jeroen_b1

Ivan: I've got the MD 50mm f/1.7, and a MD-rokkor f/1.7. I've got the rokkor first, and then I have read somewhere the plain MD is the best (yahoo group?, or here?), so I bought a mint one real cheap. It was probably your test... ;-)

 

So it all comes down to the use of filters, and maybe flair resistance? I've got for both sizes UV and skylight filters, and for 49mm red-orange-yellow filters, and a 55mm polar.

Hello group,

 

A second question, I have searched for some info about the 49mm vs. 55mm filter

size, and to my surprise I have found out something new:

 

The very famous 24mm f/2.8 is the one with the 55mm filter size, with 7 elements

in 9 groups.

 

I have just bought a plain MD 49mm with 49mm filter size, a whole diffent lens,

8 elements in 8 groups. I have bought is because it looks brand new, and I

didn't know there where 2 versions.

 

So, now I am wondering about the optical quality of the lens. Is there someone

who has used them both?

 

I still have to shoot a roll of film with the lens, so I haven't seen any result

yet.<div></div>

hello group,

 

After buying the MD 85mm f/2 and MD 24mm f/2.8 I am interested in a MD 50mm

f/1.4 lens.

 

I have a question: what is the difference between the MD 50mm f/1.4 lenses with

49mm and 55mm filter size? Are they the same, optically?

 

bye, Jeroen

Thanks for looking! I have seen that the filters ordered directly from China (*bay) are much cheaper, set of 3 filters, ND2/4/8 with sending for aprox. 16 euro. Anyway, I will just try the set with the ND4 and cheap adapter, maybe I have some luck with a clean filter. If I really like it I can always buy a Cokin set.

FYI: the filter only is not 27 euro, the whole set with filter and P holder and 55mm ring is, including the price for sending. So it's probably 23 euro for the set.

 

But maybe this is still a bit too much. Price is not my main problem, quality is. I hope it is not cheap junk (like the Soligor eye cup I once bought for my minolta MF camera, useless, too small hole to look through).

 

I have ordered the set, could be fun! If the holder shows up vignetting, I will saw off the rails for the second and third filter.

Yes, I think I am going to try it. If it's not that good, I can always use the P adapter for a better filter.

 

I guess when you stack filters, lack of quality will be visible. Someone has to be the first to try and report.... so it's my turn now :-)

new seals at the door & new seal strips in the slots (body)<div></div>

a quick picture of the new mirror damper.<div></div>

hello there,

 

 

Is there someone who has experience with the chinese Tian Ya graduated filters?

 

 

It looks like they have copied the cokin P system. A photoshop in the

netherlands advertise them as a bit better than Cokin.

 

I have found two links on the web with some info:

 

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187653

 

http://mybearbrick.blogspot.com/2007/02/guess-what-came-in-mail-today-parcel.html

 

 

A set with a grad ND4 filter + adapter looks cheap, about 27 euro's. Is this a

good buy, quality wise?

 

bye, Jeroen

Mirror damper of the XD-7: it was already very thin and disintegrating, the black foam was turned into a sticky gum or black glue. (The X-500 has other material, like a small brush, this will be still o.k.)

 

Originally it is just some kind of tape with black foam glued on it, just like the light seals. I picked with a needle in the old tape until it broke in two pieces and came loose, and I could take the end with a pair of tweezers. Then I put back a new piece of foam, a bit thicker.

 

If you want to do it, it's better to remove the focus screen first (only two tiny screws in the front). By removing the screen the old tape will automatically get loose or even breaks, and you can pick it up more easily. I scratched my focus screen in the corner with the needle, not much and you won't see it, but my heart stopped a beat when it happenend...

FYI: I just have fixed the light seals of my x-500 and XD-7, and also the mirror damper of the XD-7. I bought a more than complete foam kit from *bay (10$), the seller's name is "Interslice". Great product!

That would be a nice test, and I am interested in the results. I have the 50mm and 100mm MD macro lenses (x-500+XD-7). I would like to know if mirror shake is a big issue. With the 50mm macro I don't think it is, but maybe the 100mm suffers a bit?

I would like to suggest: stick with Minolta! With that new Haoda MF/AF 1:1 adapter you can use the MF lenses on your maxxum/dynax 7.

