Saturday, December 20, 2008

Macro lens with a reverse ring for Sony Alpha



Here is an affordable and a quality solution for macro shooting. A 50mm MD minolta prime lens f1.7 lens with a 49mm to Sony Alpha mount reverse ring adapter. Good lens and a brand new adapter.
If you do not know how to shoot macro with a reverse ring or are new to macro but very interested. Here is a how to:
Click here

here is a macro shot by me.



#020050128 Price: $50.00
shown below -mounted on the Alpha

Macro lens with a reverse ring for Sony Alpha-SOLD



Here is an affordable and a quality solution for macro shooting. A 50mm minolta prime lens f2 lens with a 49mm to Sony Alpha mount reverse ring adapter. Good lens and a brand new adapter.

#020050128 Price: $50.00, shipped to Mr DL, VA
Below: mounted on the alpha.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Used Minolta maxxum AF 50mm f1.7 prime lens for Sony Alpha-SOLD



Minolta maxxum AF 50mm f1.7 prime lens- One of the best quality portrait lenses around. This is the restyled version. Works like new and the optics are good, free of scratches, fungus or oil. Excellent for portraits and low light shots. Comes with both front and rear lens caps. In good condition-light signs of wear- the rubber grip on the barrel shows some signs of use consistent with a lens of this age. Functionally perfect. Will work on all minolta maxxum cameras and sony alphas- A100, A200, A300, A350 and A700.

#080110127 Price: $110.00, shipped to Mr MF, Austrialia



MInolta maxxum 50mm f1.7 AF lens for SONY ALPHA

Minolta maxxum AF 50mm f1.7 prime lens- One of the best quality portrait lenses around. This is the original metal barrel AF lens, not the plastic version. Works like new and the optics are good, free of scratches, fungus or oil. Excellent for portraits and low light shots. Comes with both front and rear lens caps. In good condition-light signs of wear- the rubber grip on the barrel shows some signs of use consistent with a lens of this age. Functionally perfect. Will work on all minolta maxxum cameras and sony alphas- A100, A200, A300, A350 and A700.
#080110126 Price: $110.00

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Adapters for MD/MC, M42/Screwmount lenses to be used on Alpha body now available

Glass less minolta MD/MC to Sony Alpha adapter- $30.00
This will take any minolta MD/MC lens and lets you use it on the Alpha body without any loss in image quality. Will not focus to infinity, but if you have great glass will be excellent for macro shots.

49mm Reverse ring adapters with 50mm/55mm prime (MD/MC) lens for Sony Alpha
- $50.00
An awesome solution to shoot macro in detail. These reverse ring adapters coupled with older minolta primes will offer you by far the cheapest but awesome capabilities to shoot macro

AF confirming M42/Screw mount lens adapter for Sony Alpha - $45.00
Need help with auto focus confirm while using the legacy M42/screwmount lenses? This is the way to go.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Minolta maxxum 28-85mm f3.5-4.5 macro zoom- one of the best walkabout lenses for Sony Alpha-SOLD

a must have minolta lens.



The 28-85mm f3.5-4.5 macro zoom produces amazingly sharp images and with awesome minolta colors. Often the lens of choice to those discerning photographers who choose not to get the kit lens.
This lens is in excellent condition, great glass free of any scratches, fungus or oil on blades. Comes with rear cap and a 55mm uv filter.

#050125125 Price : $130.00-SOLD




Tamron SP LD IF 28-105mm constant f2.8 macro zoom lens- an awesome fast superior performance[SP] lens -a.k.a the wedding lens

The!! wedding lens.



A rare Tamron SP LD IF 28-105mm constant f2.8 macro zoom lens. Beautiful glass and in excellent condition. comes with both front and rear caps and its hood.
Build quality is awesome and will last a long long time. There is no fast lens in this zoom range and even if sony decides to make one it will be in the >1.5K range. Considered the ideal wedding lens cover wide to zoom ranges and is excellent in catching detail. New retails for $950.00. here is your chance to own premium glass all purpose lens for your sony alpha's (A100,A200,A300,A350 & A700) or for your KM 5D & 7D.

"This lens establishes a new benchmark as a standard lens, extending from a wide 28mm all the way to 105mm telephoto, all with a fast constant 2.8 maximum aperture. The use of four large diameter aspherical elements and three LD glass elements reduces various aberrations while minimizing the fall-off of light at the corners. Tamron's Integrated-Focusing Cam system, Internal Focusing system and Triple-Cam zoom system all combine to permit a body that at the 28mm zoom position is very compact, with excellent optical performance. Also, a new Anti-Slip-Mode mechanism is incorporated for the first time. Anti-Slip Mode is a new Tamron mechanism that prevents the lens barrel from sliding outward under its own weight."

