Lens · prime
Minolta MD 85mm f/2
Minolta · from 1979
Discontinued35mm
Minolta MD 85mm f/2: 6 elements in 5 groups, 6 aperture blades, 0.85m minimum focus, 49mm filter thread, 285g.
- Focal length
- 85mm
- Max aperture
- f/2
- Mount
- Minolta MD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 5
Known for
- Portraits
- Headshots
- Events
Considerations
- Older design
- 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
Bokeh: Creamy, excellent for portraits
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
MD Rokkor / Rokkor-X (MD II)
1979
Rokkor engraving, screw-in hood, 280 g
Replaced the 85mm f/1.7
MD (MD III)
1981
Plain 'MD', clip-in hood, 285 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 | 85mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Min Focus | 0.85m |
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Weight | 285g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 5 |
| Coating | SRC (Minolta) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £80 - £150
- Mint
- ~£200
Indicative, no dated source.