Minolta MC Rokkor 55mm f1.7 Review - Extremely Affordable Vintage Lens

Minolta MC Rokkor 55mm f1.7 lens:
Go look for it on eBay or on fleamarkets. You should be able to get one for around $30-$50.
K&F Concept Lens Mount Adapter for Minolta MD MC Lens to Sony NEX E-Mount Camera (the one seen in this video):
amzn.to/2fCl5lB
The most affordable full frame camera in the world, which also happens to be one of the smallest and lightest, is my current go-to camera: The Sony A7
amzn.to/2vsEGdE
I film my KZbin videos with an iPhone 7 Plus (not the best video camera but I always have it with me):
amzn.to/2wSvAV7
----------------------
Background music:
Serene Story 1 by August Wilhelmsson - thank you August!
Disclosure:
Some of the links above are affiliate links, so if you want to support the future of this channel, use them when purchasing stuff, thanks :)
----------------------
Contact Micael:
[e-mail]
Follow Micael on Instagram:
/ mwroll
Follow Micael on 500px:
500px.com/mwroll/

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

It is a wonderful lens. I’ve adapted mine to Fujifilm, and it makes a great portrait lens on APSC. Nice, sincere review. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions.

[@KajiRider1997]

I got mine from a nice Indonesian man for free. I cherish every moment with it and am currently using it on my Fujifilm X-M1, temporarely replacing my Leice Summicron 50mm f2 DR lens. which compared to that one weighs a ton. I took some really good photos with this lens so far and I am loving it. Its crisp and has so epic bokeh. Sadly though I got a bunch of unused M42 prime lenses which need some love too. I am also waiting for a chance at buying a Minolta X700 or a older semi-professional minolta SLR second hand. Because that was the camera it was paired with originally (the bag had all the x700 stuff except the camera. Also Leica stuff) And the main reason why I am watching your video is to see if people agree with me

[@alangamble3236]

It’s 2023 and I am fortunate to have purchased this lens with a Minolta SRT101 for £35! I have coupled mine with an adaptor to an Olympus OMD EM1 and are getting some very good images ( in my amateur opinion). The colours from this lens are noticeably richer than some modern lenses that I have. As you say the build quality is fantastic, the focus ring is really smooth a joy to use.

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for sharing. Yes this lens is a joy!

[@florinmatthew1]

The most relaxing lens review :)

[@EmilyClaireRussell]

Found one on ebay for $25 and I use it on all three of my cameras: Minolta X-370, Canon T2i, and my magic lantern hacked EOS M. This lens is incredible. Great for cinematic video, beautiful 35mm, and plain old DSLR--all in one.

[@a.m.creativ]

I just picked one of these beauties up at a local market for cheap. It's razor sharp on my Sony a7ii with a Neewer adapter. Thank goodness for mirrorless cameras which don't require adapters with extra glass elements in them. Adapted lenses work very well on my Sony and I couldn't be happier.

[@sharifsalem]

Just put mine onto my a7iii today and the images are just spectacular in low light wide open with gorgeous bokeh. Images are far superior than my copy of the rokkor 50mm 1.4 which surprised me. I could recommend this lens to anyone looking for an inexpensive fast 50/55mm manual lens to adapt to mirrorless cameras.

[@dorkis44]

Could I get a couple pic examples?

[@sharifsalem]

@@dorkis44 I’ll have to dig it out, it’s been a while since I used it.

[@dorkis44]

@@sharifsalem I appreciate the effort, but don't worry about it. I was able to find a few sample images online

[@oliverspecht2073]

Absolutely my experience. I also got the 1.4 and thought it would be better because of the light intensity. It is a complete disappointment compared to the 1.7. I bought a second one as a backup.

[@ChristianWitzelBech]

It's a great lens. I have one myself and I just love the bokeh and the ease of use.

[@marioflores7778]

Excellent review, with a lot of passion about the old glass

[@davidhefner5668]

I just bought a Minolta SRT 201 with a 400mm, Rokkor 28mm, 55mm, a 400mm, and a 70-210 zoom with Vivatar flash and carrying case for $10.00. Unbelievable. Can't wait to play with it. My other cameras are a Nikon FT3 and a Nikon D5600. I recently bought microscope lenses for the D5600. My plan is to flip-flop the Rokkor lenses for macro. But for $10.00 I'm really lucky on those purchases.

[@edit_by_tony]

I use the SONY A6000 with the following Minolta Rokkor lens MD 24mm f2.8; MC 28mm f2.8; MC 50mm f1.4 PG; MD 50mm f1.7; MD 100mm f2.5; Vivitar Series 1 70-210 f3.5 Macro Focusing Auto Zoom (Version 1) bought them all new so I've owned them for over 40 years. I love the fact they are all manual focus.