#280475124 Price: $500.00



Here is a sample image from this baby


Friday, November 21, 2008

55mm Asahi super takumar f1.8 M42/screw mount lens with adapter for your Sony Alpha.-SOLD

Here is a legacy 55mm Asahi super takumar f1.8 screw mount/M42 lens for your alpha. It comes with a M42 to Alpha adapter and will allow focus to infinity.
The lens is in very good condition and no oil, fungus or scratches on glass. These are being offered as an excellent quality substitution to the mounting maxxum prime lenses. You can get this top quality glass for a lot less than what you would be paying for maxxum lenses.



item# 025045123 Price:$50.00, Shipped to Mr MS, MO



It mounts just like your regular alpha/maxxum lens, you put the dail in "M" mode, set the aperture and focus manually and click. This lens will allow you to meter through the lens and will show a meter that will let you select the appropriate shutter speed.
A great chance to experiment with a legacy lens. These super takumars are legendary in terms of optical quality and are supposedly better than the ziess lenses in terms of build quality.

A shot with the 55mm Takumar and A300

Friday, November 14, 2008

Using M42/Screw mount lenses on your Sony alpha

If you are wondering on
-how to get the best out of your alpha
-the most economical way to get good glass
-how to experiment more and learn
-how to marry old school with new
-how to use the old lenses lying around

the M42/screw mount lenses do offer a solution.
1. they have good glass in them
2. very affordable
3. offer a chance to experience what photography was about 30 yrs ago but with instant results




Some of these lenses have great glass that can produce amazing image sharpness and bokeh on portraits.
Sometimes it is very economial to get such lenses for your SLR and often people relish these old legacy lenses.
The Alpha/maxxum system will accept all screw mount lenses with a small adapter(about $7.00-$10.00). The only catch is you set the aperture and focus manually. No big deal- this will only make you a better photographer and help you understand the art.

I shall post a list of desired M42/Screw mount lenses soon along with some images of an M42/Screw mount lens on the Alpha.
Test Images from a M42/SM lens on Alpha shall follow as well.
Test Image from Asahi super takumar 55mm f1.8 lens (hand held-super steady turned off)


In light of escalating maxxum lens prices and the growing demand for affordable options, I shall now offer good quality screw mount lenses along with an adapter already mounted (you just attach the lens to your alpha the way you attach all the other lenses.
set the camera to "m" manual mode and start shooting. you will begin to see the viewfinder darken or brighten as you adjust the aperture and metering will be indicated inside the viewfinder. Now focus manually and

Click and see the results instantly

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Minolta maxxum AF 50mm f1.4 prime lens- a rare species-SOLD

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These are becoming very rare to find. Minolta maxxum AF 50mm f1.4 prime lens- One of the fastest and best quality portrait lenses around. This is the original metal barrel AF lens, not the plastic version. Works like new and the optics are good, free of scratches, blades snap fine and are free of oil. Excellent for portraits and low light shots. Comes with both original front & rear lens caps, UV filter and its hard case. In good condition-light signs of wear-consistent with a lens of this age. Functionally perfect. Will work on all minolta maxxum cameras and sony alphas- A100, A200, A300, A350 and A700.

Item # 175270222 Price: $265.00, shipped to Mr EW, Australia

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used 28-85mm f3.5-4.5 classic minolta maxxum macro zoom lens-SOLD

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# 115150122 -Preordered

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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

MD/MC minolta manual lenses for Sony Alpha DSLR

Often times you come across great minolta MD/MC lenses and wonder if they can be used on your alpha. Well the short answer is yes!. However you would have to use an adpater to be able to mount your lenses or get a 2x converter that minolta made for MD/MC to AF mount.

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The three ways you can use a legacy Minolta MD/MC lens on your Sony alpha.

