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Comparison

Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. vs Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4

The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is a 50mm f/1.4 Canon FD lens made 1971-1990s, valued at $55 to $200 used. The Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 Minolta SR (MD) lens made 1977-1984, valued at $45 to $170 used.

Specifications side by side

Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. and Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 specifications compared
SpecificationCanon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C.Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Native mountCanon FDMinolta SR (MD)
Production years1971-1990s1977-1984
Optical design7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss7 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss
Typical used value$100$90
Value range$55 to $200$45 to $170
Adapts toSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mountSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount

What actually differs

  • Both open to f/1.4, so neither has a speed advantage.
  • The Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 is cheaper. Typical used value is $90 against $100, a gap of $10. Ranges: $45 to $170 versus $55 to $200.
  • Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is the older design; production began around 1971 against 1977 for the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 (1971-1990s versus 1977-1984).
  • They use different mounts, Canon FD and Minolta SR (MD), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
  • Construction differs: 7 elements in 6 groups for the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C., 7 elements in 5 groups for the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4.

Which one to buy

On the catalog data the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 wins on the $10 lower typical price, and the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. 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.

Full reference pages

Mount references: Canon FD and Minolta SR