Minolta MD 50mm f2 - vintage lens review
Introduced in 1981 along with the X series of cameras, improving on the previous MC and SR systems and dropping the Rokkor name, this Minolta MD 50mm f2 was sold as the kit lens. According to the owner’s manual, it was one of four 50mm for the system, along with the f1.7, 1.4 and 1.2, but it was not available in the USA. So, how good can a 40 years old kit lens be? Well, you’d be surprised! The lens is made out of metal and plastic, it weights 155g, it is 36 to 45mm long and has an external diameter of 63mm, with a 49mm front thread. It has a 47 degrees angle of view and a 6 elements in 5 groups construction. The iris has 6 blades, the aperture is clicked and it goes from f2 to f22 with half steps. The focusing ring is rubberized, it turns 180 degrees and minimum focusing distance is 45cm. Flange distance for the Minolta SR mount is 43,5mm The f2 and f1.7 versions are almost identical; the only difference is that the 1.7 weighs 10 grams more. Build quality is great, there is nothing lo...