Minolta Auto Rokkor PF 55mm 1:1.8 – AR II – review

Published by Tony on 2022-07-232022-07-23

Minolta Auto Rokkor PF 55mm 1:1.8 (AR-II) engraved as “Minolta Auto Rokkor-PF 1:1.8  f=55mm” lens review

• Official classification: SR
• Collector’s classification: AR-II

Another lens from the distant past – the line was started in 1961. In those years, it was the number two fifty among all similar Minolta’s lenses right after new and faster AR-II 58/1.4. It could come in kits for both lines  – expensive flagship SR-3/SR-7 cameras and also for cheaper SR-1 cameras.. Now let’s see what it can offer to us.

Minolta Auto Rokkor PF 55mm 1:1.8 (ARII) lens specifications

Historical note

This is the update (1962) of the first kit lens for the Minolta SR mount, so it has only one direct predecessor – Minolta Auto Rokkor PF 55mm 1:1.8 (ARI).

The Auto Rokkor PF 55mm 1:1.8 (ARII) was in production since 1962. It is not easy to distinguish it from subsequent 55/1.8 lenses by visual traits with 100% insurance, so the SN ranges is the best way to sort it out. But the main difference from its predecessors is easy to see – the same distances between the marks on the aperture ring.

In lens reviews on the site, I usually use the Dennis’s classification. This is the easiest way to point out a lens model for a wide range of readers. In reality, serious collectors distinguish at least 5 versions under the 55/1.8 AR II model, and most likely even more.

The possible classification seems to me like this (any clarifications – welcome):

1. SN 24xxxxx with LVs marks
2. SN 24xxxxx and 34xxxxx without LVs marks
3. SN 34xxxxx
4. SN 44xxxxx WITHOUT “Lens Made In Japan” text on the front ring
5. SN 44xxxxx WITH “Lens Made In Japan” text on the front ring

Also, we can select two “color” versions: for black and for silver cameras (later black cameras had practically ceased to be rare, unlike the first SR-2/SR-3). Both color versions were produced throughout the entire production cycle of the line.

BTW: on the site minolta.eazypix.de the year of production set as 1962, but correct is 1961.

By collectors research – the total production estimation of the lens is about 255 000 (!) copies. But, of course, this is unofficial data and may be erroneous. Nevertheless, there are really quite a lot of these lenses on the secondary market.

The specific lens tested is somewhere in the first third of the entire line (SN started from 24 but no LVs marks, 1962 year of production, probably).

I must express my admiration for the work done by Maury Jacks, Trotwood Paris, Han Fiasco, Andrea Aprà, Michel Brien, Henrik Robeck, Brad Smith, Andrew Coones, Jan Koning of course… as well as many other collectors, who invested part of their efforts in popularizing the early period of SR cameras.

Minolta Auto Rokkor PF 55mm 1:1.8 (ARII) lens exterior

Minolta Auto Rokkor PF 55mm 1:1.8 (ARII) lens mounted on camera Minolta SR-7

Quite authentic set – the camera and lens could be purchased at the same time

Minolta Auto Rokkor PF 55mm 1:1.8 (ARII) lens sharpness

Сlose-distance resolution test, minimal distance

Testing methods description

• Target: 10-15 cm picture, printed on glossy photo paper
• Distance: 1.7m
• Camera: Sony A7II (24mpx, full-frame, tripod, remote control). M-mode, ISO fixed, WB fixed, SteadyShot – OFF.
• The test was repeated for every F-stop on every focus position with manual focus adjustment for each shot. That is to avoid the effect of field curvature.
• RAW processing: Capture One, default settings. All quality settings – 100%. Crops – 300×200 px

Original target image (printed in horizontal orientation on 10cm X 15cm glossy photo paper)

Scene preview

Test results

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

Minolta Auto Rokkor PF 55mm 1:1.8 (ARII) lens aberrations

Vignetting

Geometric distortion

Coma aberrations

Chromatic aberrations

Long-distance bokeh

Test #1

Test conditions: the lens was focused on minimal distance on the scale (0.5m), buildings are on “infinity”-distance.

Test#2:

Test conditions: lens was focused on 1.0m

Light bubbles bokeh – long distance

Test #1

The lens is on the minimal focusing distance 0.5m, lights are on infinity (cityscape)

Test #2

Test conditions: lens was focused on 1.0m

Minolta Auto Rokkor PF 55mm 1:1.8 (ARII) lens – final conclusion

I don’t know if this lens differs in optical design from its predecessor (55/1.8 AR-I), but judging by the photos from the tests, they are almost the same. Yes, not twins. There are small, I would say, microscopic differences in the corners of the picture. Perhaps it’s like a difference between two copies of a same model. But in general, the conclusion about this lens will not differ. Let me repeat almost one to one:

The small size and weight are a plus. The absence of geometric distortion is another plus. In terms of sharpness, the situation is also rather positive, although, as often happens, it is worth avoiding an open aperture. But portraits can be easily shot with F2.8, and the lens becomes completely sharp over the entire field of the frame at F5.6. As for the bokeh, and, in general, the artistic qualities of the lens, then everything is also quite expected – the usual creamy bokeh, the description like “classic” looks very suitable here. In any case, no sharp twists, bubbles and other spirals are observed. Can be safely used for shooting children and cats.

Can I recommend this model for purchase? Of course. Can I recommend looking for this particular lens model for purchase? Definitely not. This is a completely high-quality representative of a huge family of fifties, but does not have its own handwriting in the photographs. Very good but usual 55/1.8.