Difference between revisions of "Talk:Vivitar"
Steevithak (talk | contribs) m (more sn data) |
Steevithak (talk | contribs) m (more sn data, major re-org) |
||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
This is a working area for assembling vivitar lenses into their respective families. The groupings here start out with guesses, theories, and individual lenses spotted on eBay or in photos. Once I've found sufficient evidence for a family group, I move them from here to the main Vivitar page. | This is a working area for assembling vivitar lenses into their respective families. The groupings here start out with guesses, theories, and individual lenses spotted on eBay or in photos. Once I've found sufficient evidence for a family group, I move them from here to the main Vivitar page. | ||
| − | + | ===Compatible T System=== | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | Early Tokina T mounts were badged '''P&B Vivitar''' [http://i.ebayimg.com/t/P-B-Vivitar-Anastigmat-Camera-Lens-75MM-F-3-5-/00/$(KGrHqYOKpUE24ueo-vlBN5C6gJNOw~~_12.JPG example], [http://i.ebayimg.com/t/P-B-Tele-Vivitar-135mm-Exakta-Topcon-Mount-/00/$%28KGrHqYOKigE4p9+0!WpBOKw%29w7m,g~~1_3.JPG example], | ||
| + | * P&B Vivitar 35mm Wide Angle, SN:65416, two rear aperture rings, alternating flats on focus ring | ||
| + | * [http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/vivitar-p-b-135mm-3-5-preset-t-mount.html 135mm f/3.5] (Tele Vivitar) SN:70719, 63745 (eBay) | ||
* Vivitar Professional [http://www379.pair.com/rdrumm/EBAYPICS/vivitsrpro135mm-197001-05.jpg example] | * Vivitar Professional [http://www379.pair.com/rdrumm/EBAYPICS/vivitsrpro135mm-197001-05.jpg example] | ||
| + | * Vivitar T mount lenses: most appear to have been made by Tokyo Koki (aka Tokina). These are identifiable by the bevel at the rear of the focus ring: [http://www.flickr.com/photos/steevithak/6632956411 example Tokina-made T mount]. The other T mount vendor made more cylindrical focus rings without a bevel. The manufacturer is still unconfirmed but one suspect is Tamron. Tamron is known to have made T mounts for Soligor and is the originator of the T mount itself: [http://www.flickr.com/photos/steevithak/6604544465 example of unknown Vivitar t mount]. Compare this view of the [http://www.flickr.com/photos/steevithak/6604543997 example unknown Vivitar t mount], with the [http://forum.mflenses.com/lentar-preset-135-3-5-t-mount-what-is-this-t16105,highlight,lentar.html Lentar 135mm]. They're essentially identical. As noted in the second reference, the focusing ring on this lens turns in the opposite direction for Tokina-made lenses. Tamron is [http://www.adaptall-2.org/lenses/T-mount_LensIndex.html known to have made] 135mm f/2.8 and 180mm f/3.5 t mounts, corresponding to the mystery Vivitars (the 180mm is an unusual focal length, most manufacturers preferred 200mm). | ||
| + | * Vivitar Compatible T System family - T-Mount, 18 blade iris, two front aperture rings, older models had flats in focus ring, newer models had longitudinal ridges only (The shift also occurred in some Chrome Nose family lenses.) - according to [http://www.pbase.com/dumont/image/70982039 this photo], the 200mm is part of a Vivitar family called the Vivitar Compatible T System. Packaging: black top, cyan bottom, gold border around both colors. | ||
| + | ** 35mm f/2.8 sn 67570 w/flats (eBay), 70616 (eBay), 74719 (eBay), 74783 (mine) | ||
| + | ** 35mm f/3.5 w/flats (sn 131914) | ||
| + | ** 35mm f/3.5 12 blade rear element extends on focus sn:220797 (mine), 220885 (mine), 221297 (ebay), 572021 (ebay), 571249 (ebay, +photo of "compatible t system" box) | ||
| + | ** [http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/vivitar-85mm-f-1-8-pre-set-t-mount.html 85mm f/1.8][http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=5817 85mm f/1.8 also] (Tele Vivitar) sn: 67019 (ebay), 70276 (ebay), 70397 (ebay) | ||
| + | ** 135mm f/2.8 Tele Vivitar w/flats (only goes to f/16) otherwise identical later tokina sn 66003 (eBay) | ||
| + | ** 135mm f/2.8 Tele Vivitar 15 blade sn:199355 (mine), 202092 (eBay), 205961 (eBay) | ||
| + | ** 135mm f/2.8 Tele Vivitar 15 blade sn 70942 (ebay), sn:73087 (mine) | ||
| + | ** 135mm f/3.5 w/flats (sn 64293, 653xx) | ||
| + | ** 135mm f/3.5 Tele Vivitar 15 blade sn:74983 (mine), 7215x (ebay) 70606 (ebay), 70746 (ebay), 70290 (ebay), 101092 (ebay) rear barrel extends on focus | ||
| + | ** [http://www.flickr.com/photos/22557486@N02/2723657373/ 180mm f/3.5] (Telephoto) sn: 198043 (ebay), 199544 (ebay) | ||
| + | ** 200mm f/3.5 Tele Vivitar | ||
| + | ** [http://olympuszuiko.wordpress.com/2007/03/27/cheap-super-telephoto-lenses-t-mount-spiratone-vivitar-etc/ 300mm f/5.6] (Tele Vivitar) sn:69260 rear barrel extends on focus (photo of box confirms "compatible t system" name), 70267 (ebay) | ||
