Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Zoom
The Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Zoom is one of the longest lived zoom lenses marketed by Ponder & Best (later Vivitar)
Vivitar ad for 85-205mm f/3.8 Tele Zoom Chrome Nose image by Nesster (Image rights) |
Contents
- 1 Description
- 2 Specifications
- 3 Versions
- 4 References
- 5 Links
Description
The Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Zoom is one of the longest lived zoom lenses marketed by Ponder and Best (Vivitar). The first version of the lens was announced in the late 1960s, making it the very first zoom lens sold under the Vivitar badge. The last version was still being sold over a decade later. The exterior of the lens was modified multiple times to match the appearance of the Vivitar lens family it was marketed with; initially the Chrome Nose family, later the Bright Band family and then all black versions with metal or rubber focus rings to match later lens families. The earliest versions were also available as preset T Mounts and included in the Vivitar Compatible T System Family. The T Mount versions had an unusual marking on the preset ring of a red triangle. This marking signifies Kino Precision-made lenses that modern collectors refer to as the Pyramid Preset family. Most of the variations of the 85-205mm zoom were simply cosmetic changes to the exterior hardware but one of the last versions of the lens included internal changes to allow closer focusing. Based on serial numbers, a short production run of T mounts for each version occurred first, followed by continued production of automatics for the life of that version.
There were 6 different versions of the lens. The first 4 versions came in both auto and preset variations, making a total of 10 different variations of the lens that are known to be marketed by P&B. All versions of the lens are believed to have been manufactured by Kino Precision. The earliest models pre-date the standardized Vivitar serial numbers but all later models use the 22 prefix indicative of Kino Precision. Because the lens was included in several different Vivitar lens families, crossed the serial number transition, and was heavily advertised, the lens is something of a Rosetta Stone[1] for Vivitar researchers. Ads put definite dates on versions and mapping serial numbers to versions should help us pin down the exact date of Vivitar's serial number transition as well as date specific lens families more accurately. For these reasons, we maintain fairly extensive serial number data on this particular lens.
Collectors believe Kino Precision also sold the same lens to many other distributors. Variations of the lens have reportedly been sold as Soligor, Hanimex, Panagor[2], Albinar, Montgomery Ward[3], and other brands.[4]
According to a Ponder and Best advertisement, the earliest version of the lens retailed for $260 USD in 1967.[5] The same ad lists the preset T-Mount variant of the lens for $180. A February 1969 Modern Photography ad lists the Version 3 fixed mount auto for $195 USD and the version 3 T Mount for $152 USD, showing a significant price drop is less than two years[6]. Versions 1 through 3 were very short-lived and are now quite rare, particularly the T Mount variants. Later versions however are very common, leading to this lens being one of the most commonly available Vivitar zoom lenses on the used market. As a result of the large supply of used 85-205mm lenses, even the rarer versions have little resale value among modern collectors. It's unusual to see any variant sell for more than $10 USD today.
The lens maintains focus at all magnifications. The instructions recommend that best focus will be achieved by focusing at 205mm and then zooming to the desired focal length.
Specifications
- Badging: Vivitar
- Manufacturer: Kino Precision
- Manufacture Date: ca 1967
- Focal Length: 85-205mm (1:2.4 zoom ratio)
- Aperture Range: f/3.8 - f/22 w/half stops
- Diaphragm Type: Automatic
- Diaphragm Blades: unknown
- Filter Diameter: 58mm
- Minimum Focus: 1.9 m (6.3 feet) versions 1-6
- Mounts: Canon FL, M42, Mamiya/Sekor, Minolta, Nikon F, T mount (early versions only)
- Elements: 13
- Groups: 9
- Weight: 794 g (28 oz) chrome nose versions, 907 g (32 oz) black hood versions
- Accessories: A zoom lever was included to fit threaded hole in zoom ring
- Example Serial Numbers: see below
- Original Stock Number(s): unknown
Versions
Version 1 Preset T Mount
- Date: 1966
- Serial Numbers: n/a
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The earliest preset T Mount version of the lens is based on the external design of the Chrome Nose family, with a silver ring at the front tip of the lens and a silver zoom ring with a diagonal diamond pattern. The focusing ring is metal with alternating longitudinal ridges and flats. The top section of bottom grip area is used for the aperture preset rings. The upper preset ring has a small window to show the preset aperture. The lower preset ring has a distinctive graphic showing a red triangle inside a white direction indicator. The remainder of the bottom grip area is smooth black metal. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family.
Version 1 Auto Fixed Mount
- Date: 1966
- Serial Numbers: n/a
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The earliest automatic version of the lens is based on the external design of the Chrome Nose family, with a silver ring at the front tip of the lens and a silver zoom ring with a diagonal diamond pattern. The focusing ring is metal with alternating longitudinal ridges and flats. The bottom grip area has a bumpy plastic covering. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Chrome Nose family.
