Rokkor-X 50mm f1.4 vs Rokkor 100mm f2.5?

fmajor · Jul 10, 2008

I have this "like NEW" MD 2X Tele Converter 300-S laying around (received it as a gift) and have NEVER used it!!!

I am thinking of coupling it to either my MC or MD Rokkor-X 50mm f1.4 to achieve a 100mm focal length.

Has anyone here done this before? How good were the results?

Would this Rokkor-X 50mm f1.4 w/2X tele converter combination give anything close to the Rokkor 100mm f2.5?

TIA!!!

frank

Nick Merritt · Jul 11, 2008

My initial question is, will the teleconverter work with those lenses? The name "300-S" makes me wonder if it's intended only for use with a 300mm lens. Does the converter have instructions with it that might clear this up?

dynachrome · Jul 11, 2008

Rokkor-X 50/1.4 w/2X 300S

You have two answers to this same question on photo.net.

fmajor · Jul 12, 2008

Thanks for the responses.

Yes, the converter works with other MC/MD lenses regardless of focal (unless an ultra-wide/fisheye and i don't that for sure). Yes,

I posted the question in a few different Forums to access different photographic communities.

Thanks

frank

Christopher Walrath · Jul 12, 2008

If you add the doubler you double your focal length and effective make you new maximum aperture f/2.8. Same goes for other aperture settings. Doubled. So don't use the teleconverter for low light situations. But I used to have that 50. Sweet piece of glass, isn't it?

fmajor · Jul 13, 2008

Hey Chris -

Yup, couldn't agree more with you - the Rokkor-X 50mm f1.4s are amazing! You say "used to have...." what happened?

I say "Rokkor-X 50mm f1.4" in a general reference because i have several Rokkor-X 50mm f1.4 variants...... a MC Rokkor-X PG 50mm f1.4 and a copy of each of the 2 different variants of the MD Rokkor-X 50mm f1.4 (most easily distinguished by the 55mm or 49mm filter ring).

Either way, i'm pleased with their results - now about that 100mm?!?

Chaplain Jeff · Jul 16, 2008

The "S" is for lenses shorter than 200mm and the "L" Minolta TC is for lenses longer than 200mm. So yes, this is the correct TC for the 50mm.

With any TC you are going to get some degradation in quality as compared to a lens-only setup, but the Rokkor TC's are among the best in the industry.

Jeff M

Ralph Javins · Jul 19, 2008

Good morning, Frank;

I agree with Jeff M. If you have the 100 mm f 2.5, use it. The teleconverter, whether it is for those up to 300 mm (the "S") or the one for those 200 mm and longer (the "L") (and, yes, there is a slight overlap between the two), will result in some loss of lens resolution and contrast. There are some factors in optical physics not even Leica and Hasselblad have been able to overcome. However, the 50 mm f 1.4 with the 300-S might have application as a 100 mm f 2.8 semi-soft-focus portrait lens combination.

While the 300-S and 300-L were designed for use with the MD lenses, they will couple to the MC lenses also. I have not tried an SR lens, but I cannot think of why it should not work.

Enjoy;

Ralph Javins

fmajor · Jul 20, 2008

Thanks Jeff/Ralph -

Since i've spent too much on my "hobby" lately, i'll be gambling a roll of film on the 50mm Rokkor and 300-S to see just what result i can get.

Sharpness is, for me, but one aspect of an image (particularly with portraiture!). If i'm able to salvage some other positive qualities from the combination of the lens and teleconverter, i'll be pleased with my non-purchase!

Thanks again!

frank

Christopher Walrath · Jul 20, 2008

You say "used to have...." what happened?

If I had all of the gear I acquired over the years I would be a collector. I am generous to a fault. I had a friend that was showing a seriuos interest in film photography so I hooked them up. sr-T101, 50/1.4 and a Quantaray 70-210 and a bag. I still have my Zeiss Ikon Contina for 35mm. Mamiya M645j's for 120 (till I sell them to fund my new 4x5 habit). I have given a camera kit to five friends over the years.

Rokkor-X 50mm f1.4 vs Rokkor 100mm f2.5?

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