Three Vintage Rokkor Lenses + One Fujifilm Camera

I bought three vintage Minolta Rokkor lenses on eBay for under £200. In this video I show you what I bought, why I bought them, throw them on my Fujifilm X-T4 and shoot some initial test photographs around a rainy Holywood...
#vintagelenses #fujifilm #minolta #filmphotography
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Photography Camera // Fujifilm X-T4
Adapter // URTH MD-X
Lens One // 28mm MC W.ROKKOR SG f3.5
Lens Two // 135mm MC TELE ROKKOR PF f2.8
Lens Three // 58mm MC ROKKOR PF f1.4
Video Camera // Fujifilm X-H2s (and iPhone)
Lens Used // XF 33mm f1.4
Audio Recorder // Tascam DR-10C
Microphone Used // Sennheiser ME 2
LUTS // lutcompany.com/ & www.joelfamula...
Film Grain // grainzilla.com/
Camera Sling // www.hungsupply...
Rokkor Info // www.rokkorfile...
Music from Artlist.io
[Song 1] Mansij - Cortado
[Song 2] Aves - Waterfalls
[Song 3] Magiksolo - Mango Team
[Song 4] Yarin Primak - Live a Little Longer
[Song 5] sero - Northline
[Song 6] Daniel Brown - All Memories
Thanks for watching, hit me with any questions, tips or things you'd like to see me try out in the comments...
Chapters:
0:00 • Intro
0:40 • Addiction to eBay
1:03 • Why Rokkors?
1:55 • MC vs MD
3:01 • Lens One
3:36 • Lens Two
4:10 • Lens Three
4:43 • Total Cost
5:04 • Adapting to Fujifilm
5:56 • Initial Tests w/ 28mm
7:58 • Initial Tests w/ 58mm
9:20 • Initial Tests w/ 135mm

[@maidsandmuses]

Hi, comment from an avid Minolta Rokkor collector here. Good to see you discovered these under-appreciated lenses! A few useful pointers: 1) The mount for Minoltas manual focus film cameras is officially called the *SR* *mount* 2) Minolta made five main incarnations of the SR mount lenses, in approx. chronological order: - plain *ROKKOR* lenses: no automatic aperture linkage, these are all preset lenses - *AUTO* *ROKKOR* lenses: automatic aperture control but no meter linkage to the camera - *MC* *ROKKOR* lenses: automatic aperture control plus meter linkage to camera allowing for aperture-priority automatic exposure - *MD* *ROKKOR* lenses: automatic aperture control plus meter and aperture linkage to the camera allowing for aperture-priority/shutter-speed-priority/program automatic exposure - plain *MD* lenses: largely cosmetic update of the MD ROKKOR lenses with further improved coatings and a more lightweight construction for the popular focal lengths. 3) All lenses fit the SR mount and are compatible, with the exception that the very earliest Minolta SLRs require the earliest incarnation of the AUTO ROKKOR lenses. The latter is irrelevant if you use them on a digital camera where aperture control on these lenses is then fully manual anyway. 4) Coatings were continuously improved, with later lenses offering better contrast and control of flare.

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Thanks for the info. I'm sure that'll be useful to a lot of people looking to buy these lenses. Which ones do you have or what are your top purchases?

[@maidsandmuses]

@@rossandhisjpegs A bit embarrassed to admit that I have the vast majority of Minolta manual focus lens models they produced. One that is exceptionally good for the very compact and lightweight lens that it is, is the plain MD 75-150 f/4 zoom, a lens that gets little attention other than on the mflenses forum. The old and simple triplet TELE ROKKOR-TC 100mm f/4 is one of my favourites too, as are any of the 35mm f/1.8 models.

[@rossandhisjpegs]

I had my eye on a 100 f2.5 and the 35mm f1.8 so we'll see what the future holds haha Thanks for the comments, interest and information! @@maidsandmuses

[@brunodrakenas9575]

How are the Rokkor lenses compared to Takumar, Pentax-m and Canon FD? I’m looking for vintage lenses but don’t really know what to pick…🤔

[@photofreaksk]

3:55 Oh yes - that "rain cover" is really sweet... 🙂

[@shakeyourtambourineg]

I use the Minolta MD Rokkor 45mm 1:2 lens on my Fuijifilm XT-1 and I absolutely love it! I liked your video a lot, thanks for showing us your vintage collection and your nice pictures!

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Awesome. Thanks for the comment 🎉

[@FreezeTheXIndustrial]

You look so happy bro. I’m so happy for you

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Haha thanks 🎉

[@hungsupply]

Yeah Ross, we love your videos. Production is always on point. Thank you so much for including us in your vid and trusting us to sling your Rokkor lenses 🤝

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Always! x

[@randomness7053]

I am using Sony A7IV + Minolta Auto Rokkor 58mm f1.4 MD even for portraits for pro models.

[@ValentinFouche]

I just bought the Minolta SRT 101 with the 55mm f1.7, you convinced me to buy an adapter for my Fuji XT4, and invest later in old lenses ! Thank you so much , really nice video :)

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Awesome!! Enjoy :)

[@lueniopue2488]

I have de 58mm and it is on my X-Pro 1 80% of the time (theother 20 is for the fuji 35 mm f/1.4). And I love this combo, it is amazing. Really powerful for street, for family moments.