| + | ** 300mm f/5.6, Tele Vivitar w/flats [http://www.bonanza.com/listings/300mm-f5-6-Tele-Vivitar-Preset-T-Mount-Lens/18961114 example][http://olympuszuiko.wordpress.com/2007/03/27/cheap-super-telephoto-lenses-t-mount-spiratone-vivitar-etc/ example] | ||
| + | ** 400mm f/5.6 (Tele Vivitar) sn: 6665609 (shopgoodwill.com), 68223 (ebay), 71113 (ebay), 74546 (ebay), 76822 (ebay) | ||
| + | ** 500mm f/6.3 Tele Vivitar | ||
| + | ** Vivitar 600m f/8 sn: 379000329, 37900986 (tele-tokina look-alike) | ||
| + | ** Vivitar Telephoto 800mm f/8 sn: 10845 (ebay), 379000070 | ||
| + | ** Vivitar Telephoto 800mm f/8 (alternate design) | ||
| + | * Pyramid preset T-Mount family (Kino Precision) [http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20118/big_1100__IGP7160_1.jpg example] [http://photografica.robinparmar.com/vivitar28detail.html#T94 example] | ||
| + | ** Vivitar Wide-Angle 28mm f/2.5 2295007, 22250716 (ebay), 22051851 (ebay) | ||
| + | ** Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 sn# 59023 (ebay), 63903 (ebay, 65545 (ebay) | ||
| + | ** Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 (chrome nose + knurled silver mid band - looks like a chrome nose) | ||
| + | ** Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 (silver band + extending black hood - looks like a bright band) sn 22830049 (ebay) | ||
| + | * 2 window preset family (ca 1975?) [http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20118/big_1100__IGP5198_1.jpg example] | ||
| + | ** 250mm f/4.5 [http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=32587 example], sn# 69605 (eBay) | ||
| − | + | ===Chrome Nose (Kino Precision)=== | |
| − | + | (ca 1968-70?) [http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20118/big_1100__IGP4371_1.jpg example] | |
| − | + | * Complete and referenced, see main page | |
| − | * | + | * [http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=45210 Alternate version of 35mm chrome nose, different colored marking. sn 100095 (likely prototype)] |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ===Bright Band (Kino Precision)=== | |
| − | * | + | Bright Band family (ca 1970?) [http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20118/big_1100__IGP3758_1.jpg example] |
| − | + | * Complete and referenced, see main page | |
| − | * | + | |
| − | + | ===Tokina Fixed Mount (Pre-T-4)=== | |
| − | * | + | * Vivitar 90-230mm f/4.5 M42 mount, metal focus ring, alternating longitudinal ridges and flats. sn 1699344 (eBay) same Tokina lens was sold as the [[Lentar]] 90-230mm in M42 and T mount versions. |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ===Kino Precision Metal Ridged Ring (aka Dark Band)=== | |
| − | * | + | Dark Band (Kino Precision Ridged Ring)? Same as chrome nose/bright band, but with no silver at all |
| − | + | * moved to main page | |
| − | * | + | * 28mm f/2.5, sn 22219918 (eBay), 22310741 (eBay), 22404682 (eBay), 22418297 (eBay), 22735647 (eBay) |
| − | * | + | * 135mm f/3.5, sn:4111998 (eBay) |
| − | + | * 200mm f/3.5, sn 22902895 (eBay) | |
| − | * | + | * 85-205mm f/3.8 (yes, that one), sn 22101975 (eBay) (bumpy plastic bottom ring, rubber diamond middle ring, ridged metal top ring) |
| − | + | ||
| − | * | + | ===Komine Metal Ridged Ring=== |
| − | * | + | Komine fixed-mount family with longitudinal metal ridged focus rings (ca 1974 based on ads) packaging: black top, red bottom, with gold borders around both colors. |
| − | + | * 28mm f/2.8 sn 28016403 (eBay) | |
| − | * | + | * 35mm f/1.9 sn 28303453 (eBay) 28305968 ([http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/6638162139/ vox]), 28400974 (eBay) |
| − | * | + | * 135mm f/2.8, sn 2804881 (eBay), 28122083 (eBay), 28229161 (eBay), 28313110 (eBay), 28323262 (eBay), 28326283 (eBay) |
| − | * | + | * 200mm f/2.8, sn 28217442 (eBay), 2823599 (eBay), 28302408 (eBay) |
| − | + | ||
| − | ** | + | ===Tokina Metal Ridged Ring=== |
| − | * | + | Tokina fixed-mount family with longitudinal metal ridged focus rings (ca 1971/2? see ads) |
| − | * | + | * 35mm f/2.8 [http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/sold-items/156282-sale-sold-vivitar-auto-wide-angle-35mm-1-2-8-tokina.html example] |
| − | * | + | * 100mm f/2.8 37306974 (eBay), 37307208 (eBay), possible early version?: 04080176 (eBay) |
| − | * | + | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ===Tokina Dual Silver Ring=== | |
| − | * | + | Tokina Dual Silver Ring fixed-mount family (ca 1969-1970?) looks almost identical to the T-4 family (black metal focus ring with bevelled silver top and bottom edge). Konica, M42, other mounts. |
| − | * | + | * 35mm f/2.8 Auto Wide-Angle sn:3705204 (ebay) |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ===Tokina T-4=== | |
| − | * | + | Auto T-4 family (ca 1969) [http://www.flickr.com/photos/nesster/5262734069 1969 Camera 35 ad for family] packaging: black top, green bottom, white borders around both colors. |
| − | + | * Complete and referenced, see main page | |
