Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 vs Pentax SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4

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 $210.
• Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
• Production of both began around 1977 (1977-1984 and 1977-1984).
• They use different mounts, Minolta SR (MD) and Pentax K, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
• Construction differs: 7 elements in 5 groups for the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4, 7 elements in 6 groups for the Pentax SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4.

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 Pentax SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 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.