Minolta MD 35-70 f/3.5

[moffatross]

I have this 1980's 35mm film SLR lens in 2 variations, the original Rokkor 35-70 f/3.5 that has been modified to a clickless aperture which I've held onto for occasional video work, and the newer, sharper and more versatile MD 35-70 f/3.5 'macro'.

Aside from their badging, they appear mechanically identical although the Rokkor version is softer at the corners, and mine exhibits a slight kind of 'fogginess' that is absent in the MD. Of course the other benefit of the MD is its close focus function, not really 'macro' but it does let you get quite close up.

It's a lens I always keep in the bag, as it's just so reliable and versatile. Here are a few images using the MD 35-70 on a full frame sensor.

v

 

[Tom Caldwell]

Well caught, they are looking pretty good.

 

[Vic Chapman]

Love 'em all, especially the monochrome.

I'm slowly building a set of Minolta MD lenses for use with my Fuji X cams at the same trying to avoid doubling up on my Fuji lenses. I so far have 24mm f2.8, & 135mm f2.8 and I just ordered a 50mm f1.2. Also considering a Metabones reducer for the shorter 2 lenses - apparently they won't work with the 135mm f2.8 but as I already have a Fuji 90mm f2 that is no problem.

 

[Caledonia84]

I have the macro version of the Lens and agree it's of high quality and can be had cheap. It's also available as a Leica branded Vario Elmar but they still go for hundreds of pounds and not the £25 I paid for mine. It's also adaptable to f2.8 by the removal of a couple of screws................. but ill let you google that
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Scott H

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[Letsgokoulos]

Yes, just a gorgeous zoom lens, very versatile, with the sharpness of a prime:








Panorama of 4 pictures



Marc

 

[Robert Tolputt]

I love this lens - mine has quite a noticeable scratch on the edge of the front element but I Sharpied it out and it is fine.

It also worked very well with the Lens Turbo II on my NEX 5N :

some images are in My Gallery

 

[Winterfrost]

Some say the "Macro" MD III 35-70/3.5 Version is the Best, others the non-Macro, but the Truth is, optically, they're both the same. Afaik, the Macro-Version came back into 1983, whileas the non-macro Version was being released 2 years earlier, into 1981, with the same optics.

That lens is very good, especially it can be had for as little as 50 bucks nowadays in mint condition, or even less, if one is lucky onto the net.

Even the focal length is somewhat being limited (it's a 2x Zoom), the IQ really shines, and is not much behind the Contax Zeiss 35-70/3.4 lens.

Good Light!

 

[Mathieu18]

The CY 35-70 is incredible, so that's gotta be a good lens.

Some say the "Macro" MD III 35-70/3.5 Version is the Best, others the non-Macro, but the Truth is, optically, they're both the same. Afaik, the Macro-Version came back into 1983, whileas the non-macro Version was being released 2 years earlier, into 1981, with the same optics.

That lens is very good, especially it can be had for as little as 50 bucks nowadays in mint condition, or even less, if one is lucky onto the net.

Even the focal length is somewhat being limited (it's a 2x Zoom), the IQ really shines, and is not much behind the Contax Zeiss 35-70/3.4 lens.

Good Light!

 

[Winterfrost]

The CY 35-70 is incredible, so that's gotta be a good lens

Like i've said before...stop down to F4 or F5.6...prime lens quality.

 

[Mathieu18]

Good at all apertures!

The CY 35-70 is incredible, so that's gotta be a good lens

Like i've said before...stop down to F4 or F5.6...prime lens quality.

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Do Medium Format users wish they could get the Full Frame look?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/130525441@N04/

 

[Winterfrost]

yes indeed, even with the small vignetting at open aperture it looks well with "character", i choose only the MD 35-70/3.5, mostly, because i do have twins, so one safe copy, and it's lighter, but not better, than the Zeiss 35-70/3.4, and the Contax Zeiss is more heavy, and Push-Pull, not a 2-Ring Zoom Design. From IQ, the Zeiss is clearly better...but not that much, as the 2nd Hand price difference tells...

 

[Lightshow]

I have the Leica R 35-70/3.5 which is basically the same lens, only it doesn't have the macro feature, so it's MFD is not that great, but otherwise it's stellar.

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I don't have any AF lenses, so if I want a picture, I have to do more than squeeze a button.
I just bough my first camera, Best camera EVER!!!1
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My shots:

James

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