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Production
1968
Country
Japan
Optical
-
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Minolta MD 35mm f/1.8
Minolta SR
Overview
The Minolta MD 35mm f/1.8 is the fast wide for Minolta shooters — offering valuable speed at a versatile focal length. At f/1.8, it's faster than most vintage 35mm alternatives and delivers the classic Minolta look in a wide-angle package.
Verdict: The fast wide for Minolta. Great for available light photography with that Minolta touch.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Mostly smooth at short distances, a bit funky at longer distances
Sharpness wide open
High resolution in the center and midframe at f/1.8, but low contrast due to spherical aberration. Corners are soft. Sharpness improves significantly stopped down to f/2.8 and beyond.
Flare resistance
Less than spectacular
Contrast
Low at f/1.8, good stopped down
Vignetting
Very high at 2.6 stops wide open, reduced stopped down
Community Insights
What people love
- Fast f/1.8 at 35mm
- Minolta color science
- Compact size
- Great for low light wide shots
What people dislike
- Less common than slower alternatives
- Some distortion
- MD mount limitations
Sources (2)
phillip_reeve-
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-minolta-mc-rokkor-35mm-11-8/
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Minolta MD 35mm f/1.8 is the fast wide for Minolta shooters — offering valuable speed at a versatile focal length. At f/1.8, it's faster than most vintage 35mm alternatives and delivers the classic Minolta look in a wide-angle package.