Chiyoko 135mm 1:4.0 vs Minolta MD 135mm 1:2.8 – comparison

Published by Tony on

Chiyoko 135mm 1:4.0 vs Minolta MD 135mm 1:2.8 – Comparison

I wouldn’t say that this is a fair battle because of the huge difference between the age of these lenses. It is better to call it a demonstration of the development of Japanese optics. How much the great-granddaughter differs from the great-grandmother.

Chiyoko 135/4 Minolta MD III 135/2.8
Serial: 3157 8037989
Optical Condition: Very good Like new
Mechanical Condition: Very good Like new
Cosmetic Condition: Good Like new

This comparison is correct only for conditions and equipment used for tests. Test results can differ if any element is changed.

Tested lenses reviews:

AvatarReview_MD13528.png
AvatarReview_MSR13540

Long distance – resolution/sharpness:

Long-distance test description

  • Camera Sony A7II (24mpx, full frame) – RAW (ARW), tripod, A-mode, ISO 100, WB fixed, SteadyShot OFF, manual focus correction for every shot
  • Targets (buildings) – fixed by gravity power on the distances in more than 200 meters
  • ARW post-processing – Capture One, default settings, 100% crops 300×200 px

Scene preview:

MSR13540__e_far_preview

Test results:

Chiyoko 135mm 1:4.0 vs Minolta MD 135mm 1:2.8 - Comparison - Far distance

Chiyoko 135mm 1:4.0 vs Minolta MD 135mm 1:2.8 comparison – final conclusion

Of course, Chiyoko’s IQ isn’t able to beat Minolta MD III 128. Yes, we can love Chiyoko lenses for the historical meanings, build quality, or feeling in the hands, but this lens is coming from 1947 – we shouldn’t expect something magical. The comparison simply may help to realize the difference between lenses from the ’40s and from the ’80s.

(some other lenses from LTM-period by Minolta also have been compared on the site, check the main list here)


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