Early 40mm M-Rokkors were made for the Leitz Minolta CL (as it was called in its home market), are single coated, and sometimes bear the marking “QF” on the nameplate. But while the 28mm M-Rokkor shares much of the same DNA as the 40mm F/2, there’s no confusion as to which is the more capable, more complete lens.Īs with the 28mm, the 40mm lens was made in at least two variations. It’s Minolta’s M-Rokkor 40mm F/2, and it displays an unlikely modernity that, while difficult to quantify, is impossible to ignore.įor those who may have missed it, I recently wrote a review of Minolta’s 28mm M-Rokkor, a lens that sprouts from the same bough in the family tree as the lens here featured. A tiny, incredibly well-made and amazingly potent performer that produces consistently perfect images with both digital and film cameras, costs less than the competition, and offers an uncommon perspective, this lens is the kind of lens that real photo geeks dream of. The lens I’ve been shooting for the past few weeks is just such a creation. But for every oafish piece of glass or burdensome assemblage of metal that fails to impress, I shoot ten machines that are as amazing today as they were at the time of their release. Oftentimes, a lens or camera simply doesn’t make the cut, as was the case recently with an unnamed Nikkor that, when mounted to my mirror-less camera was simply too large and clumsy for use. With one eye on the past and one firmly fixed on the present, I strive to show the ways these older technologies maintain relevance (or don’t) for today’s photo geek. A slower-than-useful maximum shutter speed, poor optical coatings, or cumbersome weight and size, for example. So it goes without saying that much of my experience in photography comes with considerable compromise. I just try to use the best cameras and lenses I can afford regardless of the name.I shoot a lot of old cameras, archaic machines that in some cases recall a time when the United States was comprised of only forty-eight such distinct territories, and it’s not unusual to find a lens of similar vintage mated to my Sony a7. That works for me! I called myself some years ago but I’m not loyal to any one brand. Great Value! Minolta 40mm lens on eBayīeing non Leica branded the Minolta lenses also often sell for less than their Leica sibling. For this reason I purchased a later copy of the Minolta 40mm. Better coatings makes the Minolta 40mm v2 less prone to flare (unlike the Leica Summicron and Minolta v1). The version 2 of the lens was the Minolta CLE 40mm lens whereas the version 1 was the Minolta CL 40mm lens. Minolta CLE 40mm lens or Minolta CL 40mm lens Optically I understand that all 3 lenses are identical but the Minolta 40mm later version is said to have better lens coatings. The Leica Summicron-C 40mm f2, the Minolta Rokkor-M 40mm f2 version 1 and the Minolta Rokkor-M 40mm version 2. If you come to buy the Leica Summicron 40mm f2 lens you will find there are 3 similar versions. Some Leica LTM lenses are also smaller and other brands made small lenses such as the Voigtlander Skopar lenses (M mount and LTM mount)(examples – Voigtlander Color Skopar 21mm f4 lens / Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm f2.5 lens) and Canon LTM lenses. Collapsible lenses like the Leica Elmar M is smaller when collapsed. The 40mm Summicron is said to be the smallest Leica M lens but I’m not sure that holds true. The verdict online seems to be that the Summicron- C 40mm isn’t quite as good as the 35mm Summicron lens but the 40mm offers exceptional value for money. I headed over to Flickr to find examples of this lens and reviews seems very positive. I saw the size of the Leica Summicron 40mm f2 lens and the much lower price tag and I was immediately interested. Summicron 35mm lenses are crazy expensive and I didn’t want to spend that much money. It was a purchase fueled by photography GAS (gear acquisition syndrome!) when I was looking at the highly regarded Leica Summicron 35mm f2 lens. I hadn’t planned to buy the Minolta 40mm Rokkor lens for Leica M mount. Leica CL digital + Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm f2 Portrait Unplanned discovery of the 40mm Minolta lens!