The Ultimate Dream Lens for the Fujifilm GFX: The Minolta 58mm f1.2

[@petervanderham4725]

The Minolta 135 would be cool to review!

[@daygon128]

Strongly considering it for the next video!

[@vivangreco1710]

My main goto camera is a Sony A7ii with a Konica hexanon 57 1.2 vintage lens. It almost never leaves 1.2. When I'm not shooting digital, I'm shooting with my tank, an RB67. Dreamy shallow depth of field just feels magical to me. I've owned the Nikon 55 1.2 and the Canon 58 1.2 and 55 1.2. I've never gotten to shoot the Rokkor, but I'd love to try it.

[@daygon128]

It's worth every penny. I don't think there is any real difference optically between the versions so new or old you can't go wrong!

[@gedwardjones]

I have two 58mm f1.4 lenses. I put them in front of every camera I own. Supposedly the 1.2 is better, but it costs 4x as much. Old Rokkors are a goldmine and still affordable.

[@NeoPlatina2009]

You should try to adapt a Voigtlander 50mm f1.0 on GFX. It's equivalent to a 40mm f0.8 on the 50R. It's an amazing lens.

[@oliverstealth9649]

Thanks for the video on a GFX. I use the 58 since 1979 for my cameras (24x36). It is a real germ - love that look - that other lenses not have.

[@antontaranenko8824]

Thank you for the nice review ☺️ Just one addition to the information for this lens, it has thoriated glass (containing thorium oxide), it makes glass with high refractive index reducing the size if the optical elements, but giving the lens radioactivity... It is not a massive radiation to be afraid off, but I would suggest not to keep the lens on the camera body all the time, as radiation in theory might cause damaged pixels on the sensor... Jus attach it when shooting, and remove when not storing...😊

[@daygon128]

I never knew that thanks for the tip Anton!

[@antontaranenko8824]

@@daygon128 There is a list if the radioactive vintage lenses out there in the internet... You can also spot it by yellow tint to the glass when looking through, caused by radioactive decay of thorium affecting glass molecular structure... You can easily remove yellowing by prolonged exposure to the UV light, sun or led UV torch... Sometimes you can buy vintage lenses with big discount due to yellowed glass, and easily fix it with UV 😉👍

[@Mr_Quimper]

You had me at SquareSpace.

[@daygon128]

😂😂

[@dawster1949]

A subscribe from me based on this video alone! I like your no-nonsense approach - lots of useful tips there, and giving Jonas Rask a mention adds to your credibility for me - an excellent photographer with huge knowledge and passion for Fujifilm. But, above all, your images are breathtaking! Truly inspiring…I’m looking forward to your future reviews.

[@daygon128]

Thank you very much and new vids will be up soon!

[@westontennyson8520]

Have you taken a look at the gimmerglass line from Tiffen? You get the blooming highlights with minimal effects to sharpness and contrast. I would reccomend getting one of the stronger versions as the effect can be quite subtle.

[@rwheeler6765]

I have a GFX 100 ii with a 23mm, 110mm, 32-64. I am considering the Pentax 300mm f/5.6 smc FA 645 ED (if) lens. Specs, ratings, and comments from Pentax forum is ver favorable. If you are looking to review a long lens, please consider. I will let you know if I do purchase it.

[@SilvioRusmigo]

Awesome video, thank you for putting this together. Only thing I would kindly ask, is a little less on the negativity of random people, it spreads negativity to others, I mean who cares about them in the end of the day. Looking forward to more!

[@jean-micheldupont1150]

Your portaits look awesome! I have the same lens and love it, mine has no play so there may be an issue with yours or your adapter. However, I had a cheap adapter ( to Sony E ) which developed some play after some time so I invested in a good quality one from Novoflex and it's still rock solid after 2 years.

[@daygon128]

Thank you! I think it's the Fotodiox adapter because I've got a K&F Concept adapter for my contact lenses that has no play at all.

