Difference between revisions of "Talk:Vivitar"

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== Vivitar Lens Families ==
 
== Vivitar Lens Families ==
  
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This list was started with [http://forum.mflenses.com/vivitar-history-t41957.html information gathered on the Manual Focus Lens forum]. It was expanded with data from the John C. Wolf vivitar book. And about half is from my own research. As families can be referenced and seem complete, they will be moved to the main 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.
  
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* P&B [http://i.ebayimg.com/t/P-B-Vivitar-Anastigmat-Camera-Lens-75MM-F-3-5-/00/$(KGrHqYOKpUE24ueo-vlBN5C6gJNOw~~_12.JPG example]
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===Compatible T System===
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* P&B Vivitar [http://i.ebayimg.com/t/P-B-Tele-Vivitar-135mm-Exakta-Topcon-Mount-/00/$%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
 
  
 +
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],
 +
* WIDE-ANGLE Vivitar 1:2.8 f=28mm No. 28134 (two aperture rings at top, unlike more common version)
 +
* 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), 672833 (eBay)
 +
** [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# 68527 (M42 - mine), 69075 ([http://forum.mflenses.com/the-rare-vivitar-250mm-f-4-5-pre-set-lens-t32587.html MFLenses post]), 69605 (t - eBay), 69465 (t - eBay)
  
−
* Vivitar
+
===Chrome Nose (Kino Precision)===
−
** Vivitar T-Mount Two ring family (two aperture rings, one to set, one to preview, focus ring has alternating flats and longitudinal ridges)
+
(ca 1968-70?) [http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20118/big_1100__IGP4371_1.jpg example]
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*** 35mm f/3.5 (sn 131914)
+
* Complete and referenced, see main page
−
*** 135mm f/3.5 (sn 64293, 653xx)
+
* [http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=45210 Alternate version of 35mm chrome nose, different colored marking. sn 100095 (likely prototype)]
−
*** [http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/vivitar-p-b-135mm-3-5-preset-t-mount.html 135mm f/3.5] (Tele Vivitar) SN:70719
 
−
*** 200mm f/3.5 Tele Vivitar sn: 66717 (looks identical to 200mm with longitudinal ridges except for focusing ring, two rings in front, rear element extends on focus)
 
−
** Vivitar T-Mount two rear ring family (18 blade iris, two rear aperture rings, focus ring has continous longitudinal ridges)
 
−
*** Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 Wide Angle SN:74783, front barrel extends on focus (I own this one)
 
−
** Vivitar T-Mount two front ring family (18 blade iris, two front aperture rings, focus ring has continuous longitudinal ridges)
 
−
*** [http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/vivitar-85mm-f-1-8-pre-set-t-mount.html 85mm f/1.8] (Tele Vivitar)
 
−
*** 135mm f/2.8 (Tele Vivitar) SN:70942
 
−
*** [http://ferling.net/200VivitarPreset.htm 200mm f/3.5] (Tele Vivitar) (sn: 198043, ebay)
 
−
*** [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
 
−
*** [http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyberastrofolkie/3902290420/ 500mm f/6.3]
 
−
*** Vivitar 600m f/8 sn: 379000329
 
−
*** Vivitar Telephoto 800mm f/8 sn:379000070
 
−
*** Vivitar 35mm f/3.5 wide angle SN:220797, rear element extends on focus, (I own this one)
 
−
*** [http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=5817 85mm f/1.8] (Vivitar Telephoto?)
 
−
*** Vivitar Telephoto 135mm f/2.8 (I own this one)
 
−
*** [http://www.flickr.com/photos/22557486@N02/2723657373/ 180mm f/3.5] (Telephoto)
 
−
** Pyramid preset T-Mount family (date? info?) [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 sn#ss51368
 
−
*** Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 sn#63903
 
−
** 2 window preset family (ca 1975?) [http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20118/big_1100__IGP5198_1.jpg example]
 
−
** Chrome Nose family (ca 1968-70?) [http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20118/big_1100__IGP4371_1.jpg example]
 
−
*** Complete and referenced, see main page
 
−
** Bright Band family (ca 1970?) [http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20118/big_1100__IGP3758_1.jpg example]
 
−
*** Complete and referenced, see main page
 
−
** Dark Band (Ridged Ring)? Same as chrome nose/bright band, but with no silver at all
 
−
*** Vivitar 35mm f/1.9 Auto Wide-Angle, sn:28400974, 55mm filter
 
−
*** Auto Vivitar Telephoto 135mm f/2.8, sn:2804881
 
−
*** Auto Vivitar 135mm f/3.5, sn:4111998
 
−
** Auto T-4 family (ca 1969) [http://www.flickr.com/photos/nesster/5262734069 1969 Camera 35 ad for family]
 
−
*** Complete and referenced, see main page
 
−
** TX Lens 1st Gen family (ca 1976) (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
 
−
** Pre-Wolf Fixed Mount Family (ca 1976) (hypothesized) - since the wolf fixed correspond to the 2nd gen tx (particularly the f2.5 to f2.8 update), so it's very likely the fixed mounts evolved in the same way. So a pre-wolf family likely exists containing similar focal lengths with different minimum aperture values.
 
−
** Wolf Fixed Mount Family (ca 1980) named for documentation in wolf book
 
−
*** Complete and referenced, see main page
 
−
** SMS family (all seem to have diagonal diamond pattern on rubber focus ring)
 
−
*** Vivitar SMS 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus Wide Angle, 49mm filter, sn 26405205
 
−
*** Vivitar SMS 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter
 
−
*** Vivitar SMS 70-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77317510, 77316676
 
−
*** Vivitar SMS 75-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77602760 (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
 
−
** 5xxxx preset family (date? info? example?) (pyramid family?)
 
−
** 6xxxx preset family (date? info? example?) (pyramid family?)
 
−
* Vivitar Series 1 (ca 1978+) [http://www.flickr.com/photos/nantonos/2286175142/ example]
 
  
 +
===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
 +
* Update - there appear to be two variants of the 135mm f/2.8 lens. An f/2.8-32 variant (ex: https://www.flickr.com/photos/steevithak/7052673239) and an f/2.8-22 variant (ex: https://www.flickr.com/photos/28731509@N06/25659480100/).
  
