New Lenses for my Minolta SRT 202

A couple of months ago, I was given a Minolta SRT 202, and only recently finished putting my first and second rolls of film through the camera. The camera was without a lens, so my first purchase was a Minolta Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 lens, which though gently used, functions really well and has clean glass.

I really wanted to diversify my lens collection, but without great cost, because my gear budget is slim right now. So I ventured on over to KEH, my favorite retailer for used cameras and lenses. There I found three lenses that cost me a grand total of $30.

Vivitar MC 28mm f/2.8 :: To be honest, I don't love a 28mm lens and can't often find a place for one in my camera bag. But in this instance, I thought I might sometimes need something wider than 35mm, and I couldn't justify springing for a 24mm lens at this point.

This Vivitar is the lightest lens I have ever held. The barrel is made entirely of plastic, except for the lens mount. That doesn't really bother me much in this case, as I don't expect it to be much abused. The front of the lens extends as the lens is focused. It has a 49mm filter thread, which for me is unfortunate, as I have no other lenses of that thread size, and hence no filters - I may have to search out a step-up ring.

Soligor 35mm f/2.8 :: Considering it's ordinary size, the Soligor lens is inordinately heavy. If I get in a bind while hiking and run across some wild beast, I have no doubt I could effectively brain it with the chunk of glass and metal.

The lens also has the distinction of the focus ring rotating in the opposite direction of the other lenses I have for the Minolta. Having said all that, I am excited to use this lens, as the 35mm focal length is one of my favorites. So here's hoping that the optics deliver, since it will likely be much used.

Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 :: The 135mm focal length is another that I don't find much use for (although I did use it on its first trip out. This lens is stout and has a built-in hood, as did most telephoto lenses of its generation. I hope to find more use for it than I have similar lenses in the past.

I hope to add some more lenses to my Minolta family in the future, perhaps some wides or super-wides. Maybe I'll even get adventurous and try out a tilt-shift lens. Any suggestions of noteworthy lenses would be appreciated.