[@paulyan1946]

Great video, Corey. 👍 For your information, there were three iterations of the MInolta Rokkor 58/1.2: - MC-I (as depicted in the ad, with flat serrated focus ring) 1968~70, all metal built, radioactive with thoriated glass elements in the rear group; - MC-II (hills-and-valleys focus ring as yours) 1970~73, all metal built, serial number below around #2568000 are radioactive; - MC-X (= MC-III) 1973~1976, all metal built with focus ring clad in rubber waffles, no plastics inside. Succeeded by the MC Rokkor-PG 50/1.4. I'd love to watch your review on the Minolta Tele Rokkor 135/2.8 + GFX 50R combo. That should make a lovely portrait setup too. All the best to you and your photography! 🙏

[@jorgegomez-pi6fg]

Mine is all metal with SN 2580XXX. It is clearly one of the very last ones made.

[@nathanm5051]

Great video and efforts. Very informative---to the point with essential details. Subscribed :).

[@valuedcustomer9614]

The Minolta 58mm f/1.2 lens was first released in 1968 and slightly revised in 1970. The third version with the rubber focus ring cover was released in 1973 and actually weighs slightly more than the first versions. It contains no plastic parts and is all metal other than the focus ring cover. All versions are "MC" (meter coupled) and it was never updated to a later "MD" version, instead being replaced by a new 50mm f/1.2 in 1978.

[@jhhayden]

You had me at "Not sponsored by Squarespace"! Beautiful images. As a suggestion, I wouldn't mind seeing how you go from the original raw to final image. A video about your process would be interesting.

[@daygon128]

Thank you John and I do plan on making a video about my editing process so stay tuned!

[@heyjakers]

The only real visual differences I’ve found between MC and MD lenses is the older all-metal lenses seem to in general have lower contrast and color rendering. I own both and love both, I find myself choosing the MD lenses more often though.

[@daygon128]

Same I use the MD lenses more due to weight. They seem lighter and if I'm shooting all day I prefer them!

[@patrickcollins7405]

GFX content and Skyrim soundtrack? Subscribed.

[@daygon128]

Thank you! More vids soon!!

[@jasonbokar7482]

Would love to see more about all the Minoltas. I kick myself for giving away my old Minolta camera from the 1980's... I had a couple good lenses back then. Particularly interested in the 50 1.4 since it's more in my budget range now (after buying a 50sii and one Fuji lens! 🙂 )

[@daygon128]

Ok I'll look into doing a comparison video of the 50 1.4 and this lens!

[@nathanm5051]

This is really an awesome one, and you have demonstrated great photos here. I am wondering how do you compare this early-built version with the later-built version (with MC, not all metal,...) of the sametype/model of lens. Thank you.

[@daygon128]

Thank you! The newer plastic body version of the 58mm is the same optical design but with slightly better coating. The only downside is the outer body will wear down a bit more than it's older metal counterpart, but that's mostly on the focusing grip which is prone to cracking. If you find a good deal on one of the newer models I wouldn't hesitate to get it!

[@williamnorton1569]

Very informative. I'm lucky enough to own one - first generation.

[@sclogse1]

The music is ALMOST like the score to Guy Maddin's Heart Of The World.

[@daygon128]

Skyrim Soundtrack!

[@132indo]

amazing lens, not super sharp but the bokeh is dreamy and its has a solid build that aids in dampening camera shake on low shutter speeds

[@gertjanhox]

I love this video, thanks so much man. Really inspiring

[@RTI_MD]

having owned both variants of the lenses, also having them CLA'ed myself - I can assure you the latest iteration with the rubber focus ring has no plastic in it, build quality is the same.

[@IrvinJeBitoon]

I actually like the vision and direction of the images you produce for this lens and camera. I have a similar set up but am still lost on how to maximize the Fuji GFX 50sII and the Hawkeye.

[@daygon128]

Thank you! In my experience the raw files from the GFX are very bland. I always start with a preset, whether from someone else or one that I've made, then I make small adjustments. One thing I didn't mention is that it's very important to correct the lens distortion in Lightroom or Camera Raw. If taking close up portraits sometimes it will have that distorted fisheye effect making faces look wider so it can be corrected. Definitely consider adding contrast to the images with a curve adjustment. That, along with sharpening the face and eyes goes a long way with making the portraits stand out. Hope that helps and thanks so much for watching!