−
=== Other Lens Types ===
+
===Kino Precision Metal Ridged Ring (aka Dark Band)===
−
'''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. In reality, blue RL stamps are probably limited to one particular family of Lenses (probably the Wolf family but need verification). Known RL edition lenses:
+
Dark Band (Kino Precision Ridged Ring)? Same as chrome nose/bright band, but with no silver at all
−
* Vivitar RL Edition 35-200mm f/2.-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77504145
+
* moved to main page
−
* Vivitar RL Edition 80-200mm f/4.0 Macro Focusing Zoom MC, 55mm filter, sn:77505570, 77403469
+
* 20mm f/3.8, 82mm filter, sn 22000839 (eBay), 22005662 (eBay)
 +
* 28mm f/2.5, 62mm filter, sn 22000169 (eBay), 22219918 (eBay), 22221627 (eBay), 22310741 (eBay), 22336103 (eBay), 22404682 (eBay), 22418297 (eBay), 22428250 (eBay), 22735647 (eBay)
 +
* 35mm f/2.8, sn 22901400 (eBay)
 +
* 135mm f/2.8,sn 22910160 (eBay)
 +
* 135mm f/3.5, sn:4096384 (eBay), 4106457 (eBay), 4109970 (eBay), 4111998 (eBay) (red m scale, white ft scale, f/stops, depth lines) serial numbers suggest another manufacturer but appearance matches other Kinos.
 +
* 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), 28412503 (eBay)
 +
* 135mm f/2.8, filter 55mm, stock# 21-5279 (Canon), sn 2804881 (eBay), 2816441 (eBay), 2824230 (eBay), 28111922 (eBay), 28122083 (eBay), 28229161 (eBay), 28313110 (eBay), 28323262 (eBay), 28326283 (eBay), 28410091 (eBay)
 +
* 200mm f/3.5, filter 62mm, sn 28217442 (eBay), 2823599 (eBay), 2825221 (eBay), 28103365 (eBay), 28302408 (eBay), stock# 21-6313 Nikon F mount (eBay)
 +
 
 +
===Tokina Metal Ridged Ring===
 +
Tokina fixed-mount family with longitudinal metal ridged focus rings (ca 1971/2? see ads)
 +
* AUTO Vivitar WIDE-ANGLE 35mm f/2.8 (red m/white ft, no filter size printed), sn 3702002 (eBay), 3705735 (eBay), 3711632 (eBay), 3714999 (eBay), 3732690 (eBay)
 +
* Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 AUTO WIDE-ANGLE (green m/white ft), 52mm filter, sn 3745380 (eBay), 3746485 (eBay)
 +
* Vivitar 35mm AUTO WIDE-ANGLE f/2.8, 52mm filter, sn 37505226 [http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/sold-items/156282-sale-sold-vivitar-auto-wide-angle-35mm-1-2-8-tokina.html here], 37400409 (eBay)
 +
* 100mm f/2.8 AUTO TELEPHOTO, 55mm filter,  702571 (eBay), 37300883 (eBay), 37301282 (eBay), 37306974 (eBay), 37307208 (eBay), possible early version?: 04080176 (eBay), possible early version? 702390 (eBay)
 +
* 135mm f/3.5, 52mm filter, sn 37303404 (shopgoodwill)
 +
* Vivitar 90-230mm f/4.5 M42 mount, sn 1699344 (eBay) same Tokina lens was sold as the [[Lentar]] 90-230mm in M42 and T mount versions.
 +
 
 +
===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?)
 +
* 17mm f/3.5, 67mm filter, sn 37000876 (eBay), 37102475 (eBay)
 +
* 17mm f/3.5, 72mm filter, sn 37700421 (eBay), 37700574 (eBay)
 +
* 24mm f/2.8, 58mm filter, sn 37507745 (eBay), 37619299 (eBay)
 +
* 24mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, sn 37914971 (eBay)
 +
* 28mm f/2.8, 58mm filter, sn 37623285 (eBay), 37726216 (eBay)
 +
* 35mm f/2.8 AUTO WIDE-ANGLE, 52mm filter, sn 37616018 (eBay), 37723499 (eBay), 37730872 (eBay), 37836549 (eBay), [http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Vivitar_35mm_f
 +
/2.8_Auto_Wide-Angle example]
 +
* 100mm f/2.8, 55mm filter, sn 37304306 (eBay)
 +
* 135mm f/2.8, 55mm filter, built-in hood, sn 37A606693 (eBay), 37A607955 (eBay), 37A602109 (eBay)
 +
* 300mm f/5.6, 58mm filter, built-in hood, sn 37716337 (eBay)
 +
* [[Vivitar_35-105mm_f/3.5_Close_Range_zoom|35-105mm f/3.5 Close Range Zoom, sn 37607840]]
 +
* 75-205mm f/3.5-4.5 MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm filter, 37326869 (eBay), 37337830 (eBay)
 +
* 75-260mm f/4.5 AUTO ZOOM, 67mm filter, 37401633 (eBay), 37530622 (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?) Most packaging: black top, orange bottom with narrow white strip in the middle. Packing for 55mm macro is black top, white strip, red bottom.
 +
* 28mm f/2, close focusing wide angle, 49mm filter, 28310542 (eBay)
 +
* 28mm f/2.8 Auto Wide Angle (no MC mark), 49mm filter, sn 28803039 (eBay), 28834244 (eBay)
 +
* 28mm f/2.8 MC WIDE ANGLE, 49mm filter, sn 28066513 (eBay)
 +
* 28mm f/2.8 MC Close Focus Wide Angle, 49mm filter, 28420258 (eBay), 28422726 (eBay), 28257950 (eBay)
 +
* [[Vivitar_28mm_f/2.8_MC_Wide_Angle|28m f/2.8 sn 28180447]], 28030526 (eBay), 28158061 (eBay), 28220635 (eBay)
 +
* 35mm f/1.9 sn 28413460 (eBay), 28416761 ([http://www.flickr.com/photos/16907552@N07/2102355437/ flickr]
 +
* 55mm f/2.8 Auto Macro, 62mm filter, sn 28504163 (eBay), 28601172 (eBay), 28620637 (eBay)
 +
* 90mm f/2.8 Macro, 62mm filter, sn 28704043 (eBay), 28803204 (eBay), 28805470 (eBay)
 +
* 135mm f/2.8, 55m filter size, sn 28008034 (eBay), 28527114 (eBay) 28716185 (eBay) 28749896 (eBay)
 +
* 135mm f/2.8 AUTO TELEPHOTO CLOSE FOCUSING, 62mm filter, sn 28801916 (eBay), 28808064 (eBay)
 +
* [[Vivitar_200mm_f/3.5|200mm f/3.5 sn 28180447]], 28514561 (eBay), 28608406 (eBay), 28619919 (eBay), 28623201 (eBay), 28725911 (eBay)
 +
* 400mm f/5.6, 77mm filter, sn 28100179 (eBay), 28400984 (eBay), 28603005 (eBay)
 +
* 28-50mm f/3.5-4.5 MC Zoom, 58mm filter, sn 28111315 (eBay), 28115834 (eBay), 28202975 (eBay)
 +
* 28-90mm f/2.8-3.5, 67mm filter, sn 28304871 (eBay)
 +
* 35-70mm f/2.8-3.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 28508512 (eBay)
 +
* 75-250mm f/3.8-4.5, 62mm filter, sn 28302514 (eBay)
 +
* 80-200mm f/4.5 Zoom, 58mm filter, sn  28018212 (eBay), 28026370 (eBay), 28236053 (eBay), 28242396 (eBay)
 +
* 80-200mm f/4.5 MC Zoom, chrome stripe at top of rubber diamond focus ring, sn 28259216 (eBay)
 +
* 100-200mm f/4 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM, 58mm filter, 28800702 (eBay), 28917103 (eBay)
 +
 
