Minolta MC Rokkor - PG 50mm f/1.4 Test Review
© 2005 KenRockwell.com about these reviews

You can look for it used here, or ask to get this one from me.

Minolta MC Rokkor - PG 50mm f/1.4

INTRODUCTION

This is a manual focus lens from the 1970s.

SPECIFICATIONS

It has 7 multicoated elements in 6 groups.

It extends 1.8" (46mm) from the camera lens flange and is 2.5" (64mm) around

It is heavy: 11.1 oz (315g)

Full click stops are at f/1.4 and f/2. Half stop clicks are from f/2 through f/16. This is weird, but typical for Minolta.

It has a 55mm filter thread.

Focus is to 1.75' or 0.5m.

It's made entirely of metal.

PERFORMANCE

There is very little barrel distortion, much better than the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4.

It's sharp at all apertures. It's a little less contrasty due to some veiling at f/1.4 caused by some residual spherical aberration, however there is still a very sharp image inside the veiling, unlike the Nikkor which is soft all over at f/1.4

Color balance is neutral.

RECOMMENDATIONS

This is an excellent lens. I paid $6.95 for mine at a thrift store in Santa Barbara in 2000. Go get one if you can find it, no one wants 50mm lenses any more so they are pretty much yours for the asking.

You can look for it used here, or ask to get this one from me.