 

I also went back to the XD-7 and X-500, and a bunch of great lenses.

just found it, it's from Haoda

 

http://haodascreen.com/minoltaMDAF.aspx

 

copy-paste:

 

The item is BRAND NEW condition

 

For sale is an adapter for mounting Minolta MD/MC manual lenses onto a Maxxum AF bodies such as 7000/9000 alpha 9, even 7D and 5D.

As with all the adapters of this type lens will be focused manual and the apeture will be manually set.

Includes front and rear caps.

 

It is a 1:1 adapter.

 

I am also selling the split image focusing screen for Minolta 7D and 5D. If you buy this item with my screen,

I can combine your order to save your shipping and handling fee.

 

The following are the pictures of the adapter.

Buy it now price is $155

Well... we all know buying lenses is adictive...

 

Got the 85mm f/2 after all, haven't seen it yet, it's on his way. Will search for a good deal for the MD 24mm now (and then my MF set will be definitly complete, I swear... 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 50macro, 85mm, 100mm, 100macro, 135mm).

 

Next object of desire will be the reflection screens and a couple of gradual ND filters, probably Cokin, although I guess for wide angle you need the expensive pro series adapter, the P adapter is for 28mm or above.

I have read a little while ago at Dyxum.com that someone reported there is a new type MF/AF adapter, that doesn't magnify.

 

But I can't find the topic anymore in the Dyxum forum....

The 50mm f/1.7 is a great lens and great value for your money. Some people report the 50mm f/1.4 is a bit better, but only at large apertures, and it is almost not visible, a bit more contrast. The f/1.4 is a lot more expensive.

 

check www.dyxum.com , there is a lens database with lots of reviews. And here on photonet there is a minolta area:

 

http://www.photo.net/equipment/minolta/lenses

 

There is also a 35mm f/2, rare and expensive, but a very good one.

IMHO the 35-70 is just a slow version of a 50mm lens, the 35-70 range isn't that spectaculair (okay, a 70mm macro is handy from time to time). I would rather just use a 50mm f/1.7 prime instead of this lens.

 

I have read somewhere on the net (yahoo minolta group) that the lens lacks contrast, because of the hybrid lens design (for some elements there is plastic molded against glass, right?).

 

I had one and have shot a few rolls with it, but I was not really excited. I like my 1st version 28-85mm better. If I want low weight & a small camera rig, just the 50mm lens will be fine.

Just a thought, is the KM 28-75 f/2.8 a full-frame lens?. I am told the lens is not full-frame.

hello Minolta group,

 

 

Still some hours to go, but I wish you all a happy 2007, with lots of great

photographic opportunities!

 

bye,

 

Jeroen

Amsterdam

I just received my Dynax 7 + grip. It's a wonderfull piece of equipment. Nice AF sensors --> red LED's (the 600SI has only one black square in the viewfinder). Also very smooth AF sensor selector, much better than my 800SI.

 

The AEL matrix display is great, when you press the AEL button after focussing, you see the values for eacht segment, like 14 spotmeters at the same time.

 

I definitly will not miss my 600SI. Focussing speed seems fine to me, with for example the old 28-85 it's allright, with the 50mm f/1.7 it's really fast. Have to test this a bit more. I think I don't need the grip, without the grip the camera is much more compact.

I think the 700SI is almost the same as the 800SI?

I just sold my 600SI, I have got a Dynax 7, it's on his way to my home, so I haven't used it. And I have a 800SI. I like the 800SI more than the 600SI, for two reasons: the 800SI has a better feeling, the 600 has a bit more plastic feeling. And the fact that some knobs on the back of the 600 move easily, like the spot meter.

Update, no MD 85mm f/2 for me, I just have bought a mint Dynax 7 + grip for a good price (195E). Nice couple with my 800SI. Now I am going to sell my 600SI and maybe the 7000.

Photoflex, have to search for a shop that sells them. I have only seen Falcon Eyes and Lastolite screens. Indeed a multi color (and purpose?) screen is more handy, in the end it all has to fit in my photo bag.

 

The 85mm f/2... very very tempting, don't know why actually, but it's hard to resist. It's a shame this one still has to cost 160+ euro.