 +
===Kino Diamond Rubber Ring===
 +
Kino Precision fixed-mount with rubber focus rings
 +
* 24mm f/2 MC WIDE ANGLE, 55mm filter, stock #0215512 (M/MD), sn 22810222 (eBay), 22105155 (eBay), 22107637 (eBay)
 +
* 28mm f/2, 55mm filter, sn 22108885 (eBay), 22825802 (eBay)
 +
* 28mm f/2.5, 67mm filter, sn 22517519 (eBay), 22529802 (eBay), 22701310 (eBay), 22746135 (eBay), 22757568 (eBay), 22812693 (eBay)
 +
* 90mm f/2.8 MC 1:1 Macro Telephoto, 52mm filter, sn 22704102 (eBay)
 +
* 28-85mm f/2.8-3.8 MC AUTO VARIABLE FOCUSING, 67mm filter, sn 22124005 (eBay)
 +
* [[Vivitar_70-150mm_f/3.8_Close_Focusing_Auto_Zoom|70-150mm f/3.8 Close Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 22826080]], 22748301 (eBay), 22811922 (eBay), 22812252 (eBay), 22904531 (eBay), 22907727 (eBay), 22910678 (eBay), 22053158 (eBay - "Macro Focusing Zoom"), 22102454 (eBay - "Macro Focusing Zoom"), 22124341 (eBay - "Macro Focusing Zoom")
 +
* 75-205mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 22195431 (eBay)
 +
* 75-205mm f/3.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 22024545 (eBay), 22030805 (eBay), 22119548 (eBay), 22133834 (eBay), 22209830 (eBay), 22235433 (eBay), 22922092 (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)
 +
 
 +
===Kino Ridged Rubber Ring===
 +
* 28mm f/2.5 Auto Wide-Angle,  67mm, sn 22529491 (eBay) (unknown... 1985? repair job? prototype?)
 +
 
 +
===Tokina TX===
 +
Packaging: 35-105mm f/3.5 spotted on eBay in White box with black ends, Vivitar in black, lens desc in blue. 300mm f/5.6 in box that's green on bottom half, black on top half, with white strip across middle. Vivitar logo in white.
 +
 
 +
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), 77614359 (eBay)
 +
* 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom MC, 72mm filter, sn 77818789 (eBay), 77913757 (eBay)
 +
* 28-200mm f/3.5-5.3 Macro Focusing Zoom, 72mm filter, sn 77605999 (eBay), 77629276 (eBay), 77650038 (eBay), 77651197 (eBay), 77706805 (eBay)
 +
* 35-105mm f/3.2-4 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 77312217 (eBay), 77440562 (eBay), 77506327 (eBay)
 +
* 35-200mm f/3.0-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77510160 (eBay), 77525882 (eBay)
 +
* 70-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77315677 (eBay), 77347225 (eBay), 77352084 (eBay), 77444116 (eBay), 77451471 (eBay), 77517373 (eBay), 77612998 (eBay)
 +
* 70-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 77313502 (user manual)
 +
* ''Vivitar DL'' 75-205mm f/3.8-4.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77370658, 77400410 (eBay), 77402132 (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 Macro Focusing Zoom MC, 55mm filter, 77427872 (eBay), 77527418 (eBay)
 +
* 80-200mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, 77356444 (eBay)
 +
* 120-600mm f/5.6-8 MC Telephoto Zoom, 82mm filter, 77401062 (eBay)
 +
 
 +
===Cosina Diamond Rubber Ring (1970s M42 kit lenses)===
 +
* 50mm f/1.7, 49mm filter, 94400607 (eBay)
 +
* 50mm f/1.7 VMC, 49mm filter, 97401714 (eBay)
 +
* 50mm f/1.8, 49mm filter, 95501993 (mine), 96202866 (eBay), 96607093 (eBay)
 +
* 50mm f/1.9, 49mm filter, 94401419 (eBay), 97203750 (eBay)
 +
* 50mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 96203715 (eBay), 97204315 (eBay), 97500293 (eBay), 97802591 (eBay)
 +
* 55mm f/2.1, 49mm filter, 9741008 (eBay)
 +
* 55mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 97502031 (eBay)
 +
 
