Lense info, filter needs for MC Rokkor-PF 58mm 1.4

[s_p5]

Good afternoon everyone!

 

I just recently got a used MC Rokkor-PF 58mm 1.4 lens for my Minolta

x-700. I am a novice, so please bear with me.

 

Can someone tell me a little bit about this lens and if it is a good

all purpose use lens? I had a regular 50mm 1.7 lens before, but lost

it and now I have this one (long story).

 

Also, is it necessary to have a filter for a lens? Which is the best

and what is a price I should expect to pay for a used one? I was

reading on this site that the Tiffen Haze 1 is recommended.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm glad that there are

still people out there supporting good old cameras like these

Minoltas.

 

Best wishes,

Sharon

[fmueller]

It's an excellent all purpose lens. I am sure you will love it. Since it is a bit older, it would especially benefit from use of a lens hood to prevent flare.

 

To use or not to use a protective filter is a philosophical question - some people swear by them, others think it's a waste of time. For a lens that can as easily and cheaply be replaced if you ever had an accident like the MC Rokkor-PF 58mm 1.4, I'd say a protective filter is a waste of time. Also, a filter will make the lens even more prone to flare (simply because it's a flat glass surface, not a rounded one), and you might want to avoid that.

 

If you do want to use a protective filter, the Tiffen Haze 1 would be a good choice.

[s_p5]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WISDOM AND RESPONSE! I'm off to Penn Camera here in DC to get a lens hood this evening. Best, Sharon

[andykowalczyk]

Remember that you need to manually set the lens to its smallest f/stop (f/16?) if you want to use X-700 in P mode.

<p>

Look at <strong>3.1.2 Can I use MC lenses on an XD- or X- series camera?</strong> and <strong>3.1.3 Making an 'MD lug' mod</strong> at Chris Valentine's et al <a href="http://www.35mm.freeserve.co.uk/mug/mf-lenses.html"> Minolta MF FAQ <http://www.35mm.freeserve.co.uk/mug/mf-lenses.html>. </a>

[guy_mansford]

Well, you've bought a real gem of a lens. This is one of the sharpest lenses I have ever tested. What's great about it is that it is better at f1.4 than many 50's at f2.8. As a low light lens it is beyond compare. I like it so much I bought a spare (very cheap) in case I damage it. I don't bother with a filter, but the hood is a good idea. Enjoy it!

[larry h.]

Some people say the newer 50/1.4 is better, but when I tested my individual 50/1.4 against my 58/1.4, the 58 came out ahead: less spherical aberration (i.e., sharper in the center), less coma (i.e., sharper at the edges) and less light fall off in the corners at f/1.4, f/2 and f/2.8. Stars in astrophotos were perfectly sharp to the corners by f/2.8. The only thing that may not be as good with this lens is flare, which is why everyone says buy a hood. Enjoy it!

[Brian]

I agree with the last two posters that this is a great lens. It's under-rated and undervalued because it's an MC lens, because it's a prime, and because it's a slightly odd focal length. But I find 58mm to be very usable, and the large aperture makes it still more versatile. This one plus a 28mm makes a great two-lens set. Re filters, I've only ever used a polarizer on mine, and that only in particular situations to cut reflections or haze. Definitely get a lens hood.