Amazing vintage macro lens!!

Today we are taking a closer look at Minolta MD Macro 50mm f3.5!! This lens is a great bargain if you want to get into macro photography - it is super sharp, it has great colors, it's very lightweight and it's still very affordable!
Gear used in this video:
Minolta MD MACRO 50mm f3.5 - ebay.us/zPQcsl
Minolta MD to Sony NEX helicoid adapter- ebay.us/9lC2T3​
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Find me on Instagram - / vintage_optiks

[@followtheboat]

I've decided that, having now watched most of your videos, you are proof that a half decent lens, budget or not, produces great results in the right hands. You're not just showing us how well the lens performs, you're showing us how good you are at photography, and that even a cheap, second hand lens is worth the money when managed correctly.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much for your kind comment! I love vintage lenses, and I enjoy challenging myself with lenses that may not be so desirable by others. And I’ve realized that even the cheapest lenses that people are basically giving away for free can still produce amazing photos as long as I give each lens a chance. I also wanted to show people that they don’t need to spend thousands of dollars if they want to get beautiful shots. We live in a very special time where we can adapt almost any lens ever made to our digital cameras which is really special!

[@Magnetron692]

Thank you very much! I have the macro head with the same optical formula. Very happy with it!

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome! Glad you are enjoying this wonderful lens.

[@ohjajohh]

I always love the detailed background information that you provide!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!

[@GiovanniBausC]

The bokeh seems to be incredibly smooth at all distances. Much better than most modern macro lenses.

[@VintageOptiks]

I agree!

[@oneone8318]

I just bought this as my first macro lens to my sony a6000. Thanks to your channel and videos.. I was so lost for days trying to find the right lens, but i understood nothing about this.. With the help of this video i bought that lens with the extension part + the adapter.. Waiting for it to arrive now. Thanks for jump starting my hobby/possibly one day a career :D You are the best.

[@VintageOptiks]

That's great to hear! I'm excited for you to try it. It's fabulous lens. And thank you so much for your kind comment! I appreciate it.

[@chrisforberg2913]

I recently picked up this lens after watching this review. I can't wait to get out and play with it. Thanks for your excellent reviews! I always look forward to them.

[@VintageOptiks]

That’s great! I’m excited for you to try it out. It’s a fantastic lens! Glad you enjoy the videos. Thank you!!

[@luzr6613]

Yes... I enjoyed very much. Well done. Cheers.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ryanchippy8649]

I’ve been waking for this for a looong timeee!!!

[@VintageOptiks]

Sorry for the wait. :)

[@Skipsul]

I've got the MC Macro Rokkor QF - the 2nd oldest one. What's nice nice is that it's the full kit - extension tube AND a reversing ring in a nice carrying case. But I recently scored a great Minolta macro bellows set, and with this lens reversed on the end I can shoot snowflakes. These are really great when well cared for.

[@VintageOptiks]

That’s really cool that you got the full macro set with the bellows! Sounds amazing! I love the look of the old MC Rokkors. Just gorgeous!

[@prayforpeace2204]

Dang it, I just ordered the 100mm macro MD. Hopefully it performs nicely, too. Great video. Really enjoying your channel!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoy the videos. The 100mm macro from Minolta is also an excellent lens. I'm sure you'll love it. Cheers!

[@robinbottrell771]

Brilliant video as always!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Much appreciated.

[@McMaxW]

Thats one sharp lens! I will totally buy it if I find it.

[@VintageOptiks]

I agree! Super sharp lens for sure!

[@davehandelman2832]

I love this channel so much!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!!!

[@1kwords]

Looks like a stunner!

[@VintageOptiks]

Great lens indeed!!

[@watersignphotography]

Another informative video and great lens!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much Matt!

[@HaraldEngels]

I own two versions of this lens. Although I prefer the Olympus 50mm f3.5 macro lens (because of the better micro-contrast and its stunning sharpness) I agree, that these Minolta 50mm macro lenses are a great addition to most vintage lens collections. And the price is still great. So if you have a chance to grab one, do not hesitate.

