My Experience with the Minolta 28mm f2 8 M-Rokkor

I recently picked up a Minolta 28mm f2.8 M-Rokkor for my Leica M240 and wanted to share my experience. The lens suffers from a separation problem, which I had assumed was a problem commonly called white dots. Images created with the lens come out flat with a significant bloom across highlights. The closest comparison I could make is using a Tiffen Pro-mist filter.

[@bumi5178]

There are two different and distinct problems common with M-Rokkor 28mm lenses. Yours has both. What the seller described as separation is actually schneideritis. It's a case of black paint around the lens elements peeling off at some places and thus creating the white bubbles. This is a relatively benign thing and does not actually affect the image quality, or if it does, its impact is minimal. The problem is only cosmetic and can easily be fixed by a professional. A layperson, however, won't be able to take the lens apart without the proper tools and/or skills. Also lens separation is a wholly different issue and does not look like this. Although you could argue that the seller meant paint separation, in which case they're technically correct. The second problem is the smaller spots visible in the middle of the glass. They look almost greasy and are not white. This is what is giving your images a lack of contrast and sharpness. If I'm not mistaken, this is actually the glass undergoing corrosion. It seems the seller chose to either omit this bit of information or was not able to differentiate the two issues. This was a known problem by Minolta in the 80s and they offered free repairs at the time. There are some people who do repairs on these lenses these days, but depending on how far the corrosion has gone, results may be unsatisfactory.

[@ShawnPBruce]

Wow, great information. Yeah, the seller provided little info. Just said it was suffering from a separation issue and that image quality wasn’t affected. Fascinating.

[@MrNep2une]

At 2:15 ...the Minolta looks like it was shot on some Agfa or Konica negative film. Looks so good! I love the low contrast and slight cyan tint. It's not good for high contrast scene or landscapes but it shines with portraits! Maybe the lens can use a CLA but as a people lens it works really well.

[@tubecorr]

You're absolutely spot on with that description. It really is like having a permanent pro-mist attached. My copy of this lens has very minimal white spots but the diffusion effect still shows up from time to time. Not a dealbreaker for me.

[@ShawnPBruce]

Thanks! Yeah, I’m in the same boat. It’s not a dealbreaker for me. It is unique though.

[@Oblivlawls]

I really like how to the point your videos are, you provide really concise information.

[@ShawnPBruce]

Thanks! I try to make it concise. There's nothing like watching a 15 minute video that could have been five minutes.

[@nathan_woodgate]

I have one of those lenses and managed to strip it down and clean it, now works like a dream. What you forgot to mention was the annoyance of the lens not displaying the 28mm frame lines on a Leica M body.

[@ShawnPBruce]

Oh, I may have to see about getting mine cleaned. Oddly enough, I find the image kind of charming. I can't see the 28mm frame lines with my glasses anyway. I don't think I have any chipped lenses, so I've just been switching the lens in the menu.

[@MarcoAries]

The more vintage lenses I try and review, the more I'm convinced that the brand doesn't really matter. If you like using it and the how the pictures turn out, who cares what name is printed on it? Same goes for separation, scratches, even fungus. But that's just my opinion. Anyway, I enjoyed the video, keep it up!

[@ShawnPBruce]

Thanks! I'm in the same boat. I love this Minolta even though it's not perfect. I have the 7Artisans 35mm f1.2 for my Fuji kit and it's not a great lens, but I love it too. I love the character that comes from these lenses.

[@sclogse1]

Not sure but yours looks rangefinder. BTW, I have the Celtic Minolta 135mm 2.8, and it has amazing sharpness. I paid 30 bucks for it and I highly recommend you find the right seller and right lens. I own a number of Fuji primes, and this is now like a favorite child. You stop down a bit and this will blow you away.

[@richardmayberry5905]

I have one with the Minolta MD mount for my SRT-101 that I’ve used for the past 50 years that has given me flawless service, so I’m guessing that a “healthy” copy could work quite nicely on a Leica. 😁

[@ShawnPBruce]

You’re giving me hope to find a new copy. I’ve still been using this one though. It produces such unique images.

[@Bbarm97]

the wobble you have can be fixed easily. the front group does not have separation is has a specific haze. In my experience this lens does not suffer from schneidereitis but has small circular haze build up on the glass that reflects on the black paint and looks like schneidereitis. The front group can be removed and the glass too but by a very good craftsman who can cut the edge with a fine saw. I did this yesterday after buying this lens after watching your video. I have a decade of camera repair experience and even for me it was challenging to work that precisely while cutting. I am located in Austria if you ever wish to get it serviced.

[@ShawnPBruce]

Thanks for your comment. I actually just use the lens when I want some extra character in my photos. Otherwise I use a different 28mm. I appreciate the offer. Will keep you in mind if/when I decided to get it repaired.

[@Bbarm97]

@@ShawnPBruce the wobble you can fix yourself! in the back you will see that there are two retaining rings, one around the back element and one outer ring with two notches, using two flathead screwdrivers, or better a lens spanner wrench you can tighten it, doesnt need to be too tight just enough to not wobble. its a cheap fix and id recommend doing it

[@codiecrieg2480]

Leica summar had the same problem back in 1937 and it doesnt effect photo in my opoinion

[@q-town7459]

Cool lens but what's the link/info on them overalls? I want me a pair!!!!

[@ShawnPBruce]

Haha they’re from Patagonia. They’re the Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Bib Overalls. www.patagonia.com/product/mens-iron-forge-hemp-canvas-bib-overalls-regular/55050.html

[@q-town7459]

@@ShawnPBruce Aw snap! Don't make me get a pair but I'm going to keep Teddy Grahams and fruit snacks in that zip pocket up top.

[@ShawnPBruce]

😂😂😂

[@ShawnPBruce]

😂😂😂

[@kyu_273]

compared to Pentax-M SMC 28mm f/2.8?

[@ShawnPBruce]

Although I have a Pentax system as well, I've never actually used the 28mm for K mount. I've never tried to adapt a K mount lens to my M body before either. Sorry, I wish I could be more helpful here.

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

I just sold one for 10 dollars

[@ShawnPBruce]

Whoa!