Minolta's fast MC portrait tele — the 85mm f/1.7 MC Tele Rokkor, a classic early-70s portrait lens.
The Minolta MC Tele Rokkor 85mm f/1.7 is a fast short-telephoto manual-focus lens for Minolta reflex cameras from the MC generation of the early 1970s. The Tele prefix marks its telephoto role and MC the meter-coupled series. As a fast 85mm it was Minolta's classic portrait lens of the period, at a focal length long prized for flattering headshots.
This is a manual-focus short-telephoto lens with an 85mm focal length and a fast maximum aperture of f/1.7, from the meter-coupled MC line. Only the focal length and aperture are affirmed; other construction figures are not confirmed here and are omitted rather than guessed. It carried the portrait role forward into the later MD range.
The 85mm focal length is the archetypal portrait length, giving flattering compression and a comfortable working distance, while the fast f/1.7 aperture produces shallow depth of field and smooth background separation. It also serves for low-light and general short-telephoto work, with the pleasing rendering typical of fast MC Rokkors.
On the used market this is a desirable MC portrait Rokkor sought by collectors and portrait shooters adapting vintage glass. Given its age, inspect for haze, fungus and separation, confirm the aperture blades are clean and snappy, and check the focus helicoid runs smoothly. Examine the coatings for wear, and use an adapter for mirrorless mounting.