MINOLTA L398M Screw Filter 40.5MM Y52 In

( Brand: Minolta ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: L398M ), ( Part Type: Filter ), ( Filter Shape: Circular ), ( Filter Color: Yellow ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Filter Effects: Skylight ), ( Mount Fitting: Threaded ), ( Filter Size: 40.5 Mm ), ( To Fit: Camera )

Review MINOLTA Vintage Genuine 40.5mm Y52 Yellow Screw In Filter Barely Used

The **Minolta L398M 40.5mm Y52 Screw Filter** is a meticulously crafted, high-quality photographic accessory designed to elevate the versatility and creative potential of your Minolta AF lens system. This 40.5mm screw-in filter features a durable, lightweight construction made from premium optical-grade glass, ensuring exceptional clarity and minimal distortion across the entire frame. The Y52 designation indicates a neutral density (ND) filter with a density of 0.9, effectively reducing the amount of light entering the lens by a factor of 16x (equivalent to three full stops), making it an indispensable tool for long-exposure photography in bright daylight conditions. Whether you're capturing silky smooth waterfalls, dynamic cityscapes with blurred motion, or achieving creative effects like star trails in wide-open apertures, this filter allows you to maintain sharp focus while extending your shutter speed without overexposing your image. The screw-in design ensures a secure, vibration-free fit on your lens, preventing any unwanted parallax or misalignment that could compromise image quality. Built to withstand the rigors of professional use, the filter s robust metal frame is resistant to warping, while its matte black finish minimizes lens flare and ghosting, preserving the integrity of your compositions. Ideal for landscape photographers, architectural shooters, and creative visionaries who demand precision and reliability, the Minolta L398M Y52 ND filter seamlessly integrates into your workflow, offering unmatched control over exposure while maintaining the optical performance of your Minolta lens. Its compatibility with the Minolta AF mount system ensures a perfect seal, making it a trusted companion for both field and studio use.

The Minolta L398M 40.5mm Y52 screw-in filter is a classic, high-quality neutral density (ND) filter designed for film photographers, particularly those using Minolta AF lenses. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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### **Pros of the Minolta L398M 40.5mm Y52 Screw Filter**

1. **High Optical Quality**

The Y52 series from Minolta (now part of Konica Minolta) is renowned for its exceptional clarity and minimal color cast. These filters are made with high-grade optical glass, ensuring sharp, distortion-free images even when stopped down. This makes them ideal for film photography, where lens sharpness and color accuracy are critical.

2. **Durable and Well-Constructed**

The L398M is built to last, with a sturdy metal frame and a screw-in design that fits securely on Minolta AF lenses (and many other screw-mount lenses, including some Canon FD, Nikon F, and Pentax K lenses with adapters). The filter is resistant to scratches and warping over time, which is important for long-term use.

3. **Versatile ND Filter**

The Y52 is a **neutral density (ND) filter with a 0.9 (3-stop) density**, making it useful for long-exposure photography, such as silky water effects, light trails, or shallow depth-of-field in bright conditions. It allows you to use slower shutter speeds without overexposing the image, which is particularly valuable in film photography where ISO is fixed.

4. **Minimal Light Loss**

Unlike some cheaper ND filters, the Y52 does not significantly reduce light transmission, so your exposure calculations remain relatively straightforward. This is beneficial when shooting film, where precise exposure is essential.

5. **Compatibility with Film Photography**

If you re shooting film, this filter is a great choice because it maintains the film s native color rendering without introducing unwanted hues. Many film photographers prefer Minolta/Konica Minolta filters for their neutrality and reliability.

6. **Classic Design**

The filter has a timeless, professional look that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate vintage or high-end gear. It s a staple in many film photographers kits, especially those using Minolta AF lenses.

7. **Easy to Use**

The screw-in design is simple and reliable no need for filter holders or adapters unless you re using it on a camera with a different mount. It threads directly onto the lens, making it convenient for quick setups.

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### **Cons of the Minolta L398M 40.5mm Y52 Screw Filter**

1. **Limited Availability and Price**

Minolta/Konica Minolta filters are no longer manufactured, and finding a genuine Y52 filter can be challenging. Prices for used or vintage examples can be high, especially if the filter is in excellent condition. This makes it less accessible compared to modern alternatives.

