Difference between revisions of "Talk:Vivitar"

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Vivitar ViviCam 3765 digital camera
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== Vivitar Lens Families ==
  
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Review of Vivicam 3765 by R.H.
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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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My perspective: I'm a semi-professional photographer (my pix accompany my other work in media -- both in print and online). Have used film cameras heavily for decades, and several consumer-grade digital cameras. Have formal training in photography and digital image processing.
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===Compatible T System===
  
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I bought a Vivitar Vivicam 3765 digital camera 2 years ago, and really like it. Though it has some major shortcomings, it's an excellent starter digital camera for people who have a fair-to-excellent aptitude for gadgets, and it's a good all-purpose personal digital camera, or semi-pro backup unit -- but limited in some key ways. It's a 2004 model, apparently, so it's dated, but still great.
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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],
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* WIDE-ANGLE Vivitar 1:2.8 f=28mm No. 28134 (two aperture rings at top, unlike more common version)
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* P&B Vivitar 35mm  Wide Angle, SN:65416, two rear aperture rings, alternating flats on focus ring
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* [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)
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* Vivitar Professional [http://www379.pair.com/rdrumm/EBAYPICS/vivitsrpro135mm-197001-05.jpg example]
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* 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).
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* 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.
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** 35mm f/2.8 sn 67570 w/flats (eBay), 70616 (eBay), 74719 (eBay), 74783 (mine)
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** 35mm f/3.5 w/flats (sn 131914)
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** 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)
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** [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)
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** 135mm f/2.8 Tele Vivitar w/flats (only goes to f/16) otherwise identical later tokina sn 66003 (eBay)
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** 135mm f/2.8 Tele Vivitar 15 blade sn:199355 (mine), 202092 (eBay), 205961 (eBay)
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** 135mm f/2.8 Tele Vivitar 15 blade sn 70942 (ebay), sn:73087 (mine)
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** 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
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** [http://www.flickr.com/photos/22557486@N02/2723657373/ 180mm f/3.5] (Telephoto) sn: 198043 (ebay), 199544 (ebay)
 +
** 200mm f/3.5 Tele Vivitar
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** [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)
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** 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]
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** 400mm f/5.6 (Tele Vivitar) sn: 6665609 (shopgoodwill.com), 68223 (ebay), 71113 (ebay), 74546 (ebay), 76822 (ebay)
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** 500mm f/6.3 Tele Vivitar
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** Vivitar 600m f/8 sn: 379000329, 37900986 (tele-tokina look-alike)
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** Vivitar Telephoto 800mm f/8 sn: 10845 (ebay), 379000070
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** Vivitar Telephoto 800mm f/8 (alternate design)
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* 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]
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** Vivitar Wide-Angle 28mm f/2.5 2295007, 22250716 (ebay), 22051851 (ebay)
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** Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 sn# 59023 (ebay), 63903 (ebay, 65545 (ebay)
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** Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 (chrome nose + knurled silver mid band - looks like a chrome nose)
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** Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 (silver band + extending black hood - looks like a bright band) sn 22830049 (ebay)
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* 2 window preset family (ca 1975?) [http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20118/big_1100__IGP5198_1.jpg example]
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** 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)
  
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Essentially, for about $70 (on e-Bay and other places, today) you get: 3 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, 1.4" display screen, JPEG files saved to 16mb internal memory, accepts SD memory chips, USB, 5-mode flash, movie mode, digital video camera (for hookup to a VCR), PC/web-cam mode, automatic and manual functions, and lots of other goodies -- and beautiful pictures.
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===Chrome Nose (Kino Precision)===
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(ca 1968-70?) [http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20118/big_1100__IGP4371_1.jpg example]
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* Complete and referenced, see main page
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* [http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=45210 Alternate version of 35mm chrome nose, different colored marking. sn 100095 (likely  prototype)]
  
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Have used mine heavily for about 2 years now, and still can't get over the joy it gives me.  Some of my pix have even been published in minor (newsprint) magazines. Used various "starter" digital cameras over the years, and hated them all, until this little joy. For the money, this is a LOT of camera. By far, the best buy in a cheap digital camera that I've ever seen (and I've tried several, including the major names).
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===Bright Band (Kino Precision)===
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Bright Band family (ca 1970?) [http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20118/big_1100__IGP3758_1.jpg example]
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* Complete and referenced, see main page
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* 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/).
  
