Shooting the 50mm f/3.5 MD Macro Rokkor-X

Macro lenses are big fun! I especially like macro lenses that do double duty as normal primes. It's very convenient to take along a 50/55mm macro lens on a photo walk and should you stumble across something that deserves a close up, you can quickly grab the shot. Macros are great rainy day lenses as well. It's interesting to see if you can make interesting images photographing common things around the house.

I wasn't out looking for this lens. My Minolta MD Macro Rokkor-X 50mm f/3.5 lens came bundled with the XE-7 body I recently purchased.

Like the 50mm f/1.4 Rokkor lens that also was in this camera bundle, the 50/3.5 Macro lens is well made, light and compact. It's substantially lighter than the faster 50. This lens will focus from infinity to just a hair under 8 inches. It has nice, clicky f/stops and and pleasant focusing action. The recessed front lens element eliminates the need for a protective filter.

I tested this lens on my XE-7 using some expired Acros 100 film. 400 speed film would have been a better choice, allowing me faster shutter speeds. Some of my close up, handheld shots were a bit blurry due to the XE-7 selecting slower speeds. I also could have done better if I had used my tripod.

My first shots were at the office, during an exceptionally long and boring conference call. Yes, I had the phone on mute.

There's always an over abundance of leftover Halloween treats at the office.

I clicked off some more shots when I got home that night.

The evening's wine choice. Notice the texture on the part of the wine label where I focused. Nice!

The 50mm MD Macro Rokkor-X sells for $20-$60 on eBay. If you've got an X-series Minolta body, this would be a nice, low risk lens to add to your kit. I am going to play around with this lens some more with faster, fresher film. So far, I'm glad it was bundled with this camera.