List_of_Minolta_A-mount_lenses

List of Minolta A-mount lenses

List of Minolta A-mount lenses

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Minolta and its successor Konica Minolta released the following lenses for Minolta A-mount cameras between 1985 and 2006.

History

While most auto-focus lens designs were new developments, some optical constructions were derived from Minolta SR-mount lenses (as indicated). In the United States, the Maxxum system launched in 1985 with twelve lenses:[1]

  • 24mm f/2.8
  • 28mm f/2.8
  • 50mm f/1.4
  • 50mm f/1.7
  • 50mm f/2.8 Macro
  • 135mm f/2.8
  • 300mm f/2.8 APO
  • 28–85mm f/3.5–4.5
  • 28–135mm f/4–4.5
  • 35–70mm f/4
  • 35–105mm f/3.5–4.5
  • 70–210mm f/4
Cosmetic variations of 35–105mm f/3.5–4.5
Original design
"New" or "Restyled" design

Initially, the lenses were equipped with narrow ribbed manual focus rings in hard plastic near the front; zoom lenses had a diagonally-ribbed rubber grip. Later lenses changed the grip style and added a rubber coating to the focus ring. Some of the original lenses were re-released with updated cosmetics and are known as "New" or "Restyled" versions; minor optical updates such as coatings and aperture shape were sometimes included.[2]

With the introduction of the Maxxum/Alpha 7 and its support for distance-encoded HS(D) flashes in 2001, Minolta began releasing its AF lenses with three additional contacts (eight total) to support the Advance Distance Integration (ADI) functionality, which reports the focus distance back to the camera body.[3] Lenses were branded as "Konica Minolta" starting in August 2003 following the merger of the two companies.[4]

When Sony took over the system in 2006,[5] 12 lenses were rebranded as Sony A-mount lenses and launched alongside 6 new designs and 2 teleconverters.[6] Of the dozen rebranded lenses, most are optically, mechanically and electrically identical to their Minolta predecessors and differ only in their outer appearance, however, three have seen subtle changes in the optics and electro-mechanics. The 20 lenses relaunched in 2006 included:[6]

  • 16mm f/2.8 (legacy)
  • 20mm f/2.8 (legacy)
  • 28mm f/2.8 (legacy)
  • 35mm f/1.4 G (new)
  • 50mm f/1.4 (legacy)
  • 50mm f/2.8 Macro (legacy)
  • 85mm f/1.4 Zeiss (new)
  • 100mm f/2.8 Macro (legacy)
  • 135mm f/1.8 Zeiss (new)
  • 135mm f/2.8 STF (legacy)
  • 300mm f/2.8 G (new)
  • 500mm f/8 Reflex (legacy)
  • 11–18mm f/4.5–5.6 (legacy)
  • 16–80mm f/3.5–4.5 Zeiss (new)
  • 18–70mm f/3.5–5.6 (legacy)
  • 18–200mm f/3.5–6.3 (legacy)
  • 70–200mm f/2.8 G (new)
  • 75–300mm f/4.5–5.6 (legacy)
  • 1.4× Teleconverter
  • 2.0× Teleconverter

All Minolta and Konica Minolta A-mount lenses are compatible with Sony A-mount cameras.

Regional variations

Branding variations
Minolta 500mm f/8 Reflex lens, branded as "Maxxum AF" for the North American market
Minolta 50mm f/1.7 lens, branded as "AF" for the rest of the world

In North America, Minolta marketed the camera and lenses with the Maxxum branding. Until the mid 1990s, A-mount lenses for the North American market were engraved as Maxxum AF; the rest of the world were branded as AF lenses, including the regions using the Dynax and α branding for the cameras. The initial production runs of Maxxum AF lenses introduced with the camera system in 1985 originally used a "crossed XX" font, which was soon dropped by Minolta after Exxon brought a trademark lawsuit that year; under the settlement, Minolta agreed to change its logo.[7]

Although some buyers associated either the Maxxum AF or the AF designation with a higher quality, both types of lenses were built to exactly the same specifications and quality standards in the factory, and were only used to improve trackability and distinguish gray market imports (lenses originally purchased from international sources and resold in North America by private importers rather than official imports from Minolta). They differed only in their cosmetics (name plate engraving) and part number designations (????-1?? for AF, ????-6?? for Maxxum AF). A similar scheme previously had been used by Minolta in the 1960s and 1970s to distinguish their Rokkor and Rokkor-X branding variants for SR-mount lenses.