[@jonathangift13]

lol your sound so excited reviewing this. great video btw

[@Pepepowah]

Looks pretty good, might actually getting one. Thanks for the reviews!

[@ohjajohh]

I already have a Rokkor PG 50 1.4 but now I'm able to pick this 55mm f1.7 up for cheap.... I probably don't need it, but still I might buy it :)

[@scottbtorell]

I just won a bid on one of these lenses which I'll attach to my a6000! I'm looking forward to gathering a few of these vintage lenses -- I'd like to check out Sweden some day too as my great grandparents immigrated from there in the late 1800's

[@MicaelWidell]

Congrats on getting one :) It is so much fun for so little money! Yeah, a lot of people emigrated. I have some relatives as well who went on the boat from Gothenburg to New York. I recommend visiting Sweden between June to August, it is the most beautiful then.

[@briansavage932]

Your lens should have a stop between 1.7 and 2.8. Also, my copy's aperture ring is rock solid with no play.

[@danilireland1]

Thank you for the wonderful review of the lens! It made me order it on eBay a few days ago together with the adapter. I have a question about the adapter - how do you find it on 7a? Is it nice and firm? Is it flimsy? Better / worse than other adapters? Thanks in advance.

[@MicaelWidell]

The adapter that is in the video I find very nice and firm on my A7. I can recommend it!

[@dandanu2526]

You got me thinking... now, I wonder if there are major differences between panasonic and olympus in terms of this focal. Honestly, I don't think between zuiko 14-42 and Lumix 14-42 there are big differences. Am I wrong?

[@robwoolf6872]

I have both lenses, and to be honest the Sony is way sharper and resolves far more. I enjoy the MD when walking around, but if i'm doing a serious landscape image the Minolta doesn't resolve enough or isn't sharp enough. Love the MD's though and have 28, 45 ,50 135 and 200mm

[@samsen3965]

I have a question for you as others report a significant "Swirling bokeh" with this lens, almost par with Helios 44m but you don't mention or show any image that elaborate on that. So what do get with it? Swirling bokeh is a feature of this nice lens or only creamy cat eye bokeh? Thanks.

[@WardWardoTongen]

Micael, I understand that because of the flange-focal-distance of Minolta SR lenses all adapters for DSLR cameras either contain an optical element which will reduce image quality a lot or you lose infinity focus. Do you know if this true? I would like to adapt one of these lenses to my Canon 77D. can you identify an adapter that would work well in this situation? Your advice would be much appreciated.

[@jammagaming1205]

My dad found his old lenses, one of them was a Sigma 70-210mm f4-f5.6 uc and I want to use it on my canon 1300d. What adapter do I need?

[@thecreaturefpv9295]

beautiful

[@MrZipmt]

Thanks!

[@andrewgach7363]

Hi! Would this lens work on a DX Nikon D7100?? I've heard of problems with infinity focusing?

[@MicaelWidell]

I have no idea. Maybe someone else knows?

[@heroaomedia]

Are you still enjoying this lens? I have a set of Pre-AI Nikons and I love them but they can be a bit busy with the Bokeh. How long is the focus throw on this lens? Also, curious what other vintage lenses you've enjoyed or found sharper? Cheers!

[@MicaelWidell]

I don't have that many vintage lenses - this is still my favorite :) Focus throw not that long (don't remember exactly) but it is still easy to focus manually I would say.

[@williammurray6921]

What size is the filter thread please. I want to reverse fit to a Canon 700DEOS

[@MicaelWidell]

Please google it, I don’t remember. Think it might be 52mm.

[@snowhite1qazse4]

I ordered this on ebay and waiting to test it for my GFX... Im skeptical how could this cover FF or medium format sensor because it is too small of a glass...

[@MicaelWidell]

It is made for full frame. Not sure about GFX coverage. Ever heard of pancake lenses?

[@snowhite1qazse4]

@@MicaelWidell Thanks... Will check it out later. There are article on "minolta x GFX" in google, so I got interested

[@daetmarian]

Hi, Is this lens possible to be attached to my fujifilm xa3 digital camera? if in case what adapter you can recommend?

[@MicaelWidell]

Definitely possible. Sorry I don’t know a specific adapter. I think K&F concept probably makes it, and their adapters are good.

[@marcelofuzatto9065]

Did you test it for macro photography?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes it works quite well reversed. I think I have a video on Mathieu Sterns channel where I use it for macro.

[@adamL58]

It is possible to install it in a Canon 80d?

[@hassannassif9464]

Add HD78 yes, I already have it on my 80d using Fotasy adapter, works great, it’s way better than original canon 50mm 1.8

[@westdk6705]

Radioactiv??

[@MicaelWidell]

I don’t think so