Minolta Macro

Overview

IMPORTANT NOTE: The reviews provided describe the Minolta MC Rokkor 1:1.2 58mm, not a 'Minolta Macro' lens. The profile below is built strictly from the provided evidence about the 58mm f/1.2. According to the review, this lens is 'probably Minolta's most famous lens' and a personal favorite of the reviewer. It was produced in three mechanically distinct versions sharing the same optical design (7 elements in 5 groups). The first version (1966-1969) is the rarest, featuring a completely metal, flat focusing ring. The review notes that this first version 'develops a yellow cast over time which might be due to a radioactive element,' which has contributed to collector interest in early copies. The second version (1969-1973) also has an all-metal focusing ring but with elevations the first lacked. The third version (1973+) is the most common and introduced a rubberized waffle-style focusing ring; during its production, the 'PG' affix (indicating 5 Groups, 7 lenses) was dropped from the name. The lens is fully manual, built with high-quality metals, and feels 'very solid' according to the review. Its cult following stems from its legendary status as Minolta's most famous fast standard lens from the manual focus era.

Sample Photos

openverse · Credit: yamada* · License: CC BY-SA

openverse · Credit: Alexicor · License: CC BY-SA

openverse · Credit: yamada* · License: CC BY-SA

openverse · Credit: yamada* · License: CC BY

openverse · Credit: yamada* · License: CC BY-SA

openverse · Credit: yamada* · License: CC BY-SA

Sources (1)