Best Minolta SR Lenses

First introduced in 1958, Minolta’s SR-mount system evolved over decades. The MC lenses (1966) introduced meter coupling, and the MD lenses (late 1970s) added automation features for later Minolta SLRs.

Even today, these lenses are known for their vivid colors, beautiful bokeh, and sublime handling and build quality.

They have also become very popular with video shooters (when adapted to mirrorless digital). More on this below. 

System Overview

The terms MC and MD refer to generations of the SR-mount. All are physically compatible with SR-mount cameras, and manual adapters for mirrorless cameras.

Some tips for buying vintage Minolta lenses:

• As a general rule, MD lenses are newer, lighter (more plastic components), and feature upgraded lens coatings. See “SR lens generations” at bottom of article for more info.
• Rokkor and Rokkor-X are the same thing (Rokkor-X was for the North American market).
• Avoid “Celtic” lenses unless you’re buying strictly on budget—they typically cut corners on coatings and construction.

Now, let’s jump into the 18 recommended lenses (🏆 = best of the best, 🥈 = runner ups, 🥉 = value picks).

All prices in US dollars.

Wide Angle Primes

---

Normal Primes

---

Telephoto Primes

🎥 Matched Video Kits

Minolta SR lenses are fantastic for video and filmmaking thanks to their smooth focus throws, rich rendering, and consistent color across generations.

Here are three kits, one for each budget level:

🎬 1. Budget Starter Kit (~$300)

💡 Ideal for indie shooters or first-time vintage lens adapters. Great rendering, compact size, very affordable.

• 28mm f/2.8 (MD-III / nMD): Compact wide, good coatings, consistent performance.
• 50mm f/1.7 (MD-III / nMD): Sharp, neutral rendering, nice bokeh.
• 135mm f/2.8 (late MD): Solid telephoto with soft backgrounds, decent focus throw.
• Optional: 35–70mm f/3.5 (nMD, 3rd version w/ macro). Sharp across range, great utility lens, matched color.

✅ All from the MD-III generation—lightweight and color-consistent.

🎬 2. Vintage Character Kit (~$750)

🎞️ For filmmakers after vintage vibes, swirly bokeh, soft highlights, and glowy low-contrast wide open shots.

• 28mm f/2.5 (MC Rokkor-SI): Slight glow wide open, classic rendering.
• 55mm f/1.7 (MC Rokkor-PF): Swirly bokeh, romantic softness.
• 85mm f/1.7 (MC Rokkor-PF): Classic portrait lens with vintage cream.
• 100mm f/2.5 (MC, Mark III preferred): Gorgeous, cinematic compression.

✅ Best from late MC generation (Mark III waffle grip): smooth focus, great mechanical feel.

🎬 3. Pro Cine Kit (~$1000)

🎯 Modern color, sharp optics, cinematic bokeh, and matched performance across the range. Perfect for serious video shooters.

• 24mm f/2.8 (MD-III): Top-tier wide, corner-to-corner sharpness
• 35mm f/1.8 (MC or MD): Classic look, excellent low-light and bokeh
• 50mm f/1.4 (MD-III): Standard workhorse, beautiful skin tones
• 85mm f/2 (MD): Compact, punchy, great for interviews
• 100mm f/2.5 (MC Mark III): Medium tele with perfect compression and rendering
• Optional Add-ons:
  • 20mm f/2.8 (MD-III) – for ultra-wide work
  • 35–70mm f/3.5 (MD-III) – sharp, parfocal-like behavior (great for handheld)

✅ This is the most optically refined and color-consistent set. Choose lenses from MD-III and MC Mark III where possible.

🎞️ Tips for Filmmaking with Minolta

• De-click the aperture rings (or use lens gears with follow focus).
• Add cine-mod gears to focus and aperture rings.
• Use ND filters or a high quality variable ND
• Consider consistent filter thread step-up rings (most MD-III lenses are 49mm or 55mm).
• Adapters: Use a high-quality SR-to-EF or SR-to-Sony E adapter (Fotodiox, K&F Concept, etc.)
• Match generations (MD-III or MC Mark III) for consistent color and contrast.

🟣 MC Lenses (1966–1977)

• No MD tab (so not compatible with Program or Shutter Priority AE)
• Lens name includes “MC Rokkor” (e.g., MC Rokkor-PG 50mm f/1.4)
• Often have metal focus grips
• Mark III MCs = Last MC generation:
  • Waffle grip focus ring
  • Silver ring below aperture ring
  • Very smooth mechanics—some of the best-built Minolta lenses

🔵 MD Lenses (1977–1981)

• Have MD tab for automatic cameras like the XD/X-700
• Usually marked “MD Rokkor”
• More plastic than MC, but still solid metal barrels
• First-gen MD lenses: Larger, all-metal
• Mid-tier in evolution

🟢 New MD (nMD) aka MD-III (1981–mid-80s)

• Officially called just “MD,” but often referred to by collectors as:
  • “nMD” = “new MD”
  • “MD-III” = third generation of MD lenses
• Markings:
  • Front ring usually just says “Minolta MD” (no “Rokkor”)
  • Focus rings: rubber with fine rectangular pattern
  • Smaller, lighter, better coatings
• Most optically refined versions (and what most people want)

⚠️ “Late Version” or “Last Version”

• Not an official term—just used to refer to:
  • The last version of a specific lens across any generation.
  • Often optically identical, but improved ergonomics/coatings.
• Examples:
  • “Late MD 135/2.8” = compact version with better coatings
  • “Late 58/1.4” = lighter, sharper than early MC version

🧠 Cheat Sheet Summary

---

Links and Resources

• The Rokkor Files
• Rokkor Lens Database (by easypix)
• Rokkor.de (site is in English)
• Phillip Reeve Minolta lens ratings (adapted to Sony)

---

Back to Vintage Lenses