Minolta X-700, Minolta MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2
The Perfect Normal, Minolta MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2
'Analog Diary - Five frames with the Minolta MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2, the 'perfect' normal lens for a 35mm full-frame camera'One of the accepted definitions of the 'perfect' normal lens for a 35mm full-frame camera, a lens that reproduces a field of view that appears natural to a human observer, is based on the diagonal of the film frame, which measures 43.3mm.
Introduced in 1978, and only available as an MDII version, this lens is a rare case as Minolta will normally be replicated and made the lenses available over their camera version releases.
Not quite a true pancake, the lens is a blend of a plastic body and a 6-elements in 5-group glass. It measures 30.5 mm in length and weighs 125 grams, comes with 5 aperture blades, a minimum aperture of F16, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.6 meters.
With a large open aperture of F2, the lens is also a potentially good bokeh lens, and with its compact size, it makes the lens a worthwhile consideration for the street shooter, fashion or lifestyle photographer, simply as a lowlight lens or one to get good background separation with.
The 45mm focal length places the lens right smack in between a slightly wider 40mm and a slightly narrower 50mm. This could very well be the perfect fit for the do-it-all category, which are lenses recommended for family snapshots, travel photos, city and urbanscapes, and whatever have you.
At most time unnoticed, and grossly underrated except by gig lens connoisseurs, the Minolta MD Rokkor-X 45mm F2 is more than the sum of its parts. Images are exceptionally sharp, with good mid-tone contrast and accurate color reproduction. It is a lightweight both on the wallet and in the camera bag, and to whether Minolta body it is found attached to, it is the go-to lens.