 +
===Cosina Diamond Rubber Ring (1980s PK kit lenses)===
 +
 
 +
* 50mm f/1.7, 52mm filter, ? (eBay), 6086864 (eBay)
 +
* 50mm f/2.0, 49mm filter, 90510580 (eBay)
 +
* 40mm f/2.5 VMC pancake, 49mm filter (focus ring too narrow for rubber covering)
 +
 
 +
===Cosina Diamond Rubber Ring===
 +
* 19mm f/3.8 MC WIDE ANGLE, 62mm filter, 90111353 (eBay), 91010198 - box says copyright 1990 (eBay) 98011799 (eBay)
 +
* 24mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, 96604171 (eBay)
 +
* 28mm f/2.8 MC WIDE ANGLE, 49mm filter, 94063166 (eBay), 98201689 (eBay), 99071907 (eBay), 99401019 (eBay)
 +
* 35mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 99400606 (eBay)
 +
* 100mm f/3.5, 49mm filter, 9623754 (Goodwill) (same as Macro?)
 +
* 100mm f/3.5 MC Macro, filter, 9810599 (eBay)
 +
* 135mm f/3.5 VMC, 49mm filter, sn 90109794 (eBay)
 +
* 200mm f/4, 55mm filter, 90301815 (eBay), 90401387 (eBay)
 +
* 28-50mm f/3.5-4.5 VMC AUTO ZOOM, 55mm filter, sn 99500539 (eBay)
 +
* 28-135mm f/3.5-4.5 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 67mm filter, sn 09416768 (eBay), 09506712 (eBay)
 +
* 28-210mm f/3.5-5.6 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 72mm filter, sn 09961418 (eBay)
 +
* 35-70mm f/3.5-4.8 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm filter, sn 94303960 (eBay)
 +
* 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 52mm filter, sn 09705016 (eBay), 90040430 (eBay), 90075390 (eBay), 91019926 (eBay)
 +
* 70-300mm f/4.2-5.8 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm filter, sn 97101781 (eBay), 98110146 (eBay)
 +
 
 +
===Samyang Diamong Rubber Ring===
 +
* 17-28mm f/4-4.5, 72mm filter, 61931340 (eBay)
 +
 
 +
===Cosina Smooth Rubber Ring===
 +
These have a smooth rubber focus ring with regular indentations. The serial number is not in the usual location on the front of the lens, instead it can be found on the rear side of the lens barrel, opposite the aperture markings.
 +
* 19mm f/3.8, 62mm filter, 94100087 (eBay), 98070871 (eBay)
 +
* 24mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, 91075659 (eBay)
 +
* 28mm f/2.8 MC WIDE ANGLE, 49mm filter, 91030121 (eBay), 91082122 (eBay)
 +
* 100mm f/3.5 MC Macro, 49mm filter, sn 9353633 (eBay)
 +
* 28-70mm f/3.5-4.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, sn 91031092 (eBay)
 +
* 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 58mm filter, sn 09220584 (eBay)
 +
* 35-70mm f/3.5-4.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn?
 +
* 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 930918xx (eBay), 09514276 (eBay)
 +
* 70-300mm f/4.2-5.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn? (not certain it's cosina) (eBay)
 +
* 100-300mm f/5.6-6.7 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 09470949 (eBay), 09824475 (eBay)
 +
 
 +
===Bauer Rubber Ring===
 +
* 28mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 42058919 (eBay), 42062936 (eBay), 42099854 (eBay), 42107590 (eBay)
 +
* 70-200mm f/3.8, 58mm filter, 42015059 (eBay)
 +
* 75-200mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 42092732 (eBay)
 +
 
 +
===Samyang Smooth Rubber Ring===
 +
* 28mm f/2.8 MC Wide Angle, 52mm filter, sn 61760788 (eBay), 61540629 (eBay) "Korea" stamp
 +
* 17-28mm f/4-4.5, 72mm filter, 612307xx (eBay)
 +
* 28-70 1:3.5-4.5 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm filter, sn 61550835 (eBay), 61753534 (eBay), 61710035 (eBay)
 +
* 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 58mm filter, sn 61203718 (eBay), 61221464 (eBay)
 +
 
 +
===IMAGE by Vivitar===
 +
IMAGE by Vivitar lenses have a rubber focus ring with a radially elongated, raised rectangular pattern. So far, they appear to be a mix of manufacturers.
 +
 
 +
* IMAGE by Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 MC, 49mm filter, sn 98022476 ([http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/56451-great-vivitar-28mm-bestiary-4.html#post626014 pentaxforum])
 +
* IMAGE by Vivitar 80-200mm f/4.5, 52mm filter, sn 25740179 (eBay), 25810089 (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:
 +
* Vivitar RL Edition 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus MC, 49mm filter, 28401469 (eBay) (RL stamp in white)
 +
* Vivitar RL Edition 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus MC, 49mm filter, 28409017 (eBay), 28407575 (eBay) (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 28-135mm Macro Focusing Zoom MC, f/3.3-4.5, 67mm filter, sn 09513616 (RL in white), 09415089 (RL in blue)
 +
* Vivitar RL Edition 35-200mm f/3.0-4.5 (some marked f/2.9-4.5) 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, 28307032 (eBay), 28401098
 +
* Vivitar SMS 135mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, sn 81800979
 +
* Vivitar SMS 35-105mm f/3.2-4.0 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 77303762 (eBay), 77305128 (eBay)
 +
* Vivitar SMS 35-200mm f/3.0-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77507119 (eBay)
 +
* Vivitar SMS 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77403474 (eBay), 77407556 (eBay)
 +
* 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
 +
 
 +
===Late Manual Lenses===
 +
* 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5, Series 1, black body (eBay)
 +
* 28-210mm f/4.2-6.5, 67mm filter, Series 1, silver body MC Aspherical IF, 09920434 (eBay)
 +
 
 +
===AF Lenses===
 +
Fixed mount lenses for modern autofocus camera. Black or silver body.
 +
 
 +
Black rubber focus ring with rectangular bumps
 +
* 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6, Series 1, black body (eBay)
 +
 
 +
Black rubber focus ring with partial radial ridges and large "AF" logo.
  
