Minolta W.ROKKOR-QH 21mm f/4+Viewfinder+Case - VINTAGE NON-RETROFOCUS LENS - EX+

The lens in view here is a used first generation Minolta W.ROKKOR-QH 21mm f/4 lens complete with external viewfinder, original front and rear lens caps and the original lens case. The ‘QH’ moniker defines the lens’ optical configuration: Q=8 elements, H=4 groups. The W.ROKKOR-QH 21mm f/4 is the first Minolta ultra-wide-angle lens designed for the SR camera line. Introduced in 1963, it is a non-retrofocus design that protrudes deeply into the body and requires a camera with Mirror Lock-Up (MLU) to be used (the SR-7 introduced in July of 1962 is the first Minolta SR body to offer MLU). 

With the MLU employed the camera’s viewfinder is blacked out so the accessory view-finder is used to identify the area being photographed. The viewfinder attaches to any SR body’s eye-piece. The camera’s internal light meter does not function using this lens. The W.ROKKOR-QH 21mm f/4 has a fully-manual aperture diaphragm. Since it does not integrate with the camera’s auto-diaphragm design it must be manually set for each photo. The external appearance of the lens looks like a pancake design. It protrudes less than an inch (0.77in) from the camera body and is focused using a sliding switch similar to rangefinder lenses.

Code for translating early ROKKOR lens’ alphabetical designations. 

1st Letter = Lens Groups

T = 3

Q = 4

P = 5

H = 6

S = 7

O = 8

N = 9

2nd Letter = Lens Elements

C = 3

D = 4

E = 5

F = 6

G = 7

H = 8

I = 9

J = 10

K = 11

L = 12

From this table we see that a W.Rokkor-QH lens has 4 optical groups combining a total of 8 individual elements. Though no official explanation exists, it is obvious that the Greek alpha/numerical designations provide the first code letter designating the number of lens groups. The second letter may have chosen simply by alphabetical order. Early Nippon Kogaku NIKKOR lenses used a similar code pattern.

Note and remember: the camera’s mirror must be locked in the up position when this lens is used. The separate optical viewfinder shows the field of coverage provided by the lens. The viewfinder is mounted in the shoe mount atop the prism housing. If using a DSLR check your camera’s specifications to insure that your sensor will not be damaged by use of this lens!!!

This lens is complete and in exceptional condition. The optics are smooth and free from separation, fog and fungus. The diaphragm operates smoothly as does the focus. The rear lens cap, a custom design for the extended depth of the rear element group, fits snuggly and will NOT fall off. The shoe mount optical viewfinder is bright and clear and the attachment mechanism is solid. The case is clean and it’s design provides excellent protection for the lens and viewfinder.

The W.ROKKOR-QH 21mm f/4 is a wonderful and useful piece of photographic history. It will perform well on your old Minolta SR 35mm film camera or using a lens mount adapter it will function on many current DSLR bodies too. For 35mm film SLR or a full-frame DSLR it will provide a radically wide view. However and wherever you use it, it’s for sure no one else nearby will be using anything like it!

Specifications:

Focal Length: 21mm

Optical Construction: 8 elements, 4 groups

Aperture Range: f/4 to f/16

Angle of View: 92º Diagonal; 81º horizontal; 60º vertical

Closest Focus: 3ft/90cm

Filter Size: 55mm screw-on

Diameter: 60mm

Length: 0.77in/19.46mm to mount; 2.22in/56.4mm overall

Weight: 5.5oz/155g lens only; 7.05oz/201g w/finder; 12.3oz/351g stored in case

Quality Camera Company has over 12,250 feedbacks! We’ve been selling on eBay since the autumn of 1998. Rest assured that your satisfaction is our concern. If you have questions, if your are confused concerning this item or it’s presentation please contact us. We will do whatever we can to answer your questions and provide clarification.