I notice that all of the older models of the Minox 35 have the 2,8/35 mm Color Minotar lens, whereas the newer ones (MDC, GT series except the original GT) have an MC Minoxar. Is this only a new name for an old lens, or is there anything behind it?

-- Thomas Wollstein (thomas_wollstein@web.de), April 05, 2000

Answers

MC Minoxar is a different lens from Color Minotar. Both are Tessar type 4 element three group lens, but Minoxar is multcoated. A multicated lens cut down 99% reflection vs 95%.

Whethere MC Minoxar is just a Minotar lens coated with multiple layers of antireflection coatings or is a different design is not known.

I have GT-E with Minoxar lens and 35ML with Minoctar lens. I my opinion, Minoxar lens is sharper then Minoctar. The improved sharpness in part is due to GT-E has a different film plane architecture. See thread on "GT-E film plane Architecture"

It is hard to see the difference with naked eyes, but comparing side by side pictues of same scene taken with GT-E vs 35ML on tripods, and examine under 30x microscope, reveals the subtle difference.

-- martin tai (martin.tai@capcanada.com), April 05, 2000.