Minolta Super Rokkor 8.5 cm

[presspass]

The IIIa with Summar just came back from a CLA and new cover from Youxin Ye. I also have an LTM collapsible Summicron in nice shape and wider Voightlander lenses. Now I need a short tele to go with this. I have seen one listing for a Minolta Super Rokkor 8.5 cm and the price is reasonable. I have not been able to find anything about this lens. Does anyone have information on it? Thanks for your help,

 

[Calzone]

The IIIa with Summar just came back from a CLA and new cover from Youxin Ye. I also have an LTM collapsible Summicron in nice shape and wider Voightlander lenses. Now I need a short tele to go with this. I have seen one listing for a Minolta Super Rokkor 8.5 cm and the price is reasonable. I have not been able to find anything about this lens. Does anyone have information on it? Thanks for your help,

I own a 45/2.8 Super Rokkor that is a later version without the aperture readout on the front lens bezel. Not a lot of information on the Super Rokkor's on the internet. The Rokkor is named for some mountains near the factory and the affiliation with Minolta is that eventually Rokkor became later Minolta.

My 45/2.8 is a quirky lens without click stops for the aperture. It also features a deeply scalloped focus ring that also has a infinity lock like tab without the infinity lock. My lens is a Tessar design and as such has the Tessar signature. I like the 50's style build quality, but I think I would absolutely love my lens if it had click stops for the aperture because the lens is small, compact and looks really cool on my IIIG.

Because the Super Rokkors are kinda obscure they still don't sell for much money. Basically be prepared for a sleeper lens for no money. I imagine that the 8.5 would have good performance, but realize I'm talking a 1950's lens. Also expect single coated contrast.

Cal

 

[presspass]

Thanks Cal. I'll probably give it a try unless I decide to go with pre-war uncoated lenses. I'd never heard of this lens and did not know Minolta/Rokkor made LTM mount lenses.

 

[dberger]

The Super Rokkor 8.5cm is a very good lens -- nice wide open, and plenty sharp stopped down to 4 or more. It is pretty small, although it is quite heavy, with lots of heavily chromed brass. Like all lenses of its time, it is prone to fog and stiff mechanics. Strangely, it takes 40mm filters, which are harder to find than 40.5mm ones. The original hood is very hard to find. They usually are not that inexpensive, since they are quite good, were not made in large quantity, and collectors like them. If you can find a nice one for a good price, get it.

Note that the the Super Rokkor 8.5cm has the same optical design as the Super Rokkor 45mm. However, it is not a Tessar -- it is sort of in between a Tessar and a Heliar, with a 5-element/3-group design (cemented triplet up front and two single elements behind the aperture). The later Super Rokkor 50mm f2.8, which replaced the 45mm, has the same design.

Cheers,

David

 

[madNbad]

I agree with Cal. If the 45 has it's quirks but it's a great performer. Click stops would be great but when using it on my M6 TTL, dialing the f-stop for correct exposure is quick and easy. The 8.5 may have some improvements but for the price the Super-Rokkors are a good bargain. If you decide to go with it, post a few examples.

 

[Calzone]

Note that the the Super Rokkor 8.5cm has the same optical design as the Super Rokkor 45mm. However, it is not a Tessar -- it is sort of in between a Tessar and a Heliar, with a 5-element/3-group design (cemented triplet up front and two single elements behind the aperture). The later Super Rokkor 50mm f2.8, which replaced the 45mm, has the same design.

Cheers,

David

David,

Thanks for the clarity.

I have really grown to like/love this lens.

Cal

 

[presspass]

Got the lens, sent it off for CLA - the focus was unbearably stiff - and got it back. BTW, it came in a case, with front and rear caps, the hood, and a finder that fits into the case top. When I've done some shots and scanned them, I'll post a few. Now the focus is incredibly smooth. The absence of click stops isn't really an issue, as none of
my older LTM lenses - Elmar 35 and Summar 50 - have click stops. Should have images to post next week.