[@IrvinJeBitoon]

@@daygon128 thank you! I will try that tomorrow. I look forward to your future videos.

[@stoicavictor653]

Maybe it's time to try some Konica Hexanon lenses? On FF I always thought of Konica lenses being Minolta on steroids.

[@MrMftech]

Got both Konica and Minolta, more punch (contrast) and color with the Hexanon, considering the price asked for those I bought both. Check the Hexanon 40mm...incredible rendu !

[@loui.e0241]

a md 35mm video would be great.

[@jorgemoro5476]

And I use this lens, which I’ve owned since 1974 on my 50r and 100s

[@daygon128]

It really is a dream lens! I was wrong about there not being any FF 45mm 0.95 equivalent because Laowa has just released one and it looks really nice. Still, the character this lens provides is unmatched by anything I've seen.

[@jer48888]

Super helpful! Beautiful photos!

[@daygon128]

Thank you!

[@Delphisteve]

I had the Solagor 200mm f 2.8 which I bought new for around 400.00 back in like 87.. I loved the images just not the size of the lens at the time..

[@daygon128]

I've never seen that lens in person but I've heard it's a mammoth. The photos it produces are crazy good too! I've had trouble finding out info on Soligor. Do you know if they ever produced cameras or was it just lenses?

[@Delphisteve]

@@daygon128 I think Soligor was made by Vivitar

[@rwheeler6765]

Can you review adaptors for gfx mount. I would find that would be a foundation for all the lenses you want to review. Thank you.

[@jorgemoro5476]

Love the intro. Lol

[@Leondrian]

Interesting video. I've the 58mm f/1.4, 45mm f2.0 and the 135mm f/2.8. Really thinking of selling my Pentax 6x7 to buy a GFX. Would love to hear your thoughts and experience with both the 135mm and the 45mm. Thank you for making this and the effort you put in to these videos. I adapt a lot of Minolta glass on my X-series bodies. Such a joy. Have a great day. /Robert

[@daygon128]

Thank you Robert! I intend on making video in the near future for people who are considering switching to medium format digital. In my opinion the benefits of digital outweigh any possible comparison to shooting film aside from the experience of shooting film itself. I miss shooting film at times but it is now cost prohibitive and with 400h being discontinued I've considered stopping completely. Both the 135 and 45mm deserve videos of their own and I'll likely do that. They have been the most solid performing lenses of my group of Minoltas so far. I have not tried the 58mm 1.4 but I've heard it's just as capable as the 1.2 in most situations. While the 58mm gives an incredible look, the 135 and 45mm do not vignette near as much and continually give me images I don't have to crop. Speaking of the X series, if you have not tried a speedbooster like Metabones or Lens Turbo you are missing out! It gives almost the full effect and look of full frame. I use the Metabones on my X-T3 and love it. I'll try to get more videos up asap so stay tuned and thanks for watching!

[@Leondrian]

@Corey S. Vaughn I've got a speed booster for both Minolta MC/MD (favorite lens to use is the MD 28mm f/2.8 and the MD 50mm f1.4) and one for m42. Haven't got the Metabones but a lens Turbo for the m42. I've tried to use the Minolta 58mm f/1.4 and even if i get very good results I think the former owner have messed with the focus. Someday I've got to pick it apart and rearrange it. The 55mm f1.7 is a gem though. I agree that a speed booster and the X-series are a great match. Looking forward to seeing your upcoming videos. /Robert

[@darwinwins]

recommend next review: Minolta zoom 24-35mm f3.5.

[@6884]

1:22 is 🔥

[@kevinbatts2804]

Great job

[@daygon128]

Thank you!!

[@love2huntbooks2]

Dumb question, hope someone can help. I'm looking to purchase the gfx 50r and love it for the 65:24 panorama (closest I'll get to xpan). Does anyone know if i can still shoot 65:24 with Minolta lenses?