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PRICE:
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===Kino Precision Metal Ridged Ring (aka Dark Band)===
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Dark Band (Kino Precision Ridged Ring)? Same as chrome nose/bright band, but with no silver at all
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* moved to main page
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* 20mm f/3.8, 82mm filter, sn 22000839 (eBay), 22005662 (eBay)
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* 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)
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* 35mm f/2.8, sn 22901400 (eBay)
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* 135mm f/2.8,sn 22910160 (eBay)
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* 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.
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* 200mm f/3.5, sn 22902895 (eBay)
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* 85-205mm f/3.8 (yes, that one), sn 22101975 (eBay) (bumpy plastic bottom ring, rubber diamond middle ring, ridged metal top ring)
  
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When I bought my Vivicam 3765 two years ago, it was about $140 brand new, at WalMart -- with apparently about twice the quality, value and features of anything else at THAT price, at that time. As of this writing (Nov. 2006), it's on e-Bay and elsewhere for about $70. Despite the antiquity of its spec's, it still sounds like a bargain.
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===Komine Metal Ridged Ring===
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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.
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* 28mm f/2.8 sn 28016403 (eBay)
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* 35mm f/1.9 sn 28303453 (eBay) 28305968 ([http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/6638162139/ vox]), 28400974 (eBay), 28412503 (eBay)
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* 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)
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* 200mm f/3.5, filter 62mm, sn 28217442 (eBay), 2823599 (eBay), 2825221 (eBay), 28103365 (eBay), 28302408 (eBay), stock# 21-6313 Nikon F mount (eBay)
  
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But it has certain very important limitations, as described below.
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===Tokina Metal Ridged Ring===
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Tokina fixed-mount family with longitudinal metal ridged focus rings (ca 1971/2? see ads)
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* 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)
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* Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 AUTO WIDE-ANGLE (green m/white ft), 52mm filter, sn 3745380 (eBay), 3746485 (eBay)
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* 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)
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* 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)
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* 135mm f/3.5, 52mm filter, sn 37303404 (shopgoodwill)
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* 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.
  
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===Tokina Dual Silver Ring===
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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.
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* 35mm f/2.8 Auto Wide-Angle sn:3705204 (ebay)
  
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BASIC SPECS:
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===Tokina T-4===
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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
  
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_Functions:
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===Tokina Rubber Ring===
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- Digital still-photo camera
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Tokina fixed-mount family with rubber focus rings (possibly the same family as above with ring change?)
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- Digital video/audio camera-recorder (camcorder)(320x240 .AVI files), with built-in microphone; records about 1-2 minutes of video/audio on a 32mb SD memory chip).
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* 17mm f/3.5, 67mm filter, sn 37000876 (eBay), 37102475 (eBay)
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- Digital video/audio camera (320x240 NTSC image), with built-in microphone, and cable for VCR hookup.
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* 17mm f/3.5, 72mm filter, sn 37700421 (eBay), 37700574 (eBay)
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- PC/web cam (when hooked to computer through the USB port), but dim.
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* 24mm f/2.8, 58mm filter, sn 37507745 (eBay), 37619299 (eBay)
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* 24mm f/2.8, 52mm filter, sn 37914971 (eBay)
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* 28mm f/2.8, 58mm filter, sn 37623285 (eBay), 37726216 (eBay)
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* 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
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/2.8_Auto_Wide-Angle example]
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* 100mm f/2.8, 55mm filter, sn 37304306 (eBay)
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* 135mm f/2.8, 55mm filter, built-in hood, sn 37A606693 (eBay), 37A607955 (eBay), 37A602109 (eBay)
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* 300mm f/5.6, 58mm filter, built-in hood, sn 37716337 (eBay)
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* [[Vivitar_35-105mm_f/3.5_Close_Range_zoom|35-105mm f/3.5 Close Range Zoom, sn 37607840]]
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* 75-205mm f/3.5-4.5 MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM, 55mm filter, 37326869 (eBay), 37337830 (eBay)
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* 75-260mm f/4.5 AUTO ZOOM, 67mm filter, 37401633 (eBay), 37530622 (eBay)
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* 100-300mm f/5 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM, 62mm filter, 37717845 (eBay)
  
