My Gear A Week Challenge - Week 5 - Minolta Maxxum7D, Minolta 28-135/4-4.5 and Minolta 500mm f/8 AF Reflex

gryphon1911

gryphon1911

Hall of Famer
Supporter
Location
Central Ohio, USA
Name
Andrew
Start Date
Feb 19, 2023
End Date
Feb 25, 2023
It’s all @Brownie ’s fault. Not that I’m in the Minolta rabbit hole that I’m in, but for giving me some great information on some additional Minolta lenses and helping me find some good deals online! I now am in possession of the above mentioned lenses.

My intention was to swing back into Nikon with the Z6 and some primes this week, but since the 28-135/4-4.5 ands 500/8 AF Reflex arrived this weekend- I gotta try them out!!

The 500 reflex was a purchase from Japan. Had this thing shipped to my house for $190. Other than some handling marks on the rubber focus ring, and a small dust spec, the thing looks essential new. Has the case, all the caps/covers and both the filters. The ND filter was still in its original plastic wrapping.

The 28-135 was in good shape as well. A bit heavier than I expected, but I heard it has excellent optics and character. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate with me today and I can get out and start off week 5 with some great shots!

I will say that it has been refreshing limiting myself to a one kit a week.

I like the challenge of having to work within the limitations, finding new and creative ways of getting the shots with limited field of view ranges.

Images will be coming soon. Looking forward to sharing!!
 
Hah! Glad I could return the favor. My 'new' Maxxum 5D has cost me more than anticipated between batteries, straps, and an APS-C lens for wider angle.

And I think what you meant to say was:

"The 28-135 was in good shape as well. A bit heavier than I expected, but Brownie's examples show it has excellent optics and character."

Riiiiiiiiiight? Riiiiiiiiiight? :whistle:
 
Brownie said:
Hah! Glad I could return the favor. My 'new' Maxxum 5D has cost me more than anticipated between batteries, straps, and an APS-C lens for wider angle.

And I think what you meant to say was:

"The 28-135 was in good shape as well. A bit heavier than I expected, but Brownie's examples show it has excellent optics and character."

Riiiiiiiiiight? Riiiiiiiiiight? :whistle:
Click to expand...

Exactly right!! 😜
 
So, this Minolta 28-135mm f/4-4.5 is a a real gem of a lens. I cannot believe a lens of this age is this good. It does exhibit some blooming in a few lighting situations, but other than that - this thing is sharp, crisp, provides a ton of detail. A steal at the used price I got it at. Will be using this lens for a long time. A great walk around lens.

Images are in a few different sets. This first one is street art from Bellefontaine, Ohio. That's about an hour drive from home base.

1
02-19-2023_bellefontaine_KM7D_PICT0002.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


2
02-19-2023_bellefontaine_KM7D_PICT0013.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


3
02-19-2023_bellefontaine_KM7D_PICT0015.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


4
02-19-2023_bellefontaine_KM7D_PICT0016.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


5
02-19-2023_bellefontaine_KM7D_PICT0021.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


6
02-19-2023_bellefontaine_KM7D_PICT0023.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


7
02-19-2023_bellefontaine_KM7D_PICT0027.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


8
02-19-2023_bellefontaine_KM7D_PICT0045.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


9
02-19-2023_bellefontaine_KM7D_PICT0051.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


10
02-19-2023_bellefontaine_KM7D_PICT0054.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
 
That’s an interesting tale. One would think people would know better than to believe such a tale, but I’ve been one too many rotations on this little blue marble and have seen some people believe some very outlandish things.
 
Got to run both lenses today, despite the fact that the sun was very transient...I used the 28-135mm mostly, but did get a few shots with the 500mm f/8 reflex. In the right light, it too is a capable optic, well worth what I paid for it.

Found a new to me local Jewish cemetery, so made a visit there today with the dogs. Color image RAW files processed in Lightroom only. Monochromes started from the Lightroom processed RAW files and run through DxO Filmpack 6 - Ilford PAN 100 film simulation.

1
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0009.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


2
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0010.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


3
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0012-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


4
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0022-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


5
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0039-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


6
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0048-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


7
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0049-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


8
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0055-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


9
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0056-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


10
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0059-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
 
Now, some shots with the 500mm f/8 Reflex!