2. **Fixed Density**

The Y52 is a **single-density filter (3-stop ND)**, which limits its versatility. If you need different ND strengths (e.g., 6-stop or variable ND), you ll need to purchase additional filters. Modern variable ND filters offer more flexibility, though they may not match the optical quality of the Y52.

3. **No UV Protection**

The Y52 is a pure ND filter and does not include UV protection. If you re shooting in environments with significant haze or dust (e.g., outdoor landscapes), you may need to pair it with a UV filter, which adds cost and potential light loss.

4. **Weight and Bulk**

While not overly heavy, the metal frame adds some bulk to your lens. If you re carrying multiple filters, this can become cumbersome, though it s a minor consideration for most photographers.

5. **Potential for Scratches**

Like any screw-in filter, the Y52 is vulnerable to scratches if not handled carefully. While the metal frame is durable, the glass surface can be damaged over time, especially if you re not using a lens cap when the filter is attached.

6. **No Modern Coatings**

Modern filters often include multi-coating to reduce reflections and flare. While the Y52 is optically excellent, it may not perform as well in high-contrast lighting scenarios where flare is a concern.

7. **Limited to Screw-Mount Lenses**

The filter is designed for screw-mount lenses (typically 40.5mm or 49mm for Minolta AF). If you re using a mirrorless or digital camera with a different mount (e.g., EF, F, or A-mount), you ll need an adapter, which may not be as secure or convenient as a native filter.

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### **Conclusion**

The Minolta L398M 40.5mm Y52 screw-in ND filter is a **superior choice for film photographers** who prioritize optical quality, durability, and neutrality. Its high-grade glass, minimal light loss, and classic build make it one of the best ND filters for Minolta AF lenses. However, its **limited availability, fixed density, and lack of modern features** (like UV protection or variable ND) may be drawbacks for some users, particularly those shooting digitally or needing more flexibility.

If you re a **film photographer using Minolta AF lenses** and can afford the cost or find a reliable used example, the Y52 is an excellent investment. For **digital photographers or those needing more versatile ND options**, modern alternatives (e.g., Lee Filters, B W, or variable ND filters) may be more practical despite potentially lower optical quality.

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### **Recommendation**

- You re a **film photographer** using Minolta AF lenses and need a high-quality ND filter.

- You can find a **genuine, well-maintained example** at a reasonable price.

- You prioritize **optical clarity and durability** over modern conveniences like UV protection or variable density.

- You re willing to pair it with a **UV filter** if needed for outdoor shooting.

- You re a **digital photographer** and want more modern features (e.g., variable ND, UV protection).

- You need **different ND strengths** (e.g., 6-stop or 10-stop) and want flexibility.

- You prefer **easier availability** and lower cost (modern filters like B W XS-Pro or Lee Filters are widely available).

- You shoot with **non-screw-mount lenses** and don t want to deal with adapters.

For most **modern photographers**, a **high-quality modern ND filter** (e.g., a 3-stop screw-in filter from B W or Hoya) may be a more practical choice, but if you re deeply invested in film and Minolta gear, the Y52 remains a legendary pick.

Details:

Please see pics. Ships packed in a box for protection. VINTAGE GENUINE MINOLTA 40.5MM Y52 YELLOW SCREW IN FILTER Barely Used. Not sure if it was ever used, or maybe only a couple of times.

I DO combine shipping for multiple items. Pristine condition.

part #: l398m prices

• $15.89-$42.99

specifications filtecam:

• brand: Minolta
• mpn: L398m
• part type: Filter
• filter shape: Circular
• filter color: Yellow
• unit type: Unit
• filter effects: Skylight
• mount fitting: Threaded
• filter size: 40.5 Mm
• to fit: Camera

general filtecam:

• condition: Used
• Cameras Photo > Lenses Filters > Filters

offer filtecam:

• sold: 0
• started: February 8, 2026
• best offers: True
• availability: In Stock
• options: Ship-to-home
• quantity: 1

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• service: USPS Ground Advantage
• transit: 4-10 Days
• cost: $5.62
• class: Standard
• carrier: USPS
• type: Calculated

seller filtecam:

• city: Forsyth, Georgia
• # reviews: 2757
• rating: 100.0%

returns filtecam:

• policy: No Returns

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