Vivitar

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2286175142_fe81b5d7fa.jpg
Vivitar, perhaps best known as a lens brand
image by Chris Lilley (Image rights)


Vivitar was an American distributor of photographic equipment from 1938-2008

History

5583619084_6fb4b866b7.jpg
Ponder & Best ad, Jun 1946
scan courtesy Voxphoto
image by camerawiki (Image rights)
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Ponder & Best ad, Nov 1949, U.S. Camera
image by camerawiki (Image rights)
6911729881_e39e8f5cf6_m.jpg
Bill Swinyard (left), P&B Product Manager
Dick Wolf (rear) left P&B to found Kiron
Photo ca 1968
image by Bill Swinyard (Image rights)


Originally founded as Ponder & Best, Inc., the company was established in Santa Monica, California in 1938[1] as a distributor of photographic products by the German immigrants Max Ponder (b. 18 Dec 1907, d. Jan 1969[2]) and John C. Best.[3] Ponder and Best fled to the United States from Germany after Hitler rose to power.[4] The pair started out selling photographic equipment from a 1936 Oldsmobile[1]. Best wrote invoices from the back seat while Ponder acted as the saleman and retrieved merchandise from the trunk.[5]

In the 1940s through at least 1946, Ponder & Best was located at 1015 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90015.[6] Advertising from November 1949 indicates P&B moved or expanded to an adjacent location at 1230 S. Grand Ave. The buildings at these two location no longer exist, only a vacant lot remains as of 2012.[7]

Initially, Ponder & Best pursued relationships with major camera equipment manufacturers including Mamiya[8], Olympus, Rollei, Voightlander, Sawyers, Petri and others[1], becoming the United States distributor for companies in Japan and Germany. But in 1964[1], after losing Rollei and Olympus distribution rights, Ponder & Best decided to come up with their own brand and rebadge the equipment they sold.[9]

They chose Vivitar as their brand name. While the majority equipment bore the "Vivitar" name alone, several variants were also used over the years: the earliest lenses bear the label "P & B Vivitar". A small number of lenses custom-developed for specific customers were labelled "Vivitar Professional", occasionally special edition equipment bore labels such as "Vivitar RL Edition", "Vivitar SMS", or "Vivitar DL". The most well known variant is "Vivitar Series 1" a badge created for the highest end equipment (though after the 2008 dissolution of the company, the "Vivitar Series 1" label began to be used interchangeably with the plain "Vivitar" badging). Ponder & Best filed for the Vivitar trademark on 21 September, 1965. The application states that the name Vivitar was first used in commerce in November of 1963.[10]

In the 1960s, Ponder & Best was located at 11201 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064.[11]. The building at this location, built in 1947, is still standing and is zoned for retail use.[12] In 1964, the also opened two branch offices, one in New York city and one in Chicago.[1]

From the late 1960s through 1970s, Ponder & Best's success was largely due to their strategy of providing high quality lenses for SLR cameras at prices lower than the major camera manufacturers.[13] By selling lenses in higher volumes, P&B believed they could match the quality of the camera maker's lenses at lower cost. In addition to marketing their own Vivitar badged products, Ponder & Best continued to represent other manufacturers, eventually regaining their position as an Olympus distributor by the 1970s.

In late 1971, Ponder & Best moved from the Pico Blvd location in LA to 1630 Stewart Street, Santa Monica, CA 90406.[14]. The building at this location is still standing and has since been renovated.[15]

In the early 1970s, Ponder & Best decided on a new strategy for their Vivitar lenses. Up until now, they had selected lenses designed and built by other manufacturers and rebadged them as Vivitar lenses. Now they set out to create designs for high-quality lenses to their own specifications. They would still outsource the manufacture of the lenses to other companies but the designs would be Vivitar's. These new high-quality lenses were badged as Vivitar Series 1 lenses. This new strategy started with three Ponder & Best employees; researchers Gary Eisenberger and Murray Schwartz, and product manager Bill Swinyard.[16] Eventually, Ponder & Best brought in American company Opcon Associates of Standford, CT for the initial Series 1 lens designs.

Founder and chief designer at Opcon was Ellis Betensky, who had previously worked for Perkin-Elmer on projects such as the Sky Lab Zoom Telescope. Due to Betensky's associations with Perkin-Elmer, Opcon was able to access the latest computer technology for use in the Series 1 design work, leading to highly complex optical designs unlike any previous zoom lenses. Betensky originated the idea of altering the air space between lens elements as the focus changed, resulting in close focusing capabilities that far exceed other lens designs of the era.[17]

The corporate name was changed to Vivitar Corp. in 1979 based on the success of its leading brand name.[3] Over the years, Vivitar became a multinational manufacturing and marketing company with subsidiaries in Japan, West Germany, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland.[3].