1- Glassless adapter is the cheapest at $30.00 you can use any old minolta MD or MC lens on your alpha. The only catch is that it can only be used as a macro lens. It will not focus to infinity due to the extra flange thickness of the adapter.
2- MD/MC adapter with glass is the next one which has a glass element in between to adjust for the extra thickness and will focus to infinity. Cost is $50.00 Generic brand and a cheap solution to most looking for a budget solution
3- A minolta made 2x-M/A-S converter/adapter, this is a minolta recomended solution a 2x converter which takes any MD/MC lens on one side and mounts to any maxxum minolta or sony alpha model. Most pro's who have a lot of old lenses use this over the cheaper adapter as the minolta quality glass in the converter is supposed to be of superior quality. Cost-$100.00

There is yet another way for DIY folks(not recommended) if you are adventurous enough and have a few MD/MC lenses lying around.

Email me at alphamaxxum@gmail.com if you need any of the above adapters or want to know how to DIY

It also is not worth the effort to get a converter if it is just a regular zoom lens. But I would get one if you have some primes or something with really good glass.
Remember you will not have the auto features working, which means you have to set the dial on the camera to manual and set the aperture ring on the lens and focus manually. The cool part is that you will see the effects of various apertures through your viewfinder.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Used Minolta maxxum AF 28mm f2.8 prime lens-SOLD

Used minolta maxxum 28mm prime lens- One of the best quality wide lenses around. This is the original metal barrel AF lens, not the plastic version. Works great and the optics are clear, free of scratches, fungus or oil. Excellent for wide low light shots and a terrific indoor lens capable of covering those wide wide shots . Comes with an original front & rear lens caps and a 55mm uv filter. In good condition both cosmetically and functionally. Will work on all minolta maxxum cameras and sony alphas- A100, A200, A300, A350 and A700.
If you have an A700 or the new A900 or even planning to upgrade to these cameras, this lens can be awesome on your full frame DSLR's.
#090130120 Price: $135.00

Minolta maxxum 70-210mm f4.0 Macro lens - The beer can!!



An excellent minolta maxxum 70-210mm f4.0 macro zoom lens. Clear lens, no scratches, oil or fungus issues. Body is in excellent condition. Comes with both front and rear caps and a vivitar uv filter. One of the very best lenses minolta has ever made. Works great on all alpha series A100, A200, A300, A350 & A700 and all maxxum cameras

#185230119 Price: $225.00

A shot with the beercan and A300

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Used minolta maxxum AF 50mm f1.7 prime lens-SOLD

Minolta maxxum AF 50mm f1.7 prime lens- One of the best quality portrait lenses around. This is the original metal barrel AF lens, not the plastic version. Works like new and the optics are very clear, free of scratches, fungus or oil. Excellent for portraits and low light shots. Comes with both original front and rear lens caps. In very good condition-very minimal signs of wear- the rubber grip on the barrel shows some signs of use consistent with a lens of this age. Functionally perfect. Will work on all minolta maxxum cameras and sony alphas- A100, A200, A300, A350 and A700.
#080120118 Price: $120.00

Monday, September 8, 2008

Top maxxum lenses for your Alpha's

1. Prime Lenses

Minolta AF Maxxum 50mm f/1.7 or Maxxum 50mm f1.4 if you can afford it.

Probably the one lens that every Sony shooter should have in their gear bag is the vintage 50mm f/1.7. It is the one truly affordable prime lens that you can purchase. Sony doesn't make this lens, only the faster and more expensive f/1.4 version, so you'll only find the f/1.7 on the used market. You'll want this lens for several of it's qualities including the very sharp image it produces and it's low light capability. It is a small lens, easily carried, and is great for portraits and general shooting. If you like a nice quality blurred background ('bokeh' in Japanese), this lens really does the job when the aperture is opened up. Because it was the "kit lens" from the late '80's and sold with all those Maxxum 7000 film cameras, it is readily available and for about $110-$130 represents an excellent value considering how fast it is and how very good the optics are.

Because I'm assuming you already have the 18-70, I don't think initially you will want or need the 24mm or 28mm prime lenses, unless you have a particular need for the faster aperture or better image quality that these lenses would offer over the kit lens. However, if you shoot interiors and indoors a lot, you might want one of those wider primes. They are a better choice for group/family photos up close with the wider field of view in comparison to the 50mm lens. The f/1.4 and f/2 lenses (28/2, 35/1.4, 35/2, 50/1.4, 85/1.4, 100/2) available in the standard focal range are all prohibitively expensive for the purpose of this guide, but they are all very excellent lenses you may consider at some point.