[@VintageOptiks]

I agree, the price of these vintage Minolta macro lenses is still very affordable and they deliver fantastic image quality!! Great addition to anyone’s kit! Looking forward to testing the Olympus 50mm macro in the future.

[@Tintara369]

​@@VintageOptiks Hey, have you tested the Oly 50mm f3.5 macro and how would it compare to the Minolt? I have both lenses and they are equally stunning, but my Minolta seems sharper than the Oly.

[@VintageOptiks]

Hi! Yes I did test the Oly 50mm macro, and it’s definitely a very good lens, but I do prefer the Minolta. For me it’s not so much a sharpness issue (because both lenses are very sharp), but I prefer the Minolta for its colors.

[@sclogse1]

It's taken me till now, after watching the end of this to realize the boys in charge of the Elements in The Fifth Element, or I should say, the Mondoshawan's heads, are modeled after fly heads.

[@VintageOptiks]

haha, I never realized that until you mentioned it. I love that movie.

[@DavidArayaRapacesdeCostaRica]

I got this lens only because of this amazing video!!!!

[@VintageOptiks]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the video! And I’m excited for you to use this macro lens! It’s superb!

[@MrSocrate86]

I own this lens on a minolta XE-1 and a sony A6000, I confirm that it is an exceptional macro lens. Most Minolta lenses today are even very high-end lenses with impeccable rendering.

[@VintageOptiks]

Glad to that you also find the optics of this lens to be exceptional! It’s a fantastic vintage lens! Cheers!

[@ryanbeer5262]

The bee shot is awesome. These vintage macros are incredible. I have an early Nikkor 55 3.5, often it's the only lens I go out with.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!! I agree that vintage macro lenses are really special! They are super sharp and yet still very affordable. Who needs modern lenses? :) I also have one of the early micro Nikkors. Mine is the the Micro Nikkor P.C Auto 55mm f3.5. Fantastic lens as well! And still super cheap.

[@samsen3965]

My great surprise, if not pure admiration is for this particular focal length, i.e. 50-ish mm and F 3.5 or 4-ish that makes a small glass lens with a big funnel front body and abnormally incredible image quality, no matter which giant manufacturer makes it. I guess the secret ingredient of all these Macro FL lenses is in their simple small design that has hit the sweet spot of optical physics. As simple as that! Even there are third party lenses here that are incredibly nice and desirable, but at slightly higher focal length and faster aperture, namely the two world-class heroes of the class, such as Tamron's famous Tank lens, 90mm F2.5 (52B -All metal- or 52BB -the newer version, Plasticy! but same optical miracle) then that Vivitar's nobility (The version that was made by Tokina - Those that their serial number starts with "37***") also known as Bokina! Vivitar Seris-1 Macro 90mm F2.5... And among the "All Great Macro Lenses" named initially, it is very difficult to call one as the ultimate best or more superior as everyone the giant manufacturer have made their great remark, but by a small margin of merit (Barely noticeable by a non-technical eye) and IMHO, I would like to call Pentax's Takumar Super Macro 50mm F4 or Olympus' 50mm F3.5, a tad (And emphasis on ONLY A TAD) superior to others. Again don't forget the great Macro lenses exist up to 135mm FL with a lot of great choice in 60-90mm FL ranges, nevertheless, each one of these great lenses is capable of doing the task in near-perfect optical condition. So irrespective of brand, get your vintage macro lens and enjoy a lot more than the expensive newer versions as this is one field in that AF is absolutely of no use and you can be really happy with the vintage lens, if you get a clean good copy, in a right price.

[@VintageOptiks]

Agree 100%!! There are a ton of great vintage macro lenses, and the 50-55mm ones can be found for ridiculously cheap prices, especially when compared to modern AF plastic lenses. And as you mentioned, AF is of no use in macro photography. I'm a huge fan of vintage macro lenses. Their versatility, affordable prices and amazing resolving power can't be beat!

[@nikolinkageorgieva2022]

Super video 👏👍

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!!🙏

[@samsisamsi951]

great video, tx

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@MrMftech]

Got this one - the MC version, very useful, you could use it as a regular 50mm and as a Macro lens.

