Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 vs Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7

What actually differs

• The Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 is 0.2 stops faster: f/1.7 against f/1.8.
• The Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 is cheaper. Typical used value is $60 against $70, a gap of $10. Ranges: $30 to $120 versus $35 to $130.
• Both are 55mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
• The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is the older design; production began around 1958 against 1968 for the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 (1958-1971 versus 1968-1973).
• They use different mounts, M42 and Minolta SR (MC), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
• Both use 6 elements in 5 groups.

Which one to buy

On the catalog data the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 wins on the 0.2 stops of extra speed and the $10 lower typical price, and the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.

Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.