Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 vs Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI)

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 $110, a gap of $20. Ranges: $45 to $170 versus $60 to $220.
• Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
• The Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) is the older design; production began around 1962 against 1977 for the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 (1962-1974 versus 1977-1984).
• They use different mounts, Minolta SR (MD) and Nikon F (pre-AI), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
• Both use 7 elements in 5 groups.

Which one to buy

On the catalog data the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 wins on the $20 lower typical price, and the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) 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.