Minolta XD-11 beginner, question about lenses?

[AnnaBegins]

Hey y'all, I'm new here, I'll post an intro post soon but just had to ask a question first. I am new to film and SLRs in general. I am the excited new owner of a Minolta XD-11 (it is due to arrive Tuesday!) which comes with a Tamron 70-210mm 1:4-5.6 lens. I mostly plan to shoot outdoor scenery kind of stuff, at least to begin with, will this lens be good for that sort of thing? I was looking at the Rokkor 50mm MC and MD lenses as that seems to be what most frequently comes with this body. Any thoughts? I know that the XD-11 is meant to use the MDs for the Priority mode but they seem to be pricier, can I get away with an MC? There is a nice MC 50mm f/1:7 on keh for only $19 which seems like a steal... what are some options for a good all-around lens to start out with? Thanks!


~Anna

 

[cgw]

Minolta standard lenses--45/2, various 50mm variants and old 58/1.4--MC/MD are all quite good and usually very inexpensive since large numbers of them are still around. The m4/3 and MILC crew did jack prices up somewhat but the old Rokkor/Minolta lenses are still very affordable in common focal lengths. Primes like the 28/2.8 and 35/2.8, as well as the 135/2.8 are nice and usually bargain-priced. Faster versions of these and portrait length primes like the 85mm and 100mm are scarcer and pricier. The Rokkor macro lenses are also worth a look if that's in your future. Never a fan of their zooms.

Lots to snoop through here:

The Rokkor Files

 

[compur]

Both MC and MD lenses can be used with the XD-11. The difference is that MD lenses will support shutter-speed priority and aperture-priority mode while MC lenses will support aperture priority operation. Both will also support manual exposure mode.

 

[minicoop1985]

I'd highly recommend taking a look at an MC Rokkor 58mm 1.4. WAY underrated, therefore not expensive. Very fast glass for dirt cheap.

 

[AnnaBegins]

Excellent info, all three of you! Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I'm happily browsing The Rokkor Files (great site!) and am learning so much.

~Anna

 

[webestang64]

If you need it here is the XD-11 manual....... http://www.cameramanuals.org/minolta_pdf/minolta_xd-11.pdf

 

[Gromit801]

I've been and XD-11 user since 1980. When possible, always get the MD lenses as they are guaranteed to work with all the XD functions. I also like to keep brands the same because the coatings will all be the same, ensuring color consistency. Back in the day, Minolta and Nikon made their own glass, and many of the other brands bought their glass from those two companies and put their name and coatings on them. Minolta camera, go with Minolta lenses. Can't miss.

 

[AnnaBegins]

A friend gave me a 50mm 1:1.7 Rokkor MC-X PF and I'm LOVING it! Right now I'm shooting manual exclusively to really learn the how to choose the right settings so the MC is just fine for that. I've gone through a couple of rolls now, I'll have to upload some shots.