Kelley (Texas)
New member
Recently, I have become interested in using some old Minolta MD manual focusing lenses on my Sony DSLR camera. You must use an adapter to mount the old lens to the camera, and they have to be operated manually, there are no auto functions to be had using them.
You might be wondering, why would I want to do that? There are several reasons: 1. Saving money because these lenses can be bought on eBay at bargain prices, 2. They are often much better lenses than kit lenses. 3. I just plum enjoy experimenting and using old camera equipment.
It took me two days to learn how to use one of these Minolta MD lenses, some frustration, and of course, many enjoyable hours too. Below is a test picture of my dog using an old Minolta MD 50mm F1.4, thirty-seven year old lens (made in 1977.) The manual focusing gave me some problems because my eyes are old, not like they were years ago. You must physically set the aperture and shutter speed too. This picture of my dog was taken at a slow 1/15 sec. at F5.6, without using a tripod. These may not be the best pictures that I have ever taken, but it is just a start and with practice, I will soon be able to produce sharp, colorful pictures using these old vintage lenses. These old lenses can often be purchased on eBay for less than a hundred dollars. I am having lots of fun, and that is what this hobby is all about. Kelley (Texas)
This picture was taken late evening.
[attachment 272231 006edited8-13-13mdlenssadie.jpg]
This picture was difficult because part of the picture is in the sunlight and part in the shade.
[attachment 272232 011edited8-13-13mdlenstest.jpg]
You might be wondering, why would I want to do that? There are several reasons: 1. Saving money because these lenses can be bought on eBay at bargain prices, 2. They are often much better lenses than kit lenses. 3. I just plum enjoy experimenting and using old camera equipment.
It took me two days to learn how to use one of these Minolta MD lenses, some frustration, and of course, many enjoyable hours too. Below is a test picture of my dog using an old Minolta MD 50mm F1.4, thirty-seven year old lens (made in 1977.) The manual focusing gave me some problems because my eyes are old, not like they were years ago. You must physically set the aperture and shutter speed too. This picture of my dog was taken at a slow 1/15 sec. at F5.6, without using a tripod. These may not be the best pictures that I have ever taken, but it is just a start and with practice, I will soon be able to produce sharp, colorful pictures using these old vintage lenses. These old lenses can often be purchased on eBay for less than a hundred dollars. I am having lots of fun, and that is what this hobby is all about. Kelley (Texas)
This picture was taken late evening.
[attachment 272231 006edited8-13-13mdlenssadie.jpg]
This picture was difficult because part of the picture is in the sunlight and part in the shade.
[attachment 272232 011edited8-13-13mdlenstest.jpg]