[@VintageOptiks]

That’s awesome!!

[@jude979]

Ever compared it to the Konica 55mm macro? , excellent review as per usual 👍🏾🏆

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!! I have the Konica 55mm macro, but haven't fully tested it yet. Will definitely review it some time in the future.

[@johnirby493]

There is no such thing as an MD mount. It's an SR mount. The term MD is a lens design that came out when the XD series was released. The prior design was MC lenses which were used on SRT cameras through XE series cameras.

[@johnarmstrong5727]

I have owned this lens since 2001 but it has little use for years since my change to a nikon dslr in 2010 it will be in use again when I buy a Fx2 in the future.

[@wombatandoli3222]

Sharp!!!!

[@VintageOptiks]

For sure!!

[@yurypisar347]

This lens is quite inspiring.)

[@VintageOptiks]

Agreed!

[@nelmassachs]

Hi, great photos. Is there a difference betweenn the MD from 1977 and the MD from 1981? thanks!

[@VintageOptiks]

Hello and thank you! Optically speaking there is no difference between the 2 lenses. They have the same optical design. The only difference will be in their coatings, with the later lens having more sophisticated coatings. But other than that they are basically the same lens. Cheers!

[@nathanm5051]

I have watched this video and another one (Tokina macro 90mm). Both are great and informative! May I know: if macro can do close up and normal 50mm, then why macro is not as 'popular' as normal lens? Among the six types of Minolta you mentioned in this video, which one is the best to get? Lastly, if you can only keep one macro, which one you will keep, and why? Thank you!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the videos. Regarding your questions: 1. The reason 50mm macro lenses are not as widely used as normal 50mm lenses is probably because macro lenses are usually not that fast. Their widest aperture is either f3.5 or f2.8. But normal 50mm lenses can be much faster - f1.4, f1.2 or even f0.95 (like the Canon "Dream" lens). And for that reason many photographers find fast normal lenses much more desirable. Especially back in the day when everyone was shooting film and fast lenses meant that you can take shots in poor lighting conditions. These days when most people are shooting digital, having fast lenses is not that important, but people like them because of their smooth bokeh. 2. From the 6 version of this lens I would recommend the latest one (the one I have), because it's the lightest and has the best coatings. 3. If I can keep only one macro lens it will be the Tokina ATX 90mm f2.5 I hope this helps. Cheers!

[@nathanm5051]

@@VintageOptiks Many thanks for your detailed reply. It answered my questions all! Yes, I saw your comments about "never sell this Tokina ATX 90mm f2.5". Those images you show are truely sharp. Enjoy that video very much too :).

[@archie_en]

Балдею от chapters и музыки

[@reeve7929]

Would you suggest this lens with the 1:1 extension for use in scanning film using a mirrorless camera?

[@VintageOptiks]

Yeah sure. This lens will serve you well for any task that requires flat field precision work.

[@KajiRider1997]

So the x2 macro converters don't work? because that's what I got now

[@usmalibu]

Awesome videos! Thank you for such a good videos that make us try something new. Do you think you could find a way to adapt Yashica 45mm f1.8 from Yashica 1C Lynx 5000E 35mm Film Camera as well as UVTOPCOR 53mm f2.0 from TOPCON UNI 35mm SLR?

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy the videos. Regarding the two lenses - I know that people have found a way to adapt the Yashica 45mm f1.8. I personally haven't done it. If you Google it, you will find some info. And the UV Topcor from the Topcon UNI - I don't have experience with that lens. I know it uses the Topcon UV mount and the lens has a leaf shutter. So you will need to open the leaf shutter and leave it permanently open, so you can use the lens. And then you have to find a way to make a mount that fits on the Topcon UV on one side and on the other side has to fit your camera mount. It is also important what kind of camera you are using, because not every camera mount makes senses for these types of DIY projects. I made a bunch of DIY videos that can give you an idea of my approach. Not sure if you saw them. Cheers!

[@usmalibu]

@@VintageOptiks Thank you very much for your info!

