Minolta A5 45mm f/2

[PGraham3]

A few years ago I had shot a friend's Minolta A5 45mm f/2.8 (4 elements) and it produced some great images. I had done some further research on the camera and ascertained that a much more rarer version with a 6-element 45mm f/2 lens was also produced, and that it's even better. I came across this nice one the other day for about $25, and just had to get it. I intend to try it out with some good BW film quite soon.

I tried to see if I could ascertain how many of these particular f/2 cameras were made, as I've come to find that they are quite rare, but to no avail. There doesn't seem to be any solid information out there.

Does anyone know of a Minolta Camera database that contains all camera models and serial numbers, etc?

 

[Captain Slack]

I’ve got an A5! Nice camera, but mine has a light leak in the shutter.

 

[PGraham3]

@Captain Slack
Cool! Yeah, pretty nice camera indeed. Does your A5 have a f/2 lens?
-Paul

 

[Captain Slack]

@Captain Slack
Cool! Yeah, pretty nice camera indeed. Does your A5 have a f/2 lens?
-Paul

No, it has the f/2.8.

 

[LiamG]

I had a Minolta V2 that was passed down to me, with a 45mm f/2, not sure if it's the same construction as on the A5. There wasn't much information about these cameras, last time I checked- kind of shocking considering a lot of fixed lens rangefinders have attracted some kind of popular following, perhaps the Minoltas are a bit too cult. Mine could use some work, but I never sought out someone who could do it- I think finding someone with actual experience on these in the US might be a lost cause. It's certainly a heavy and large camera compared to something like a Canonet or an Olympus Trip, it weighs more than my F3 I think.

 

[PGraham3]

@LiamG
Yeah, I've seen plenty of Minolta V2 around. Neat camera, too. If I'm not mistaken, this camera was known to be able to shoot at 1/2000 at certain higher apertures. However, I've read in various places that the shutter in the Minolta V2 tends to have issues, and it may be one of the reasons why I see many defunct for sale. Also, yeah, the Minolta V2 has a 45mm f/2 lens. I didn't quite notice that before. It wouldn't surprise me if the Minolta A5 (45mm f2) and Minolta V2 probably share the exact same lens. Once I finish a roll with the A5, I'll post a few shots on here, and the rest on my Lomography page. If you ever get your Minolta V2 going, I would be very interested to see a few photos shot with it.

I think it's also interesting to see that many of these Japanese camera brands label their camera models exactly or quite similarly. My profile cover photo has a photo of my Fujica V2 rangefinder, which came out 4-5 years after the Minolta V2.

I also shoot a Nikon F3. Cool! It's my main film camera that I use quite regularly, and indeed, it's a weighty tank.
Thanks for commenting, Liam.

-Paul

 

[mklw1954]

The old MinMan site, now archived, has comprehensive Minolta information.
The rangefinder camera page: http://www.subclub.org/minman/minfind.htm
The general page, from which you can explore information on all other Minolta items, including accessories: www.subclub.org/minman/

 

[SilverShutter]

Makes me wonder if this 45 f/2 is related whatsoever to the Rokkor 45 f/2...

 

[__Brian]

The 45/2 Rokkor-X lens is a "PF" (not marked), 6 elements in 5 groups. This goes back to the Leica mount Minolta 50/1.8 of the late 1950s. Minolta also had the 5 element in 3 group 45/2.8 in Leica mount.

Minolta also had the "PF" formula in the 45/1.8 and 45/1.7 in the Hi-Matic series. I first used the Hi-Matic 9 with the 45/1.7 in 1969. Very sharp. I picked up the 50/1.8 for the Leica- performs just like my HM-9. A good thing. The 45/2.8 is also very, very good- if anyone is looking for a 45 in Leica mount.

 

[PGraham3]

@mklw1954
Thanks for info! Exactly what I’m trying to find. However, yeah, it appears to be all archived as access to the pages have been terminated. I am trying to access them from South Korea, so, not sure if subclub.org can open from anywhere else.
If you happen to know of any others that are available, I’m all ears. Thanks!
-Paul

 

[mklw1954]

Should be accessible, maybe this is a more complete link that will work: http://subclub.org/minman/index.htm

Also saw this compilation on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/groups/14411702@N00/discuss/72157622104126800/

 

[PGraham3]

Great! Thanks, @mklw1954
I was able to get to Minman's site through a link provided on the Flickr group link. Neat site.
However, there's doesn't appear to be any info regarding serial numbers and how many are produced, etc.
I have a Nikon F3 and other Nikon gear, and I absolutely love photosynthesis.co.nz
Thus, I guess I'm simply looking for an equivalent.
-Paul

 

[PGraham3]

As promised, here are a few examples using the Minolta A5 (45mm f2). The lens appears to render quite well with subjects within 10 meters or so.
It's an easy, fun shooter. What do y'all think?

Minolta A5 (45mm f2) - Kodak TMAX 400 (expired 2016) - Taken at f4/1000

Minolta A5 (45mm f2) - Fuji Neopan 400 (expired 2008) - f8/250

Minolta A5 - Fuji Neopan 400 (expired 2008) - f11/1000

 

[BobD]

Very nice!