Minolta Rokkor MC 200/3.5 and A7

[Just Al]

Hi all.

Just like to solicit your experience on this lens combo. Would it be good? I can pick one up for $40. Seems pretty heavy and am concern with balance. Should I look into a 135mm instead? How is the IQ of the 200mm rokkor mc?

[addicted2light]

Hi, you can see for yourself at this website (it is in German, but the images are pretty much self-explanatory and you can always use Google Translate):

 

 

http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektiv-vergleiche/338-nex-5n-und-minolta-200mm-teleobjektive

 

http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektiv-vergleiche/328-nex-5n-und-200mm-teleobjektive

 

Basically, it looks the newer 200/4 version is head and shoulder better than the previous one. Given that it sells for the same price (I have one, and I paid around 45€ for it) I'd strongly suggest you go for the newer model.

[Just Al]

Thanks very much for the link!

How is the handling and balance on a a7 size camera?

[nomad]

I own the f4 and it's not really heavy, you can always hold it in one hand and the camera with the other. The focus is buttery smooth (I have the MC, which should be aluminum on brass) and the focus ring is pretty wide, which helps with when focusing with the thumb and index finger of the hand holding it.

[addicted2light]

Thanks very much for the link!

How is the handling and balance on a a7 size camera?

 

You're welcome!

 

I second what nomad told you. The 200/4 it is a good size & weight to mate really well with an A7 series camera, and strangely enough it is even better balanced on the Nex 7!

 

The only (really minor) faults I can find to this lens are:

 

- the minimal focusing distance is a tad too long to use it in interiors; add a short extension tube if you find yourself inside and you are set

 

- the lens it is slightly less sharp than the Leica 180/4 Elmar, especially in overcast conditions. My guess is that this happens mostly because Leica R lenses have some kind of uv filtering "incorporated" into the coating. You can see the effects by the way they make the natural haze of distant landscapes "disappear", while the Minolta registers what the eyes see (the blue haze). Again no big deal, just use a skylight on the Minolta if you don't like the haze (but Leonardo went a great length to reproduce it faithfully in his painting, so it may not be that bad...)

 

- you will have to correct for CA in some conditions, but it is just one click in Lightroom or Photoshop

 

Just be patient, because a lot of sellers will try to sell it for 100€ or more; wait for an auction (or an honest seller) and like I said you will be able to buy one for less than half that price.

 

And by the way, this lens is absolutely great (like many other Minolta's) with color:

 

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