MINOLTA 35mm f2.8 LENSES


The 35mm lens is considered by many to be the best, fixed-focal-length, all-purpose lens.  It can be used as a normal lens, but it's great for group shots and scenics as well.  The f2.8 versions of the 35mm were considered the base 35mm.  Minolta made over a dozen models to choose from and all are top-quality shooters.  Minolta also made faster (f1.8), for low-light conditions, and slower (f4.0), for tight budgets, 35mm lenses.

The competition

There are a ton of 35mm 2.8 lenses out there, but most are not nearly as sharp as these Minoltas.  Basically, you get what you pay for.  You can get a 35mm f2.8 lens for $10-20, but the results will be pretty bad -- especially when used at wider apertures and especially towards the edges on the picture.  Some offer closer-focusing capability, smaller size, or faster apertures to draw attention, but the only ones that truly can compete with these Minolta lenses -- in terms of quality -- are the most expensive ones.  Look at the least expensive Minolta 35mm f2.8 lenses.  They have 7 glass elements in six groups -- a complex, expensive design -- which is a sure sign that no corners were cut.

MINOLTA 35mm f2.8 LENSES

LENS FEATURES

IMAGE

OPTICAL FORMULA (ELEMENTS/GROUPS)

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-22
PERIOD: 1958-1959
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA W. ROKKOR - HG 1:2.8 f=35mm
DESIGN: 7/6
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: preset
MC: no
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.9"
WEIGHT: 10.5oz

This was Minolta's first wideangle lens, and it was a large, heavy, preset lens.  It was very short-lived and quickly replaced by the 35mm f2.8 Auto-Rokkor (see below). It is a very rare lens and highly sought after by collectors.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-22
PERIOD: 1959-1960
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA AUTO W. ROKKOR - HG 1:2.8 f=35mm
DESIGN: 7/6
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: no
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.9"
WEIGHT: 10.5oz

In 1959, Minolta updated their original preset 35mm f2.8, 100mm f3.5, and 135mm f2.8 Rokkor lenses with automatic diaphragm action to mesh with the SR-2 and SR-1 cameras. This version of the 35mm f2.8 lens has the original, rotating diaphragm plate on the back, and will only work at the smallest f-stops with the SR-2 and the SR-1 (models a and b) cameras. This lens has LV markings and an f-stop lock tab, but lacks a DOF button. Even though this was a very early lens, the f-stops will appear in the viewfinder of cameras that are equipped to display the f-stop.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-16
PERIOD: 1960-1966
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA AUTO W. ROKKOR - HG 1:2.8 f=35mm
DESIGN: 7/6
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: no
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.9"
WEIGHT: 10.5oz

This was an updated version of the previous 35mm f2.8 Auto Rokkor (see above).  It was the same size and optical formula, but it had a new laterally-moving diaphragm tab. With this feature, the lens was able to provide fully-automatic diaphragm action with the new SR-3 (and later) cameras. It was a long-lived lens, existing until 1966. As a result, over the course of its lifetime, it can be found with and without LV markings.  The f-stop lock tab is typically replaced with a DOF tab -- a more useful feature for a fully-automatic lens.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-16
PERIOD: 1965-1966
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA AUTO W. ROKKOR - HG 1:2.8 f=35mm
DESIGN: 7/6
FILTER: 52
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: no
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1.3'
SIZE: 2.4"x1.8"
WEIGHT: 7.2oz.

In 1965, Minolta came out with a series of "compact" Rokkor lenses. It was a select group of Rokkors from 35mm to 135mm that were a little thinner, a little shorter and weighed a little less than their predecessors.  The 35mm f2.8 Auto Rokkor was one of these.  This model was a "compact" version of the original 35mm f2.8 Auto Rokkor (see above). The size and weight of the lens was reduced, but the optical formula remained the same.  In the process, the filter thread was dropped to a less convenient 52mm filter thread, and the close-focusing wasn't quite as good.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-16
PERIOD: 1966-1972
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MC W. ROKKOR - HG 1:2.8 f=35mm
DESIGN: 7/6
FILTER: 52
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1.3'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.8"
WEIGHT: 7.6oz.

A continuation of the 35mm f2.8 from the compact Auto Rokkor series (see above) -- with meter coupling. Close-focusing was still limited and it still had the awkward 52mm filter thread.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-16
PERIOD: 1966-1972
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MC W. ROKKOR - HG 1:2.8 f=35mm
FILTER: 55
DESIGN: 7/6
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1.3'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.8"
WEIGHT: 7.6oz.

A later version with a standard 55mm thread, but still the same close-focusing limit.  The optical formula stayed the same, and the focusing ring has indented grooves.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-16
PERIOD: 1972-1975
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MC W. ROKKOR-X HG 1:2.8 f=35mm
FILTER: 55
DESIGN: 7/6
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1.25'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.8"
WEIGHT: 7.6oz.

An updated version of the MC Rokkor 35mm 2.8 with the improved cosmetics and lenses coating of the MC Rokkor-X series. Same optical formula.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-16
PERIOD: 1972-1975
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MC MINOLTA CELTIC 1:2.8 f=35mm
DESIGN: 7/6
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1.25'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.8"
WEIGHT: 7.6oz.