As an early adopter of outsource and branding techniques, Vivitar ran into early pitfalls. The biggest problem that plagued Vivitar was lack of control over their outsourced manufacturing. Vivitar provided overseas manufacturers with valuable specifications and equipment designs. Sometimes the manufacturers used the equipment designs in ways they were not authorized to including: 1) manufacturing additional units and selling them directly to competing importers as Vivitar badged equipment 2) manufacturing rebadged or slightly modified versions for competing companies 3) manufacturing additional units under the manufacturer's own badging.

Disputes over these issues were responsible for some of Vivitar's shifts from one manufacturer to another. In 1984 Vivitar brought suit against the United States in the Court of International Trade for declining to prevent "third parties" from importing unauthorized Vivitar branded equipment. The US argued that since Vivitar had instructed the manufacturers to put a Vivitar label on the products, they were by definition authorized, regardless of the contractual arrangements (or lack of them) between Vivitar and the manufacturer. Vivitar prevailed in the case but the US appealed and won, meaning that US customs could continue to allow the import of unauthorized Vivitar badged equipment and it would be up to Vivitar to discover and pursue the individual US importers who received the unauthorized goods and file suit against them under other parts of the trademark law.[18]

In 1985, Vivitar was purchased by Australian company, Hanimex Group, a subsidiary of Australian real estate developer, Chase Group. The year before Hanimex took over, Vivitar lost five million US dollars. The year after the takeover Vivitar experienced a four million dollar profit. By 1988 Vivitar has reached 100 million US dollars in annual sales.[19]

In the late 1980s Vivitar introduced self-contained, battery-powered auto-focus lenses. These were fixed mount lenses designed for conventional, non-autofocus SLRs. Mounts available included Canon FD, Pentax K, Nikon AI-S, and others. There were both Vivitar and Vivitar Series 1 branded auto-focus units. The concept was later abandoned, making these lenses relatively rare.

A real estate slump in the late 1980s forced Chase Group to sell several of its business. Vivitar and Hanimex were sold to UK-Based Gestetner PLC (itself owned by Ricoh) in early 1990. In March of 1990, John Bourne was named president of Vivitar.[20] After Gestetner took over, Vivitar shifted it's focus from high-end lenses and flashes, to hand-held, point-and-shoot cameras.[21]

In 1993, Concord Camera Corp, a manufacturer of pocket cameras, attempted to buy Vivitar from Gestetner PLC but was unable to finalize the purchase when increasing financial losses prevented them from coming up with the required cash in time. Concord's President, Victor M. Chernick, was president of Vivitar from 1986 through 1989. At this time Vivitar had 120 employees.[22]

The 1994 Northridge earthquake[23] damaged Vivitar's primary facilities in the San Fernando Valley and caused the loss of product stock. This is said by some to be responsible for the final demise of the Vivitar Series 1 lenses, which were already suffering a decline in sales due to Gestetner's new focus on selling point-and-shoot cameras and Vivitar's decision not to pursue auto-focus technology.[24] Vivitar subsequently moved to Thousand Oak, CA.[25]

On September 30, 1996, Plaza Create Co Ltd of Japan, acquired Vivitar Inc. from Gestetner PLC. In January 1997, President and CEO of Vivitar, Alex Wijnen, announced the company would be split into two divisions: the Photographics and Optics Division, and the Electronics and Digital Imaging Division.[26]

On February 24, 1998 Douglas E. Howe was named president of Vivitar.[27]

The company was bought on November 21, 2006 by Syntax-Brillian Corporation.[28] Two years later on July 8, 2008, Syntax-Brillian filed for bankruptcy. Sakar International acquired the Vivitar brand and intellectual property on August 21, 2008. The deal did not include Vivitar's equipment or facilities.[29] After the sale, Vivitar's assets and product stock were liquidated in a massive online auction that included more than 13,000 digital cameras, camcorders, and other photographic gear.[30] The online auction ended Vivitar's existence as a company after 70 years (1938-2008). The brand name lives on, however, and continues to be used for marketing photographic equipment.

See also:


Cameras

35mm Film Cameras

Interchangeable Lens 35mm Cameras

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Vivitar 220/SL SLR
image by steevithak (Image rights)
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Vivitar 3800n SLR
image by Aldo Rafael Altamirano (Image rights)