Photos
Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Version 1 image by Nesster (Image rights) |
Serial numbers
Version 2 Preset T Mount
- Date: 1966 - 1967
- Serial Numbers: 29479
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The second version is identical to version 1 except the metal focus ring now has longitudinal ridges only, the flats are gone. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family.
Photos
Serial numbers
Serial # | Mount | Aperture ring | Badge | Nose style | Focus ring | Zoom ring | Rear grip | source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
29479 | T mount | preset, black (2) | Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS | chrome nose | ridged | silver diamond | smooth metal | eBay |
30684 | T mount | preset, black (2) | Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS | chrome nose | ridged | silver diamond | smooth metal | eBay |
Version 2 Auto Fixed Mount
- Date: 1966 - 1967
- Serial Numbers: 30980
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The second version is identical to version 1 except the metal focus ring now has longitudinal ridges only, the flats are gone. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Chrome Nose family.
Photos
Serial numbers
Serial # | Mount | Aperture ring | Badge | Nose style | Focus ring | Zoom ring | Rear grip | source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
30980 | fixed | auto, silver | Auto Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS | chrome nose | ridged | silver diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
31246 | fixed | auto, silver | Auto Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS | chrome nose | ridged | silver diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
34796 | fixed | auto, silver | Auto Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS | chrome nose | ridged | silver diamond | textured vinyl | website[7] |
Version 3 Preset T Mount
- Date: 1968 - 1969 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22830049
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The third preset T Mount version of the lens is based on the external design of the Bright Band family. The Silver ring at the front tip of the lens has been removed to make room for a black built-in extendible lens hood. The silver zoom ring remains, matching the bright silver bands of the members of the lens family. The focusing ring is metal with longitudinal ridges. The top section of bottom grip area is used for the aperture preset rings. The upper preset ring has a small window to show the preset aperture. The lower preset ring has a distinctive graphic showing a red triangle inside a white direction indicator. The remainder of the bottom grip area is smooth black metal. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family.
Photos
Version 3 preset T mount image by steevithak (Image rights) |
Version 3 T preset mount image by steevithak (Image rights) |
Version 3 T preset mount "Pyramid Preset" mark image by steevithak (Image rights) |
Version 3 T preset mount Hood down image by steevithak (Image rights) |
Version 3 T preset mount Hood up image by steevithak (Image rights) |
Version 3 T preset mount image by steevithak (Image rights) |
Serial numbers
Serial # | Mount | Aperture ring | Badge | Nose style | Focus ring | Zoom ring | Rear grip | source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22830049 | T mount | preset, black (2) | Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS | black hood | ridged | silver diamond | smooth metal | steevithak |
Version 3 Auto Fixed Mount
- Date: 1968 - 1969 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22xxxxxx
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The third automatic version of the lens is based on the external design of the Bright Band family. The Silver ring at the front tip of the lens has been removed to make room for a black built-in extendible lens hood. The silver zoom ring remains, matching the bright silver bands of the members of the lens family. The focusing ring is metal with longitudinal ridges. The bottom grip area has a bumpy plastic covering. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Bright Band family.
Photos
Version 3 Fixed-mount (M42) image by steevithak (Image rights) |
Version 3 Fixed-mount (M42) Zoom level attached image by steevithak (Image rights) |
Version 3 Fixed-mount (M42) hood down image by steevithak (Image rights) |
Version 3 Fixed-mount (M42) hood up image by steevithak (Image rights) |
Version 3 Fixed-mount (M42) Rear side showing mounting ring image by steevithak (Image rights) |
Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Version 3 Ad tearsheet ca 1969 image by Bill Swinyard (Image rights) |
Serial numbers
Serial # | Mount | Aperture ring | Badge | Nose style | Focus ring | Zoom ring | Rear grip | source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22831145 | fixed | auto, silver | Auto Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS | black hood | ridged | silver diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22831721 | fixed | auto, silver | Auto Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS | black hood | ridged | silver diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22833328 | fixed | auto, silver | Auto Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS | black hood | ridged | silver diamond | textured vinyl | steevithak |
22834644 | fixed | auto, silver | Auto Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS | black hood | ridged | silver diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
Version 4 Preset T Mount
- Date: 1969 - 1970 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22950222[8]
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The lens is now all black, to match the coloring of the contemporary Vivitar lens family. The built-in lens hood remains, as does the metal focus ring with longitudinal ridges. The zoom ring is now has a black diamond grip pattern. The top section of bottom grip area is used for the aperture preset rings. The upper preset ring has a small window to show the preset aperture. The lower preset ring has a distinctive graphic showing a red triangle inside a white direction indicator. The remainder of the bottom grip area is smooth black metal. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family. Only a small number of version 4 T mounts have been reported. Ponder & Best did no known advertising of the Version 4 T mount, instead focusing on the more popular automatic.