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_Interfaces:
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===Komine Rubber Ring===
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  - USB
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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.
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- NTSC composite output, with audio, for hookup to TVs and VCRs.
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* 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)
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* 28mm f/2.8 MC WIDE ANGLE, 49mm filter, sn 28066513 (eBay)
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* 28mm f/2.8 MC Close Focus Wide Angle, 49mm filter, 28420258 (eBay), 28422726 (eBay), 28257950 (eBay)
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* [[Vivitar_28mm_f/2.8_MC_Wide_Angle|28m f/2.8 sn 28180447]], 28030526 (eBay), 28158061 (eBay), 28220635 (eBay)
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* 35mm f/1.9 sn 28413460 (eBay), 28416761 ([http://www.flickr.com/photos/16907552@N07/2102355437/ flickr]
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* 55mm f/2.8 Auto Macro, 62mm filter, sn 28504163 (eBay), 28601172 (eBay), 28620637 (eBay)
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* 90mm f/2.8 Macro, 62mm filter, sn 28704043 (eBay), 28803204 (eBay), 28805470 (eBay)
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* 135mm f/2.8, 55m filter size, sn 28008034 (eBay), 28527114 (eBay) 28716185 (eBay) 28749896 (eBay)
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* 135mm f/2.8 AUTO TELEPHOTO CLOSE FOCUSING, 62mm filter, sn 28801916 (eBay), 28808064 (eBay)
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* [[Vivitar_200mm_f/3.5|200mm f/3.5 sn 28180447]], 28514561 (eBay), 28608406 (eBay), 28619919 (eBay), 28623201 (eBay), 28725911 (eBay)
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* 400mm f/5.6, 77mm filter, sn 28100179 (eBay), 28400984 (eBay), 28603005 (eBay)
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* 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)
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* 75-250mm f/3.8-4.5, 62mm filter, sn 28302514 (eBay)
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* 80-200mm f/4.5 Zoom, 58mm filter, sn 28018212 (eBay), 28026370 (eBay), 28236053 (eBay), 28242396 (eBay)
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* 80-200mm f/4.5 MC Zoom, chrome stripe at top of rubber diamond focus ring, sn 28259216 (eBay)
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* 100-200mm f/4 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM, 58mm filter, 28800702 (eBay), 28917103 (eBay)
  
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_Image:  
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===Kino Diamond Rubber Ring===
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- 3MP (3.0 mega-pixel)
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Kino Precision fixed-mount with rubber focus rings
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- 3x optical zoom (and 4x digital zoom)
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* 24mm f/2 MC WIDE ANGLE, 55mm filter, stock #0215512 (M/MD), sn 22810222 (eBay), 22105155 (eBay), 22107637 (eBay)
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- focus, light-level and white-balance (color) controls.
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* 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)
  
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_Storage/Retrival:
+
===Kino Ridged Rubber Ring===
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- 16 MB internal memory (holds about 8-12 pix, at 2048x1476 pixel (3.0 MP), high-quality settings.
+
* 28mm f/2.5 Auto Wide-Angle, 67mm, sn 22529491 (eBay) (unknown... 1985? repair job? prototype?)
−
- Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot (I've used up to 64MB SD chips, and think it'll accept much larger).
 
−
- all images saved as JPEGs (about 1-2 MB each for a maximum-resolution picture).
 
  
−
_Lens/Imaging:  
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===Tokina TX===
−
- 3X Optical zoom
+
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.
−
- F/no: F2.9 to F6.9
 
−
- Focal Length: f=6.2m to 18.6m
 
−
- Zooming: 6 step zooming
 
−
- Range of Focus 8” to Infinity (20cm to Infinity)
 
−
- Shutter Speed 1 to 1/750 sec.
 
−
- Exposure Automatic with +/- 2EV in 3 steps
 
−
- 2048 x 1472 Resolution
 
−
Surprisingly capable in low-light, espeically for stationary subjects, if you hold it steady enough.
 
  
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_Power: 2AA batteries (rather quickly), or 3-volt input jack.
+
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
  
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_Flash, 5 modes: automatic, forced-on, forced-off, red-eye reduction, and automatic delay.
+
TX Lens 2nd Gen Family (ca 1980) (see wolf book)
 +
* Complete and referenced, see main page
  
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_Accessories and other features: Tripod mounting-screw hole and (too tiny) wrist strap. Disk with (so-so, sometimes annoying) image-handling software. Manual (rather vague), cables for USB and video/audio outputs, cheap pouch (replace it with a decent camera pouch, with pockets: you'll need it).
+
===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)
  
