What does the 'L' series on the FD lenses mean?
 

A little off topic, but I am looking in a FD lens but it is the 'L' series. Does anyone know what this means as far as optics go? Is it a good, bad lens system in comparison to let's say the SSC series?

The 'L' lenses are their top of the range... If I am not mistaken, as silly as it sounds, I heard that L stans for 'Luxury'. Stand to be corrected.

L lenses are basically of a higher quality, and reserved for zoom lenses and telephotos.

You can distinguish them from their red ring. I do not know how they compare with the SSCs, but you can read about it here.

'L' Fluorite Elements
 

The 'L' in the FD range may well stand for luxury but it refers in practice to a fluorite crystal element that is a part of the optical array. This means that there is less glass for the light to pass through. It also means that the lenses are awesome. I have a number that are mount converted for my Aaton, and many of the commonly used 35 and 16 telephoto type lenses are canon optics in a better cine type lens casing (gears etc).
The SSC system is good (Super Spectral Coating I believe) but is a much older system than the 'L' series. The image is excellent but not comparable to the 'L' series, the 'collar' lock on the SSC lenses and the housings are excellent and solid.
Avoid the black fluorite series of lenses (.i.e. the black 300 2.8 Fluorite) not as good by far.
These are all completely manual remember and they have no 'IS' or Vibration reduction motors. They have the FD or FD New mount and will not fix to an EOS still camera without an adapter.
They are the perfect candidates for conversion to PL mounts for use on video/cine cameras, in fact the majority of wildlife is shot through a quality zoom (such as the Zeiss, Canon or Angenieux) and a combination of the 300 2.8L, 400 2.8L, 150-600 5.6L and extenders such as the 1.4x and 2x.

James
DP
Earthmedia Imaging and Film
Mozambique

fd lenses for xl2
 

is it possible to stick a fd-lense on an xl2? do I need an adapter and it that case how can I get one?

Danny, I believe Quyen sells these "XL Family" adapters on his website www.adapterplace.com. The Letus is sold there also.