−
'''SMS Lenses''' 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 other 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 the 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.
+
* 28-300mm f/4-6.3, Series 1, silver body (eBay)
 +
* 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6, 55mm filter, sn 09442941 (eBay)
 +
* 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6, 62mm filter, sn 09141173, Series 1, silver body (eBay)
 +
* 100-300mm f/5.6-6.7, 55mm filter, sn 09445537 (eBay)
  
−
'''DL Lenses''' Not sure what these are but so far only one model has been identified<br/>
+
===Post Bankruptcy Lenses===
−
* Vivitar DL 75-205mm f/3.8-4.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom No.77415114 52mm, Pentax K mount
+
* 7mm f/3.5, fisheye, 10 elements, 7 groups, manual focus
−
* Vivitar DL 75-205mm f/3.8-4.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom No.77400410 52mm, unknown mount, possible Minolta
+
* 13mm f/2.8, 87mm filter, 14 elements, 12 groups, manual foucs
−
* Vivitar DL 75-205mm f/3.8-4.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom No.77403305 52mm, unknown mount, possible Canon FD
+
* 35mm f/1.4, 77mm filter, 12 elements, 10 groups, manual focus
−
* Vivitar DL 75-205mm f/3.8-4.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom No.774049?? 52mm, unknown mount
+
* 85mm f/1.4, 72mm filter, 9 elements, 7 groups, manual focus
 +
* 500mm f/6.3 mirror, 95mm filter, 7 elements, 6 groups, manual focus, t mount
 +
* 800mm f/8 mirror, 111mm filter, 8 elements, 8 groups, manual focus, t mount
 +
* 650-1300mm f/8 zoom, 95mm filter, 8 elements, 5 groups, manual foucs, t mount
  
 +
===Unknown===
 +
* 500mm f/8  mirror Macro Focusing Mirror Lens Multicoated, 30.5mm filter "Korea", t mount, smooth rubber (like Cosina series, possibly late 1990s) sn 6122390 (eBay), 6146405 (eBay)
 +
* Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 MC, 52mm filter, sn 886484, rubber focus ring with medium square diamonds, PK mount
 +
* Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 MC, 52mm filter, sn 815284, rubber focus ring with medium square diamonds, Canon FD mount
 +
* 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
 +
* 28-85mm f/4-5 MC MACRO, 62mm filter, sn not on front ring, green/white markings, rubber with rectangular grid (eBay)
 +
* 50mm f/1.7 MC, 52mm filter, rubber ring with  alternating raised and lowered squares, no sn on front, possible a variant of Cosina smooth rubber? Pentax K mount
 +
* 50mm f/1.7 MC, 52mm filter, sn 7095846, focus ring has rubber diamond pattern, rear ring with plastic or rubber short, longitudinal ridges, sn on barrel opposite aperture markings. Pentax K mount.
 +
* P&B Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle, sn 65411, focus ring has alternating flats and longitudinal ridges, canon FL/FD mount with silver breech lock ring, preset lens with two aperture rings located between mount and focus ring.
  
−
In the Vivitar book by John C. Wolf. Vivitar themselves divided their lenses into three primary groupings: Series 1, TX, and Fixed Mount.
+
=== 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 ==
 
== Misc Vivitar Notes ==
 +
 +
* Vivitar Micro 110 - co-branded Sterling Solar Salt, blue with black logo
 +
* Vivitar 240Z camera - there is a rare co-branded Starbucks version that was distributed exclusively at the 2003 Starbucks Leadership Conference.
 +
 +
* Vivitar V335 SLR is the same chassis as the Carena CX-300, both Cosina-made
 +
 +
Wayback archive
 +
* [http://web.archive.org/web/19980112121417/http://vivitar.com/ www.vivitar.com starting 1998]
 +
* [http://web.archive.org/web/19980613040813/http://www.vivitar.co.uk/ www.vivitar.co.uk starting 1998]
 +
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20020401230940/http://www.vivitarasia.com/ www.vivitarasia.com starting 2003]
  
 
Vivitar trademark filing
 
Vivitar trademark filing
Line 92: Line 312:
 
Vivitar held trademark on the TX mount system name (filed in 1975):
 
Vivitar held trademark on the TX mount system name (filed in 1975):
 
[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=73043904]
 
[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=73043904]
 +
 +
This periodically mentions Vivitar feasibility study of a 110 camera:
 +
Adweek: Western advertising news, Volume 39, Issues 40-51, Page 180
  
 
Popular Science:
 
Popular Science:
Line 104: Line 327:
 
*[http://books.google.com/books?id=mykDAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA87&dq=vivitar%20intitle%3Apopular%20intitle%3Ascience&pg=PA87#v=onepage&q=vivitar%20intitle:popular%20intitle:science&f=false Vivitar Profession 135mm f/1.5!]
 
*[http://books.google.com/books?id=mykDAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA87&dq=vivitar%20intitle%3Apopular%20intitle%3Ascience&pg=PA87#v=onepage&q=vivitar%20intitle:popular%20intitle:science&f=false 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 ==
 
== Other stuff ==
  
 
* [[Zenit E|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
 
* [[Zenit E|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
 +
 +
== References ==
 +
<references />

Latest revision as of 18:09, 21 May 2017

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,

  • WIDE-ANGLE Vivitar 1:2.8 f=28mm No. 28134 (two aperture rings at top, unlike more common version)
  • 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), 672833 (eBay)
    • 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# 68527 (M42 - mine), 69075 (MFLenses post), 69605 (t - eBay), 69465 (t - eBay)

Chrome Nose (Kino Precision)

(ca 1968-70?) example

Bright Band (Kino Precision)

