Calling the Minolta lens experts

[Bille]

Does anyone know if there is a batch of all-metal 58/1.2 Rokkors that is not radioactive?

I generally prefer the early MC lenses over the later rubberized type. But I dont feel comfortable with radioactive glass. Just a personal thing...

Any info appreciated, thanks

PS:
Here is a picture of the old type: http://www.balmainphotography.com/assets/images/rokkor1.jpg
Here is a picture of the new type: http://allphotolenses.com/public/files/img/168f27e1b9dc138deae8e61246a174cd.jpg

 

[Bille]

The radioactiveness is nothing to be worried about.

Not exactly my question, but thanks ...

 

[Nokton48]

Does anyone know if there is a batch of all-metal 58/1.2 Rokkors that is not radioactive?

I generally prefer the early MC lenses over the later rubberized type. But I dont feel comfortable with radioactive glass. Just a personal thing...

Any info appreciated, thanks

PS:
Here is a picture of the old type: http://www.balmainphotography.com/assets/images/rokkor1.jpg
Here is a picture of the new type: http://allphotolenses.com/public/files/img/168f27e1b9dc138deae8e61246a174cd.jpg

Nope. As I recollect, they all had the Thorium glass. Great lens! Go get one.

 

[redisburning]

my best guess is no, seeing as I haven't heard of any and the rokkor PG nomenclature extended into the rubberized lenses.

when Reese tested them he found the later version to be sharper. which is not the general consensus on the forums where this lens is a cult item. the latter has less reliable testing methodology, but larger sample size.

I think you are stuck with a rubber focus ring if the radioactive glass is a no-go.

fwiw I had an early version and it was an exquisite lens which I would recommend to anyone BUT there is a MAJOR drawback which led me to parting with mine. That would be the Minolta cameras. not for me.

only lens I miss and I've sold a ton of good ones.

 

[Nokton48]

The general feeling seems to be, that the 50mm F1.2 MD might be sharper, but the out-of-focus rendering, and build-quality, are much better on the earlier 58mm F1.2 MC. Love mine!

BTW there is even a Flikr community group dedicated to this lens. See Here:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/805805@N25/

 

[mfogiel]

I have the metal PG version, and I do not observe any yellowing. In any case, someone said, that it takes a few days of "cooking" the glass in the sun ( exposing it to open sun rays ) to get rid of the radioactive yellowing - something I am trying currently to do with my Pentax 105/2.4. The lens is very nice indeed, both mechanically and optically.


201212612 by mfogiel, on Flickr

 

[sparrow6224]

Redburn -- when I returned to photography five years ago I started with Minoltas, and I will tell you straight up (in support of your view) I've never had so many camera failures. Luckily they were cheap so I could replace them. The electronics are generally the problem. And major whatchamacallit on the XD line, where the mirror takes a long time to drop after the shutter fires. Or the shutter takes a half second to fire after your press the release... But the lenses are so good I kept coming back after giving up and currently I have an XD11 that works fine and also what might be the best manual focus camera they made, the X-570. Many don't like the plastic (more like bakelite, very hard solid stuff) but it's fine with me. I also have an XE-7 in the closet that seems to work fine. As these break that will be it. The cameras really are the weak point. But: the 24/2.8, the 28/2.0, the 50/1.4, the 85/2.0, the 200/2.8.... so good. The only thing I'd add is that 58/1.2.

MFOGIEL -- that is a stunning picture. Values, composition, light, exquisite. And a very beautiful woman, which doesn't hurt.

 

[Bille]

Redburn -- when I returned to photography five years ago I started with Minoltas, and I will tell you straight up (in support of your view) I've never had so many camera failures. (...) The cameras really are the weak point.

Have you tried any of the SRT models?

 

[Nokton48]

Have you tried any of the SRT models?

I have six of the SRT models, and they are reliable. And two of the motorized professional model SRM's, which will do 3.5 fps.

 

[back alley]

the more I read the more I want to try an srt model...