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IMAGE QUALITY:
+
===Cosina Diamond Rubber Ring (1970s M42 kit lenses)===
−
Optics are sharp, permitting clear, crisp photos -- compared to many other "intro-level" digi-cams with cheap optics that give smudgy, blurry pix, with runny colors. The ViviCam 3765's crystal-clear sharp pix are compromised somewhat by only being available as JPEGs (not RAW format), which inevitably compress the data some, resulting in a bit of graininess.  
+
* 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)
  
−
In bright light, with a steady subject, the depth of field (the range that things are in-focus) is stunning. Everything from a few INCHES away to a few MILES away can be in focus, simultaneously.
+
===Cosina Diamond Rubber Ring (1980s PK kit lenses)===
  
−
Works amazingly well in low light, without flash. Sees better than I do! The tradeoff is slowness and (especially in twilight/nighttime/dark places) it can have focus and color balance problems (see below).
+
* 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)
  
−
The "Preset" mode allows certain focus-and-light settings. One of these is a "macro" focus, which seems to work on things only inches away.
+
===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)
  
−
Have also regularly used the camera as a scanner, to photograph pages of documents for storage and retrieval as images in my computer. The resolution is good enough for 10-point Times or Arial to be readable, if you get in close enough so there's no space around the edges of an 8-inch x 11-inch sheet of paper. Flash may help, but it eats batteries (of course, you wanna use good rechargables ALWAYS)..
+
===Samyang Diamong Rubber Ring===
 +
* 17-28mm f/4-4.5, 72mm filter, 61931340 (eBay)
  
−
An "ISO" setting lets you select for ISO 100 or ISO 200 light-sensitivity -- sorta like using either ISO 100 film (for bright daylight) or ISO 200 film (for average light) in a film camera. The ISO 200 setting yields brighter (and higher-contrast) images.
+
===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)
  
−
LIMITS:
+
===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)
  
−
IT IS SLOW. Forget capturing fast-moving events and sudden surprise moments, especially indoors. For those, I keep a disposable flash camera handy. The Vivicam flash can take up to a full minute to charge up. On the other hand, it gives a kinda artsy blur to fast-motion images. Experiment.
+
===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)
  
−
Also, LOW-LIGHT conditions can result in problems: blurred focus and/or sloppy color balancing.  Sunsets don't always look the same as in real life. Semi-automatic focus, aperture and white-balance controls (described below) often help.
+
===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)
  
−
FEATURES:
+
===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)
  
−
- STILL CAMERA, with FLASH: 3x optical zoom, 3 megapixels (internal memory has room for 5-8 pix at max resolution; generic SD memory cards can add as much memory as you want.).
+
===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
  
−
- VIDEO CAMERA (up to at least 2 minutes of sharp video and pretty good sound with a 32mb memory card)
+
===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)
  
−
- WEB CAM (which I don't know much about, except that it's easy to use the thing as a security camera -- if you have a long USB cord). In low light, images are disappointingly dim and refresh rate is very slow.
+
===AF Lenses===
 +
Fixed mount lenses for modern autofocus camera. Black or silver body.  
  
−
- 3x OPTICAL ZOOM, motorized and fairly fast, gives you a lot more flexibility in shots than most other cameras in its price range. Coupled with great optics, and respectable resolution, I've gotten some of my pix published.
+
Black rubber focus ring with rectangular bumps
 +
* 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6, Series 1, black body (eBay)
  
−
- Variable resolution, from 3 megapixels (2048 x 1472 pixels) on down to about one-third that.
+
Black rubber focus ring with partial radial ridges and large "AF" logo.
  
−
- Small-but-sharp VIEWSCREEN with zoom-in (lets you really examine your pix in detail), and audio on videos.
+
* 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)
  
−
- AUTOMATIC & SEMI-AUTOMATIC FEATURES: FOCUS, LIGHT-LEVEL, WHITE-BALANCE (See this topic, in detail, below this list); preset modes include (as near as I can tell):
+
===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
  
−
  -- Macro mode (for CLOSE, close-ups)
+
===Unknown===
−
-- Portrait mode (focus on center of image)
+
* 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)
−
-- Scenery/Landscape mode (focus on distant image)
+
* Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 MC, 52mm filter, sn 886484, rubber focus ring with medium square diamonds, PK mount
−
-- Sports mode (fast shutter speed, if light is good)
+
* Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 MC, 52mm filter, sn 815284, rubber focus ring with medium square diamonds, Canon FD mount
−
-- Nighttime mode (exaggerated contrast, slow shutter speed, for maximum  light)
+
* 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
−
  -- Manual control of aperture/shutter-speed
+
* 28-85mm f/4-5 MC MACRO, 62mm filter, sn not on front ring, green/white markings, rubber with rectangular grid (eBay)
−
-- Timer mode:  allows you 10 seconds to get in front of the campera, before the camera automatically takes the picture.
+
* 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.
  
