p.1 #1 · Minolta Rokkor MC 58mm f/1.2 - Baseline sharpness wide open
I’m trying to figure out whether my Rokkor 58mm f/1.2 is performing normally at f/1.2 or if my copy may have an issue. Would anyone be willing to share their full-res images or a 100% crop from their sharpest f/1.2 shots? Ideally center crops, and bonus points if you are able to share the RAW.
I fully understand this lens has some wide-open glow and softness, so I’m not expecting modern sharpness, but I’m trying to see what a good copy should realistically look like when focus is nailed. My copy seems inconsistent. Occasionally I’ll get a relatively sharp image, but most of the time it’s far softer/"glowier" than expected.
My Rokkor PG 50mm f/1.4 is considerably sharper and more consistent at f/1.4, so I’m trying to calibrate my expectations. I know it isn't exactly a fair comparison with f/1.2 vs f/1.4, but the difference is much more significant than I was expecting.
This 58/1.2 is new to me (after an unfortunate mishap with my Pentax 50 1.2 SMC), but I'm having a bit of buyer's remorse. I'm starting to wonder if I should have looked for another 50 SMC or just stuck with using the 50 1.4.
p.1 #2 · Minolta Rokkor MC 58mm f/1.2 - Baseline sharpness wide open
I've got mine (MC Rokkor) with me today. What distances are you interested in comparing?
For what it's worth, I have no idea if mine is a "perfect copy" as it's the only one I've ever used. I don't think it's as sharp as the Pentax. I know it's not as sharp as the MD 50/1.2 or the Canon FDn 50/1.2L. It's got better SA correction than the EF 50/1.2L, but it's closer in sharpness to that.
Anyway, let me know if you want specific distances or subjects and I should have time later this afternoon. I think I can post RAWs to Google dropbox.
p.1 #3 · Minolta Rokkor MC 58mm f/1.2 - Baseline sharpness wide open
I can also help if you want something different than what Brad offers. I extensively did controlled testing with the Mino 58 versus Noct 50/1, so have RAW's at different distances.
FWIW, I find the Mino have pretty decent resolution wide open across a good amount of the frame (by vintage lens standards) but the contrast, and CA correction are weaker than some others.
Jun 22, 2026 at 02:16 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #4 · Minolta Rokkor MC 58mm f/1.2 - Baseline sharpness wide open
I have the lens and ought to be able to provide you what you need. Just PM me and we can figure out how to send you the files. Let me add, however, that IMO the lens really shines at f/2 not wide open. I rarely shoot it wide open, but I am happy to provide you with whatever files you want.
I hadn't read Brad's (freaklikeme) post, so I think he has you covered but I am happy to provide a second set of files from a different lens. This is my second copy of the lens. I wouldn't say one was better than the other of my copies. Nor can I say whether they were great or not so great copies. I would guess mine are average. My first one had yellowing that I cleared up by leaving it in the sun. My second one doesn't have any yellowing and neither of them had/have any noticeable defects in the glass and just typical amounts of dust.
p.1 #5 · Minolta Rokkor MC 58mm f/1.2 - Baseline sharpness wide open
I'd be happy to see whatever examples you might have showing sharpness at f/1.2. The majority of my observations so far have been close to MFD, I'd say in the range of 5ft or less. Usually, I can quickly get a sense of how sharp a lens is by evaluating some shots with eyelashes in focus. So far, my expectations (which were already tempered) are far exceeding reality.
Also, I'm not sure if the variation I see is sometimes due to distance and/or light. It could be coincidence, but I did start feeling as though well-lit scenes with good contrast were actually giving me worse results.
I was really planning to just go out and shoot with the lens and NOT get consumed with pixel peeping and testing, but here I am lol. Tonight I'll try a tripod and a couple of static subjects to see if I'm matching what others are achieving.
p.1 #7 · Minolta Rokkor MC 58mm f/1.2 - Baseline sharpness wide open
Minolta XK w 58:1.2 @ 1.2 and HP5
Leica M240 w 58 1.2 @ 1.2:
Jun 22, 2026 at 04:32 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #8 · Minolta Rokkor MC 58mm f/1.2 - Baseline sharpness wide open
MMP wrote:
I'd be happy to see whatever examples you might have showing sharpness at f/1.2. The majority of my observations so far have been close to MFD, I'd say in the range of 5ft or less. Usually, I can quickly get a sense of how sharp a lens is by evaluating some shots with eyelashes in focus. So far, my expectations (which were already tempered) are far exceeding reality.
Also, I'm not sure if the variation I see is sometimes due to distance and/or light. It could be coincidence, but I did start feeling as though well-lit scenes with good contrast were actually giving me worse results.
I was really planning to just go out and shoot with the lens and NOT get consumed with pixel peeping and testing, but here I am lol. Tonight I'll try a tripod and a couple of static subjects to see if I'm matching what others are achieving. ...Show more →
The lens isn't great at MFD as it has a lot of spherical aberrations and their effects are worse closer up. That said, it is really only at wide open and a bit at f/2 that the lens suffers as MFD. Stopped down to f/2.8 or better yet f/4 it is wonderful at MFD. Once you get to typical half body portrait distances the lens sharpens up enough for me at f/2 and I like the bokeh best at f/2.
Regarding light, the lens also doesn't have the best coatings and will exhibit a lot of veiling flare losing a lot of contrast if you shoot into the light. So that might be what you are seeing in what you are seeing in your well lit scenes. Light from the side that isn't hitting the front element, however, or better yet light from behind in my experience really makes this lens sing. You just can't shoot into the light unless you want the veiling flare.
I included some examples from my long time use of the lens below. Hopefully they help.
