Minolta 58mm

MINOLTA MD ROKKOR 58mm F1.4

SPECS

Year: 1966 or a little later
Focal Length: 58mm
Maximum Aperture: 1.4
Minimum Aperture: 16
Aperture Blades: 6
Weight: ~290 grams
Filter Size: 55mm
Angle of View: 41 degrees
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.6 meters
Lens Hood: D55NA

(specs courtesy of here)

What a gem!  I have the Pentax Asahi Takumar 55mm F1.8 and was curious to compare to another lens of similar focal length … so I did a search and found this lens on eBay for all of $50 (without the lens hood).  Final results?  I really like the output of this lens.  More than the Pentax.  Why?  Because stopped down it is razor sharp.  Noticeably more sharp than the Pentax I have.

The Pentax Asahi Takumar 55mm F1.8 is a smaller, lighter lens with a much smoother focus ring. All of which I prefer. However … I have found the output of this older Minolta to outperform the Takumar.  For portraits I wanted to have have the option of shooting @ F2 with good sharpness and the Takumar is still too soft (for my liking when doing client work) until it gets to F2.8 or better yet, F4.  But on this Minolta, the lens is pleasantly sharp @ F2 (very usable for client work) and razor sharp at F2.8 and up.  Edge to edge sharpness is very good as well.  For the age and price of this lens, it is an excellent performer.

The D55NA lens hood was a separate KEH purchase.  I have purchased a couple of items from KEH over the years and have always been happy with the quality of the vintage products they sell.  In the case of the Minolta lens hood, it isn’t an easy find.  They are rare and thus pricey.  After the exchange rate and shipping, I paid almost as much for the hood as the lens!  However, since I got this lens for such a good price and the hood completes the package … I’m happy I purchased it.

Adapter: K&F Concept