A less expensive version of the MC Rokkor-X 35mm 2.8, it had the same optical design and basic features.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-16
PERIOD: 1975-1977
INSCRIPTION:MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MC W. ROKKOR-X 1:2.8 f=35mm
FILTER: 55
DESIGN: 5/5
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.6"
WEIGHT: 8oz.

This was the final version of the MC Rokkor-X 35mm 2.8. The optical design is changed from 7/6 to 5/5. It can be identified by the change in the inscription. Note that the close-focusing capability is improved.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-16
PERIOD: 1975-1977
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MC MINOLTA CELTIC 1:2.8 f=35mm
FILTER: 55
DESIGN: 5/5
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.6"
WEIGHT: 8oz.

When the MC Rokkor-X 35mm 2.8 was changed (see above), the same chnges were made to the MC Celtic 35mm 2.8 as well. This later version saw the same optical design change from 7/6 to 5/5. Note that the close-focusing capability is improved.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-16
PERIOD: 1976-1977
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN SHIFT CA ROKKOR-X 1:2.8 f=35mm
FILTER: 55
DESIGN: 9/7
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: no
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 3.3"x2.8"
WEIGHT: 1lbs. 4oz.

A late entry into the line of MC Rokkor-X lenses, this was a completely new lens to the Minolta line-up of SLR lenses. It is referred to as a shift lens, but it is much more than that. It has shift capability (left/right), but it also has rise and fall capability (up/down) -- and any combination of the two, too.  In addition, it has VFC capability that allows the field of focus to be curved in or out for complete control of what is in focus. It has an automatic diaphragm, but it's extra-wide coverage makes it too wide to maintain the meter coupling feature. Needless to say, the optical formula is completely different from the other 35mm f2.8 lenses becuse it needs a MUCH wider image circle than normal. Another unusual feature is that it has TWO "filter rings" -- just as with the Rokkor-X 40-80mm f2.8 zoom lens. The innermost is for standard filter use, while the outer ring is for the extra-wide lens shade.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-22
PERIOD: 1977-1978
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MD W. ROKKOR-X 1:2.8 f=35mm
DESIGN: 5/5
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.5"
WEIGHT: 5.7oz.

An updated version of the MC Rokkor-X 35mm 2.8 with the typical changes of the MD Rokkor-X series. The optical formula didn't change and neither did the basic features, but the minimum f-stop was changed to f22.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-22
PERIOD: 1977-1981
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN MD MINOLTA CELTIC 1:2.8 f=35mm
DESIGN: 5/5
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.8"
WEIGHT: 7.6oz.

An updated version of the MC Celtic 35mm 2.8 with the typical changes of the MD Celtic series.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-22
PERIOD: 1977-1981
INSCRIPTION:EARLY STYLE: MINOLTA LENS MADE IN JAPAN SHIFT CA ROKKOR-X 1:2.8 f=35mm
LATE STYLE: MINOLTA SHIFT CA ROKKOR-X 35mm 1:2.8 LENS MADE IN JAPAN ø55mm
DESIGN: 9/7
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: no
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 3.3"x2.8"
WEIGHT: 1lbs. 3.8oz.

An "updated" version of the MC Rokkor-X 35mm SHIFT lens. The typical changes of the MD Rokkor-X series really did not affect this lens. In other words, since it lacked the MC feature, it could not become a MD lens.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-22
PERIOD: 1978-1981
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD W. ROKKOR-X 35mm 1:2.8 LENS MADE IN JAPAN ø49mm
DESIGN: 5/5
FILTER: 49
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.5"
WEIGHT: 5.7oz.

This was the final version of the plain 35mm f2.8 in the MD Rokkor-X series. The filter thread was changed, once again, from 55mm to the awkward 49mm size (see above), and the weight was reduced through the addition of plastic parts.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-22
PERIOD: 1977-1981
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD MINOLTA CELTIC 35mm 1:2.8 LENS MADE IN JAPAN ø49mm
DESIGN: 5/5
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.8"
WEIGHT: 7.6oz.

An updated version of the MC Celtic 35mm 2.8 with the typical changes of the MD Celtic series.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-22
PERIOD: 1981-present
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA MD 35mm 1:2.8 JAPAN ø49mm
DESIGN: 5/5
FILTER: 49
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: yes
MD: yes
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 2.5"x1.5"
WEIGHT: 6oz.

An updated version of the MD Rokkor-X 35mm 2.8 with the typical changes of the MD Minolta series.

FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm
f-STOPS: 2.8-22
PERIOD: 1981-present
INSCRIPTION: MINOLTA SHIFT CA 35mm 1:2.8 JAPAN ø55mm
DESIGN: 9/7
FILTER: 55
DIAPHRAGM: auto
MC: no
MD: no
CLOSE FOCUS: 1'
SIZE: 3.3"x2.8"
WEIGHT: 1lbs. 3.8oz.

An "updated" version of the Rokkor-X 35mm SHIFT lens with the typical changes of the MD Minolta series. Due to the nature of this lens the changes were minimal, such as having five rows of rubber on the focusing ring instead of the original three, and the distance scale in feet changing from green to orange coloring.

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The material on this website is protected by US Federal copyright laws. It cannot be copied or used in any manner without specific approval from the owner.