Minolta lens

gospeldj · Jun 12, 2006

Hi all...my first post here on this board.

I have a Minolta SRT 201 and a 101. I went to buy some filters for the 50 mm lens, and could not find one to fit. It apparently requires a 57, and the store had 55 and 58, but no 57's. The guy I was talking to said he didn't know Minolta had made those lenses that size, but he guessed it was so they could sell their own filters. I did buy some filters for my 200 mm lens.
Any thoughts on the Minolta filter dilemma?

I have been taking pictures for quite a long time with these cameras, and I love them. I am not really savvy on a lot of things, but I'm learning. Looking forward to learning a lot on this board.

I also have an Argus rangefinder...it's pretty old, not sure how old though. I took it with me on a trip to New York about 29 years ago, and it made some excellent photos, especially street scenes.

Mike

Dave Parker · Jun 12, 2006

Which model of the 50 is it, there were a few odd balls put out by Minolta, but they standarized with industry way back in the late 60's to industry standard filter sizes. You may be able to find the odd filter size at some of the older shops that might have junk boxes, but I doubt you would find in any of the modern stores, you best bet is going to be to look on ebay..

Welcome to the gang!

R.

bob01721 · Jun 12, 2006

I'm confused. Most Minolta lenses have a 55mm filter. Some have 49mm, some 52mmm, and there may even be a 58mm on some lenses. Dunno. But I've never heard of a 57mm filter on a Minolta MC or MD lens.

Come to think of it, I don't remember ever hearing of a 57mm filter. The filter size is inscribed on the front of the lens. What does yours say?

Dave Parker · Jun 12, 2006

there were a couple of odd ball 50's way back when, but they are very rare(not worth more) I have heard of a couple of 57mm filters, but they are extrememly rare, and as Bob said, the Minolta lenses that you are likly to find will have the filter size engraved on the front of the lens...I would be more inclined to believe that perhaps in some small way the filter threads on the lens are damaged a small bit and won't let you attach a filter than I would to say it is a 57mm size..

R.

gospeldj · Jun 12, 2006

bob01721 said:
I'm confused. Most Minolta lenses have a 55mm filter. Some have 49mm, some 52mmm, and there may even be a 58mm on some lenses. Dunno. But I've never heard of a 57mm filter on a Minolta MC or MD lens.

Come to think of it, I don't remember ever hearing of a 57mm filter. The filter size is inscribed on the front of the lens. What does yours say?

57 was inscribed on the inside of the lenscap, and (I don't have the camera with me at the moment, I'm at work) if I'm not mistaken, on the lens. As I said, I have the 101 and the 201, and both have Minolta 50 mm lenses. And both call for a 57. I'll have to check when I get home to see what model the lenses are.

The salesman at Wolfe checked with his supervisor, who gave one of those knowing, slightly sad but sympathetic smiles, and said something to the effect of "yeah, those were those Minolta lenses." He also suggested I check Ebay.

Mike

gnashings · Jun 12, 2006

Before the resident Minolta experts chime in, you may find a wealth of knowledge at the Dead Link Removed website. I don't own a Minolta, and likely never will (nothing against them - I just have too many 35mm cameras as it is!), and I read that site just for fun and learning. Have a look, if nothing else, you will learn a whole bunch about your camera and other fine Minolta products, but I have a feeling you will probably find the exact answers you seek and probably a reason to spend like a drunken sailor at the local auction site

Peter.

David Brown · Jun 12, 2006

Rather than shopping for unusual filters, I would shop for another 50mm Rokkor MC lens. You can probably get an f1.7 for 15-20 bucks, and it will take 49 or 55mm filters. Just be sure you know what you're getting.

And, you don't need an "MD", just an "MC". (although an MD won't hurt anything.)

Cheers,

David
Happy Minolta user for years ...

psvensson · Jun 12, 2006

I haven't heard of a 57mm filter ring either, neither for Minolta or any other camera. Minman, http://members.aol.com/xkaes/summary.htm, has an exhaustive list of Minolta manual lenses, and I can't see any with 57mm filters.

DBP · Jun 12, 2006

The slip on lens cap for the Minolta 50/2 with the 55mm filter ring is, as I understand it, labelled 57, referring to the external dimension of the ring. The examples of the lens I have looked at recently didn't specify filter size. Is this http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-Genuin...ryZ79002QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem the lens cap you have?

Christopher Walrath · Jun 12, 2006

No, I have a JCPenney and a Soligor w/ 62mm and 67mm threads. Never heard of a 57o. Not saying there isn't one, just never seen one in 15+ years.

bob01721 · Jun 12, 2006

DBP said:
"... The examples of the lens I have looked at recently didn't specify filter size..."

A Minolta-brand MC or MD? No filter size? Is nothing sacred?

unohuu · Jun 12, 2006

that is a 55mm accessory size. the 57mm is measuring the outside dimension of the lens not the filter ring. it is the same with my MC 50mm macro and the 85mm f/1.7.

Flotsam · Jun 12, 2006

I think that Luke is right. Lens caps that press on the outside of the lens are often marked with their size, not the inside thread diameter. Did you try a 55mm filter on the lens?

gospeldj · Jun 13, 2006

Flotsam said:
I think that Luke is right. Lens caps that press on the outside of the lens are often marked with their size, not the inside thread diameter. Did you try a 55mm filter on the lens?

Thanks to all who have replied. Interestingly enough, I tried the 55mm red filter on the lens, and voila! It worked. At the store, the guy was trying the 58, which was of course not right.

The lens cap on one of the lenses is a slip on, the other has two little tabs you push in, and it clicks on the lens. It too is engraved with 57 on the inside, but as you say, that must be the outside diameter.

Anyway, thanks everyone for the help.

Mike

David Brown · Jun 13, 2006

gospeldj said:
Anyway, thanks everyone for the help.

Mike

Hey Mike. Welcome to APUG, by the way!

We perform many more valuable services other than filter sizes. In fact, as much Minolta MC and MD gear as I have, I learned something from this thread. (Oh, yeah, ignore my advice to buy another lens. )

Cheers,

gospeldj · Jun 13, 2006

David,
I love my 201. My dad actually gave me both cameras, the 101 and then the 201. He's gone digital but he also, several years before he gave me those cameras, gave me an Argus C3. It's been years since I used that one.

I only have two lenses for my Minoltas, 50mm and 200mm. So I'm not going to discount the possiblity of buying more.

By the way, maybe you can tell me: what's the major difference in the 101 and the 201? I can't tell any real difference (except that my own 201 is in better condition than the 101.)

Mike

Gerald Koch · Jun 13, 2006

The 201 has a hot shoe for flash while the 101 does not.

bob01721 · Jun 13, 2006

The 201 also has a dandy little thingie on the back for holding the end piece of your film box. You'll always know what's in your camera. With my 101 and 102, I'm always guessing.

Minolta lens

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