MINOLTA'S f1.4 NORMAL LENSES
"Banana Blossom", Long Beach, California, October, 2006
Minolta XD-7 in aperture-priority, auto-exposure mode with a shutter speed of about 1/125
Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 50mm f1.4 at f1.4
Fuji YKL 100 color negative film
Copyright @ 2006 by Francisek Cesarski
Minolta created a plethora of normal lenses over the years. They can be grouped according to their largest f-stop. The lens in the f1.4 versions offer fast optics at a moderate price. For those who don't need a normal lens except in bright conditions, a slower lens will work. For those who need a normal lens to operate in lower light conditions, Minolta made faster, more expensive lenses, as well.
Minolta made normal lenses in a variety of focal lengths (from 45 to 58) and a variety of f-stops (from f2.8 to f1.2):
The competition
There are very few f1.4 normal lenses from competitiors.
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LENS FEATURES |
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COMMENTS |
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FOCAL LENGTH: 58mm |
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Minolta's first "speed-demon" lens appeared in 1961 -- and it produces superb results. At this time it was preferred over the 55mm f1.8 due to it's 1/2 f-stop advantage in low-light, but many prefer it because it provides a little more optical reach. The lens lacks 1/2 stop settings but it does have a stop-down button. The apertures will appear in cameras that use this feature. A few of Minolta's lenses, like this one, incorporate rare-earth elements, such as thorium and lanthanum, to produce a high refractive index not obtainable with normal glass. These radioactive elements degrade over time and can cause the lens to turn yellow if not regularly exposed to UV light. The yellow tint will not affect B&W pictures, but will cast a tint on color pictures. It can be removed by exposing the glass to UV light, such as a bright window sill. Make sure the lens is not exposed to direct sunlight as the heat can cause the internal lubricants to migrate. Depending on where you live, the yellowing will take a few weeks to a few months to disappear. Storing this lens without the lens caps will prevent the yellowing. |
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FOCAL LENGTH: 58mm |
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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 58mm f1.4 Auto Rokkor was one of these. This model was a "compact" version of the original 58mm f1.4 Auto Rokkor. The size and weight of the lens were reduced, but the optical formula remained the same. The filter thread was dropped to a less convenient 52mm filter thread. This lens suffers from the same propensity to yellow as its predecessor. |
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FOCAL LENGTH: 58mm |
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Continuation of the 58mm f1.4 from the Auto Rokkor series -- with meter coupling. Like it's sibling the 58mm f1.2, it is highly coveted since this is the only 58mm f1.4 with meter coupling. The f-stops (on it's now chrome aperture ring) will appear in cameras equipped to display it. This lens suffers from the same propensity to yellow as its predecessor. |
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FOCAL LENGTH: 50mm |
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Think of it as an updated version of the MC Rokkor 58mm 1.4 with the improved cosmetics and lenses coating of the MC Rokkor-X series. Many consider this the optimum normal lens to have -- due to its lack of rare-earth elements, adequate close-focusing capability, fast maximum aperture, and substantial heft -- 11 ounces!!! |
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FOCAL LENGTH: 50mm |
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An updated version of the MC Rokkor-X 50mm 1.4 with the typical changes of the MD Rokkor-X series. Despite having additional glass in the design, the lens is substantially smaller and lighter than it's predecessor -- and focuses a little closer. A great choice if you want a fast, light, normal lens, but it's somewhat hard to find since it was in production for only a short period of time. |
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FOCAL LENGTH: 50mm |
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Later style with filter thread changed from 55mm to 49mm. |
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FOCAL LENGTH: 50mm |
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An updated version of the MD Rokkor-X 50mm 1.4 with the typical changes of the MD Minolta series. |
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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.