[@drtod]

I am curious what the image looks like straight from the camera vs the edited image, trying to understand what type of editing you applied vs the raw image beyond what you briefly described. Regarding the lens, does the Minolta FF glass cover the GFX sensor or are the image corners dark due to sensor being larger than the glass rear element? Do you have any thoughts on Voigtlander lenses for this type of photography in achieving a similar style? Regarding lens adapters, I adapt lenses myself and found Kipon the most consistent in terms of good-excellent quality. My 2nd choice would be Metabones. My experience with Fotodiox is similar to yours, play in the lens connection which was a no-go for me. I use to be a GFX owner and sold it because I was able to achieve similar results on my MFT (Olympus/OMS) with Voigtlander lenses using the high-res feature on the camera. Thank you for the video, the content was educational.

[@daygon128]

Hey Dr. Tod! This lens covers the GFX sensor about 95%. Any vignetting can be corrected almost completely in post. At 13:55 in the video I posted an unedited raw image (with the built in Acros B&W color profile applied) vs the edited version at 2:22. The only thing I didn't mention is that lens distortion has to be corrected in post but is easily done. I've had very good experiences with Voigtlander and should have mentioned them. They are a cut above the likes of 7artisans and TTartisan. I have used their lenses on crop sensors but not on the GFX but I would assume that they would perform well with an M mount adapter. My general rule of thumb when adapting lenses is this: Any lens that is 85mm and above is almost always in the safe zone when it comes to vignetting. Anything below 85mm is subjective depending on how the lens elements operate. For example, my Canon 50mm 1.8 STM almost doesn't vignette at all on the GFX whilst the Minolta 58mm does vignette. It all has to do with the mechanics and largely unless you see it online, it's trial and error. I do have the Metabones for the Fuji X cameras and it's really nice but the more glass you put in between your sensor and the lens, the more likely the possibility of changing the character of the lens. I also have the Olympus OMD EM5 II and LOVE it. It's starting to show it's age, especially for video but the images are outstanding with the exception of low light. You are 100% correct in terms of achieving shallow DOF with Micro 4/3. It is possible, however there isn't a lens available (yet) that comes close to the look that the Minolta 58mm 1.2 does on the GFX at this focal length (45mm). In fact if I'm doing the math correctly, that would require a 22.5mm 0.47 lens which is all but impossible. That's only for the "look" though. The high res sensor shift feature of the Olympus is fantastic for still life and if you do product photography it essentially eliminates the need for a GFX. Cheers and thank you for watching!

[@Pentax67]

Dr. Tod It's actually pretty horrible how it vignetts so badly see it by yourself : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp-3mKOrotqIick

[@FastAkira]

My vote, 45mm f2

[@daygon128]

Thank you!

[@Romanbelon]

Hi Bro, im fro Georgia, great set. Do u have link for this Adapter for Lens? Please

[@daygon128]

Yes it won't let me give a direct link on here but I know B&H Photo has them or you can get it directly from Fotodiox. Be sure to search for Minolta MD to Fujifilm G mount adapter and it should come up!

[@Romanbelon]

@@daygon128 thank you so much

[@rotorfpv4117]

which adapter for gfx 50s II? im looking magical lens, nokton 40 1.4 classic isnt good if we looking a full sensor cover ... minolta is better?

[@daygon128]

Can't go wrong with Fotodiox or K&F Concept for manual lens adapters. As with any non medium format lens, it's trial and error with sensor coverage on GFX. Almost every lens over 60mm I've tried works with almost 100% coverage. So if you are looking for a wide angle lens, the best coverage I've had so far is the 45mm f2.0 from Minolta. It does not cover 100%, but is enough that it can be fixed with one click in camera raw or lightroom.

[@edwardkurek5355]

Would this lens be good for Astro photography?

