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Lens · prime

Minolta MD 50mm f/2

Minolta · from 1981

Discontinued35mm

Minolta MD 50mm f/2: 6 elements in 5 groups, 6 aperture blades, 0.45m minimum focus, 49mm filter thread, 150g.

Focal length
50mm
Max aperture
f/2
Mount
Minolta MD
Format
35mm
Elements / groups
6 / 5

Known for

  • Travel
  • Street photography
  • Compact kit

Considerations

  • Less common
  • 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 control4, level 4 of 5

Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.

Versions

MD Rokkor / Rokkor-X (MD I)

1977

55mm filter, minimum aperture f/16, 0.5 m close focus, 230 g

Successor to the MC Rokkor-PF 50mm f/2

MD (MD III)

1981

Plain 'MD' engraving, 49mm filter, 150 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

MountMinolta MD
Focal Length50mm
Max Aperturef/2
Min Aperturef/22
Aperture Blades6
Min Focus0.45m
Filter Size49mm
Weight150g

Optical design

FormulaDouble Gauss
Elements6
Groups5
CoatingSRC (Minolta)

Pricing

Typical used price
£40 - £90
Mint
~£120

Indicative, no dated source.