| − | + | ||
| − | * | + | ===Tokina Rubber Ring=== |
| − | * | + | Tokina fixed-mount family with rubber focus rings (possibly the same family as above with ring change?) |
| − | * | + | * 28mm f/2.8, 58mm filter size, sn 37623285 (eBay) |
| − | + | * 35mm f/2.8, 52mm filter size, sn 37723499 (eBay), 37836549 (eBay), [http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Vivitar_35mm_f | |
| − | + | /2.8_Auto_Wide-Angle example] | |
| − | + | * 135mm f/2.8, 55mm filter size, built-in hood, sn 37A606693 (eBay), 37A607955 (eBay), 37A602109 (eBay) | |
| − | * | + | * [[Vivitar_35-105mm_f/3.5_Close_Range_zoom|35-105mm f/3.5 Close Range Zoom, sn 37607840]] |
| − | * | + | * 75-205mm f/3.5 MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm, 37337830 (eBay) |
| − | + | * 100-300mm f/5 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM, 62mm filter, 37717845 (eBay) | |
| − | * | + | |
| − | * | + | ===Komine Rubber Ring=== |
| − | * | + | Komine fixed mount family with rubber focus rings (possibly same family as above with ring change?) packaging: black top, orange bottom with narrow white strip in the middle. |
| − | * | + | * 28mm f/2, close focusing wide angle, 49mm filter size, 28310542 (eBay) |
| − | * | + | * 28mm f/2.5 auto wide-angle, 67mm filter size, 22746135 (eBay) |
| − | * | + | * [[Vivitar_28mm_f/2.8_MC_Wide_Angle|28m f/2.8 sn 28180447]], 28220635 (eBay) |
| − | * | + | * 35mm f/1.9 sn 28416761 ([http://www.flickr.com/photos/16907552@N07/2102355437/ flickr] |
| − | * | + | * 55mm f/2.8 Macro, 62mm filter, sn 28620637 (eBay) |
| − | * | + | * 90mm f/2.8 Macro, 62mm filter, sn 28805470 (eBay) |
| − | + | * 135mm f/2.8, 55m filter size, sn 28008034 (eBay), 28527114 (eBay) 28716185 (eBay) 28749896 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * [[Vivitar_200mm_f/3.5|200mm f/3.5 sn 28180447]], 28725911 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * 400mm f/5.6, 77mm filter, sn 28400984 (eBay), 28603005 (eBay) | |
| − | * | + | * 28-50mm f/3.5-4.5, 58mm filter size, sn 28111315 (eBay) |
| − | + | * 80-200mm f/4.5 Zoom, 58mm filter, sn 28236053 (eBay), 28026370 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * 100-200mm f/4 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM, 58mm filter, 28917103 (eBay) | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ===Kino Rubber Ring=== | |
| − | + | Kino Precision fixed-mount with rubber focus rings | |
| − | + | * 28mm f/2, 55mm filter, sn 22825802 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * 28mm f/2.5, 67mm filter, sn 22701310 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * [[Vivitar_70-150mm_f/3.8_Close_Focusing_Auto_Zoom|70-150mm f/3.8 Close Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 22826080]], 22812252 (eBay), 22904531 (eBay), 22907727 (eBay), 22910678 (eBay), 22053158 (eBay - "Macro Focusing Zoom"), 22124341 (eBay - "Macro Focusing Zoom") | |
| − | + | * 75-205mm f/3.8 Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 22119548 (eBay), 22133834 (eBay), 22209830 (eBay), 22235433 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * 80-200mm f/4.5 Zoom (bullet nose), 55mm filter, sn 22807903 (eBay), 22807933 (eBay), 22817983 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * 85-205mm f/3.8 (yes, that one), 58mm filter size, extendible lens hood, sn 22710532 (eBay) | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ===Tokina TX=== | |
| − | + | TX Lens 1st Gen family (ca 1975 [http://www.flickr.com/photos/nesster/3241554546/sizes/o/in/photostream/ Sep 1975 ad]) (lens listing from PopSci May 1976 vivitar ad, page 43) | |
| − | + | * Complete and referenced, see main page | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | TX Lens 2nd Gen Family (ca 1980) (see wolf book) | |
| − | + | * Complete and referenced, see main page | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ===Kobori Rubber Ring=== | |
| − | + | Kobori family - date? packaging? all black with diagonal diamond pattern rubber focus ring | |
| − | + | * 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77434191 (eBay), 77518460 (eBay), 77529318 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 72mm filter, sn 77913757 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * 28-200mm f/3.5-5.3 Macro Focusing Zoom, 72mm filter, sn 77629276 (eBay), 77650038 (eBay), 77651197 (eBay), 77706805 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * 35-105mm f/3.2-4 Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 77312217 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * 70-210mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77315677 (eBay), 77347225 (eBay), 77352084 (eBay), 77444116 (eBay), 77451471 (eBay), 77517373 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * ''Vivitar DL'' 75-205mm f/3.8-4.8 Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77400410 (eBay), 77403305 (eBay), 77405366 (eBay), 77415114 (eBay), 774179955 (eBay) | |