Other Prime Options

Minolta AF Maxxum 135mm f/2.8

If you want to try your hand at fast aperture short to medium telephoto shooting, this lens is about your only real option that is still 'sort of' affordable. This lens fetches about $350 in used condition on eBay, so it isn't inexpensive, but there is nothing else this fast at this price. At 135mm, on digital it is like shooting with a 200mm telephoto lens. It has a nice, wide f/2.8 aperture glass in a very small package as well as excellent optics and build. Any zoom that covers this focal length will be f/4 or smaller in aperture at this price. The 135/2.8 is a more rare offering on eBay - I might list 2 or 3 a year.

Beyond this lens, for primes, you get into the white Minolta APO G lenses, and these will set you back $1000 to $2000.

Minolta AF Maxxum 50mm f/2.8 Macro

If you want to take high quality images of bugs and flowers and things, this dedicated 1:1 macro is an excellent choice and will run you $250-350. Macro images with this lens are a huge step up from the 1:4 macro that most zooms reproduce, plus you get a faster f/2.8 aperture and one of the sharpest lenses in the industry. Downside on this lens is a slower focus compared to the 50mm primes, but this has to be expected when you can focus from inches to infinity using one lens, and it's still very usable as a portrait or general shooting tool. Newer versions of this lens have a focus limiter switch which can improve focus speed. Manual focus is always an option and in many cases is preferred during macro capture. The working distance can be pretty tight at 50mm and bugs might scurry off when approached too aggressively with this lens. (Solution: 100mm macro at twice the price!) Some of these used lenses have mechanical issues, so I'd recommend reading my guide on this lens titled "Buyer Beware...." if you are considering a purchase on eBay.

Minolta AF Maxxum 100mm f/2.8

Probably the gold standard of macro lenses, the price on this lens (about $450 used, puts it outside the scope of this guide) but I mention it because IF you are considering a 50mm macro but want or need the extra working distance that the 100mm macro affords AND consider the 135/2.8 an attractive focal length in itself, then this lens is a neat compromise that could combine both those purchases into this one lens at a relative savings compared to buying the other two individually. See? That's what lens buying is all about - convincing yourself that you really do need to purchase a lens by rationalizing it, and then doing a really fine sell job on it to your wife. (That's the hard part! Tip: Be sure to sprinkle your sales presentation with the words "shoes", "jewellery", "designer purse", "blouse" etc. to weaken her resolve...)

2. Zoom Lenses

Minolta AF Maxxum 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5

If you didn't get the kit lens, this is a very solid alternative, but it does not provide much of a wide angle. I'd consider it redundant if you already have the kit 18-70mm but it does have the 1:4 macro capability and a bit better image quality. It's very affordable on eBay and might be worth adding to your bag. Vintage Minolta lenses were designed for 35mm film and manufactured at a time when 28mm was about as wide as most hobby photographers could afford or needed to go with their wide angle to get a decent landscape. With the aps-c crop, 28mm gives you the field of view of a 42mm "standard-ish" lens on digital, so you'll need to invest in something a lot wider to complement any lens that starts at 28mm.These lenses were more expensive than the legendary 'Beercan' when they were first introduced. The good news is that with this lens, you get a 1:4 macro function, very nice image quality, solid build and the price for a good copy is less than $150.

Minolta AF Maxxum 100-200mm f/4.5

This is the sleeper lens of the bunch - it remains extremely affordable at about $100 in good used condition on eBay. It is sharp and lightweight, with the nice vintage metal build. The maximum aperture is a constant f/4.5 whereas most other zooms float up to f/5.6 or higher. I used one of these for almost 20 years while shooting film and only traded up once I developed a lens buying addiction. If you are starting out, for the price and quality, this is the best value in telephoto zooms, period. If you are tapped out after buying your camera but want to extend your reach to 200mm, this is your lens. I highly recommend the 100-200mm/4.5 and guarantee you won't be disappointed with it. The only 'cons' include a longer minimum focus distance of about 4.5 feet and a bit slower AF, but this is not an 'inside the house' lens so these factors shouldn't be a huge issue. The 100-200mm is the ulitmate hiker's telephoto because of its smaller size and weight.

Minolta AF Maxxum 70-210mm f/4 (The "Beercan")

It's a step up from the 100-200mm in every way. A little wider range, a little faster aperture, maybe a little sharper and a lot bigger in size. The price of this lens has been moving upwards as long as I've been selling on eBay, and it firmly commands at least $230-$260 in good condition nowadays. It is the gold standard in medium range telephoto glass for the Alpha mount with the best optical performance in its class, and there is nothing better until you move up to the big white zooms or consider the new Tamron or Sigma 70-200/2.8's which will run you $700-$800. If it's within your budget, the "Beercan" is still the telephoto to get.

