Mirror lenses!

I don't know what "Lens Coat" is, but that sure looks like a plastic plant pot -- not a bad idea. They are plastic, and easy to get. Just re-pot the plant, and clean it out. Then cut a hole in the bottom to fit your lens. I've got a ton of those pots!

Edited by XKAES - 24 November 2021 at 16:29

woodrim wrote: Leo: Did you also have experience with the Minolta AF 500? I wonder if the Sony is noticeably better. The extra reach is nice but I'm not sure that I can't get a sharper image from the Minolta, cropped to equal the 700mm field of view. I think if I were to consider a longer mirror, I'd try 1000mm Rubinar or MTO. The focusing gets harder and IBIS a necessity.

Thanks for your thoughts Mike! No I have never had the Minolta; as Joe said the Sony is just a rebadged Minolta probably. I agree, using the Sony 500 in APC-mode on my a7r4 will make an excellent, and lightweight AF 750 cat! I would like to use a Rokkor 800/1000 though ... The Nikon 800 gets great reviews; on eBay most of these come from Japan and the price for the Rokkor and the Nikkor is about the same.

Basil wrote: I have an MD II version of the 800 f/8. Here are a few thoughts: ... This thread has renewed my interest in this lens. I have to get out and play with it some more.

Thanks for your thoughts Basil! Would love to see the results of your playing with this beauty!

The Lens Coat travel hood is a thick cordura fabric with rigid plastic internal ribs. It wraps around the lens and closes with Velcro. It is much better than the plastic bowl I used at first. I also tried a flower pot as well as foam craft paper. I bought the lens coat hood for my Minolta 400/4.5 which has a hood that tends to fall off at the most inappropriate times. It's a bonus that it fits the Rokkor, as well as a few other long lenses I have. It wasn't cheap, but it was worth it for the frustration it saves with the 400's hood. Click the green text above for a direct link to the product page.


I would also love to have a go with the 1000 or 1600. Since I have yet to win the lottery, those dreams will simply have to wait.

Edited by Basil - 24 November 2021 at 19:38

Not much of a claim to fame. It just means it the first version. From a post a few years back:

Peekayoh wrote: If it's white, then it's the 1981 MD3. If it's black and says 80cm, then it's the original MC-X. If it's Black and says 800/RF, then it's either MD1 or 2.

woodrim wrote: Leo: This is something I do not understand - using the camera in APS-C mode. How can that be any better than FF and cropping? I'm guessing that you already know that buying lenses from Japan (which I have done) includes a greater risk of fungus. From what I've seen, it appears they have a climate that is ideal for growing fungus.

It makes composition easier, that's all.

If I buy from Japan, which is seldom, I always buy from excellent sellers; and only if they indicate the lens has no fungus, and have a good return procedure.
You're right, Japan is a dangerous country for lenses!

Leo,

I bought the large. It is versatile enough to use on a wide variety of my long lenses. I have even added it to the slide-out hood of my 600/4 in very bright conditions. It folds flat so it fits in a camera backpack quite easily.