| − | + | * 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro Focusing Zoom, 58mm filter, 77524170 (eBay) | |
| + | * 80-200mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, 77356444 (eBay) | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Cosina Diamond Rubber Ring=== | ||
| + | * 50mm f/1.8, 49mm filter, 95501993 (mine), 96607093 (eBay) | ||
| + | * 50mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 97802591 (eBay) | ||
| + | * 28mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 99401019 (eBay) | ||
| + | * Vivitar 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 52mm filter, sn 90040430 (eBay), 91019926 (eBay) | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Cosina Smooth Rubber Ring=== | ||
| + | These have a smooth rubber focus ring with regular indentations | ||
| + | * 28mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 91082122 (eBay) | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Bauer Rubber Ring=== | ||
| + | * 28mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 42058919 (eBay), 42107590 (eBay) | ||
| + | * 70-200mm f/3.8, 58mm filter, 42015059 (eBay) | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Samyang Smooth Rubber Ring=== | ||
| + | * Vivitar 28-70 1:3.5-4.5 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm filter, sn 61753534 (eBay) | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | === | + | ===RL Edition=== |
'''RL Edition''' [http://photografica.robinparmar.com/vivitar28detail.html#K05 example] (common wisdom online suggests RL lenses were identical to non-RL but came with an extended 7 year warranty. So any given lens might come in both a "normal" or RL edition but RL is not a separate family of lenses. Claims online suggest the RL editions were released in the mid-1980s.<ref>[http://photo.net/filters-bags-tripods-accessories-forum/005Xk8 photo.net forum: What is Vivitar RL Edition lens]</ref> RL products came in all-gray boxes with white lettering. The words "RL Edition" had a thin blue line above and a bold red line below. Known RL edition lenses: | '''RL Edition''' [http://photografica.robinparmar.com/vivitar28detail.html#K05 example] (common wisdom online suggests RL lenses were identical to non-RL but came with an extended 7 year warranty. So any given lens might come in both a "normal" or RL edition but RL is not a separate family of lenses. Claims online suggest the RL editions were released in the mid-1980s.<ref>[http://photo.net/filters-bags-tripods-accessories-forum/005Xk8 photo.net forum: What is Vivitar RL Edition lens]</ref> RL products came in all-gray boxes with white lettering. The words "RL Edition" had a thin blue line above and a bold red line below. Known RL edition lenses: | ||
* Vivitar RL Edition 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus MC, 49mm filter, sn:28401469 (RL stamp in white) | * Vivitar RL Edition 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus MC, 49mm filter, sn:28401469 (RL stamp in white) | ||
| Line 116: | Line 158: | ||
* Vivitar RL Edition 2x Tele Converter for canon, Stock # 0843430 (RL in blue) | * Vivitar RL Edition 2x Tele Converter for canon, Stock # 0843430 (RL in blue) | ||
| + | ===SMS Edition=== | ||
'''SMS editions''' (all seem to have diagonal diamond pattern on rubber focus ring) - One claim is that SMS stands for Special Marketing System and SMS series lenses are just extended warranty lenses like the RL labelled lenses. But so far, the evidence suggest the SMS lenses were at least cosmetically different from any known Vivitar family (though the primary difference is just an alternate pattern on the focusing ring rubber - these may be variants of the Wolf family, like the RL lenses). Another claim is that SMS stands for "Simultaneous Multiple Surfaces", an optical technique that can simplify lens designs involving air gaps. This claim fits with what is know about Betensky's computer work on the Series 1 lenses which included development and patents on air gap techniques. See http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/34654-vivitar-28mm-fa31mm-replacement-20.html However, it appears the optical term SMS was not coined until 2004 and not by Betensky. Also Vivitar used the SMS designation on products such as flash units as well as lenses, where air gap lens design was unlikely to be used. | '''SMS editions''' (all seem to have diagonal diamond pattern on rubber focus ring) - One claim is that SMS stands for Special Marketing System and SMS series lenses are just extended warranty lenses like the RL labelled lenses. But so far, the evidence suggest the SMS lenses were at least cosmetically different from any known Vivitar family (though the primary difference is just an alternate pattern on the focusing ring rubber - these may be variants of the Wolf family, like the RL lenses). Another claim is that SMS stands for "Simultaneous Multiple Surfaces", an optical technique that can simplify lens designs involving air gaps. This claim fits with what is know about Betensky's computer work on the Series 1 lenses which included development and patents on air gap techniques. See http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/34654-vivitar-28mm-fa31mm-replacement-20.html However, it appears the optical term SMS was not coined until 2004 and not by Betensky. Also Vivitar used the SMS designation on products such as flash units as well as lenses, where air gap lens design was unlikely to be used. | ||
