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35-70mm f/3.5-4.5 MC Auto Zoom Macro Minolta MD Mount Korea Lens, Poor - $25 (Santa Monica)
condition:
salvage
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INCLUDED SALE CONTENTS
-- lens
-- lens cap, plastic (i think it's a 52mm so the buttons sink in)
-- mount cap, plastic
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
-- well-preserved with all functionality apparently intact.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
-- has not been mounted for testing as i don't have an md mount camera or adapter right now but operationally seems in full working order.
OVERVIEW
-- the md minolta lenses using this mount with the lever are listed to have been manufactured between 1977-2001, can't find anything specific about this exemplar since there is no brand listed.
-- made in korea.
-- plenty of versions of this lens, both big-name brands and knock-offs. the konica minolta lenses primarily use the mount, other brands seem to be tokina, vivitar, sigma, and some lesser-knowns today.
-- have not encountered any indication about radioactive elements used in this lens design.
-- passed down to me by my elders, purchased in ex-soviet eastern europe probably around the 1980s.
-- looks lightly used and kept closed in normal room temperature/humidity.
-- never disassembled that i know of.
-- haven't gotten into film slr's yet, i have plenty of modern lenses to use with digital bodies.
BRUTALLY HONEST CONSIDERATIONS
-- standard kit lens range, perfect for all-round walk-around photography. manual lenses are highly recommended for beginner photographers as they teach a lot about how to control your camera and get what you want out of it. adapting to a mirrorless body is the best learning tool.
EXTERNAL / COSMETIC CONDITION
-- minimal scuffs around the body from normal use.
-- seems to be an all-metal construction.
-- rubber focus ring.
-- there might be minor scratches on the lens glass but nothing apparent that would potentially affect the image quality, aside from the internal issues.
-- there does not seem to be any wiggle or play, stable construction. no audible noises.
-- sniff test passed, no smoke, pets, or dust smell detected. wind tunnel test also passed.
INTERNAL CONDITION / COMPONENTS
-- there seems to be some smearing within the front element. it does not appear to be fungus but is probably chemical separation. the lens must be disassembled and the glass inside cleaned to prevent excessive flaring, haziness and contrast loss in image rendering.
-- apparent dust inside towards the back glass. might cause slight flaring and loss of contrast.
FUNCTIONALITY / INTERFACE
-- standard md mount.
-- macro ranges listed in lens markings.
-- 55mm filter thread.
PERFORMANCE / CAPACITY
-- does what you'd expect a zoom from this class would do.
EXPECTANCY / LONGEVITY
-- it's already probably lived over 50 years, what's another 50?
ACCESSORIES / ELEMENTS
-- generic caps.
COMPATIBILITY / CONNECTIVITY
-- minolta sr/mc/md lens mount
-- adaptable to a wide range of mirrorless camera mounts via $15 lens mount adapters
ADDITIONAL REFERENCE / TECHNICAL DETAILS
-- please browse photography forums and gear review websites for more details.