List of Minolta A-mount lenses

More information Name, MPN ...
Notes and nomenclature
Apo Apochromatic lens element(s)
(D) or D "Distance encoder", lens provides subject distance information for utilization in the Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) flash mode and other features. While the "(D)" designation is used on the box and in the documentation, the lenses just feature a "D" instead. Requires 8 lens contacts; lenses with only 5 contacts cannot support this feature.
DT "Digital Technology", lenses for cameras with APS-C (or Super-35mm) size sensors, only. DT lenses will not fully illuminate the sensor/film area of 24x36mm full-frame cameras.
G "Gold" series, Minolta's line-up of high-grade lenses. The "G" status does not occur as label on the lenses, but is indicated by a decorating ring on the lens.
High Speed High Speed upgraded gearing for faster autofocus. As indicated, three lenses were upgradeable in authorized service centers as well.
II Version II. Some lenses underwent more than just cosmetic changes, and are referred to as second version, in particular, when the optics have changed completely.
New Restyled (not a designation found on the lens), aesthetic changes (such lenses were labelled "New" or "Neu" or "(N)" on the box and in the documentation by Minolta, but not specifically labelled on the lens itself).
SSM "SuperSonic Motor", silent in-lens ultrasonic motor used on some lenses. Requires 8 lens contacts; lenses with only 5 contacts cannot support this feature. Can be used with manual focusing on cameras without SSM support (that is, Minolta film bodies released before 2000 - Minolta Dynax/Maxxum/α-9/9Ti can be upgraded by service).[54][55][56][57]
Power or xi Motorized zoom. Requires 8 lens contacts; lenses with only 5 contacts cannot support this feature.

