Leica Showcase Minolta Chiyoko 50/2 Super-Rokkor

Brian

Product of the Fifties
Just got this lens today, one off of Ebay. Not "Rare", but uncommon in the US. This lens is from the early 1950s, contemporary with the Nikkor 5cm F2, Canon Serenar 50/1.9, and Simlar 5cm F1.5. It is reputed to be based on the Leica Summitar 50/2, 7 elements in 4 groups. The Summitar is a classic double-Gauss with the front element split into a cemented pair. The "Swirlies" are present, and easy to believe that this is based on the Leitz design. This lens is hard-coated, and the glass on this one is near perfect. It's 60+ years old. 43mm filter size, the same as the Nikkor 5cm F1.4. Size- about the same size and weight of the Nikkor 5cm F1.4. The finish is gorgeous, matte-chrome at the base that matches my M8 and "57 Chevy Chrome" for the barrel.

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Minolta 50/2 Super-Rokkor by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

Focus is perfect.

at F2,

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Minolta Chiyoko 50/2 Super-Rokkor by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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Minolta Chiyoko 50/2 Super-Rokkor by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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Minolta Chiyoko 50/2 Super-Rokkor by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

And F4:

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Minolta Chiyoko 50/2 Super-Rokkor by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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Minolta Chiyoko 50/2 Super-Rokkor by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

More contrast than the Summitar. I'll take it out this weekend for some more shooting, probably bring along the Collapsible Summicron for comparison.

Pricewise- These go for about as much as a Nikkor 5cm F2 in similar condition. Some of the "Usual Suspects" try to get Rigid Summicron prices for it. It's nice- but some patience, or willingness to buy one out of Japan- well worth it. The Minolta cameras were not as popular in the US as Nicca, Canon, and Nikon. I believe they stuck with the Japanese format of 24x32 for longer. That might explain why not as many made it here.
 
I paid $259 for it, the seller had it up originally for $329. This one is very nice condition, near perfect glass. So, $250~$300 with "patience". Some Ebay sellers try to get $800 and more for it. If I could sell every piece in my collection for 2/3rds of what some Ebay sellers think they can get, I'd not have to work anymore.
 
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