[@robincphoto]

great lens and great photos! but too bad its radioactive :(

[@SimeonKolev]

O come on :D do not tell all the people about the Rokkor, I want to buy 2-3 just to have some first :D

[@izak001]

Fuji concept with top dials, special with compensation is useless ;-) - ISO on dial is OK, maybe time a that is all ;-) - next dial with M,P,A - maybe - i like GFX100S - i use only manual + i save something to C1-6. What is good is aperature on lens - i don't use it, but for X-E4 it must be best - on GFX100S i have 2 rolling buttons, front and back - like NIKON + i can press and switch between F-ISO - perfect. I love modern FUJIFILM - it is like NIKON (one of the best) and is very good, the old fashion - only some ring, that i don't use and is possible rotate by accident, fortunatelly have locks. + all is possible change, of example i don't use AF-L and AF-S - 2 useless butons for me ;-)) - i use only MANUAL mode with Autofocus or with manual lens, i have minolta 58/1.2 and 135/2.8 ;-) for exaple compensation i switch to Live view vs standard view ;-) - AF-L,AF-S - i don't switch it yet, becuase all other is genial on FUJI and i have all that i need ;-) X-T5 - nobody use GRIP on vintage camera ;-)) and who need grip can use x-h2* - X-T5 is smaller - it is good ;-))) - unfortunatelly isn't for vlogger now, only with extrenal monitor - but why make GRIP for something, where maiority users don't use it. I persoanlly wait for X-E5 - becuase crop is for me onl;y comact, nothing elese, maybe for video is OK, but i switch from NIKON D810 to GFX - i only go from smaller chip to bigger - quality is amazing, of course, FUJI have many SW bugs, for example GFX100S freeze with GF 20-35 - when is set to 20mm - sometime crash and help only pull battery, nothing else, but after this it work - this is some bug between body and lens - on GFX50R all work correct - but i switch to GFX100S and i sell GFX50R ;-))

[@raily9713]

Lo último que esperaba encontrarme era una ost de skyrim xDDDD

[@MikeKleinsteuber]

Try Voigtlander lenses

[@hyprz]

epic!

[@daygon128]

Thank you!!

[@illegalmindset4122]

Hey do you have a M42 adapter,I think you should try the yashinon on there and I actually have a few extra copies I could send you one to try out,God bless and have a wonderful day

[@daygon128]

Thank you! I don't have an M42 adapter yet but I am getting one soon to try out a Tair lens with. Which Yashinon lens is it?

[@illegalmindset4122]

@@daygon128 DX 50 1.7 I know I know 1.7 can't have good bokeh but out of hundreds of lenses I have personal experience with this model has superior bokeh to every 1.4 I have shot,close second is the auto sears 55 1.4 but the colours and quality of the bokeh is the best in my opinion highlight rolloff and control of the blues is unmatched

[@daygon128]

@@illegalmindset4122 That's awesome if you're interested in me doing a video on it go follow me on Instagram @vonportrait if you're on there and we can set something up!

[@JJ_Khailha]

The X PG version of this lens was made in 1973 so should be all metal.

[@edwardkurek5355]

Do you need an adapter for that lens to fit lens to the GFX100S?

[@johnirby493]

Yes

[@kotence777]

Hi! Are these radioactive?

[@daygon128]

Most of them are not but there are some of the earlier models that are. My copy is actually the second generation of the MC version of the lens. The first version had a thinner focus ring. Most, if not all of the first generation were radioactive.

[@kotence777]

@@daygon128 thank you!

[@SummersSnaps]

I dunno man, some of these shots look very similar to my Kipon 40/.85 on the XT4.

[@daygon128]

Very cool that you have the Kipon! Not many people do from what I can tell. It's all personal taste. Very wide aperture lenses on smaller sensors not only capture light, but render differently. To my knowledge, there is no lens available that can offer a 45mm 0.95 FOV and DOF on APS-C. And that's where the main difference lies. When comparing them side by side, you might actually like the Kipon better! This Minolta lens for me is a must have. Cheers!

[@SummersSnaps]

@@daygon128 I do have a rather thorough review of it on my channel that you're welcome to have a look at, as well as a blog post (link in the description). The main problem is the weight of it! 1.2kg for a lens like this is ridiculous 😆 and the price (I paid mates rates) is very off putting. I would probably advise people to do what you have done here and pick up a used GFX and adapt some fast glass like you have done here.

[@daygon128]

@@SummersSnaps No doubt that's a lot of weight for fast glass! I'll check it out and give you a sub!

