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Comparison

KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 vs Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4

The KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 is a 50mm f/2 M39 (Leica screw) lens made 1950s-1980s, valued at $30 to $120 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

KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 and Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 specifications compared
SpecificationKMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/1.4
Native mountM39 (Leica screw)Minolta SR (MD)
Production years1950s-1980s1977-1984
Optical design6 elements / 3 groups, Sonnar7 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss
Typical used value$60$90
Value range$30 to $120$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

  • The Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 is 1 stop faster: f/1.4 against f/2.
  • The KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 is cheaper. Typical used value is $60 against $90, a gap of $30 (roughly 1.5x). Ranges: $30 to $120 versus $45 to $170.
  • Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 is the older design; production began around 1950 against 1977 for the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 (1950s-1980s versus 1977-1984).
  • They use different mounts, M39 (Leica screw) and Minolta SR (MD), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
  • Construction differs: 6 elements in 3 groups for the KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2, 7 elements in 5 groups for the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4.

Which one to buy

Choose the KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 for the $30 lower typical price. Choose the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 for the 1 stop of extra speed. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.

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: M39 and Minolta SR