Minolta MD 50mm f1.7

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49mm

Minolta SR

f1.7 - 16

.45 meters

n/a

1981

n/a

This was the normal lens for the X-700 and other X series cameras. It has a fair amount of plastic in it. It is lightweight and smaller than Rokkor lenses. Focusing is smooth and positive. Focus throw is 1/2 turn. Aperture clicks at f1.7, f2.8 then 1/2 stops thru f16, then f22. The MD mount is actually an SR mount. It is modified to allow program modes on the X-700.
The lens balances very well on the Eos M3. Focusing is easy enough.

Minolta decided to jump from f1.7 to f2.8 on this lens. At first I didn't see the point, but after shooting a few pics I realized that f2 would have been a silly addition to the aperture ring.

At f1.7 it is sharp but it does show some diffusion as if a soft focus is being used. At f2.8 it is legitimately sharp in the center. Bokeh fringing is very noticeable wide open but disappears completely by f4.

Contrast is excellent w/ good shadow detail.

Color rendition is neutral and saturation is normal