[@rodolphenavarro4253]

An other very very nice review. Is the minolta better than zuiko 50 mm macro ?

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!! I haven’t had the chance to put put the Zuiko 50mm macro to the test yet. Sometimes in the future. So many lenses 😀

[@HUNrobar]

Hi! Do you know what is the working distance at 1:2 and 1:1? (measured from the edge of the lens)

[@howardecheverry2819]

Buen día. Excelente contenido, las pruebas macro las hiciste con el tubo de extensión?

[@VintageOptiks]

¡Gracias! No, solo usé la lente sola, sin tubo de extensión.

[@JuanBuhler]

Always great to have some coffee and a Vintage Optiks video in the morning :) This is a great lens, I have the MC version from 1977, and actually made a video about it a few months ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqfSln-gn9SNm6s I was actually surprised at how good this lens looks through the EVF, amazing for a 3.5 aperture.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you Juan! :) I just saw your video of the MC version! Really nice work! It's an excellent macro lens. I was really surprised at the sharpness and the great colors! Fantastic lens that is still quite cheap. Another gem from Minolta!

[@no1slisteninganyway]

Great video. In this and other videos you tell us the number of lenses and groups. Like 6 lenses in 4 groups. I don't know how to interpret those numbers into something meaningful. Is it just information or is there something important there?

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you. The reason I show the lens diagram is to give visual representation of what the design of the lens looks like if we take away the body. Knowing the design of the lens can help you determine if a lens has cemented elements or not, and how each element is positioned, which can be very helpful if you are considering dismantling and cleaning a lens. Showing the lens diagram also might be interesting to people who are studying lens design and are curious about the construction of vintage lenses. Unfortunately I can’t always find the lens diagram for every lens I review, but I try my best to give as much information as possible.

[@slr7075]

Versus the Canon FD 50mm f/3.5 Macro?

[@VintageOptiks]

I reviewed the FD S.S.C 50mm Macro about a year ago. Another amazing vintage lens that is also very inexpensive for what it can do. Both lenses can focus down to 23cm and both lenses are very sharp even wide open. And they both give you 1:2 magnification without the added adapter. Picking one is very difficult. The main difference for me will be build quality - the FD S.S.C is made all out of metal and this version of the Minolta MD Macro has some plastic parts. But the Minolta is lighter by about 70 grams. So it just depends on what is more important to you - all metal construction or a lighter but more plasticky body. When it comes to image quality both lenses are fantastic and you can't go wrong with either one.

[@sharkpyro93]

i don't understand the helicoid adapter part, i just have a regular MD-fuji adapter and got this lens with his extension rings in the mail, does that mean i cannot close macro?

[@VintageOptiks]

The helicoid adapters are like normal adapters but they can extend via the helicoid, thus bringing the lens further away from the sensor and allowing you to focus even closer. And you can do that with all kinds of lenses not just macro lenses. I made a whole video on the subject. But the adapters I have are for Sony. Not sure if they make them for Fuji. But don’t worry, with this Minolta macro lens and extension rings you can take all the macro photos you want. You don’t need the helicoid adapter. Cheers!

[@sharkpyro93]

@@VintageOptiks i see, thanks

[@sclogse1]

Today, Sept. 15, 2024, $35. with the 1 to 1 adapter. Thank you ebay.

[@VintageOptiks]

Amazing deal! Enjoy!

[@f1remandg]

U.K. current price £99 extension for 1to1 £50 so £150 for the full set! DG

[@VintageOptiks]

Wow that is definitely way more expensive than the prices in the US. I’ll suggest checking often on eBay if you really want this lens, because prices can be all over the place.

[@f1remandg]

@@VintageOptiks Hi I have and eBay is who I use as it’s so easy and there are protections in place that make it very secure no matter what the occasional individual try’s to get away with, overall I’ve had very little issues over the many years. I’ve just watched your first video on the Pentax, average price here £250 but it is a fast lens and Pentax do make good lens, for all that they aren’t revered as much. Interesting changes that you’ve made to your presentation, it’s good and now, very slick with a nonsense approach, that still retains warmth and genuine passion for the Art of photography, I will be recommending your posts, as well as watching all the others. I have my favourites, either because they are really putting in the effort or just because they know what they’re talking about, even those that are a bit Ferrari! If you get my drift. Don’t stop, you’ll get more light if you open up more! DG cheers!