* Vivitar SMS 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus Wide Angle, 49mm filter, sn 26405205, 28401098 | * Vivitar SMS 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus Wide Angle, 49mm filter, sn 26405205, 28401098 | ||
* Vivitar SMS 135mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, sn 81800979 | * Vivitar SMS 135mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, sn 81800979 | ||
| + | * Vivitar SMS 35-200mm f/3.0-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77507119 | ||
* Vivitar SMS 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77403474 | * Vivitar SMS 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77403474 | ||
* Vivitar SMS 70-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77317510, 77316676, (c/fd stock:0821586) | * Vivitar SMS 70-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77317510, 77316676, (c/fd stock:0821586) | ||
| Line 126: | Line 170: | ||
| + | ===Unknown=== | ||
| + | * AUTO Vivitar 100mm f/2.8, sn 4080713, red meter scale, white foot scale, red dot and line for focus, ridge metal focus ring, fixed mount, 6 blade iris | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Other Lens Types === | ||
'''Class II''' Demo or irregular Vivitar products were sometimes old with yellow stickers attached that read "Vivitar Class II -- Products which have been previously used for demonstration, or sold to an end user, or which contain minor appearance irregularities". | '''Class II''' Demo or irregular Vivitar products were sometimes old with yellow stickers attached that read "Vivitar Class II -- Products which have been previously used for demonstration, or sold to an end user, or which contain minor appearance irregularities". | ||
Revision as of 16:05, 27 May 2012
Contents
- 1 Vivitar Lens Families
- 1.1 Compatible T System
- 1.2 Chrome Nose (Kino Precision)
- 1.3 Bright Band (Kino Precision)
- 1.4 Tokina Fixed Mount (Pre-T-4)
- 1.5 Kino Precision Metal Ridged Ring (aka Dark Band)
- 1.6 Komine Metal Ridged Ring
- 1.7 Tokina Metal Ridged Ring
- 1.8 Tokina Dual Silver Ring
- 1.9 Tokina T-4
- 1.10 Tokina Rubber Ring
- 1.11 Komine Rubber Ring
- 1.12 Kino Rubber Ring
- 1.13 Tokina TX
- 1.14 Kobori Rubber Ring
- 1.15 Cosina Diamond Rubber Ring
- 1.16 Cosina Smooth Rubber Ring
- 1.17 Bauer Rubber Ring
- 1.18 Samyang Smooth Rubber Ring
- 1.19 RL Edition
- 1.20 SMS Edition
- 1.21 Unknown
- 1.22 Other Lens Types
- 2 Misc Vivitar Notes
- 3 Other stuff
- 4 References
Vivitar Lens Families
This is a working area for assembling vivitar lenses into their respective families. The groupings here start out with guesses, theories, and individual lenses spotted on eBay or in photos. Once I've found sufficient evidence for a family group, I move them from here to the main Vivitar page.
Compatible T System
Early Tokina T mounts were badged P&B Vivitar example, example,
- P&B Vivitar 35mm Wide Angle, SN:65416, two rear aperture rings, alternating flats on focus ring
- 135mm f/3.5 (Tele Vivitar) SN:70719, 63745 (eBay)
- Vivitar Professional example
- Vivitar T mount lenses: most appear to have been made by Tokyo Koki (aka Tokina). These are identifiable by the bevel at the rear of the focus ring: example Tokina-made T mount. The other T mount vendor made more cylindrical focus rings without a bevel. The manufacturer is still unconfirmed but one suspect is Tamron. Tamron is known to have made T mounts for Soligor and is the originator of the T mount itself: example of unknown Vivitar t mount. Compare this view of the example unknown Vivitar t mount, with the Lentar 135mm. They're essentially identical. As noted in the second reference, the focusing ring on this lens turns in the opposite direction for Tokina-made lenses. Tamron is known to have made 135mm f/2.8 and 180mm f/3.5 t mounts, corresponding to the mystery Vivitars (the 180mm is an unusual focal length, most manufacturers preferred 200mm).
- Vivitar Compatible T System family - T-Mount, 18 blade iris, two front aperture rings, older models had flats in focus ring, newer models had longitudinal ridges only (The shift also occurred in some Chrome Nose family lenses.) - according to this photo, the 200mm is part of a Vivitar family called the Vivitar Compatible T System. Packaging: black top, cyan bottom, gold border around both colors.
