Bokeh changes character a lot between f/3.5 and f/5.6. At f/3.5 it reminds me of a Trioplan lens with very defined highight circles. At f/5.6 bokeh is a lot smoother
at 35mm the last few pixels in the corners never sharpen up, the rest of the image ist very sharp by f/5.6. in the 40-70mm raange the corners are sharp
At f/3.5 contrast is rather low, at f/5.6 it's fine
Moderate barrel distortion at 35mm, almost no distortion at 50mm and slight pincushion distortion at 70mm.
I think the flare resistance is surprisingly good for a zoom lens of it's age but of course modern lenses keep the contrast better.
All in all a very capable lens which outperforms many modern zoom lenses for a very low price.
For more details and full resolution sample images chec out the review ;-)
Time to revive this thread one more time. Just happened to be playing with my Minolta MD Zoom 35-70 Macro f/3.5 and was once again amazed by the "pop" in the photos. It reminds me a lot of the Zeiss Contax 35-79 C/Y
ebookman wrote:
Time to revive this thread one more time. Just happened to be playing with my Minolta MD Zoom 35-70 Macro f/3.5 and was once again amazed by the "pop" in the photos. It reminds me a lot of the Zeiss Contax 35-79 C/Y
I have both, and use on A7.
The C/Y really is top dog, optics wise.
However, the C/Y feels awkward, as it's a trumpet style zoom, and heavier, but the results are unsurpassed. (On my 5DII it felt very well balanced)
The MD feels a lot better on the A7, being lighter and two ring control, but the corners at the wide end aren't brilliant. That said, the MD is the next best 35-70mm to the C/Y that I've found.
I haven't tried the Leica, (the F/4 version) which some people say is very close to the C/Y. (The F/3.5 version is an adaption of the Minolta)
ebookman wrote:
Time to revive this thread one more time. Just happened to be playing with my Minolta MD Zoom 35-70 Macro f/3.5 and was once again amazed by the "pop" in the photos. It reminds me a lot of the Zeiss Contax 35-79 C/Y
I'd like to thank you for costing me more money -- I thought I'd forgotten about this lens and wouldn't buy it...but that's a great shot and now I'm looking for another copy!
I just received my mint copy (macro version) from Adorama used dept for less than than the cost of lunch at MCD for two I plan to use this on Minolta film bodies and X-T1. Hopefully I will be able to add some images to this thread soon.
I bought the Minolta MD 35-70 f3.5 Macro version and use it on my Sony a6000 with an adapter.
Unfortunately my copy doesn't maintain focus while zooming - I have to adjust it a bit after zooming. It doesn't affect much taking stills, but screws up videos.
Do you know if it's a normal behavior for this lens?
If not, is there any way to fix it?
I'm interested in getting a copy. I read that the 1st version is all metal but the 3rd (macro) version is more plastics. How about the 2nd version is it all metal? I would prefer that since the 2nd and 3rd seem to have similar IQ.
gordec wrote:
I'm interested in getting a copy. I read that the 1st version is all metal but the 3rd (macro) version is more plastics. How about the 2nd version is it all metal? I would prefer that since the 2nd and 3rd seem to have similar IQ.
Build quality is the same for version 2 and 3.
Frydman wrote:
I bought the Minolta MD 35-70 f3.5 Macro version and use it on my Sony a6000 with an adapter.
Unfortunately my copy doesn't maintain focus while zooming - I have to adjust it a bit after zooming. It doesn't affect much taking stills, but screws up videos.
Do you know if it's a normal behavior for this lens?
If not, is there any way to fix it?
Thanks
Rokkor 35-70 is known not to be "parfocal", so it is not a problem of your individual lens, and I do not visualize an easy DIY solution to that.
Speaking of the lens, I recall the below old photo possibly shared in some other thread . Lack of the macro mode in version 1 being overcome with a extension tube (on an OM-D EM-5).
Listera wrote:
Rokkor 35-70 is known not to be "parfocal", so it is not a problem of your individual lens, and I do not visualize an easy DIY solution to that.
Speaking of the lens, I recall the below old photo possibly shared in some other thread . Lack of the macro mode in version 1 being overcome with a extension tube (on an OM-D EM-5).
Phillip Reeve wrote:
Build quality is the same for version 2 and 3.
Thanks. Got the CY 35-70 3.4 because one popped in the classifieds. I can't find a good condition Minolta. I don't mind paying extra for the very small percentage of extra sharpness.
If just bought a new old stock copy of this lens for 70.00. A few test shots show it is very capable. I normally avoid zooms (religious belief). But after buying the Minolta 35-135 for 20.00 I could not turn this down. It is a nice compact and light lens that works well when I want travel light. I have enjoyed the thread. My compliments to all.
Funny how things come full circle - I now shoot with Fuji XT10 (having traded through many systems since my post #1 on the XE1) and I was tempted to get this lens again.
But, honestly, I think the Fuji 16/1.4 has replaced it for me. Obviously different lenses, but the Fuji 16 renders in a way that for whatever reason reminds me of the Minolta, when shot up close.
Still, great lens - I may think about getting it again one day
Every once in a while I remember what I like about this lens so much. Great colors, nice look, nice sharpness even wide open, useful range, the handy range, enough speed for good light, and a decent size/weight. This is two frames stitched together. Not intended that way, but it occurred to me in post and worked out pretty well.
Minolta MD 35-75mm f/3.5 Macro at 70mm and f/5.6 on Sony A7
I plan to use this on Minolta film bodies and X-T1. Hopefully I will be able to add some images to this thread soon. 