See also


References

  1. Schwalberg, Bob (March 1985). "A Dozen New Maxxum AF Lenses Include Five Zooms and A Fast APO Tele". Popular Photography. Vol. 92, no. 3. Los Angeles: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. p. 112. ISSN 0032-4582. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  2. Munger, Kurt. "Original and restyled lens differences". kurtmunger.com. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  3. Burian, Peter K. (2001-01-01). "First Look: Innovative New Minolta Maxxum 7". Shutterbug. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  4. "Konica Minolta -- Establishment of a New Symbol Logo" (Press release). Konica Minolta. 2003-08-05. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  5. "Partial Transfer of Certain Assets Related to Digital SLR cameras" (Press release). Konica Minolta. 2006-01-19. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  6. Askey, Phil (2006-07-31). "Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Review: Lenses / Accessories (the 'Alpha System')". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  7. "Exxon and Minolta settle logo suit". UPI Archives. 1985-03-01. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  8. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF FISH-EYE 16mm F2.8 (2578-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF FISH-EYE 16mm F2.8 (2578-600). Minolta. 1986.
  9. Paul, Matthias R. (2013-03-03) [2006]. "A-Bajonett-Objektiv-IDs / A-Mount Lens IDs, Welche ID hat welches Objektiv wirklich?" [A-mount lens IDs - Which lenses are verified to have which IDs?] (in German). Minolta-Forum. Archived from the original on 2015-07-11. Retrieved 2015-07-09.
  10. Canadian Minolta dealer price list 1988-03-30. Minolta Canada, Inc. 1988-03-30. Archived from the original on 2016-03-07. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  11. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 20mm F2.8 (2579-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 20mm F2.8 (2579-600). Minolta. 1986.
  12. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 24mm F2.8 (2566-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 24mm F2.8 (2566-600). Minolta. 1985.
  13. Canadian Minolta dealer price list 1985-01-23. Minolta Canada, Inc. 1985-01-23. Archived from the original on 2016-03-07. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  14. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 28mm F2 (2596-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 28mm F2 (2596-600). Minolta. 1986.
  15. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 28mm F2.8 (2557-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 28mm F2.8 (2557-600). Minolta. 1985.
  16. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 35mm F1.4 (2591-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 35mm F1.4 (2591-600). Minolta. 1987.
  17. "αシリーズ用新交換レンズ『コニカミノルタ AF 35mm F1.4G (D)』(仮称)を開発" [New interchangeable lens for α series: Development of "Konica Minolta AF 35mm F1.4 G (D)" (tentative name)] (in Japanese). Konica Minolta, Inc. 2005-07-15. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  18. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 35mm F2 (2597-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 35mm F2 (2597-600). Minolta. 1987.
  19. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 50mm F1.4 (2562-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 50mm F1.4 (2562-600). Minolta. 1985.
  20. Paul, Matthias R. (2008-07-11). ""Spezialkamera" Minolta CS-1000: Spektroradiometer" [Special camera Minolta CS-1000] (in German). Minolta-Forum. Archived from the original on 2016-08-16. Retrieved 2015-07-06.
  21. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 50mm F1.7 (2550-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 50mm F1.7 (2550-600). Minolta. 1985.
  22. Lemp, Kristof (2006-11-07). "Minolta AF 50mm/1,7: Unterschiede 1./2. Generation" (in German). Minolta-Forum. Archived from the original on 2022-04-08. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
  23. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 50mm F2.8 MACRO (2564-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 50mm F2.8 MACRO (2564-600). Minolta. 1985.
  24. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 85mm F1.4 (2592-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 85mm F1.4 (2592-600). Minolta. 1987.
  25. "「PHOTO EXPO 2002」出展のご案内" [Photo Expo 2002 Exhibition Guide] (in Japanese). Minolta Japan. 2002-03-19. Archived from the original on 2002-03-21. Retrieved 2015-07-08.: "Photo Expo 2002: Minolta Japan announces the availability of 700 units of the Minolta AF 85mm F1.4 G (D) Limited in Japan from 2002-05-05 as well as the development of future SSM full-frame lenses with tentative names Minolta AF Zoom 28-70mm F2.8 G (D) SSM, Minolta AF Apo Tele Zoom 70-200mm F2.8 G (D) SSM, Minolta AF Apo Tele 300mm F2.8 G (D) SSM, Minolta AF 1.4x Tele Converter Apo (D), Minolta AF 2x Tele Converter Apo (D)."
  26. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 100mm F2 (2598-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 100mm F2 (2598-600). Minolta. 1987.
  27. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF MACRO 100mm F2.8 (32) (2581-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF MACRO 100mm F2.8 (32) (2581-600). Minolta. 1986.
  28. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 135mm F2.8 (2556-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 135mm F2.8 (2556-600). Minolta. 1985.
  29. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 200mm F2.8 APO TELE (2593-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 200mm F2.8 APO TELE (2593-600). Minolta. 1986.
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  31. Andreas (2010-02-28). "Minolta AF 300mm/2.8 APO - Original-Lieferumfang" [Minolta AF 300mm/2.8 APO original setup] (in German). Minolta-Forum. Archived from the original on 2016-08-07. Retrieved 2015-07-06.
  32. Lohmann, Dennis (2006-07-01). "Minolta MD APO Tele Rokkor 300mm 1:2.8, Prototyp" (in German). Minolta-Forum. Archived from the original on 2016-10-24. Retrieved 2015-06-07.
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  34. Canadian Minolta dealer price list 1985-08-26. Minolta Canada, Inc. 1985-08-26. Archived from the original on 2016-03-07. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  35. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF 24-50mm F4 (2558-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF 24-50mm F4 (2558-600). Minolta. 1987.
  36. Paul, Matthias R. (2012-05-16) [2008]. "Some infos on Minolta lenses 2633, 2659, 2670, 2683" (in German). Minolta-Forum. Archived from the original on 2015-07-10. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  37. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 28-80mm F4-F5.6 (NEW) (2633-100). Minolta. 1985.
  38. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 28-85mm F3.5-F4.5 (2552-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 28-85mm F3.5-F4.5 (2552-600). Minolta. 1985.
  39. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 28-135mm F4-F4.5 (2553-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 28-135mm F4-F4.5 (2553-600). Minolta. 1985.
  40. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 35-70mm F4 (2551-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 35-70mm F4 (2551-600). Minolta. 1985.
  41. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 35-80mm F4(32)-5.6 (2605-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 35-80mm F4(32)-5.6 (2605-600). Minolta. 1988.
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  43. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 35-105mm F3.5-F4.5 (2554-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 35-105mm F3.5-F4.5 (2554-600). Minolta. 1985.
  44. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 35-105mm F3.5(22)-4.5 (2585-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 35-105mm F3.5(22)-4.5 (2585-600). Minolta. 1988.
  45. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 70-210mm F3.5(22)-4.5 (2588-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 70-210mm F3.5(22)-4.5 (2588-600). Minolta. 1988.
  46. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 70-210mm F4 (2555-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 70-210mm F4 (2555-600). Minolta. 1985.
  47. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 75-300mm F4.5(32)-5.6 (2561-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 75-300mm F4.5(32)-5.6 (2561-600). Minolta. 1986.
  48. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 80-200mm F2.8 (2589-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 80-200mm F2.8 (2589-600). Minolta. 1987.
  49. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 80-200mm F4.5(22)-5.6 (2604-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 80-200mm F4.5(22)-5.6 (2604-600). Minolta. 1988.
  50. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 100-200mm F4.5 (22) (2560-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 100-200mm F4.5 (22) (2560-600). Minolta. 1988.
  51. Service Manual / Repair Guide: MINOLTA AF ZOOM 100-300mm F4.5(32)-5.6 (2606-100) / MINOLTA MAXXUM AF ZOOM 100-300mm F4.5(32)-5.6 (2606-600). Minolta. 1988.
  52. Minolta Co., Ltd., Osaka. Minolta-Hotline-Fax vom 2004-05-10, 2 Seiten: Dynax/Maxxum 9/9Ti – SSM Lens Update Camera Instruction Manual (in German). Minolta-Forum. Archived from the original on 2016-03-30. Retrieved 2011-01-08. Additional archives: 2016-04-02.
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  54. Wendt-Fröhlich, Daniel (2009-04-28). "Die weltweit letzten 200 SSM-/ADI-Umrüstsätze können seit April 2009 von Runtime verbaut werden". Erfolgsmeldung zur Petition bzgl. der Wiederaufnahme des Umrüstservice im Minolta-Forum vom 2009-04-28 (in German). Minolta-Forum. Archived from the original on 2016-05-20. Retrieved 2011-01-08.

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