- 35mm f/2.8 sn 67570 w/flats (eBay), 70616 (eBay), 74719 (eBay), 74783 (mine)
- 35mm f/3.5 w/flats (sn 131914)
- 35mm f/3.5 12 blade rear element extends on focus sn:220797 (mine), 220885 (mine), 221297 (ebay), 572021 (ebay), 571249 (ebay, +photo of "compatible t system" box)
- 85mm f/1.885mm f/1.8 also (Tele Vivitar) sn: 67019 (ebay), 70276 (ebay), 70397 (ebay)
- 135mm f/2.8 Tele Vivitar w/flats (only goes to f/16) otherwise identical later tokina sn 66003 (eBay)
- 135mm f/2.8 Tele Vivitar 15 blade sn:199355 (mine), 202092 (eBay), 205961 (eBay)
- 135mm f/2.8 Tele Vivitar 15 blade sn 70942 (ebay), sn:73087 (mine)
- 135mm f/3.5 w/flats (sn 64293, 653xx)
- 135mm f/3.5 Tele Vivitar 15 blade sn:74983 (mine), 7215x (ebay) 70606 (ebay), 70746 (ebay), 70290 (ebay), 101092 (ebay) rear barrel extends on focus
- 180mm f/3.5 (Telephoto) sn: 198043 (ebay), 199544 (ebay)
- 200mm f/3.5 Tele Vivitar
- 300mm f/5.6 (Tele Vivitar) sn:69260 rear barrel extends on focus (photo of box confirms "compatible t system" name), 70267 (ebay)
- 300mm f/5.6, Tele Vivitar w/flats exampleexample
- 400mm f/5.6 (Tele Vivitar) sn: 6665609 (shopgoodwill.com), 68223 (ebay), 71113 (ebay), 74546 (ebay), 76822 (ebay)
- 500mm f/6.3 Tele Vivitar
- Vivitar 600m f/8 sn: 379000329, 37900986 (tele-tokina look-alike)
- Vivitar Telephoto 800mm f/8 sn: 10845 (ebay), 379000070
- Vivitar Telephoto 800mm f/8 (alternate design)
- Pyramid preset T-Mount family (Kino Precision) example example
- Vivitar Wide-Angle 28mm f/2.5 2295007, 22250716 (ebay), 22051851 (ebay)
- Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 sn# 59023 (ebay), 63903 (ebay, 65545 (ebay)
- Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 (chrome nose + knurled silver mid band - looks like a chrome nose)
- Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 (silver band + extending black hood - looks like a bright band) sn 22830049 (ebay)
- 2 window preset family (ca 1975?) example
- 250mm f/4.5 example, sn# 69605 (eBay)
Chrome Nose (Kino Precision)
(ca 1968-70?) example
- Complete and referenced, see main page
- Alternate version of 35mm chrome nose, different colored marking. sn 100095 (likely prototype)
Bright Band (Kino Precision)
Bright Band family (ca 1970?) example
- Complete and referenced, see main page
Tokina Fixed Mount (Pre-T-4)
- Vivitar 90-230mm f/4.5 M42 mount, metal focus ring, alternating longitudinal ridges and flats. sn 1699344 (eBay) same Tokina lens was sold as the Lentar 90-230mm in M42 and T mount versions.
Kino Precision Metal Ridged Ring (aka Dark Band)
Dark Band (Kino Precision Ridged Ring)? Same as chrome nose/bright band, but with no silver at all
- moved to main page
- 28mm f/2.5, sn 22219918 (eBay), 22310741 (eBay), 22404682 (eBay), 22418297 (eBay), 22735647 (eBay)
- 135mm f/3.5, sn:4111998 (eBay)
- 200mm f/3.5, sn 22902895 (eBay)
- 85-205mm f/3.8 (yes, that one), sn 22101975 (eBay) (bumpy plastic bottom ring, rubber diamond middle ring, ridged metal top ring)
Komine Metal Ridged Ring
Komine fixed-mount family with longitudinal metal ridged focus rings (ca 1974 based on ads) packaging: black top, red bottom, with gold borders around both colors.
- 28mm f/2.8 sn 28016403 (eBay)
- 35mm f/1.9 sn 28303453 (eBay) 28305968 (vox), 28400974 (eBay)
- 135mm f/2.8, sn 2804881 (eBay), 28122083 (eBay), 28229161 (eBay), 28313110 (eBay), 28323262 (eBay), 28326283 (eBay)
- 200mm f/2.8, sn 28217442 (eBay), 2823599 (eBay), 28302408 (eBay)
Tokina Metal Ridged Ring
Tokina fixed-mount family with longitudinal metal ridged focus rings (ca 1971/2? see ads)
- 35mm f/2.8 example
- 100mm f/2.8 37306974 (eBay), 37307208 (eBay), possible early version?: 04080176 (eBay)
Tokina Dual Silver Ring
Tokina Dual Silver Ring fixed-mount family (ca 1969-1970?) looks almost identical to the T-4 family (black metal focus ring with bevelled silver top and bottom edge). Konica, M42, other mounts.
- 35mm f/2.8 Auto Wide-Angle sn:3705204 (ebay)
Tokina T-4
Auto T-4 family (ca 1969) 1969 Camera 35 ad for family packaging: black top, green bottom, white borders around both colors.
- Complete and referenced, see main page
Tokina Rubber Ring
Tokina fixed-mount family with rubber focus rings (possibly the same family as above with ring change?)
