mm 1.4 SSC and 1.8 SC lenses |
| Compatibility | for 50mm FD breech lock lenses |
| Compatibility | for 50mm f1.4 FD Breech Lock |
| Versions | Plastic and metal versions are available |
Key Features
55mm Bayonet Mount Design
The BS-55 attaches via a bayonet mount, a design choice that reflects Canon’s FD system philosophy—secure, fast, and precise. Unlike slip-on or screw-thread hoods, this bayonet interface ensures consistent alignment and quick deployment, critical when working in changing light or on the move. The 55mm size is reportedly optimized for the field of view and shading characteristics of the FD 50mm lenses it serves, particularly the f/1.4 SSC and f/1.8 SC variants.
Flare Reduction and Image Contrast
As a lens hood, the BS-55’s primary function is optical protection. By extending a physical barrier around the front element, it blocks stray off-axis light that would otherwise scatter inside the lens and degrade image quality. According to available documentation, it effectively reduces flare and enhances contrast, helping maintain the crisp, high-contrast rendering that FD-series shooters prized. This is especially valuable with fast 50mm primes used in mixed lighting or backlit scenarios.
Plastic and Metal Variants
Owners report that the BS-55 was produced in both plastic and metal versions, though no official documentation confirms a timeline or model differentiation. The existence of multiple materials suggests a production span that may have seen cost or supply chain adjustments, but without verified dates or part numbers, the distinction remains anecdotal. Collectors note that the metal version feels more robust and consistent with the all-metal construction of high-end FD lenses, while the plastic variant is lighter and may have been a later cost-reduction measure.
3D Printable Reproduction
A 3D printable copy of the original BS-55 bayonet mount lens hood has been developed and shared, indicating ongoing demand and scarcity of original units. This open-source adaptation verifies the hood’s continued relevance among FD system users and analog revivalists, particularly those restoring or using vintage Canon gear. While not an official Canon product, the existence of a functional replica underscores the BS-55’s role as a critical accessory for maintaining optical integrity in classic setups.
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