[@ShutterSounds]

Love the vintage lenses - I am also a fan of the Minolta Rokkor and Canon FD lenses

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Awesome! Which ones have you got??

[@LordMardur]

I got the MC Rokkor PG 58mm 1.2 which looks almost the same as your 1.4. It is adapted to Canon EF, although I had to grind down the original mount ring to be able to focus to infinity. It is a very interesting lens. A bit soft by todays standards, but still beautiful look. It is radioactive. They used a thorium-oxide based coating which also causes the yellow tint on the glass. A geiger counter directly held to the rear element will give literally alarming levels of radiation, which is why I made some lead covers over the lens caps.

[@jean-micheldupont1150]

Cool video, I love my Rokkors too! A good tip to find bargains is to keep an eye on local ads for old Minolta SLRs, most come with a common kit lens (usually 50mm f/1.7) but sometimes you can get a bunch of awesome lenses with them for peanuts when the seller thinks he's clearing the attic of old junk.. Once I bought an SRT 101 with MC 28mm F/2.0, MD 135mm f/2.8 and MD zoom 35-70mm f/3.5 macro for less than £100

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Nice one - great tip!!

[@jean-micheldupont1150]

@@rossandhisjpegs By the way, the 35-70mm f/3.5 is VERY good, I would say even as good as some prime lenses. At first I didn't even try it but when I did, I was impressed by the results! So I looked online for some info and it turns out that lots of people are praising this lens, it was even rebranded by Leica for their line-up.

[@dimabiser]

I look forward to every new video here) Thanks Ross! Funny coincidence, just recently bought Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f1.4. Lately I've been shooting only with this glass. For portraits, nothing better at all)

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Aww thanks a lot. No way, that's awesome. Mine isn't very good wide open (although does create a cool ghosting effect) but it's so sharp at 2.8/4/5.6/8 range!! How is yours?

[@dimabiser]

That's right! At 1.4 it softens noticeably, but it gives a very cool glow effect on the picture and I like it. I shoot most often at 2 and 2.8. At 5.6 and 8 you can even shoot landscapes. It is very cool for women's portraits, as at f2 or f2.8 it softens the skin) MC Rokkor-PF 58mm is a very unusual lens in this sense. Sharp and soft at the same time)@@rossandhisjpegs

[@neilyakuza6595]

I have so many good vintage lenses. Takumars M42, Konica, Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Russian Mir, etc. They all work awesome on my XT-1. I love how the colors are rendered. The colors really show that vintage look.

[@f1remandg]

As I was a minolta fan and I bought an X700 new and loved it, I sold it later and went to Canon, but I collect cameras and lenses and have at least two X700s the minoltas like OM an Nikon are 5* I also have a lot of lenses. However your enthusiasm is contagious and I like the honest reviews, don't go changing and look at some of the older KZbin s like especially the American on film and shooting film!

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Thanks for watching and the info!! Cheers 🎉

[@J.Carrington]

Loving your videos Ross, keep pressing on!

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Thanks a lot!

[@Harry20112011]

Great video with full of insperational photos! love it.

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Thanks so much!

[@ChasWG]

Interesting video. I just got my first Minolta MC Rokkor-X PG 50/1.4 last week and I'm loving it! And that's why I wanted to see with lenses you chose. I'm finishing up my collection of Konica Hexanon AR lenses ( you should have a look at those, some amazingly sharp lenses there. Get the 40/1.8 and prepare to have your mind blown!) I want to pick up a Minolta MC 58/1.4 as well to compare it directly against my Konica Hexanon AR 57/1.4, just to see which one is better, if at all. I really like the 57/58mm focal length for some reason. I have a couple Helios 58/2, 44s as well and love them.

[@mk5359]

Love the colors you're getting, what film simulation are you using? Classic chrome?😊

[@paulraich5504]

Really fun video Ross. Your love of photography really comes through. I shoot on Fujifilm XE2. I kind of fell into to Minolta MC/MD when I purchased a Sigma 135 for Minolta MD from Goodwill (a charity thrift store in the US) for $15. I ended up buying a different version of the MC 28mm 3.5 from a Japanese shop on EBay for around $50. This is most fun lens that I own with the click apertures, a big circular hood and distance markings in ft/m. I also bought MD 45mm2.0 on EBay for $30. I like picture quality but the aperture ring is very sticky. I guess the lesson learned here is that you get what you pay for and it can be hit or miss going too cheap.

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Thanks a lot! That’s cool. Yeah, you have to keep your wits about you when buying from eBay!

