Minolta MD 50mm 1:1.2 two copies comparison – LensRomantic

Published by Tony on

Minolta MD 50mm 1:1.2 two copies comparison (New-MD, MD III)

The description of a LensRomantic test is here. These comparisons are for collectors or tech-enthusiasts. Photographers may go directly to a lens review.

MD 50/1.2 – the latest superfast lens by Minolta. The queen. Here is the comparison even of three different copies – it has been started with two copies, but the results were abnormal, so, the third copy has been added lately.

The initial pair

Copy #1 Copy #2
Serial: 8008540 8002838
Optical Condition: Near Mint Near Mint
Mechanical Condition: Near Mint Near Mint
Cosmetic Condition: Near Mint Very Good

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

Full lens review

Minolta MD 50mm 1:1.2 two copies comparison – long-distance resolution test

Testing methods description

  • Target: cityscape
  • Distance: > 200 meters to center focus point
  • Camera: Sony A7II (24mpx, full-frame, tripod, remote control). M-mode, ISO fixed, WB fixed, SteadyShot – OFF. The focus point is on the center only.
  • RAW processing: Capture One, default settings. All quality settings – 100%. Crops – 300×200 px

Scene preview

Test results

The result was looking strange – in fact, the difference between other identical Minolta New-MD 50mm lenses is much less, but these two MD 50mm 1:1.2 work enough differently. (I’ve repeated the session a few times – the result is stable). Also, the copy#2 has visible traces of disassembling.

That’s why another copy was acquired and the test has been repeated:

Minolta MD 50mm 1:1.2 two copies comparison – the second pair

Copy #1 is the same as from the first comparison, Copy #3 – the new one

Copy #1 Copy #3
Serial: 8008540 8012631
Optical Condition: Near Mint Near Mint
Mechanical Condition: Near Mint Near Mint
Cosmetic Condition: Near Mint Like New

Scene preview

Minolta MD 50mm 1:1.2 - two copies comparison - scene preview

Test results

(To avoid misunderstanding the real serials are marked in the diagram)

Minolta MD 50mm 1:1.2 - two copies comparison - result

Minolta MD 50mm 1:1.2 two copies comparison – final conclusion

As it is already said, the first test showed the big difference in the behavior of the lenses. At the same time, if we consider them separately, then both seem to be workable. Personally, my opinion – copy number two is a bit abnormal, possibly it has been damaged. I even checked the fixing of optical and body elements and reassemble the lens, but the behavior has not changed. When Copy#3 appeared, it took a position close to the better Copy#1.


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