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Minolta MC Rokkor 40-80mm f/2.8 'Gearbox' Review

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The Minolta MC Rokkor 40-80mm f/2.8 is a unique collector's lens known for its impressive build quality and image quality. It has a nice bokeh and produces sharp images, although it is quite heavy and has noticeable focus breathing.

The Minolta MC Rokkor 40-80mm f/2.8 is a unique collector's lens known for its impressive build quality and image quality. It has a nice bokeh and produces sharp images, although it is quite heavy and has noticeable focus breathing.

Pros
  • Great build quality
  • Unique bokeh
  • Sharp images
  • Character
Cons
  • Heavy
  • Manual focus and aperture
  • Noticeable focus breathing
  • Susceptible to flaring

The lens displays impressive sharpness at f/2.8 and performs well at smaller apertures, especially in the middle.

The Minolta MC Rokkor 40-80mm f/2.8 is a unique collector's lens known for its impressive build quality and image quality. The lens features a gearbox mechanism that allows for precise adjustment of its glass elements, resulting in impressive image quality. It is well-built, although it may take some getting used to due to its manual focus and aperture controls. The lens displays impressive sharpness at f/2.8 and performs well at smaller apertures, especially in the middle. However, there is noticeable softness and chromatic aberration in the corners at wider apertures. Vignetting and distortion are noticeable, especially at 80mm. The lens is susceptible to flaring and longitudinal aberration at wider apertures, but these can be minimized by stopping down. Despite its quirks, the lens has character and may appeal to those looking for a unique shooting experience.

Despite its quirks, the lens has character and may appeal to those looking for a unique shooting experience.

Source

This article is based on the review by

Christopher Frost

Christopher Frost

Christopher Frost is a YouTube channel dedicated to providing in-depth reviews and analyses of photography equipment, particularly lenses. Christopher Frost, the creator and host of the channel, is known for his thorough and detailed evaluations of various lenses from different manufacturers, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and others.  To learn more, please visit the channel here.

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