Zenit 12XP + Vivitar 70-210mm or Minolta SR-7 + Rokkor 50mm?

[Pedroga]

Recently, I came across two cameras at an antique store: a Zenit 12XP with a Vivitar 70-210mm lens and a Minolta SR-7 with a Rokkor 50mm lens. They’re both very inexpensive, around $30 each, which is practically the price of a single roll of 35mm film in my country.


In my mind, my Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 is probably a much better camera than either of these, but after doing some reading I discovered that the SR-7 is actually a pretty good camera and an interesting one to have in a collection.


As for the Zenit, I can’t really say the same. The shutter speed options seem quite odd, and the ISO selection is just as strange. On top of that, the lens that comes with it looks somewhat impractical for the type of photography I’m used to doing. I’m still a beginner, and I’ve never really used anything longer than a 70mm lens before.


Would either of these cameras offer a noticeably different experience compared to my usual camera? Is there something I could learn from using them that would help me grow as a photographer, or would they mostly end up being collection pieces?

Both cameras are in fully working condition. The Minolta also has a protective filter mounted on the lens, which can be removed easily if desired.

 

[Paul Howell]

The Minolta is a very good camera, not TTL light meter, still very workable with a top ASA of 6400, and will take all MC/MD lens. I have several Minolta 50mm lens, even the early single coated lens are sharp. The Vivitar lens of course has a good range, filter size of 52mm are a common size and not too expensive. It is not a Series 1 but at 11 or 16 will sharp enough. The Minolta build quality will be better, but this is a 60 year old camera, it will need to be cleaned lubed and adjusted. The meter is working will work with hearing aid batteries, you will to make a spacer to fit the smaller hearing aid battery in the larger battery compartment. The Yashica FX is a fine camera, takes modern battery and Yashcia lens are very good, it will also take Cortex lens, some of the best glass made at the time.

 

[Pedroga]

The Minolta is a very good camera, not TTL light meter, still very workable with a top ASA of 6400, and will take all MC/MD lens. I have several Minolta 50mm lens, even the early single coated lens are sharp. The Vivitar lens of course has a good range, filter size of 52mm are a common size and not too expensive. It is not a Series 1 but at 11 or 16 will sharp enough. The Minolta build quality will be better, but this is a 60 year old camera, it will need to be cleaned lubed and adjusted. The meter is working will work with hearing aid batteries, you will to make a spacer to fit the smaller hearing aid battery in the larger battery compartment. The Yashica FX is a fine camera, takes modern battery and Yashcia lens are very good, it will also take Cortex lens, some of the best glass made at the time.

That's interesting! For my Yashica, I already have a 35-70mm and a 50mm f/2, both Yashica ML lenses, and they serve me very well. Personally, I don't really need any more lenses, but every now and then I get the urge to try something different.


Do lenses actually produce different image characteristics beyond focal length and sharpness? I mean in terms of color rendering can different lenses noticeably affect the colors in a photograph?


I've also heard that the Rokkor lens on the SR-7 has particularly beautiful rendering and bokeh for portraits.


I'm going to look for someone who can service and lubricate the cameras properly. But what about the Zenit? Should I just pass on that camera and lens altogether? I initially thought it might be worth buying, but now I'm not so sure.

 

[Paul Howell]

I've also heard that the Rokkor lens on the SR-7 has particularly beautiful rendering and bokeh for portraits.


I have found that lens are different, designs evolved over the decades, one of the main difference is coating. Most lens from the early 60s have single coating, in the late 60 multi coating were introduced which in general improved contrast and reduced flare. Some like the softer look of the single coated lens. My 50mm MD and MC have good bokeh and color is very good. When I was in college in the 60s we toured a large commercial studio in L.A that used Minolta for the lens. They shot most work in 8X10 and 4X5 but shot slides with Minolta.