Minolta UW Rokkor 18mm f/9.5

The UW Rokkor 18mm f/9.5 is a prime fisheye lens produced by Minolta for Minolta SR-mount single lens reflex cameras, introduced in 1966 as the system's first fisheye lens. It is a full-frame fisheye lens with a 180° viewing angle across the diagonal, and was replaced when the Minolta Fish-Eye Rokkor 16mm f/2.8 lens was released in 1969.

Minolta UW Rokkor-PG 18mm f/9.5
With hood mounted
MakerMinolta
Technical data
Focal length18mm
Aperture (max/min)f/9.5-f/22
Close focus distancefixed
Construction7 elements in 5 groups
Features
Ultrasonic motorNo No
Macro capableNo No
Unique featuresFisheye
Physical
Max. length41 mm (1.6 in)
Diameter59 mm (2.3 in)
Weight230 g (8.1 oz)
Filter diameterRear
Accessories
Lens hoodBayonet Flower
Angle of view
Diagonal180°
History
Introduction1966
Discontinuation1969
SuccessorFish-Eye Rokkor 16mm f/2.8

Design and history

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With lens caps

Unlike most contemporary fisheye lenses from other camera manufacturers, the UW Rokkor-PG did not require the reflex mirror to be locked up, so the SLR viewfinder could be used. It is a fixed-focus, manual diaphragm lens; the only control on the lens is the aperture, which may be set between f/9.5 and 22. The flower hood is mounted via the same internal quarter-turn bayonet used to secure the front lens cap.

In 1968, the suggested retail price was US$159.50 (equivalent to $1,397 in 2023), including case.[1]

Due to the extreme angle of view, the front of the lens does not have a mount for filters; threaded filters attach to the rear of the lens. The lens was provided with UV and yellow (Y48) filters.[2] Later, a red filter was available separately.[1] Although corporate literature describes it as a 6-element, 4-group lens, the suffix (-PG) indicates it is a 7-element, 5-group lens, meaning the filter is considered part of the optical design.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Price List: Minolta Photographic Equipment" (PDF). Minolta. February 1968. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  2. ^ a b "The Minolta SR System: Rokkor Interchangeable Lenses" (PDF). Minolta. 1967. Retrieved 23 July 2024 – via Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library.
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