Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 85mm f/1.7

[jdsanika]

I have been looking for a portrait lens for my Minolta SRT 101 (generally shoot B&W), a friend offered to sell me the above lens for $225 (very good condition). Seems to be a little high for 30+ yr old 35mm lens so I am somewhat hesitant but I see the prices on the auctions sites tend to exceed his asking price. Anyone using this lens who might lend me their opinion?

 

[Katie]

I have been looking for a portrait lens for my Minolta SRT 101

Then get the 85!!! It's a GREAT lens and sells for around $300-$400!

 

[leicarfcam]

I have been looking for a portrait lens for my Minolta SRT 101 (generally shoot B&W), a friend offered to sell me the above lens for $225 (very good condition). Seems to be a little high for 30+ yr old 35mm lens so I am somewhat hesitant but I see the prices on the auctions sites tend to exceed his asking price. Anyone using this lens who might lend me their opinion?

If the lens is free of fungus or other glass damage and the focus/aperture are working properly without sticky blades the price is well worth it.

I've used this lens for years and would never get rid of it..

Go for it..................

 

[guitstik]

I have been wanting that lens for a long time since I borrowed one. The price is what has been keeping me from picking one up. KEH has two listed as BGN from $259-299 that is a good price as long as it isn't a basket case.

 

[leicarfcam]

I have been wanting that lens for a long time since I borrowed one. The price is what has been keeping me from picking one up. KEH has two listed as BGN from $259-299 that is a good price as long as it isn't a basket case.

You should bite the bullet and get one. It is the best 85mm lens I have ever used and well worth the cost..

 

[guitstik]

You should bite the bullet and get one. It is the best 85mm lens I have ever used and well worth the cost..

I know, I know, I'm just cheap. I plan on getting one soon tho.

 

[jeff786]

There is a great comparison of the minolta 85's at rokkorfiles.com.

 

[Ralph Javins]

Good morning JDSanika;

The fellow who is offering to you a Minolta ROKKOR 1.7/85 lens for only $225, really is a friend. As LeicaRFCam and GuitStik have indicated, that is a very nice price for that lens, being about 50% of the more common selling prices we see. Even at this point in the Holiday Season, it is worth the investment. You will not be disappointed with its performance with portraits. The 1/2 f-stop over the f/2.0 version does help with getting the focus point right. Actually, I am pretty happy with both versions. The ROKKOR 2/85 is quite a bit lighter and handier. The ROKKOR 2.8/85 VariSoft is here also, but the ROKKOR 1.7/85 is the one I use most often.

 

[jdsanika]

Thanks to all for the excellent infromation. I purchased the lens and I am looking forward to using it.

 

[fmajor]

Congrats on a sweet deal!!! I've looked long and hard at 'em for a good while, but just wouldn't splash out for one. Now that i'm more into medium format, i *wish* i had picked one up.... They're still available, but as always in high demand and priced accordingly.

Enjoy!!!

 

[leicarfcam]

This lens is also amazing via the adapter on the Olympus E-300 and E-620...

 

[fstop]

I have been looking for a portrait lens for my Minolta SRT 101 (generally shoot B&W), a friend offered to sell me the above lens for $225 (very good condition). Seems to be a little high for 30+ yr old 35mm lens so I am somewhat hesitant but I see the prices on the auctions sites tend to exceed his asking price. Anyone using this lens who might lend me their opinion?

That lens was expensive when new also. Part of it is due to the fast speed of that focal length.The 85 was expensive but no where near the awesome varisoft.