RAW files processed in Lightroom and then some where also run through Nik Analog Efex.
All hand held, IBIS activated in some instances that may have needed it.

1
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0104-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


2
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0105-Edit-Edit-2.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


3
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0106-Edit-2.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


4
02-20-2023_cemetery_KM7D_PICT0107-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


Let's think about this last image for a second. While it is rather an unremarkable image in regards to composition and subject matter, look at this from a technical perspective.


Image shot on a 20 year old CCD sensor DSLR.
Hand held.
IBIS active on the first DSLR with IBIS.
Field of view on this lens and APS-C sensor is 750mm, the shutter speed due to the light at the time (clouds came in, sun left me) is 1/250.

Honestly, this amazes me and am going to really love using this lens.
 
Last edited:
gryphon1911 said:
Now, some shots with the 500mm f/8 Reflex!

RAW files processed in Lightroom and then some where also run through Nik Analog Efex.
All hand held, IBIS activated in some instances that may have needed it.

1
View attachment 367430

2
View attachment 367431

3
View attachment 367432

4
View attachment 367433

Let's think about this last image for a second. While it is rather an unremarkable image in regards to composition and subject matter, look at this from a technical perspective.


Image shot on a 20 year old CCD sensor DSLR.
Hand held.
IBIS active on the first DSLR with IBIS.
Field of view on this lens and APS-C sensor is 750mm, the shutter speed due to the light at the time (clouds came in, sun left me) is 1/250.

Honestly, this amazes me and am going to really love using this lens.
Click to expand...
That's pretty much it in a nutshell. You can really make it much simpler than that:
  • Compare color/contrast/bokeh to just about any other reflex lens.
  • Add autofocus.
  • No contest.
Some of the bird images I took the other day were a bit soft, didn't have the light I needed. Was shooting at ISO 400 on that old sensor with a shutter speed slower than the FL. I'm not sure the '3 stop IBIS' is really any more than 1/2 to 1 stop.
 
From today's walk at a local park - one tree scene done 3 ways

1 - normal process from RAW file in Lightroom
02-21-2023_civic_KM7D_PICT0009.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


2 - Nik Analog Efex Pro 2 - My Custom Preset I call DARKSIDE 2
02-21-2023_civic_KM7D_PICT0009-Edit-2.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


3 - Nik Silver Efex Pro - Pinhole preset
02-21-2023_civic_KM7D_PICT0009-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
 
Last day!

So I messed up, and was able to get out and shoot on 2/25 - I thought that I was not going to be able to, but plans changed!

1
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0008.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


2
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0010.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


3
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0011.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


4
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0013.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


5
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0016.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


6
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0019.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


7.
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0026.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


8
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0027.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


9
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0032.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


10
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0035.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


11
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0040.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


12
02-24-2023_street_KM7D_PICT0041.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
 
Last edited:
A pretty good haul today. Sharinga few hear, but most will be in the cemetery thread.

from the 28-135mm f/4-4.5

1
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0030.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


2
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0037.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


3
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0058.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


4
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0121.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


5
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0121.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


6
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0130.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


7
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0135.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


8
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0145-Edit.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


9
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0147.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


Now, a few from the Minolta 500mm f/8 Reflex

11
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0160.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


12
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0163.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)


13
02-25-2023_gahanna_KM7D_PICT0165.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
 

Similar threads

gryphon1911
    • Like
    • Cool
My Gear A Week Challenge - Week 13 - Minolta Maxxum 7D - Minolta 28-135/4-4.5 and 500mm f/8 AF Reflex
Replies
6
Views
845
gryphon1911
gryphon1911
gryphon1911
    • Like
    • Cool
    • Love
My Gear A Week Challenge - Week 4 - Minolta 7D, Minolta 20/2.8 and Minolta 70-210/4
Replies
6
Views
921
gryphon1911
gryphon1911
gryphon1911
My Gear A Week Challenge - Week 13 - Nikon Z6 - Nikon 28/2.8, 50/1.8S, Meike 85/1.8
Replies
5
Views
871
gryphon1911
gryphon1911
Back
Top