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Minolta Rokkor

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Minolta Rokkor 21mm T2.8
Minolta Rokkor 24mm T2.8
Minolta Rokkor 28mm T2.1
Minolta Rokkor 35mm T1.9
Minolta Rokkor 45mm T1.9
Minolta Rokkor 50mm T1.3
Minolta Rokkor 58mm T1.3
Minolta Rokkor 85mm T1.8
Minolta Rokkor 100mm T2.1
Minolta Rokkor 135mm T2.1
Minolta Rokkor 200mm T2.9

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Minolta Rokkor

Prime - Spherical - Full Frame

product details

Minolta Rokkor full frame primes originate from Minolta’s legendary Rokkor still lenses of the 1960s-1980s. Rehoused by Ancient Optics, they retain the classic Japanese still lens aesthetic of the era – warmer and softer than modern cinema glass, with surprisingly shallow depth of field and a dreamy aesthetic. A cost-effective alternative to the Canon K35 primes from the 1970s, they are popular with cinematographers seeking retro charm for digital projects where imperfections enhance the emotional atmosphere. They are seen as an alternative to Canon FD and Nikon AI-S glass. Complete sets include eleven focal lengths ranging from 21mm to 200mm. Available for rental or sub-rental at Cine Visuals.

Focal Length
T-Stop
Type
Format
Front Diameter
Lens Mount
Metadata
Iris Blades
Image Circle

Era / Generation
Contrast & Tonal Character
Sharpness & Resolution
Focus Fall‑Off / Transition
Iris & Bokeh Quality
Flare & Highlight Behavior
Handling & Ergonomics
Build & Modifications
Cinematic Heritage & Credits

*Refer to Technical Specifications table. Not the same for all focal lengths.

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Technical Specs Table

T-Stop

Type

Format

Front Diameter

Lens Mount

Metadata

Close Focus (ft)

Close Focus (m)

Weight (lbs)

Weight (kg)

Length (in)

Length (mm)

Iris Blades

Image Circle

Front Filter

Rear Filter

Horizontal Angle of View (Full Frame)

Horizontal Angle of View (S35)

Focus Rotation

T2.8

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

110 mm

–

11"

0.28 m

2.54 lbs

1.15 kg

3.07"

78.00 mm

46.3 mm

–

180°

T2.8

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

110 mm

–

1'1"

0.33 m

2.20 lbs

1.00 kg

2.68"

68.00 mm

46.3 mm

–

180°

T2.1

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

110 mm

–

1'1"

0.33 m

2.54 lbs

1.15 kg

3.07"

78.00 mm

65.0 mm

–

180°

T1.9

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

110 mm

–

0.23 m

2.98 lbs

1.35 kg

3.78"

96.00 mm

51.5 mm

–

330°

T1.9

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

110 mm

–

1'6"

0.46 m

2.32 lbs

1.05 kg

3.35"

85.00 mm

65.0 mm

–

330°

T1.3

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

110 mm

–

1'5"

0.43 m

2.54 lbs

1.15 kg

3.35"

85.00 mm

51.5 mm

–

330°

T1.3

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

110 mm

–

1'3"

0.38 m

3.20 lbs

1.45 kg

3.78"

96.00 mm

65.0 mm

–

330°

T1.8

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

110 mm

–

2'6"

0.76 m

2.98 lbs

1.35 kg

3.78"

96.00 mm

54.1 mm

–

330°

T2.1

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

110 mm

–

3'3"

0.99 m

2.98 lbs

1.35 kg

3.78"

96.00 mm

55.0 mm

–

330°

T2.1

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

110 mm

–

4'9"

1.45 m

3.75 lbs

1.70 kg

4.41"

112.00 mm

54.1 mm

–

330°

T2.9

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

110 mm

–

5'3"

1.60 m

4.52 lbs

2.05 kg

6.73"

171.00 mm

54.1 mm

–

330°

Minolta Rokkor

Image Fidelity & Focus

Rokkors are known for their smooth rendering and warm, slightly amber tones. A subtle glow adds to the analog feel. Contrast is low to moderate, producing a soft, filmic image. Sharpness is adequate at the center but softens toward the edges, enhancing subject isolation, with shallow depth of field that pairs well with their flexible aperture sizes. Chromatic aberrations are noticeable wide open but add to the vintage charm.

Handling & Adaptability

Ancient Optics’ rehousing process makes the Rokkors durable for modern filmmaking scenarios, equipped with PL mounts, uniform housings, and geared focus and iris rings. The lenses are compact and lighter than many cine primes, making them adaptable for handheld and Steadicam work. Each lens has a universal front diameter of 110mm, making for easy filter swapping. Widest apertures range from T1.3 to T2.9. Quirks remain, but they are robust enough for professional production.

Flare & Bokeh

An 11-bladed iris provides smooth, pleasing bokeh, with creamy texture and vintage swirl when shot wide open. Flares are bold and warmly multicolored, often streaking dramatically across the frame.

Image Circle

The rehoused Minolta Rokkor primes are full frame lenses, which make them usable for professional filmmaking in the modern era.

Cinematic Heritage

The Minolta Rokkor lenses were originally built in the 1960s by Japanese manufacturer Minolta as their flagship still lenses. Kazuo Tashima, Minolta’s founder, called the lenses “Rokkor” after a nearby peak, Mount Rokky. Since then, however, Minolta was purchased by Sony, making the Rokkors a rare find among cinematographers.