[@Pentax67]

Wow you are back !!!! I was rewatching all of you videos. Thanks for your insight on Minolta Rokkor 58mm 1.2. Beautiful images. Rokkor 58mm 1.2 from what I've seen from other youtubers , doesnt pairs well with GFX, it has hard vignetting, even more pronounced when you focus far away and to infinity. This video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp-3mKOrotqIick show how horrible is the vignetting with Minolta 58mm 1.2.. I mean... not everyone want"s to edit when you have in-built film simulation and JPGS are soo good. I always wanted to buy it but this vignetting pulls me off. I have GFX 100 and 50S, mainly shooting wth EF 85mm 1.2 II (fringer pro) , SMC 105mm 2.4+0.7X kipon and Canon 85mm 1.2 FD. For now it has been my favorite combos, I really think 85mm 1.2 (of any brand ) is the best for GFX. Now I also have Canon 58mm 1.2 FL and its okay but vignetting is quite strong which makes the lens sit on my desk.. Can't use it even in 5:4 ratio (only 7:6 works). I guess just as same as Minolta 58mm 1.2 I think it's better to use TTartisan 50mm 0.95 to have dream lens at this point, it will simulate really well the 4x5 or 8x10 look just as good as 85mm 1.2, but again.. even TTartisan doesnt cover well the image circle. Which is so sad! Why there isnt anyone testing image circle of vintage lenses on GFX , onyoutube?

[@daygon128]

Thanks for your insight and the link! I think the reason it works better for me is because I shoot more near focus images. The vignette will definitely turn some people off but I have not encountered an image I've shot that was not correctable. But bottom line is you are correct, it does have a vignette and I need to start illustrating this more in my videos. I really want to try the kipon speed booster with the GFX. It's really interesting because it's the only speed booster available that gives you a larger fov than what the lenses were intended for (645). So glad you came back to check out the channel!

[@Juventinos]

so annoyed by this video.. not because of you,but because i m between getting this or the Voigtlander 58 1.4 now! fml. they are pretty much the same price too lol. i think the voightlander doesn't vignette at all though.

[@daygon128]

That's a good problem to have! Lol! If the Voigtlander doesn't vignette I'd definitely go with it because you would also have the benefit of it being a newer lens. I haven't used one so I'm not sure how they'd compare, but 1.2 to 1.4 is negligible in my opinion. I will say that you can't go wrong with the Minolta 58 1.2 on any system. And my comments about not using it for video are totally wrong. I have been using it for video on my X-T3 with the Metabones Speed Booster over the past year and I'm stunned at how good it is.

[@Sanbenitor]

No sharpness bro. much worse than result achieved with 200$ combo of canon 5d classic + any cheap autofocus fix lens of that age on it. With no cropping and vignetting. Strange, noone in coments can see this. Thelens maybe was good in the past but nowdays just does not worth time and money. Need some another option for this nice camera. Thank you for info.

[@daygon128]

Thanks for watching! As with all vintage manual focus lenses, this one is an acquired taste, and if one is looking for sharpness with any lens over 40 years old, especially the modern expectations of sharpness, they need look elsewhere and buy new glass. Of all my Minolta lenses, this one is easily the softest wide open. But to me, and so many others that adore it, the dreamy characteristics are something that can be an asset and not a flaw. For someone on a budget, a 5d classic is a bargain, however to my knowledge there isn't any EF glass at 1.2 that can be purchased cheaper than the Minolta. The 50mm 1.2 is the closest and they average $600 USD on eBay whereas the Minolta can be had for half that. And on top of that, the rendering output with the Minolta, due to the GFX sensor size looks unlike any Canon lens I've used on the system thus far, including the 50mm 1.2. It is indeed a soft lens, with some copies faring better than others I've heard. But it is a lens that I think is and will be a classic for years to come. And since doing this video, I need to do a follow up. I was totally wrong about the video usage with this lens. It is magnificent! And in the future I plan on putting side by side images before and after cropping and editing so it's more transparent. Especially with my editing not being everyone's taste. I've had a number of people asking about that and I think that's a fair criticism. Cheers!

[@bozzwick]

Give up.

[@daygon128]

Get laid.

[@gazlowkirim9188]

@@daygon128 ah ah ah ah