Photos
Serial numbers
Serial # | Mount | Aperture | Badge | Nose style | Focus ring | Zoom ring | Rear grip | source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22950222 | T mount | preset, black (2) | Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | smooth metal | website[9] |
Version 4 Auto Fixed Mount
- Date: 1969 - 1973 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22012969 - 22330184 (approximate)
- Badging: Varies with age, Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm or AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM 85-205mm 1:3.8
The lens is now all black, to match the coloring of the contemporary Vivitar lens family. The built-in lens hood remains, as does the metal focus ring with longitudinal ridges. The zoom ring is now has a black diamond grip pattern. The bottom grip area has a bumpy plastic covering. Most Version 4 lenses are automatics.
Photos
Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Version 5 Ad tearsheet ca 1971 image by Bill Swinyard (Image rights) |
Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Version 5 Ad tearsheet ca 1971 image by Bill Swinyard (Image rights) |
Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Version 5 Ad tearsheet ca 1971 image by Bill Swinyard (Image rights) |
Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Version 5 image by Tim Stone (Image rights) |
Serial numbers
Serial # | Mount | Aperture ring | Badge | Nose style | Focus ring | Zoom ring | Rear grip | source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22001471 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22012969 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22021209 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22024954 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22101975 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22107728 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22112344 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22119404 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22133960 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22201656 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22203948 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22206311A | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22208711 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22228724 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22300141 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22304049 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22304061 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22304081 | fixed | auto, black | AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22308697 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22309099 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22311772 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22314710 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22318787 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22330184 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22333382 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22334897 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
22336220 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | ridged | black diamond | textured vinyl | eBay |
Version 5
- Date: 1973 - 1974 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22337475 - 22452242 (approximate)
- Badging: Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM
The focus ring, zoom ring, and bottom grip area are all covered with black diamond grip rubber. Like previous changes, this allows the lens to match the contemporary Vivitar lens family.
Photos
Serial numbers
Serial # | Mount | Aperture ring | Badge | Nose style | Focus ring | Zoom ring | Rear grip | source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22028937 *[10] | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22337475 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22344076 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22344405 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22345143 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22345735 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22345952 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22406837 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22420780 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22423334 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22424141 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22431252 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22442143 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22449963 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22451598 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22452242 | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22505464 *[10] | fixed | auto, black | Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
Version 6
- Date: 1975 - 1977 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22500780 - 22710532 (approximate)
- Badging: Varies with age: Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 MACRO FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM or Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM
The exterior design is the same as Version 5 but there have been internal optical changes to allow close focusing.
Photos
Serial numbers
Serial # | Mount | Aperture ring | Badge | Nose style | Focus ring | Zoom ring | Rear grip | source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22500780 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22502618 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22516030 | fixed | auto, black | MACRO FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22519650 | fixed | auto, black | MACRO FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22527616 | fixed | auto, black | MACRO FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22535439 | fixed | auto, black | MACRO FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22614150 | fixed | auto, black | CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22616290 | fixed | auto, black | CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22647035 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22649894 | fixed | auto, black | CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22651933 | fixed | auto, black | CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22702640 | fixed | auto, black | CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22706304 | fixed | auto, black | CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22706584 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22707653 | fixed | auto, black | CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22709376 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
22710532 | fixed | auto, black | ? | black hood | black diamond | black diamond | black diamond | eBay |
References
- ↑ Wikipedia: idiomatic use of "Rosetta Stone"
- ↑ Flickr: photo of Panagor 85-205mm lens
- ↑ Based on photo identification and specs in eBay listings
- ↑ MFlenses Forum: Vivitar 85-205mm Zoom Pamphlet Advertisment
- ↑ April 1967 Vivitar ad for 85-205mm f/3.8 Zoom Chrome Nose lens
- ↑ Feb 1969 Vivitar ad for 85-205mm f/3.8 Zoom Bright Band lens
- ↑ whitemetal.com: Vivitar 85~205mm f/3.8 zoom screw-mount
- ↑ Vivitar 85-205mm f3.8-22 T mount for sale Photos of the version 4 preset
- ↑ Vivitar 85-205mm f3.8-22 T mount for sale
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Out of sequence serial number, probably indicative of a repair job or prototype unit
Links
- Steve's Digicam Forum: The Saga of the Vivitar Chrome-nose Continues - 85-205mm Zoom (photos of and with this lens)
- MFLenses forum: The Gangs All Here. The Vivitar Chrome Nose Family - v2 auto fixed mount
- MFLenses forum: Unusual Vivitar 85-205 - v2 auto fixed mount, v3 auto fixed mount, and v3 preset T mount
- Vivitar Tele Zoom 85-205 - v5 auto fixed mount