Introduction to Minolta 50mm f/1.4 MD Rokkor-X (55) Lenses
What is the Minolta 50mm f/1.4 MD Rokkor-X (55) lens?
The Minolta 50mm f/1.4 MD Rokkor-X (55) lens is a high-quality lens produced by Minolta, a renowned Japanese camera manufacturer. This lens is specifically designed for Minolta manual focus cameras, particularly their MD-mount SLR cameras. It is a prime lens with a fixed focal length of 50mm and a wide maximum aperture of f/1.4.
This lens is part of Minolta’s Rokkor-X series, which is known for its superior optical performance and build quality. It offers exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color rendition, making it a popular choice among photographers.
Features and Specifications
The Minolta 50mm f/1.4 MD Rokkor-X (55) lens boasts several notable features and specifications:
1. Prime lens: The fixed focal length of 50mm provides a natural field of view, making it suitable for various photography genres such as portraits, street photography, and general-purpose shooting.
2. Wide aperture: With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, this lens allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control. It produces beautiful bokeh, resulting in a pleasing background blur.
3. High-quality optics: The lens incorporates multiple lens elements, including special elements, to minimize chromatic aberrations, distortions, and flare. This ensures superior image quality with accurate colors and high resolution.
4. Solid build: The lens features a sturdy metal construction, giving it durability and longevity. It is designed to withstand regular use and challenging shooting conditions.
5. Manual focus: As this lens is designed for manual focus cameras, it requires precise manual focusing. It offers a smooth focus ring that allows for precise control over the focus point.
Availability and Pricing
The Minolta 50mm f/1.4 MD Rokkor-X (55) lens was first released in the late 1970s as part of Minolta’s manual focus SLR camera system. It was available for purchase both as a standalone lens and as a kit lens with various Minolta camera bodies.
As for the pricing, the lens was considered a mid-range option at the time of its release. However, due to its exceptional optical performance, it has retained its value over the years and is highly sought after by vintage lens enthusiasts.
While this lens can still be found in the used market, availability may vary depending on the region. Additionally, the price can range from around $150 to $300, depending on the lens’s condition, age, and collector’s value.
In conclusion, the Minolta 50mm f/1.4 MD Rokkor-X (55) lens is a classic lens that offers exceptional image quality and versatile shooting capabilities. Its wide maximum aperture, solid build, and precise optics make it a valuable asset for photographers, especially those who appreciate vintage camera equipment.
