Minotla W.Rokkor-QH 21mm f4 — Biogon type Rangefinder ultra wide-angle lens
Excellent in the image quality, deformation control, sharpness
In the early 1960s, Minolta produced this 21mm f4 ultra-wide-angle lens with eight lenses and four groups. In the early 1960s to create 21mm lens, technically not easy, so Minolta still borrowed from the Rangefinder camera. This lens add adapter can use in Leica camera XD.
中文版本，Chinese Ver…
Practical operation.
The most significant feature of this lens is the need to use mirror lock models, which can only use on Minolta SRT, SR7, XK and other cameras, and requires an external 21mm viewfinder to use. The lens feels lighter than expected, about 160g, using a 55mm calibre. The closest focusing distance is 0.9 meters, which is farther for a 21mm lens. Because you need to use a pre-litre reflector, you can’t see any images from the viewfinder, so you need to rely on an external viewfinder. This lens is also very similar to the operation of the side axis lens. A handle in the focus ring facilitates focusing, feeling very close to the RF lens. In addition, only need to add the adapter ring can use in the Leica m machine or Minolta CLE machine. Although the lens mounted on the side axis machine is a little larger, there is still a certain amount of fun. The lens does not have any linkage operation, but as long as the aperture to f5.6, after 1.2 meters, already have enough field to infinity, do not need to focus.
Image performance and user experience.
Although the Minolta earlier wide-angle lens, the rear lens group of lenses is very close to the negative because of the use of paraxial lens technology. Deformation control is not inadequate. I also seen the image as very sharp, full resolution, dark details are very non-rich. Flare-resistant performance to the 60s lens can still calculate. I like to use this lens on the XK, but I also need an external viewfinder. Such as higher sensitivity film such as 400 degrees of film or sunny days when shooting, aperture closed to F8 or more. It can be 0.9 meters after the depth of field already has enough to infinity. The only thing the user has to concentrate on is composition, press the shutter, pan-focus shooting.
Conclusion.
The first time is not too long. The actual photo phase is also not much. I think to use the pre-lifting reflector models to find the ability to use inconveniently. The second time I got it again, I finally took it more seriously and was a little surprised by the image, deformation control, sharpness, etc. So I gave it a good evaluation. But I still think this lens is more playful a little more.
Since the production is not much, few second-hand survivors, when people see the price on eBay, most will give it up. As a Minolta user, I would still recommend you to look for MC W.Rokkor-NL 21mm f2.8 or MD W.Rokkor(-X) 20mm f2.8. However, 21mm f2.8 is very good in terms of quality, and the lightness of the 20mm f2.8 will give you unparalleled convenience. Cheap and easy to find. I never thought this lens could stay with me for over 10 years, although it mostly sleeps in a moisture-proof case, and its digital performance is a little more playful. But suppose you are interested in finding this wide-angle lens. In that case, I believe you have also reached the point of Minolta enthusiasts or pursuiting the ultimate Biogon low deformation control optical design. There are opportunities to take a chance on eBay. There are always two or three times a year at a reasonable price.
Digital Performance
This Minolta 21/4 rear group is too close to the Sensor. If not using a BSI sensor or similar technology, the edges are prone to red and green gates. Even after the Sony A7 series thinning, I will only use silent electronic shutter operation to avoid the rear mirror protection wing touching the body shutter Lian. I do not have much courage to use on the Leica M Digital machine, haha!
The rear lens set is too close to the Sensor wide-angle lens, used on the digital camera body. So the colour, contrast is always a little strange, but shoot raw on C1/LR, will automatically correct the contrast, colour will also become a little more normal. But this central lens resolution or deformation control is still excellent, at least used in 42mp A7RII thin The filter ver has no sense of lack of resolution Power.
I also got Minolta 21/4.5 lenses too …
2012 First draft 2018 Digital Revision 2021 English Revised Version
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