[@milenboubbov7203]

Hey Ross, I hope you have fun with your new Rokkors! I have a few as well and love their character! Do you go into 2x magnifying mode when you focus with the 28mm? If I have a static subject, I usually use the magnifying button and it helps tremendously with focusing precision. At least for my eyes with glasses on.. The 28mm becomes sth around 42mm in Fuji APSC land (x1.5), I really like this focal length and have a few of them from different brands. I hope to buy one of those FF adapters from Zhong Yi or Kipon/Baveyes that allow you to use the lens like a FF one WITH the imperfections in the corners which IMO create a lot of the character. Especially old m42 lenses with their swirly bokeh come to mind here. If you don't know them, check these adapters out, I've seen great work made with them!

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Thanks! I don't but that's a brilliant idea. No way I didn't think it was 42mm, that's nuts. I've used the 28mm at full width on my film camera and I love the results! I haven't seen those adapters but for sure will check them out. What m42 lenses would you recommend?? Thanks for the comment!

[@JasonLawrenceNoel]

Love this video!! Thanks for sharing :) Would be sick to see these on a speed booster :)

[@renatogiannini5810]

Hi Ross, I recommend you explore the world of Konica lenses

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Thanks for the recommendations. Which ones in particular?

[@reptilespantoso]

Good recommendation and I can also recommend. I have both Minolta MC II and Konica Hexanon and use them with a Sony FS100 (video). They complement well. If you want more character, go for the older (sixties) Hexanon ones. The newer (late sixties to late seventies) Hexanon AR are more corrected. All of these are beautiful with sunlight especially. The colours are more towards yellow while the Minolta MD are more towards reds (more neutral to my eye). What to get? The 50mm is great (I use the f/22 version, there is also a (radioactive) f/16 max aperture). I have the 35mm f/2 but actually like the older (metal) 35mm f2.8 more, since it's so characterful. Don't get me wrong the later f/2.0 one is the better lens, better corrected, sharper, but.. the older ones are dreamier. This also goes for the 57mm f/1.4. It's got less contrast, but makes everything into a romantic old story (depending on subject of course haha). It's got a different rendering than the 58mm f/1.4 Minolta MC Rokkor you have. the Minolta has a sort of velvet shine on it when fully open. The Konica 57mm has something like that but different. These were lenses that were designed when photography was considered a kind of art form. They could've made them sharper, but they went for the dreamy look. Also underrated are the Konica AR short tele. I have a 135mm f/3.2. This is a very well behaved lens. There's also a f/3.5 and a f/2.8 which has been said to be wild. Speaking of "wild", I also use the 85mm. Fully open with an ND filter, and sunlight, it's background blur (bokeh) is almost psychedelic with a perfectly sharp subject. Not swirly wild like some Helios and Biotar, but in a different way. All of these do very well with sunlight and an ND filter. Which is a bit of an issue since it's been raining here a lot (The Netherlands).

[@just_eirik]

Very nice photos! About focusing, have you tried turning focus peaking off and instead zoom in to focus? Not sure it’s faster, but for me it’s more precise.

[@saso23D]

I have the same gear as your Fuji XT4 silver, MD MC 28 f2.8, 35 f2.8, 50 f1.4, 135 2.8. I want 58 1.4 and macro 50 3.5

[@aucourant9998]

Lovely colours. What simulation were you using?

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Thanks, shooting RAW and edited in LR :)

[@ofthenearfuture]

Another great video, your production is always super high. And a nice review of some vintage glass! I'm shooting some FD lenses on my Fuji and it's definitely a fun and cheaper way to get into some quality primes. Did you also get a film camera to use the Minolta's on?

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Awesome! Thanks very much. What’s FDs would you recommend? I did yeah, one of the SRT line.

[@ofthenearfuture]

​@@rossandhisjpegs I've only got a few FD's so can't personally recommend much haha... Originally just a 24mm f2.8 and 50mm f1.8 that I inherited with a T50. Then for landscape I picked up an 80-200mm F4 L to add some reach with my Fuji, as my longest XF lens was 80mm. If you didn't just shoot primes haha I could absolutely recommend the 80-200 L, it's probably the best FD zoom even if it's a bit clinical. Of course there are the legendary FD SSC's the 24mm f1.4, 35mm f2, 55mm f1.2, and 85mm f1.2, but literally no one can afford those haha. And the L primes 24mm f1.4, 50mm f1.2, and 85mm f1.2 are only a bit more affordable. I get professionals/filmmakers love them, but it's just wild to me how crazy some of the prices are!

[@bkwatkinscom]

That camera and lens combination is perfect.

[@rossandhisjpegs]

🎉🎉🎉

[@Termidryna]

Thanks. Could you recommend an inexpensive film rangefinder?

[@rossandhisjpegs]

I love my Yashica Electro 35 GTN although it can be a little tough to shoot as you have to guess what the shutter will be as it's aperture priority with no shutter indicator. Other ones I like are the Canonet QL series, Konica C35 FD, Olympus XA. The Ricoh 500s look good and are cheap. Not sure how well they perform. Jump on eBay and get bidding haha

[@Termidryna]

@@rossandhisjpegs thanks, I'm shooting with Konica C35 EF at the moment but I need "more manual" camera. Will check what you recommend. Cheers from sunny Warsaw.

[@Cornishcameraviews]

Hey Ross were these a jpeg recipe?

[@rossandhisjpegs]

Nah just Lightroom edits.