Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f1.4 - Sample Picture

The Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f1.4 lens I got from the antique market has a stuck aperture. A quick search tells me that this is a very common problem for this lens. I found out that there are two reasons for this: 1) the is oil on the aperture blades, and 2) the spring that holds the aperture open is very weak. My copy also has a layer of oil-like substance under the front element, when looked closely. So I decided to open it up and clean it. What a surprise!

Taking out the front element is very easy. Just removed the name ring with a rubber stopper, and then the retention ring that presses on the front element. As I was cleaning it, I noticed that the more I cleaned, the more scratch marks I left behind!  This only means one thing: the coating is coming off as I cleaned. So, I ended up rubbing the coating under the front element off completely. The coating on the outside seems fine. After I put it back, I can't really tell, except now it's cleaner. However, the inner elements are still dusty, but that has to be for another day.

I also found a stronger spring to replace the weak one. It's still a bit sticky, but at least I can now change the aperture on the lens. The oil still needs to be cleaned.

Took a few shots and the pictures turned out quite nicely. I would say a pretty good deal for $20, with a bonus SRT-101 body as a paperweight :)

Megan - Sony A7 & Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f1.4 @ f2.