Minolta MD ROKKOR 45mm f2 lens, series ii

This lens was first released in 1978. It is the only 45mm lens in the range, other then the pre- 1966 non meter coupled lenses and that was a f2.8 in 1964 in two versions. The minimum focus distance for this lens is 2ft, its light weight at around only 125g and it is of a plastic body but it is of good solid build.

I bought this lens from Soper Photographic and I now use this more often than my 50mm MD f1.4 due to its compact design and it being so light weight. Now there is one down side to this small compact design, the focus ring is very narrow only a double row of the “waffle grip”. Please see photos, showing the lens size in comparison to a 50p. The narrow focusing ring is also very close to the aperture ring, so it takes some getting used to. Especially not change the aperture by mistake or vice versa change the focus by mistake.

I loaded my Minolta XD7 with roll of Agent Shadow, a black and white film rated ISO 400, and just wondered around Plymouth taking a few shots using the Minolta 45mm lens. It was so light had to keep checking lens was still attached. Wide open there was some slight darkening in the corners the lens is centre sharp. At all apertures the contrast in black white is pleasing and the film itself performed well, though no idea who agent shadow is (as he still using film must be Russian)!

I also grabbed my Sony A7R m3 digital mirrorless camera fitted a K&F Concepts md-nex “dumb” (as in no electronics or glass element) adaptor also purchased from Soper Photographic and put the Minolta MD 45mm to the test. I stress I did not try doing video (it’s not my thing) so if this lens is suitable for vlogers I have no idea.

For anyone that is doing digital photography on a budget and good quality glass is something you want but may not be able to afford, then vintage manual lenses of all makes are worth a look. On my Sony this lens is totally manual. The camera has two useful abilities, the first is when using vintage lenses focus peaking which aids manual focus. The other useful feature is steady shot set the focal length, this helps with reducing effects of camera shake. The colour saturation is good this is something that Minolta is well known for.