is old minolta 28 2.5 any good?

hoanpham · Expire: 2015-01-18

Can't see samples from here.
the lens is old, heavy metal build. SI i think.

another question,
old minolta md macros, are they ok? 1:1 or 1:2 ?

thanks.

kyonthinh · Joined: 30 Mar 2012 Posts: 222 Location: Germany

Minolta Lenses are very decent, some are excellent. Laughing

Yours is very good, but I like 28mm 3.5 more.

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary

I like it(28/2.5), it has a nice rendering.
Here's a shot wide open(or near to) with focus on people in the distance(I was just testing the lens and not really thinking about who refocusing on the runners near me). But I still like it.

The 28/3.5 may be a bit sharper and it's smaller.

iangreenhalgh1 · Expire: 2014-01-07

I second the recommendation of the Minolta 3.5/28, a really superb lens if you get the earlier 7 element version. I happen to have a near mint copy for sale actually. Only selling it because I have more 28s than I need and I'm trying to rationalise my lens collection.

kyonthinh · Joined: 30 Mar 2012 Posts: 222 Location: Germany

I have the early MD Rokkor 55mm filter thread, is that 7 elements ian?

iangreenhalgh1 · Expire: 2014-01-07

Yes, I am sure it is. Mine is a 1971 Rokkor-SG 3.5/28, all metal body, 55mm filter ring, 7 elements and really a top lens. I have the equivalent Konica Hexanon 3.5/28 with 7 elements and that is also a top lens. I've also owned and used several 5 element 28mms, including two different Konicas and they are smaller and lighter but less good. The one I've always been intrigued to try is the Mamiya 2.8/28 as it has 8 elements, it seems rare though, there is a 3.5/28 Mamiya that is quite common, I have one and it's a good lens, typical small 5 element type.

kyonthinh · Joined: 30 Mar 2012 Posts: 222 Location: Germany

Many thanks ian. Smile

It's a shame that people tend to like fast lens and forgot about slower lens. I really like it but there is not much information about it. Sad

iangreenhalgh1 · Expire: 2014-01-07

You are most welcome. I agree about people ignoring 'slow' lenses. I love the Meyer Primagon 4.5/35 but a lot of people ignore it because it's slow. Same with the Topcon 5.6/200, I love that one too.

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary

iangreenhalgh1 · Expire: 2014-01-07

Yes, there is an old thread, search will find it.

Here's a couple of 5.6/200 shots:

kyonthinh · Joined: 30 Mar 2012 Posts: 222 Location: Germany

Wow, what a lens! Shocked

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary

Looks awesome, thanks.

hoanpham · Expire: 2015-01-18

Beautiful shots.

So back to my question, if i understand correct, the minolta si 28mm 2.5 is NOT a good lens, and there is no samples to see?

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary

I posted a wide open shot above, and no, it's not garbage, junk, crap, not good, etc...
It's just not clinically perfect, I don't have a lot of shots with mine yet since also just picked up an Elmarit M 28/2.8 and have been getting used to it.