−
I  lost the manual before I learned all these features (will try to provide  info later). But using the up-and-down arrows on the right side, when shooting, allows you to manually adjust the picture light levels (whether by varying aperture or shutter speed, I'm not sure, but think its shutter speed).
+
=== 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".
  
−
- VIEW SCREEN SHUTOFF selectable when in camera mode, to save battery (helps a lot).
+
== Misc Vivitar Notes ==
  
−
- A/V output cable allows connecting to the TV to preview your pix (way cool, but the zoom-in feature only works on the camera view screen; for some #@%$! reason, if using the viewscreen zoom-in feature, the TV image doesn't get more detailed, only enlarges the existing dots). Still, I can slap together a video presentation in minutes with my Vivicam, and take only the camera and cable, and am ready to hook up to any properly equipped TV (or any TV-and-VCR combination) anywhere for a show.
+
* 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.
  
−
- BUILT-IN LENS COVER, automatically opens/closes with power on/off. (This is a FIRST-CLASS disaster-prevention feature.  But can backfire if you're not paying attention, and it doesn't open completely (which happens rarely). Result is pix that look like they were taken through a crack in a fence. Gently nudging it open with your fingers will cause it to open completely.)
+
* Vivitar V335 SLR is the same chassis as the Carena CX-300, both Cosina-made
  
−
- CASE FEATURES: Tripod mounting-screw hole, etc., Wrist-strap is too small to be a lot of help, but better than nothing. Silver body reflects sunlight and heat, and helps protect camera from getting cooked.
+
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]
  
−
AUTOMATIC and SEMI-AUTOMATIC FEATURES:  
+
Vivitar trademark filing
−
FOCUS, LIGHT-LEVEL, WHITE-BALANCE
+
* Serial number: 72228273
 +
* Registration number: 0808478
 +
* [http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=72228273 Primary Vivitar Trademark]
 +
* [http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=74291142 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
  
−
Normally, the camera sets focus, light-level (aperture/shutter-speed) and white-balance (color balance) automatically. However there are ways to control them, as noted above, and in the next few paragraphs.
+
Vivitar held trademark on the TX mount system name (filed in 1975):
 +
[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=73043904]
  
−
There is an automatic white-balance: You point at a point in space that is white, at approximately the same brightness level as your subject, and at the desired focus distance, then press the shutter button part-way down, until the center rectangle in the preview screen switches from white to green. Now the camera has set your white-balance, aperture (light setting) and focus. While continuing to hold the button part-way down, point at the subject, then push the button the rest of the way down, and the picture is taken, using those settings.
+
This periodically mentions Vivitar feasibility study of a 110 camera:
 +
Adweek: Western advertising news, Volume 39, Issues 40-51, Page 180
  
−
The automatic white balance feature is complemented by a "WB" button that lets you select some specific white-balance settings, which definitely helps. Press the WB button until the incandescent light bulb icon appears on the screen, and you'll get better warm-tones OUTDOORS (this seems a bit counter-intuitive). I find this especially helpful for sunsets, autumn pix, and (in low light or outdoors) people.  
+
Popular Science:
 +
* [http://books.google.com/books?id=PgEAAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA16&dq=vivitar%20intitle%3Apopular%20intitle%3Ascience&pg=PA16#v=onepage&q=vivitar%20intitle:popular%20intitle:science&f=false Review of Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 close focusing zoom]
 +
* [http://books.google.com/books?id=tDc0dhQPmQsC&lpg=PA102&dq=vivitar%20intitle%3Apopular%20intitle%3Ascience&pg=PA102#v=onepage&q=vivitar%20intitle:popular%20intitle:science&f=false Brief reviews of Several Series 1 lenses]
 +
*[http://books.google.com/books?id=1X1hL2LFT0AC&lpg=PA80&dq=vivitar%20intitle%3Apopular%20intitle%3Ascience&pg=PA80#v=onepage&q=vivitar%20intitle:popular%20intitle:science&f=false Story of Series 1 development with release dates for a couple of lenses]
 +
*[http://books.google.com/books?id=WuJsvsxlHv4C&lpg=PA60-IA2&ots=DqLseetZTn&dq=honeywell%20tcl%20detector&pg=PA60-IA2#v=onepage&q=honeywell%20tcl%20detector&f=false Review of Series 1 200mm auto focus]
 +
*[http://books.google.com/books?id=zBIvBTsHbtUC&lpg=PA26&dq=vivitar%20intitle%3Apopular%20intitle%3Ascience&pg=PA26#v=onepage&q=vivitar%20intitle:popular%20intitle:science&f=false review of Series 1 450mm cat with plastic element]
 +
*[http://books.google.com/books?id=YAEAAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA108&dq=vivitar%20intitle%3Apopular%20intitle%3Ascience&pg=PA108#v=onepage&q=vivitar%20intitle:popular%20intitle:science&f=false mention of series 1 600mm cat and series 1 35-85mm]
 +
*[http://books.google.com/books?id=fkktZ45KH3UC&lpg=PA71&dq=vivitar%20intitle%3Apopular%20intitle%3Ascience&pg=PA71#v=onepage&q=vivitar%20intitle:popular%20intitle:science&f=false 1973 70-210mm f/3.5 zoom]
 +
*[http://books.google.com/books?id=rgAAAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA32&dq=vivitar%20intitle%3Apopular%20intitle%3Ascience&pg=PA32#v=onepage&q=vivitar%20intitle:popular%20intitle:science&f=false 120-600mm f/5.6 zoom]
 +
*[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!]
  