Bright Band family (ca 1970?) example

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
  • 20mm f/3.8, 82mm filter, sn 22000839 (eBay), 22005662 (eBay)
  • 28mm f/2.5, 62mm filter, sn 22000169 (eBay), 22219918 (eBay), 22221627 (eBay), 22310741 (eBay), 22336103 (eBay), 22404682 (eBay), 22418297 (eBay), 22428250 (eBay), 22735647 (eBay)
  • 35mm f/2.8, sn 22901400 (eBay)
  • 135mm f/2.8,sn 22910160 (eBay)
  • 135mm f/3.5, sn:4096384 (eBay), 4106457 (eBay), 4109970 (eBay), 4111998 (eBay) (red m scale, white ft scale, f/stops, depth lines) serial numbers suggest another manufacturer but appearance matches other Kinos.
  • 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), 28412503 (eBay)
  • 135mm f/2.8, filter 55mm, stock# 21-5279 (Canon), sn 2804881 (eBay), 2816441 (eBay), 2824230 (eBay), 28111922 (eBay), 28122083 (eBay), 28229161 (eBay), 28313110 (eBay), 28323262 (eBay), 28326283 (eBay), 28410091 (eBay)
  • 200mm f/3.5, filter 62mm, sn 28217442 (eBay), 2823599 (eBay), 2825221 (eBay), 28103365 (eBay), 28302408 (eBay), stock# 21-6313 Nikon F mount (eBay)

Tokina Metal Ridged Ring

Tokina fixed-mount family with longitudinal metal ridged focus rings (ca 1971/2? see ads)

  • AUTO Vivitar WIDE-ANGLE 35mm f/2.8 (red m/white ft, no filter size printed), sn 3702002 (eBay), 3705735 (eBay), 3711632 (eBay), 3714999 (eBay), 3732690 (eBay)
  • Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 AUTO WIDE-ANGLE (green m/white ft), 52mm filter, sn 3745380 (eBay), 3746485 (eBay)
  • Vivitar 35mm AUTO WIDE-ANGLE f/2.8, 52mm filter, sn 37505226 here, 37400409 (eBay)
  • 100mm f/2.8 AUTO TELEPHOTO, 55mm filter, 702571 (eBay), 37300883 (eBay), 37301282 (eBay), 37306974 (eBay), 37307208 (eBay), possible early version?: 04080176 (eBay), possible early version? 702390 (eBay)
  • 135mm f/3.5, 52mm filter, sn 37303404 (shopgoodwill)
  • Vivitar 90-230mm f/4.5 M42 mount, sn 1699344 (eBay) same Tokina lens was sold as the Lentar 90-230mm in M42 and T mount versions.

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?)

  • 17mm f/3.5, 67mm filter, sn 37000876 (eBay), 37102475 (eBay)
  • 17mm f/3.5, 72mm filter, sn 37700421 (eBay), 37700574 (eBay)
  • 24mm f/2.8, 58mm filter, sn 37507745 (eBay), 37619299 (eBay)
  • 24mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, sn 37914971 (eBay)
  • 28mm f/2.8, 58mm filter, sn 37623285 (eBay), 37726216 (eBay)
  • 35mm f/2.8 AUTO WIDE-ANGLE, 52mm filter, sn 37616018 (eBay), 37723499 (eBay), 37730872 (eBay), 37836549 (eBay), [http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Vivitar_35mm_f

/2.8_Auto_Wide-Angle example]

  • 100mm f/2.8, 55mm filter, sn 37304306 (eBay)
  • 135mm f/2.8, 55mm filter, built-in hood, sn 37A606693 (eBay), 37A607955 (eBay), 37A602109 (eBay)
  • 300mm f/5.6, 58mm filter, built-in hood, sn 37716337 (eBay)
  • 35-105mm f/3.5 Close Range Zoom, sn 37607840
  • 75-205mm f/3.5-4.5 MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm filter, 37326869 (eBay), 37337830 (eBay)
  • 75-260mm f/4.5 AUTO ZOOM, 67mm filter, 37401633 (eBay), 37530622 (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?) Most packaging: black top, orange bottom with narrow white strip in the middle. Packing for 55mm macro is black top, white strip, red bottom.

  • 28mm f/2, close focusing wide angle, 49mm filter, 28310542 (eBay)
  • 28mm f/2.8 Auto Wide Angle (no MC mark), 49mm filter, sn 28803039 (eBay), 28834244 (eBay)
  • 28mm f/2.8 MC WIDE ANGLE, 49mm filter, sn 28066513 (eBay)
  • 28mm f/2.8 MC Close Focus Wide Angle, 49mm filter, 28420258 (eBay), 28422726 (eBay), 28257950 (eBay)
  • 28m f/2.8 sn 28180447, 28030526 (eBay), 28158061 (eBay), 28220635 (eBay)
  • 35mm f/1.9 sn 28413460 (eBay), 28416761 (flickr
  • 55mm f/2.8 Auto Macro, 62mm filter, sn 28504163 (eBay), 28601172 (eBay), 28620637 (eBay)
  • 90mm f/2.8 Macro, 62mm filter, sn 28704043 (eBay), 28803204 (eBay), 28805470 (eBay)
  • 135mm f/2.8, 55m filter size, sn 28008034 (eBay), 28527114 (eBay) 28716185 (eBay) 28749896 (eBay)
  • 135mm f/2.8 AUTO TELEPHOTO CLOSE FOCUSING, 62mm filter, sn 28801916 (eBay), 28808064 (eBay)
  • 200mm f/3.5 sn 28180447, 28514561 (eBay), 28608406 (eBay), 28619919 (eBay), 28623201 (eBay), 28725911 (eBay)
  • 400mm f/5.6, 77mm filter, sn 28100179 (eBay), 28400984 (eBay), 28603005 (eBay)
  • 28-50mm f/3.5-4.5 MC Zoom, 58mm filter, sn 28111315 (eBay), 28115834 (eBay), 28202975 (eBay)
  • 28-90mm f/2.8-3.5, 67mm filter, sn 28304871 (eBay)
  • 35-70mm f/2.8-3.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 28508512 (eBay)
  • 75-250mm f/3.8-4.5, 62mm filter, sn 28302514 (eBay)
  • 80-200mm f/4.5 Zoom, 58mm filter, sn 28018212 (eBay), 28026370 (eBay), 28236053 (eBay), 28242396 (eBay)
  • 80-200mm f/4.5 MC Zoom, chrome stripe at top of rubber diamond focus ring, sn 28259216 (eBay)
  • 100-200mm f/4 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM, 58mm filter, 28800702 (eBay), 28917103 (eBay)