- 28mm f/2.8, 58mm filter size, sn 37623285 (eBay)
- 35mm f/2.8, 52mm filter size, sn 37723499 (eBay), 37836549 (eBay), [http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Vivitar_35mm_f
/2.8_Auto_Wide-Angle example]
- 135mm f/2.8, 55mm filter size, built-in hood, sn 37A606693 (eBay), 37A607955 (eBay), 37A602109 (eBay)
- 35-105mm f/3.5 Close Range Zoom, sn 37607840
- 75-205mm f/3.5 MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm, 37337830 (eBay)
- 100-300mm f/5 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM, 62mm filter, 37717845 (eBay)
Komine Rubber Ring
Komine fixed mount family with rubber focus rings (possibly same family as above with ring change?) packaging: black top, orange bottom with narrow white strip in the middle.
- 28mm f/2, close focusing wide angle, 49mm filter size, 28310542 (eBay)
- 28mm f/2.5 auto wide-angle, 67mm filter size, 22746135 (eBay)
- 28m f/2.8 sn 28180447, 28220635 (eBay)
- 35mm f/1.9 sn 28416761 (flickr
- 55mm f/2.8 Macro, 62mm filter, sn 28620637 (eBay)
- 90mm f/2.8 Macro, 62mm filter, sn 28805470 (eBay)
- 135mm f/2.8, 55m filter size, sn 28008034 (eBay), 28527114 (eBay) 28716185 (eBay) 28749896 (eBay)
- 200mm f/3.5 sn 28180447, 28725911 (eBay)
- 400mm f/5.6, 77mm filter, sn 28400984 (eBay), 28603005 (eBay)
- 28-50mm f/3.5-4.5, 58mm filter size, sn 28111315 (eBay)
- 80-200mm f/4.5 Zoom, 58mm filter, sn 28236053 (eBay), 28026370 (eBay)
- 100-200mm f/4 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM, 58mm filter, 28917103 (eBay)
Kino Rubber Ring
Kino Precision fixed-mount with rubber focus rings
- 28mm f/2, 55mm filter, sn 22825802 (eBay)
- 28mm f/2.5, 67mm filter, sn 22701310 (eBay)
- 70-150mm f/3.8 Close Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 22826080, 22812252 (eBay), 22904531 (eBay), 22907727 (eBay), 22910678 (eBay), 22053158 (eBay - "Macro Focusing Zoom"), 22124341 (eBay - "Macro Focusing Zoom")
- 75-205mm f/3.8 Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 22119548 (eBay), 22133834 (eBay), 22209830 (eBay), 22235433 (eBay)
- 80-200mm f/4.5 Zoom (bullet nose), 55mm filter, sn 22807903 (eBay), 22807933 (eBay), 22817983 (eBay)
- 85-205mm f/3.8 (yes, that one), 58mm filter size, extendible lens hood, sn 22710532 (eBay)
Tokina TX
TX Lens 1st Gen family (ca 1975 Sep 1975 ad) (lens listing from PopSci May 1976 vivitar ad, page 43)
- Complete and referenced, see main page
TX Lens 2nd Gen Family (ca 1980) (see wolf book)
- Complete and referenced, see main page
Kobori Rubber Ring
Kobori family - date? packaging? all black with diagonal diamond pattern rubber focus ring
- 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77434191 (eBay), 77518460 (eBay), 77529318 (eBay)
- 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 72mm filter, sn 77913757 (eBay)
- 28-200mm f/3.5-5.3 Macro Focusing Zoom, 72mm filter, sn 77629276 (eBay), 77650038 (eBay), 77651197 (eBay), 77706805 (eBay)
- 35-105mm f/3.2-4 Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 77312217 (eBay)
- 70-210mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77315677 (eBay), 77347225 (eBay), 77352084 (eBay), 77444116 (eBay), 77451471 (eBay), 77517373 (eBay)
- Vivitar DL 75-205mm f/3.8-4.8 Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77400410 (eBay), 77403305 (eBay), 77405366 (eBay), 77415114 (eBay), 774179955 (eBay)
- 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro Focusing Zoom, 58mm filter, 77524170 (eBay)
- 80-200mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, 77356444 (eBay)
Cosina Diamond Rubber Ring
- 50mm f/1.8, 49mm filter, 95501993 (mine), 96607093 (eBay)
- 50mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 97802591 (eBay)
- 28mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 99401019 (eBay)
- Vivitar 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 52mm filter, sn 90040430 (eBay), 91019926 (eBay)
Cosina Smooth Rubber Ring
These have a smooth rubber focus ring with regular indentations
- 28mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 91082122 (eBay)
Bauer Rubber Ring
- 28mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 42058919 (eBay), 42107590 (eBay)
- 70-200mm f/3.8, 58mm filter, 42015059 (eBay)
Samyang Smooth Rubber Ring
- Vivitar 28-70 1:3.5-4.5 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm filter, sn 61753534 (eBay)
RL Edition
RL Edition example (common wisdom online suggests RL lenses were identical to non-RL but came with an extended 7 year warranty. So any given lens might come in both a "normal" or RL edition but RL is not a separate family of lenses. Claims online suggest the RL editions were released in the mid-1980s.[1] RL products came in all-gray boxes with white lettering. The words "RL Edition" had a thin blue line above and a bold red line below. Known RL edition lenses:
- Vivitar RL Edition 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus MC, 49mm filter, sn:28401469 (RL stamp in white)
- Vivitar RL Edition 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus MC, 49mm filter, sn:28409017 (RL stamp in blue)
