Minolta Lens Resources

The Minolta SLR system lenses, referred to as A-mount lenses, are still treasured today. The A-mount system was first released in 1985, which gives one a selection of lenses to chose from over at least two decades worth. Minolta and Konica merged to form Konica Minolta, then in 2006 Sony bought the merged company. Sony still supports A-mount lenses, even on the newer E-mount system for the mirrorless cameras, so one's investment in A-mount lenses need not go to waste if changing systems. The LA-EA3 lens adapter can fit A-mount lenses that have built-in focus motors to E-mount cameras and the LA-EA4 will support auto-focus for A-mount lenses with screw drive focus. A quick glance at the lens mount will verify whether the lens is screw drive or not. If a large screw is seen at the bottom of the lens mount (held with the contacts at the top) that turns when focus is changed, then the lens has screw drive focus.

Earlier Minolta MC and MD lens mount lenses require an adapter, but do not have autofocus. The one issue with MC/MD lenses, is that if the adapter does not have a corrective lens, then focus at infinity is not possible. On the other hand, the lens in such adapters, if present, often reduces the quality of the image from the lens. The LA-EA3 and LA-EA4 adapters do not require a corrective lens and so do not even have this issue.

First up, the Dyxum.com site offers a review board for many Minolta, Konica Minolta and Sony lenses (both A-mount and E-mount). Beware that some Sony A-mount lenses may be designed for APS-C sensors, and so may not have complete frame coverage for film cameras. While the reviews on this site may be helpful, many are contradictory. For example, a lens may be declared as sharp by one reviewer, but soft by another. Further reading might find that the given lens is soft at the corners wide open, but sharp in the center. Someone else might find that the lens is acceptably sharp throughout at f/5.6, but someone else might not find it sharp until f/11. It may be useful to read the reviews to find out the idiosyncrasies for a particular lens, though.

Second, Michael Hohner offers an extensive list of A-mount and E-mount lenses with detailed specifications for each lens. Often, a link is included to a review or two for the specific lens.

Third, Photo/Jottings has a few lens reviews and comparisons.

Finally, a comment from Mr. Johnston of TOP fame, who says that you only need a pair of 35mm and 85mm prime lenses.

Or peruse the lens charts, satisfying the thirst for Gear Acquisition Syndrome.