Kino Diamond Rubber Ring

Kino Precision fixed-mount with rubber focus rings

  • 24mm f/2 MC WIDE ANGLE, 55mm filter, stock #0215512 (M/MD), sn 22810222 (eBay), 22105155 (eBay), 22107637 (eBay)
  • 28mm f/2, 55mm filter, sn 22108885 (eBay), 22825802 (eBay)
  • 28mm f/2.5, 67mm filter, sn 22517519 (eBay), 22529802 (eBay), 22701310 (eBay), 22746135 (eBay), 22757568 (eBay), 22812693 (eBay)
  • 90mm f/2.8 MC 1:1 Macro Telephoto, 52mm filter, sn 22704102 (eBay)
  • 28-85mm f/2.8-3.8 MC AUTO VARIABLE FOCUSING, 67mm filter, sn 22124005 (eBay)
  • 70-150mm f/3.8 Close Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 22826080, 22748301 (eBay), 22811922 (eBay), 22812252 (eBay), 22904531 (eBay), 22907727 (eBay), 22910678 (eBay), 22053158 (eBay - "Macro Focusing Zoom"), 22102454 (eBay - "Macro Focusing Zoom"), 22124341 (eBay - "Macro Focusing Zoom")
  • 75-205mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 22195431 (eBay)
  • 75-205mm f/3.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 22024545 (eBay), 22030805 (eBay), 22119548 (eBay), 22133834 (eBay), 22209830 (eBay), 22235433 (eBay), 22922092 (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)

Kino Ridged Rubber Ring

  • 28mm f/2.5 Auto Wide-Angle, 67mm, sn 22529491 (eBay) (unknown... 1985? repair job? prototype?)

Tokina TX

Packaging: 35-105mm f/3.5 spotted on eBay in White box with black ends, Vivitar in black, lens desc in blue. 300mm f/5.6 in box that's green on bottom half, black on top half, with white strip across middle. Vivitar logo in white.

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), 77614359 (eBay)
  • 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom MC, 72mm filter, sn 77818789 (eBay), 77913757 (eBay)
  • 28-200mm f/3.5-5.3 Macro Focusing Zoom, 72mm filter, sn 77605999 (eBay), 77629276 (eBay), 77650038 (eBay), 77651197 (eBay), 77706805 (eBay)
  • 35-105mm f/3.2-4 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 77312217 (eBay), 77440562 (eBay), 77506327 (eBay)
  • 35-200mm f/3.0-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77510160 (eBay), 77525882 (eBay)
  • 70-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77315677 (eBay), 77347225 (eBay), 77352084 (eBay), 77444116 (eBay), 77451471 (eBay), 77517373 (eBay), 77612998 (eBay)
  • 70-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 77313502 (user manual)
  • Vivitar DL 75-205mm f/3.8-4.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 77370658, 77400410 (eBay), 77402132 (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 Macro Focusing Zoom MC, 55mm filter, 77427872 (eBay), 77527418 (eBay)
  • 80-200mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, 77356444 (eBay)
  • 120-600mm f/5.6-8 MC Telephoto Zoom, 82mm filter, 77401062 (eBay)

Cosina Diamond Rubber Ring (1970s M42 kit lenses)

  • 50mm f/1.7, 49mm filter, 94400607 (eBay)
  • 50mm f/1.7 VMC, 49mm filter, 97401714 (eBay)
  • 50mm f/1.8, 49mm filter, 95501993 (mine), 96202866 (eBay), 96607093 (eBay)
  • 50mm f/1.9, 49mm filter, 94401419 (eBay), 97203750 (eBay)
  • 50mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 96203715 (eBay), 97204315 (eBay), 97500293 (eBay), 97802591 (eBay)
  • 55mm f/2.1, 49mm filter, 9741008 (eBay)
  • 55mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 97502031 (eBay)

Cosina Diamond Rubber Ring (1980s PK kit lenses)

  • 50mm f/1.7, 52mm filter, ? (eBay), 6086864 (eBay)
  • 50mm f/2.0, 49mm filter, 90510580 (eBay)
  • 40mm f/2.5 VMC pancake, 49mm filter (focus ring too narrow for rubber covering)

Cosina Diamond Rubber Ring

  • 19mm f/3.8 MC WIDE ANGLE, 62mm filter, 90111353 (eBay), 91010198 - box says copyright 1990 (eBay) 98011799 (eBay)
  • 24mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, 96604171 (eBay)
  • 28mm f/2.8 MC WIDE ANGLE, 49mm filter, 94063166 (eBay), 98201689 (eBay), 99071907 (eBay), 99401019 (eBay)
  • 35mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 99400606 (eBay)
  • 100mm f/3.5, 49mm filter, 9623754 (Goodwill) (same as Macro?)
  • 100mm f/3.5 MC Macro, filter, 9810599 (eBay)
  • 135mm f/3.5 VMC, 49mm filter, sn 90109794 (eBay)
  • 200mm f/4, 55mm filter, 90301815 (eBay), 90401387 (eBay)
  • 28-50mm f/3.5-4.5 VMC AUTO ZOOM, 55mm filter, sn 99500539 (eBay)
  • 28-135mm f/3.5-4.5 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 67mm filter, sn 09416768 (eBay), 09506712 (eBay)
  • 28-210mm f/3.5-5.6 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 72mm filter, sn 09961418 (eBay)
  • 35-70mm f/3.5-4.8 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm filter, sn 94303960 (eBay)
  • 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 52mm filter, sn 09705016 (eBay), 90040430 (eBay), 90075390 (eBay), 91019926 (eBay)
  • 70-300mm f/4.2-5.8 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm filter, sn 97101781 (eBay), 98110146 (eBay)

Samyang Diamong Rubber Ring

  • 17-28mm f/4-4.5, 72mm filter, 61931340 (eBay)

Cosina Smooth Rubber Ring

These have a smooth rubber focus ring with regular indentations. The serial number is not in the usual location on the front of the lens, instead it can be found on the rear side of the lens barrel, opposite the aperture markings.