−
Light level (Shutter-speed and/or aperture) are adjusted by the
+
'''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 ==
  
−
MIXED VIRTUES:
+
* [[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
  
−
- Auto-shutoff -- If you do nothing for about 2-3 min, camera turns itself off. (Can be maddening when you need it ready, but also saves battery life very helpfully, especially if you forget).
+
== References ==
−
 
+
<references />
−
- Battery -- It gets by on just two AA cells, but that also sharply limits battery life.  I use Duracell NiMH/Lithium rechargeables (the green-and-white Duracells) exclusively, with a fast charger.  They work great. Also keep a couple of pairs of charged batteries with the camera always. You'll need them.  The symptoms of battery failure are stubborness, blurred focus, increasing slowness, or the thing just shutting off (especially when it senses the need for flash).
 
−
 
 
−
- Light weight: Your hands don't get weary, but your pix can get blurry from the ease with which the flyweight camera is shaken.  I bolt a heavy metal bracket on to it with a quarter-inch (I think) bolt, screwed into the camera's tripod-screw hole.  It doubles the camera's weight, and really seems to help steady the camera. Or I lean against a steady surface. Especially important in low light, when shutter speed can be amazingly slow. Like 1/5 sec.?
 
−
 
 
−
DOWN-SIDE:
 
−
Like most digital cameras, gimmick overload, and too many features squeezed together on too few, tiny buttons/knobs, poorly labled (tiny icons). But you get the hang of it. Still, changing between still-camera, video-camera, and viewing modes is maddening in low light.  Viewfinder is not a very accurate indicator of area in the shot.
 
−
 
 
−
- DELAY: The delay between shots can be infuriating when your missing some priceless transient moment (again:  keep a disposable film camera, with flash, handy; you'll need it).
 
−
 
 
−
- J-PEG format only.  To keep the 3MP images down to about 1.5 MB apiece, they are all encoded in compressed JPEG format, so you don't' get the full benefit of all those pixels, with some graininess appearing -- especially in low-light shots.
 
−
 
 
−
- Incredibly Lame manual.  Too many things are unexplained, and too many details undocumented.  Must experiment with many of the features, and are still left wondering just what you've selected sometimes.
 
−
 
 
−
- USB port on your computer.  You gotta have it to use this camera (but cable is included, and nearly all computers today have working USB ports;  old-fashioned 9-pin serial ports that early digi-cams used are history). At least USB is much faster and simpler. However, you CAN simply use a memory card reader to read your SD memory chips (though most of those hook to the computer through -- you guessed it -- a USB cable).
 
−
 
 
−
RELIABLITY:
 
−
As long as you know and respect/accept the Vivicam's limits, and keep spare batteries (and maybe extra memory cards) handy, you'll nearly always get what you expect.  I've dropped mine onto concrete (even on the lens barrel!), gotten it wet, used it in environments from 150 degrees to -20 degrees (below zero), and if the batteries were good, it's always worked -- often better than me.  I wish I had two.  Will hate it when I have to give this thing up, even if it's for a fancier camera.
 
−
 
 
−
~RH
 

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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