Despite still being constructed of 8 elements in 6 groups, the MD lens was a completely different design to the MC lens it replaced. The MC was a very large lens, and quite heavy (approximately 410 grams)while the new MD lens is significantly more compact and weighed a mere 240 grams. Other changes included the switch to a 49mm filter thread, and the introduction of a plastic aperture ring. This lens forshadowed the conversion of many lenses from 55mm filter threads to 49mm threads with the introduction of the MD third generation ('plain MD') series. As a result, if most of your lenses are the later models, you will find that this matches your existing kit, while if you are (like me) a fan of the earlier MD Rokkor-X and late MC series lenses, then this filter thread will be an odd one in your bag. Personally, I simply keep a 49-55mm step up ring on this lens at all times, and use a 55mm cap, and so my lens is always ready for a 55mm filter.
There has been much discussion on various Minolta groups as to which of the two lenses (MC and MD) is the sharper, and opinions are mixed, but with some leaning towards the MD model. Whichever is the sharpest, it is certainly a very close call, and both exhibit excellent resolution, contrast and lack of distortion. Unlike the 24mm f/2.8 and 28mm f/2, the 35mm does not have the floating element design for improved close -focus, however this means that it has a non-rotating front element, which is a handy feature in a lens used for landscape photography.
I have conducted some basic testing of this lens to evaluate its performance, which is detailed below. The scans have been conducted by my lab at approximately 2200 dpi, and the crops are at 100%, after moderate use of the unsharp mask (150%, radius 0.3, threshhold 3).
