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Veteran
For the past year or two, I've wanted a Minolta 35-70 Macro, but wasn't really keen on buying one over the internet. I prefer to see, handle and even test a vintage lens before buying it. From what I have read, the 35-70 came in three versions, the first being licensed and rebranded by Leica; the second being a new optical design, and the third and final offering a macro mode and better image quality than its predecessors.
On a spur of the moment decision, I went to the local pusher, er, secondhand dealer this week, and was blissfully surprised to come across a 35-70 Macro in very good shape. Not only that, but it only cost AUD $90, which is a real bargain around here.
The lens is quite small and light, with a smooth zoom ring and rubber knurled focus ring. The minimum focus distance in standard mode is 80cm, which is even worse than a rangefinder lens, but the macro mode unlocks a much closer MFD. Depressing a button on the zoom ring extends the barrel like a helicoid or bellows, permitting much closer focus than normal. Macro is only available at the 70mm focal length, though this would probably suit the needs of someone shooting macro, anyway.
At f3.5, the lens is reasonably sharp, with lowish contrast. Flaring at f3.5 is fairly pronounced, with rather attractive curving bands of light if the sun enters from the top corners. Stopping down, contrast increases and the flaring diminishes. There is quite a bit of barrel distortion at 35mm, which goes away slightly as you zoom to 70mm.
One 'feature' is that the lens is 70mm when fully retracted, and 35mm when fully extended. This is counter to most lenses. Apart from that quirk, I'm extremely happy with this lens. The focal length range and close up capability make this a very versatile walkaround lens.
I'm shooting this lens on my Panasonic S5, but it ought to work well with my Dad's Minolta SR-T 101, which I will try once I have put in some new batteries. Sample images to come!
On a spur of the moment decision, I went to the local pusher, er, secondhand dealer this week, and was blissfully surprised to come across a 35-70 Macro in very good shape. Not only that, but it only cost AUD $90, which is a real bargain around here.
The lens is quite small and light, with a smooth zoom ring and rubber knurled focus ring. The minimum focus distance in standard mode is 80cm, which is even worse than a rangefinder lens, but the macro mode unlocks a much closer MFD. Depressing a button on the zoom ring extends the barrel like a helicoid or bellows, permitting much closer focus than normal. Macro is only available at the 70mm focal length, though this would probably suit the needs of someone shooting macro, anyway.
At f3.5, the lens is reasonably sharp, with lowish contrast. Flaring at f3.5 is fairly pronounced, with rather attractive curving bands of light if the sun enters from the top corners. Stopping down, contrast increases and the flaring diminishes. There is quite a bit of barrel distortion at 35mm, which goes away slightly as you zoom to 70mm.
One 'feature' is that the lens is 70mm when fully retracted, and 35mm when fully extended. This is counter to most lenses. Apart from that quirk, I'm extremely happy with this lens. The focal length range and close up capability make this a very versatile walkaround lens.
I'm shooting this lens on my Panasonic S5, but it ought to work well with my Dad's Minolta SR-T 101, which I will try once I have put in some new batteries. Sample images to come!
