I have enjoyed using the MD F 1.4 since the mid-1970s on an SRT-101, then an X-700. A wonderful lens for ambient light photos. Only recently have I purchased my first 35mm autofocus camera system. I had intended to purchase additional MD lenses after retrieving my cameras from storage last year but noted that I could purchase a Minolta autofocus body combined with at least one A mount lens for less than the price charged for one MD lens. The F 1.4 A-Mount lens mounted on a Maxxum 9000 has been my most recent acquisition. I have not yet had an opportunity to purchase film to evaluate the lens and cost of a Sony digital body and adaptor are still prohibitive. Despite your comment on manual focus handling, my Maxxum 9000 factory installed focus screen and diopter correction do not appear to impede accurate manual focusing. I look forward to deciding if I like the A mount lens as much as my fifty-year old MD optic. Finding some method of adding an additional gripping surface to the manual focus ring would definitely be a priority for my use; perhaps using a filter ring sans glass filter. Thanks for posting the very interesting and useful video!
It would absolutely make sense for the old SR and A series to have the same formula, considering Minolta made both simultaneously for years. My X700 was from 1993.
@@DavidHancock I've been thinking about what you noticed as a possible alignment issue too. I have a couple of the f1/7 A-mount 50s, which should likewise be identical with their SR/MD counterparts, but in practice aren't quite and seem to have weird issues on the left side. I would bet this is an issue with that screw drive needing to be fairly "loose" so the worm gear motor could run a loose helicoid without as much work, but with a bias toward the push from the left. Fixing that alignment would have meant tighter tolerances and some sort of right-side guide or force balancer, and that would have required a tougher motor from Minolta - I'm guessing that wasn't in the budget. I don't know if you've read the book "My Journey to America" by Sam Kusumoto - he helped make Minolta a going concern in the US after WWII, and has some interesting insights on the company's operations (it's a great book if you can find a copy). These early A-mounts were developed as part of Minolta's successful attempt to get the first auto-focusing camera to market, and that Maxxum / Alpha / Dynax 7 was created in the utmost secrecy and speed (I have an early 7, and it definitely has some quirks). I suspect they simply lacked the engineering time, budget, or experience to anticipate or fix those alignment issues (which have probably worsened with time), and they had to re-use existing lens formulae and make them work to have a wide and compelling lens selection at launch - critical since pros suddenly had to buy entirely new glass to use it. Your review lens looks like an early copy too - the later ones did (slightly) improve the manual focus ring by changing it from that plastic to a rubber ring. It's still not great, but it is easier to handle.
Love this old lens, I've owned 2 copies over the years. I've been seriously considering acquiring a Sony SLR so I can use these old screw mount autofocus lenses. Perhaps even an A99ii 😂
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I love weird lenses like this. I enjoy lenses with high precision and low distortion but I prefer lenses with weirder aberrations.
You're gonna love next month. I have the TTartisan 100mm bubble bokeh AND the Kamlan 70mm f/1.1 on the docket.
I have enjoyed using the MD F 1.4 since the mid-1970s on an SRT-101, then an X-700.
A wonderful lens for ambient light photos.
Only recently have I purchased my first 35mm autofocus camera system.
I had intended to purchase additional MD lenses after retrieving my cameras from storage last year
but noted that I could purchase a Minolta autofocus body combined with at least one A mount lens for less than the price charged for one MD lens.
The F 1.4 A-Mount lens mounted on a Maxxum 9000 has been my most recent acquisition.
I have not yet had an opportunity to purchase film to evaluate the lens and cost of a Sony digital body and adaptor are still prohibitive.
Despite your comment on manual focus handling, my Maxxum 9000 factory installed focus screen and diopter correction do not appear to impede accurate manual focusing.
I look forward to deciding if I like the A mount lens as much as my fifty-year old MD optic.
Finding some method of adding an additional gripping surface to the manual focus ring would definitely be a priority for my use; perhaps using a filter ring sans glass filter.
Thanks for posting the very interesting and useful video!
Thank you and that's a very nice setup! The 9000 was a lovely and stunning camera, absolutely delightful to use.
It's a great character lens, very vibrant colors and good contrast. I use it often for video work. My favorite of the AF line up is the 85 f1.4
Thank you!
This one is one of the few Minolta lens that has Minolta colors, even on a Sony digital body.
Definitely. I do wish I had used it more on my digital cameras.
It would absolutely make sense for the old SR and A series to have the same formula, considering Minolta made both simultaneously for years. My X700 was from 1993.
That's a good point and makes a lot of sense.
@@DavidHancock I've been thinking about what you noticed as a possible alignment issue too. I have a couple of the f1/7 A-mount 50s, which should likewise be identical with their SR/MD counterparts, but in practice aren't quite and seem to have weird issues on the left side. I would bet this is an issue with that screw drive needing to be fairly "loose" so the worm gear motor could run a loose helicoid without as much work, but with a bias toward the push from the left. Fixing that alignment would have meant tighter tolerances and some sort of right-side guide or force balancer, and that would have required a tougher motor from Minolta - I'm guessing that wasn't in the budget.
I don't know if you've read the book "My Journey to America" by Sam Kusumoto - he helped make Minolta a going concern in the US after WWII, and has some interesting insights on the company's operations (it's a great book if you can find a copy). These early A-mounts were developed as part of Minolta's successful attempt to get the first auto-focusing camera to market, and that Maxxum / Alpha / Dynax 7 was created in the utmost secrecy and speed (I have an early 7, and it definitely has some quirks). I suspect they simply lacked the engineering time, budget, or experience to anticipate or fix those alignment issues (which have probably worsened with time), and they had to re-use existing lens formulae and make them work to have a wide and compelling lens selection at launch - critical since pros suddenly had to buy entirely new glass to use it.
Your review lens looks like an early copy too - the later ones did (slightly) improve the manual focus ring by changing it from that plastic to a rubber ring. It's still not great, but it is easier to handle.
Love this old lens, I've owned 2 copies over the years. I've been seriously considering acquiring a Sony SLR so I can use these old screw mount autofocus lenses. Perhaps even an A99ii 😂
:D If there is a Sony A camera to get, that's the one.
Sadly the 99ii used ones sell for lots of money. I would love one myself as I have other A mount glass for my old Minoltas.
Sony A900 is pretty good and price is reasonable. B&W from that camera is surprisingly decent.
Please take a detailed overview of the Nikon d700 camera
If I ever get my hands on one, I would love to.
@@DavidHancock I wish you could get your hands on it one day.