  • 19mm f/3.8, 62mm filter, 94100087 (eBay), 98070871 (eBay)
  • 24mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, 91075659 (eBay)
  • 28mm f/2.8 MC WIDE ANGLE, 49mm filter, 91030121 (eBay), 91082122 (eBay)
  • 100mm f/3.5 MC Macro, 49mm filter, sn 9353633 (eBay)
  • 28-70mm f/3.5-4.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, sn 91031092 (eBay)
  • 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 58mm filter, sn 09220584 (eBay)
  • 35-70mm f/3.5-4.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn?
  • 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 930918xx (eBay), 09514276 (eBay)
  • 70-300mm f/4.2-5.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn? (not certain it's cosina) (eBay)
  • 100-300mm f/5.6-6.7 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter, sn 09470949 (eBay), 09824475 (eBay)

Bauer Rubber Ring

  • 28mm f/2.8, 49mm filter, 42058919 (eBay), 42062936 (eBay), 42099854 (eBay), 42107590 (eBay)
  • 70-200mm f/3.8, 58mm filter, 42015059 (eBay)
  • 75-200mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 42092732 (eBay)

Samyang Smooth Rubber Ring

  • 28mm f/2.8 MC Wide Angle, 52mm filter, sn 61760788 (eBay), 61540629 (eBay) "Korea" stamp
  • 17-28mm f/4-4.5, 72mm filter, 612307xx (eBay)
  • 28-70 1:3.5-4.5 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm filter, sn 61550835 (eBay), 61753534 (eBay), 61710035 (eBay)
  • 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 58mm filter, sn 61203718 (eBay), 61221464 (eBay)

IMAGE by Vivitar

IMAGE by Vivitar lenses have a rubber focus ring with a radially elongated, raised rectangular pattern. So far, they appear to be a mix of manufacturers.

  • IMAGE by Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 MC, 49mm filter, sn 98022476 (pentaxforum)
  • IMAGE by Vivitar 80-200mm f/4.5, 52mm filter, sn 25740179 (eBay), 25810089 (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, 28401469 (eBay) (RL stamp in white)
  • Vivitar RL Edition 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus MC, 49mm filter, 28409017 (eBay), 28407575 (eBay) (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 28-135mm Macro Focusing Zoom MC, f/3.3-4.5, 67mm filter, sn 09513616 (RL in white), 09415089 (RL in blue)
  • Vivitar RL Edition 35-200mm f/3.0-4.5 (some marked f/2.9-4.5) 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, 28307032 (eBay), 28401098
  • Vivitar SMS 135mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, sn 81800979
  • Vivitar SMS 35-105mm f/3.2-4.0 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter, sn 77303762 (eBay), 77305128 (eBay)
  • Vivitar SMS 35-200mm f/3.0-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77507119 (eBay)
  • Vivitar SMS 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter, sn 77403474 (eBay), 77407556 (eBay)
  • 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

Late Manual Lenses

  • 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5, Series 1, black body (eBay)
  • 28-210mm f/4.2-6.5, 67mm filter, Series 1, silver body MC Aspherical IF, 09920434 (eBay)

AF Lenses

Fixed mount lenses for modern autofocus camera. Black or silver body.

Black rubber focus ring with rectangular bumps

  • 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6, Series 1, black body (eBay)

Black rubber focus ring with partial radial ridges and large "AF" logo.

  • 28-300mm f/4-6.3, Series 1, silver body (eBay)
  • 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6, 55mm filter, sn 09442941 (eBay)
  • 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6, 62mm filter, sn 09141173, Series 1, silver body (eBay)
  • 100-300mm f/5.6-6.7, 55mm filter, sn 09445537 (eBay)

Post Bankruptcy Lenses

  • 7mm f/3.5, fisheye, 10 elements, 7 groups, manual focus
  • 13mm f/2.8, 87mm filter, 14 elements, 12 groups, manual foucs
  • 35mm f/1.4, 77mm filter, 12 elements, 10 groups, manual focus
  • 85mm f/1.4, 72mm filter, 9 elements, 7 groups, manual focus
  • 500mm f/6.3 mirror, 95mm filter, 7 elements, 6 groups, manual focus, t mount
  • 800mm f/8 mirror, 111mm filter, 8 elements, 8 groups, manual focus, t mount
  • 650-1300mm f/8 zoom, 95mm filter, 8 elements, 5 groups, manual foucs, t mount

Unknown

  • 500mm f/8 mirror Macro Focusing Mirror Lens Multicoated, 30.5mm filter "Korea", t mount, smooth rubber (like Cosina series, possibly late 1990s) sn 6122390 (eBay), 6146405 (eBay)
  • Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 MC, 52mm filter, sn 886484, rubber focus ring with medium square diamonds, PK mount
  • Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 MC, 52mm filter, sn 815284, rubber focus ring with medium square diamonds, Canon FD mount
  • 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
  • 28-85mm f/4-5 MC MACRO, 62mm filter, sn not on front ring, green/white markings, rubber with rectangular grid (eBay)
  • 50mm f/1.7 MC, 52mm filter, rubber ring with alternating raised and lowered squares, no sn on front, possible a variant of Cosina smooth rubber? Pentax K mount
  • 50mm f/1.7 MC, 52mm filter, sn 7095846, focus ring has rubber diamond pattern, rear ring with plastic or rubber short, longitudinal ridges, sn on barrel opposite aperture markings. Pentax K mount.
  • P&B Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle, sn 65411, focus ring has alternating flats and longitudinal ridges, canon FL/FD mount with silver breech lock ring, preset lens with two aperture rings located between mount and focus ring.

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 Micro 110 - co-branded Sterling Solar Salt, blue with black logo
  • Vivitar 240Z camera - there is a rare co-branded Starbucks version that was distributed exclusively at the 2003 Starbucks Leadership Conference.
  • Vivitar V335 SLR is the same chassis as the Carena CX-300, both Cosina-made

Wayback archive

Vivitar trademark filing

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:

Patents

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

References

  1. ↑ photo.net forum: What is Vivitar RL Edition lens
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