Rokkor 50mm

[JeremyLangford]

I have a Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 manual focus that I keep on my Minolta SRT-101. I also have a Rokkor 50mm f/1.7. It seems like I read somewhere that the f/1.7 is a better lens with better quality and sharpness. Does anyone else know if this is true?

 

[eric]

I've also read this. Somewhere in internet legend, there was a web page that said the 1.7 is 2nd close to some Leica 50mm. I like the 1.7 (49mm thread) cause it almost seems like a macro. It focuses so close.

 

[cbass]

Don't know about the 50/1.4, but I have an MD 50/1.7 that I know is sharper than my old MC 58/1.4.

The 50/1.7 is an excellent lens. The 50/2.0 is no slouch, either.

 

[IGMeanwell]

The 1.7 MD is very sharp ...pleasing out of focus characteristics

I also have the 58mm PC MC 1.2 is great too, though a little soft wide open, but its pleasing to my eye

 

[IGMeanwell]

This shot is wide open

Tri-X

 

[dee]

The MC or MD 50 /1.7 is a most underated lense, as is the plastic 50 . f2 and 45. f2 , which , 'cos it's tiny and light , tends to do most of the work .
I came to Leica from Minolta , to find a kind of family resemblance , even in 1950s lenses - my MC F1.4 has a greater tendency to flare , but still has that quality - at that time , faster lenses tended to be have a little less contrast ? as a trade off for the extra speed , but I would not give up my really old 58 1.4 auto Rokkor
'cos it's acceptable in the centre , but tails off dreamily at the edges.

It's strange - I found Leica and it revived my '' considered snapshooting '' , then Minolta and those old Rokkors keep turning up in these forums !

dee

 

[nikon_sam]

I just checked my garage sale SRT 102 and it has the Rokkor-X 50mm 1.7 lens on it...
I got it about 8 years ago for $5...it's in great shape only the film door and bottom plate show any wear...
I gave it to my son who used it a few times but now I have it back...
He went digital...

 

[xayraa33]

the Rokkors came closest to the iook that german glass gives of any of the major japanese lens makers in my opinion.

 

[rover]

the Rokkors came closest to the iook that german glass gives of any of the major japanese lens makers in my opinion.

Agreed.

The 50/1.7 is critically sharp and modern. The 50/1.4 is warm and a great combination of sharpness and smooth warm tones. The 58/1.2 is lower contrast, very vintage looking.

 

[Phoenix Phil]

I had all three at one point (50/1.4, 50/1.7 and 58/1.4). I love and kept the 50/1.7. I thought it was as sharp or sharper than the 50/1.4. Someone mentioned that the 50/1.7 was "modern" and if "modern" is contrasty with vivid colors then I would agree. I also agree that the 58 is a bit soft and less contrasty (I kept it too). I sold the 50/1.4 since it would have the most market value and it would be easy to sell.

One day if I can scan the negatives from my test rolls, I will post the examples.

If I could have, I would have loved to put the 50/1.7 onto a digital SLR body. I am really impressed with the Rokkor and I have used Olympus, Pentax, and Bronica primes.

 

[JoeV]

I've had my MD Rokkor 50/1.7 since I purchase it in Singapore in 1978; it's a great lens, but the only attribute I don't like is its 6-bladed shutter, which can show a distinct hexagonal spot to out of focus specular highlights. In this regard the Schneider Xenon on my Retina IIIc delivers better out of focus performance, as it's equipped with an 8-bladed leaf shutter.

Alas, I rid myself of my old SRT-101b body when it went t*ts up, and replaced it with an X-370, which I still use. The X-370 with 50/1.7 Rokkor is a nice street shooter combo, though it lacks the depth of field preview button that I enjoyed on the SRT.

The MD Rokkor 50/1.7 can close focus to just under 18 inches, making it a virtual macro. I think the MD series are great, especially considering the prices they can be had for. Olympus Zuikos are also a great SLR lens worth looking into.

~Joe