Minolta AF Maxxum 70-210mm f/3.5-4.5

This is the faster of two versions of this lens (the other is f/4.5-5.6) and it has excellent optical qualities. It's a little tougher to find, but offers a relatively lightweight lens that is great for travelling or hiking with, yet still has a wide telephoto range and faster aperture for around $150. Quite comparable to the 100-200/4.5, but a little more range on either side and a little faster at the low end.


Minolta AF Maxxum 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 (The " Big Beercan")


Some say this is as good as the 70-210mm f4.0 in IQ. Build quality and appearance are almost identical between both the beer can and big beercan and this is a little heavier. This ist generation lens has a focus limiter switch to save time on auto focussing. A good copy can be gotten for anywhere from $220.00 to $300.00

Other Zoom Options

Minolta AF Maxxum 28-135mm f/4-4.5

This standard zoom is a personal favorite. I use it for most of my outdoor shooting. It's sharp like crazy, has the 1:4 macro and fast AF with its unique (at the time) rear internal focus design. It's wide focal range minimizes lens changes. This can reduce sensor dust spots appearing in your photos from contamination while the chamber is briefly exposed while you switch glass. It has the vintage Minolta solid metal build. With all that metal and glass, it's no lightweight. On the downside, the 4.5 foot minimum focus is its achilles' heel making it useless in confined spaces, there is no dedicated hood (flare) and it's hard to find a nice copy (which will run you around $300) that isn't worn out on eBay.

Minolta AF Maxxum 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 (Silver)

While certainly not a vintage lens from 1985, this newer lens was the last model of it's kind produced by Minolta in 2001 and was rebadged by Sony in 2006 as the SAL75300. I'm including it because it is an excellent lens with a wider focal range all the way to 300mm. Popular Photography reviewed the Sony version (optically identical to the Minolta) and were surprised at how well it performed and how sharp it was, even at the 300mm setting. It's another sleeper for sure. You can find this lens for around $100-$150 in good condition, so if you really need 300mm range, this is the best lens to get there with for the price.

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 Ultra Wide Angle Zoom

Definitely not vintage, nor is it Minolta, but I get emails all the time for recommendations on a good wide angle lens for digital. This is not an "affordable" lens, but if you want to capture true ultrawide and wide angle photos, you'll need an ultra wide angle lens like this one that translates to a 15-30mm focal range on film. I think it's the best value and performance in its class, but it will cost around $500 new. Used copies aren't readily available and command near new pricing when they do show up on eBay. The wide end of the range on an aps-c digital camera is the most expenisive to fill - these lenses are complex and there's just nothing else available that will do the job.

Couple the Sigma with the 18-70mm, 28-85mm or 28-135mm zoom and a Beercan (or 100-200mm) and you've got a great 3 lens zoom kit that will cover all of your needs and expectations while keeping lens changes and pocket book damage to a minimum. Add the 50mm for low light and unless you develop "the addiction", you shouldn't need anything else! (....but you will!)


Credit: Excerpts from "seagr112" - a minolta maxxum expert.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Used Minolta maxxum 50mm f1.7 prime lens-SOLD

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Lightly used 50mm prime lens- One of the best quality portrait lenses around. This is the original metal barrel AF lens, not the plastic version. Works like new and the optics are super clear, free of scratches, fungus or oil. Excellent for portraits and low light shots. Comes with a rokkunar 49mm UV filter and an original front and rear lens caps. In excellent condition both cosmetically and functionally. Will work on all minolta maxxum cameras and sony alphas- A100, A200, A300, A350 and A700.

#080125117 Price:$130.00 - shipped-Mr G.W, SanAntonio,TX.

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Minolta maxxum 70-210mm f4.0 Macro lens - The beer can!!-SOLD

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An excellent minolta maxxum 70-210mm f4.0 macro zoom lens. Crystal clear lens(mint)no scratches, oil or fungus issues.Body is in equally excellent condition. Comes with both front and rear caps and a vivitar skylight filter. One of thevery best lenses minolta has ever made. Works great on all alpha series A100, A200, A300, A350 & A700 and all maxxum cameras

#165225116 Price:$230.00 Shipped -Mr NP, Fisher,IN

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What's Available

Mostly E Mount lenses. (contact info on the right hand column if you are looking for something specific) Bodies and Kit Sony A6000 w/FE 50m...