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The
3rd generation MD 16mm f/2.8. Note the built in hood (a feature of all
of the 16mm f/2.8 lenses) and the special cap which fits onto this hood
and protects the exposed front element. |
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A
late MD series lens, this is one lens that I truly coveted since first
getting my X-700 in 1985. I clearly remember looking at the photo taken
with it in the Guide to The Minolta SLR System, and longing to be able
to take photos like it. The 16mm is a non-corrected lens, resulting in
the lens exhibiting severe barrel distortion, which gives photos taken
with it that “Fisheye” look. Lines that are through the middle
of the lens remain undistorted, but as these lines get closer to the edge
the distortion becomes extreme. |
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In
this image the composition has been chosen to show the entirety of a church
interior, exploiting the immense wide angle that the lens enjoys. |
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The late MD Fisheye was a new
design implemented very late in the MD 2nd generation, with 10 elements
in 7 groups, compared to the previous design which had 11 elements in
8 groups. There has been significant discussion in the various Minolta
groups as to which design was preferable, and it is generally accepted
that while both are incredible lenses, the 11 element version is slightly
better. Personally, I wonder how this could be the case, as I find this
lens to be incredibly sharp from corner to corner. The 10 element version
incorporates 4 built in filters being Red (R60), Yellow (Y52), Blue (B12)
and UV (Normal), while the earlier version includes an orange filter as
opposed to the red filter.
As
a professional quality lens, and very expensive new, the build quality
of this lens is higher than that of many of the other 3rd generation MD
lenses. For example, the lens retains a painted metal aperture ring instead
of the plastic ring found in most MD lenses. |
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The
180 degree coverage at the corners makes possible striking architectural
photographs with a field of view that is incredible. |
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Ceiling
of the Lobby at the National Gallery of Victoria, 2003
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I
find the fisheye to be a wonderful lens to use, and it always comes
with me in my camera bag. The capacity to create new and exciting compositions
through the use of the unique perspective of the lens and the extreme
wide angle (180 degrees diagonally) is a constant source of inspiration
for me. If you are interested in wide angle photography I strongly recommend
purchasing this lens - you will not regret it.
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