XPro 1 – 35mm Minolta MD/MC/Auto Rokkor f/2.8

Note: This is not a scientific test or lens review and should not be taken in anyway shape or form as such, i simply write my experience with these lenses and an attempt to give those interested an idea of what to expect using this combination.

One of my favorite focal lengths on the X-Pro 1 using Minolta or Konica manual focus lenses are the 35mm which equates to 52.5mm on a 35mm format. As with all Minolta lenses, they are extremely well made especially the early Auto Rokkor’s, compact and balances very well on the X-Pro 1. Performance of these lenses are also very good, wide open at 2.8 you get a nice soft sharp rendering though the later 35mm’s such as the MD’s in my opinion are sharper wide open, stopped down to f/4-5.6 they are at their best without any noticeable difference amongst the early and later ones.

The Auto Rokkor 35mm is simply sexy on the X-Pro 1, sporting a chrome ring at the tip of the lens. My copy of the Auto Rokkor is the very early variation, first generation with an Aperture lock and a slim elegant profile, a beauty to look at, hold and use. Not shown here are the updated MC 1st generation 52mm 1966 and 55mm 1973 with Knurled Metal aperture ring, very similar to the Auto Rokkor with the difference being with a chrome aperture ring, i may update these page soon as i get hold of either or both of them.

Though the MD’s are mostly of plastic construction to reduce weight, they are still very well made and produce sharper results wide open than the early variations on the X-Pro 1 from my experience. Regardless of which variation, the Minolta 35mm are simply superb lenses on the X-Pro 1.

All Images shot at F2.8-5.6 JPEG SOOC, minimal processing, B&W conversion in LR4

Minolta Auto W.Rokkor 35mm 2.8 HG 55mm Filter Thread – 1st Generation

Lens Data

Year – 1958
Focal Range – 35mm
Angle of View –
Max. Aperture – f/2.8
Min. Aperture – f/22
Elements/Groups – 7 in 6
Blades – Non circular
Minimum Focus Distance – 0.25m
Filter Diameter – 55mm
Weight – 300 g
Width x Length – 63mm x 53mm
Filter Rotates – No
Mount Type – SR1
Features – Aperture lock
Price New –

Minolta MC W.Rokkor-X HG 35mm 2.8 – 2nd Generation 55mm Filter Thread

Lens Data

Year – 1973
Focal Range – 35mm
Angle of View –
Max. Aperture – f/2.8
Min. Aperture – f/16
Elements/Groups – 7 in 6
Blades – Non circular
Minimum Focus Distance – 0.4m
Filter Diameter – 55mm
Weight – 240g
Width x Length – 63.4mm x 45mm
Filter Rotates – No
Mount Type – MC-X
Features – Rubberized focus ring
Price New –

Minolta MD W.Rokkor-X 35mm 2.8 (  Orange Front Lens Markings ) 49mm Filter Thread

Lens Data

Year – 1978
Focal Range – 35mm
Angle of View –
Max. Aperture – f/2.8
Min. Aperture – f/22
Elements/Groups – 5 in 5
Blades – Non circular
Minimum Focus Distance – 0.3m
Filter Diameter – 49mm
Weight – 165g
Width x Length – 64mm x 38mm
Filter Rotates – No
Mount Type – MDII
Features – Plastic Aperture Ring – Rubberized Focus Ring – Half Stop f/4-16
Price New –

Minolta MD 35mm 2.8 ( Plain w/White Markings ) 49mm Filter Thread

Lens Data

Year – 1981
Focal Range – 35mm
Angle of View –
Max. Aperture – f/2.8
Min. Aperture – f/22
Elements/Groups – 5 in 5
Blades – Non circular
Minimum Focus Distance – 0.3m
Filter Diameter – 49mm
Weight – 170g
Width x Length – 64mm x 38mm
Filter Rotates – No
Mount Type – MDIII
Features – Plastic Aperture Ring – Rubberized Focus Ring – Half Stop f/4-16
Price New –