[@oneone8318]

Hey, i just got this lens from the post office. However my adapter does not extend and retract as yours, what impact will this have on the photography possibilities? What is the "infinity" that you mentioned? Also is it normal that that i had to change some settings to make the lens work? it was saying something first like lens not supported and told me to change settings.

[@VintageOptiks]

Hey no worries. You don’t need a helicoid adapter like the one I have. Any normal Minolta to Sony adapter works well with this lens. The helicoid adapter I have makes sense with non-macro lenses, but in this case your lens already extends a lot more than a normal lens, so a normal adapter works great. Yes, when you attach vintage lenses you do need to change some settings on your digital camera, because the camera doesn’t recognize the lens. Hope this helps. Good luck and have fun!

[@Xenion29]

Hi, sorry to ask here but, im new in the camera/lens world, i just bought a sony nex 5r, but im interested in macro photography, the question is, i have looked at a really cheap but good to start lens, the Vivitar 100mm f3.5 MC macro, with 1:1 magnification i think its really good for 60€ that i found, i was wondering what adapter would i need for it, and if it would have any problem as its not originally made for the sony

[@VintageOptiks]

Hi, no worries. I am happy to help with your question. Vivitar made lenses with a lot of different mounts, such as Canon FD, Nikon F, Minolta MD and others. Sometimes they will put a few letters on the lens barrel, as an indicator of the lens mount, but on the macro lens you mentioned I don't see one. So if you can send me a few photos of the lens barrel especially the side with the aperture ring and a good photo of the back of the lens, I should be able to tell you what mount is your lens. And once you know the mount, you can then get the necessary adapter for your Sony camera. Also you will not have any problems using it on Sony. I only use Sony cameras to adapt all my vintage lenses. Here is my e-mail: [e-mail]

[@Xenion29]

@@VintageOptiks thank you very much! I sure will, thank you for the help

[@Autotelias]

Hola! Sabes si es compatible con una sony a58? Gracias

[@VintageOptiks]

¡Hola! Personalmente, no tengo experiencia con esta cámara, pero he leído que es compatible con lentes Minolta.

[@prasanthkrishnan235]

Is the min focus distance 23cm only while using helicoid adapter?

[@VintageOptiks]

The minimum focusing distance of the lens is 23cm. If you use a helicoid adapter it’s even shorter.

[@sclogse1]

One would think using an adapter for digital would get you close to 1/1..

[@VintageOptiks]

Unfortunately the adapter doesn’t get you to 1:1. The adapter simply puts the lens at the correct distance to the sensor. If you want to get 1:1 results you’ll need the additional 1:1 extension.

[@sclogse1]

@@VintageOptiks Too bad they (ebay sellers)all want too much to ship the 1:1 adapter...

[@VintageOptiks]

Yeah that’s unfortunate

[@hansemannluchter643]

​@@sclogse1 Do you ever ship internationally? It's not cheap, unless you are based in Hong Kong..

[@oneone8318]

Could i use this with sony a6000? or does it need the full frame sensor like in a7? #Vintage Optiks. Also what do you think would be a good price for this when included the extension part.

[@VintageOptiks]

Sorry I didn't get a chance to reply earlier, but from your other comment I figured that you already bought one! Hope you got it for a good price. You can definitely use this lens on your Sony a6000. There will be a bit of a crop, since the a6000 has an APSC sensor (cropped sensor) and not a full-frame sensor, but that is not an issue at all. You just need to get a Minolta MD to Sony E adaptor and you are ready to rock and roll!! Have fun!!

[@oneone8318]

@@VintageOptiks yeah i ordered the adaptor too.. i hope it is the right one.

[@brianwhiteside]

Your information is is great. The variety of lens reviews is great too. Please fix your monotonous voice. Everything else spot on.

[@1redgate8]

The voice is partly what makes this channel...🙃