- Vivitar RL Edition 28-80mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom MC, 62mm filter, sn 77405568 (RL stamp in blue)
- Vivitar RL Edition 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Zoom MC, 62mm filter, sn:77401732 (RL stamp in white)
- Vivitar RL Edition 35-200mm f/2.-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77504145, 77501131 (RL in blue)
- Vivitar RL Edition 80-200mm f/4.0 Macro Focusing Zoom MC, 55mm filter, sn:77505570, 77403469 (RL in blue)
- Vivitar RL Edition 2x Tele Converter for canon, Stock # 0843430 (RL in blue)
SMS Edition
SMS editions (all seem to have diagonal diamond pattern on rubber focus ring) - One claim is that SMS stands for Special Marketing System and SMS series lenses are just extended warranty lenses like the RL labelled lenses. But so far, the evidence suggest the SMS lenses were at least cosmetically different from any known Vivitar family (though the primary difference is just an alternate pattern on the focusing ring rubber - these may be variants of the Wolf family, like the RL lenses). Another claim is that SMS stands for "Simultaneous Multiple Surfaces", an optical technique that can simplify lens designs involving air gaps. This claim fits with what is know about Betensky's computer work on the Series 1 lenses which included development and patents on air gap techniques. See http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/34654-vivitar-28mm-fa31mm-replacement-20.html However, it appears the optical term SMS was not coined until 2004 and not by Betensky. Also Vivitar used the SMS designation on products such as flash units as well as lenses, where air gap lens design was unlikely to be used.
- Vivitar SMS 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus Wide Angle, 49mm filter, sn 26405205, 28401098
- Vivitar SMS 135mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, sn 81800979
- Vivitar SMS 35-200mm f/3.0-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77507119
- Vivitar SMS 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77403474
- Vivitar SMS 70-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77317510, 77316676, (c/fd stock:0821586)
- Vivitar SMS 75-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77602760 (eBay), 77305632 (eBay), 77307514 (eBay), (m/md stock: 0821575)
- Vivitar SMS 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MC Macro Focusing Zoom No.77502874 58mm, Nikon mount
- Vivitar SMS 80-200mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 77203775, 77200615
Unknown
- AUTO Vivitar 100mm f/2.8, sn 4080713, red meter scale, white foot scale, red dot and line for focus, ridge metal focus ring, fixed mount, 6 blade iris
Other Lens Types
Class II Demo or irregular Vivitar products were sometimes old with yellow stickers attached that read "Vivitar Class II -- Products which have been previously used for demonstration, or sold to an end user, or which contain minor appearance irregularities".
Misc Vivitar Notes
Vivitar trademark filing
- Serial number: 72228273
- Registration number: 0808478
- Primary Vivitar Trademark
- A declined Vivitar Trademark application
Known facility locations for Vivitar
- Ponder & Best, 814 N. Cole Ave. Hollywood (Los Angeles), Ca US
- Address when they filed the Vivitar trademark, Sep 21, 1965
- Vivitar Corp. import/export facility post-earthquake: 20480 East Business Parkway, City of Industry, Ca 91789 US
Vivitar held trademark on the TX mount system name (filed in 1975): [1]
This periodically mentions Vivitar feasibility study of a 110 camera: Adweek: Western advertising news, Volume 39, Issues 40-51, Page 180
Popular Science:
- Review of Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 close focusing zoom
- Brief reviews of Several Series 1 lenses
- Story of Series 1 development with release dates for a couple of lenses
- Review of Series 1 200mm auto focus
- review of Series 1 450mm cat with plastic element
- mention of series 1 600mm cat and series 1 35-85mm
- 1973 70-210mm f/3.5 zoom
- 120-600mm f/5.6 zoom
- Vivitar Profession 135mm f/1.5!
Patents
- Patent for light-pipe based enlarger: http://www.google.com/patents?id=wOo4AAAAEBAJ&zoom=4&dq=inassignee%3A%22Vivitar%20Corporation%22&pg=PA1#v=onepage&q=inassignee:%22Vivitar%20Corporation%22&f=false
- Patent for light-pipe based light-mixing system for enlarger: http://www.google.com/patents?id=VoM5AAAAEBAJ&zoom=4&dq=inassignee%3A%22Vivitar%20Corporation%22&pg=PA8#v=onepage&q=inassignee:%22Vivitar%20Corporation%22&f=false
- Patent on anti-backlash adjuster for enlarger: http://www.google.com/patents?id=cqMrAAAAEBAJ&zoom=4&dq=inassignee%3A%22Vivitar%20Corporation%22&pg=PA1#v=onepage&q=inassignee:%22Vivitar%20Corporation%22&f=false
Other stuff
- Vivitar Cosmorex SE - this was added to the vivitar page but I've found no evidence that Cosmorex was a badge or trademark used by Ponder and Best or Vivitar. The trademark is owned by another company. Might be worth further research if anyone wants to take a look at it. Cosmorex or the parent company may need it's own page
