Lens · prime
Minolta MD 17mm f/4
Minolta · from 1977
Discontinued35mm
Minolta MD 17mm f/4: 11 elements in 9 groups, 6 aperture blades, 0.25m minimum focus, 72mm filter thread, 325g.
- Focal length
- 17mm
- Max aperture
- f/4
- Mount
- Minolta MD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 11 / 9
Known for
- Architecture
- Interiors
- Landscapes
Considerations
- Slow aperture
- Front element rotates when focusing, awkward with polarisers
- Manual focus and aperture (MD/MC bayonet; SLR lens)
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)4, level 4 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast4, level 4 of 5
Flare resistance3, level 3 of 5
CA control3, level 3 of 5
Vignetting control3, level 3 of 5
Distortion control3, level 3 of 5
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
MD W.Rokkor / W.Rokkor-X (MD I/II)
1977
Rokkor engraving, 330 g
Same optics as the MC W.Rokkor of 1975
MD (MD III)
1981
Plain 'MD', 325 g
Common issues
- Check for fungus
- Inspect aperture blades
Buying guide
Check aperture blade operation and focus smoothness, and inspect the glass for haze, fungus or cleaning marks.
Specifications
| Mount | Minolta MD |
| Focal Length | 17mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Min Focus | 0.25m |
| Filter Size | 72mm |
| Weight | 325g |
Optical design
| Formula | Retrofocus |
| Elements | 11 |
| Groups | 9 |
| Coating | SRC (Minolta) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £150 - £280
- Mint
- ~£380
Indicative, no dated source.