Fixed Lens 35mm Cameras

Rangefinders
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image by Paul Riismandel (Image rights)
Auto Focus
  • Vivitar 300Z
  • Vivitar 335Z
  • Vivitar 335PZ DB
  • Vivitar 357PZ Quartz Date
  • Vivitar AF255DB Date-A-Print
  • Vivitar BV35 Big View
  • Vivitar BV35DB Big View
  • Vivitar EF35
  • Vivitar PN919
  • Vivitar PS33BV
  • Vivitar PS:35
  • Vivitar PS650DB Date-A-Print
  • Vivitar PS:145
  • Vivitar PZ3090 Date-A-Print
  • Vivitar PZ3115 Date-A-Print
  • Vivitar PZ3118
  • Vivitar PZ3125 Quart Date
  • Vivitar R-600
  • Vivitar Series 1 300Z
  • Vivitar Series 1 320Z
  • Vivitar Series 1 440PZ
  • Vivitar Series 1 450PZ
  • Vivitar Series 1 460PZ
  • Vivitar Series 1 480PZ
  • Vivitar Series 1 500PZ
  • Vivitar Series 1 550PZ
  • Vivitar Series 1 650PZ DB
  • Vivitar Series 1 SM80
  • Vivitar Series 1 PZ3070 Date-A-Print
  • Vivitar Series 1 ZM95DB
  • Vivitar TEC45
  • Vivitar TL 125 Auto Focus Tele/Wide
  • Vivitar TW 35
  • Vivitar VP2000
  • Vivitar VP4550
  • Vivitar XB200
Fixed Focus
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PN2011
image by Tony Kemplen (Image rights)
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Vivitar A35 Splash Proof
image by Steve Harwood (Image rights)
  • Vivitar 3Dcam Stereo camera (manufactured by Loreo)
  • Vivitar A35 Splash Proof
  • Vivitar BF-5
  • Vivitar Champion 35
  • Vivitar Crayola Sport 35
  • Vivitar CV35
  • Vivitar CV40
  • Vivitar EZ Motor Big View
  • Vivitar EZ Point 'n Shoot Big View
  • Vivitar EZ200
  • Vivitar HC 2000 Focus Free
  • Vivitar IC 100
  • Vivitar IC 101 Panorama (panoramic)
  • Vivitar IC 111 Focus Free
  • Vivitar IC 400
  • Vivitar LC600 Focus Free
  • Vivitar LP45 Focus Free / Motor
  • Vivitar PN2011 (panoramic)
  • Vivitar PS 1-2-3 Focus-Free/DX
  • Vivitar PS:5
  • Vivitar PS25
  • Vivitar PS:30
  • Vivitar PS33 Focus Free
  • Vivitar PS44 Focus Free/DX
  • Vivitar PS44s Focus Free
  • Vivitar PS45s
  • Vivitar PS55s
  • Vivitar PS420 (panoramic)
  • Vivitar PZ3052 (panoramic)
  • Vivitar Spree Free Focus Free / Motor
  • Vivitar Spree Plus Focus Free
  • Vivitar T150 Focus Free (Panoramic)
  • Vivitar T200 (panoramic)
  • Vivitar T301
  • Vivitar TL70 Tele Wide Focus Free
  • Vivitar Twin735 Focus Free / Tele-Wide / Motor
  • Vivitar Ultra Wide & Slim
  • Vivitar Vista Tele (Panoramic)

APS Film Cameras

  • Vivitar CV24
  • Vivitar PZ31 40QD
  • Vivitar XB200 Big View
  • Vivitar XM-1K
  • Vivitar XM230
  • Vivitar XM300
  • Vivitar Z240
  • Vivitar Z360ix
  • Vivitar Z385

110 Film Cameras

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Vivitar 110 Point 'N Shoot
image by Kenneth Dwain Harrelson (Image rights)
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Vivitar Opus 10, 110 camera
image by inkyfingerz (Image rights)
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Vivitar LF tele 110 camera (all black version)
image by Hospice of St Francis (Image rights)
  • Vivitar 110EF
  • Vivitar 110EF Pocket
  • Vivitar 110EF Tele
  • Vivitar 110EF Telepocket
  • Vivitar 402
  • Vivitar 406
  • Vivitar 742XL
  • Vivitar 810
  • Vivitar 820
  • Vivitar 830 AW
  • Vivitar LA Brites
  • Vivitar LF
  • Vivitar LF tele
  • Vivitar Micro 110
  • Vivitar Opus 10
  • Vivitar Opus 20
  • Vivitar Opus 35 Motor
  • Vivitar Point 'N Shoot 110
  • Vivitar Point 'N Shoot 110-F
  • Vivitar Point 'N Shoot 110
  • Vivitar 600 Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar 602 Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar Tele 603 Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar 604 Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar 700 Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar 702 Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar Tele 703 Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar Tele 805 Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar Tele 815 Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar Tele-835AW Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar 840 Motor Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar Tele 845 Motor Point 'N Shoot
  • Vivitar Radio 110

Digital Cameras

  • Vivitar CyberPix
  • Vivitar DSC 350
  • Vivitar Mini Digital Keychain Camera
  • Vivitar ViviCam 5
  • Vivitar ViviCam 10
  • Vivitar ViviCam 10b
  • Vivitar ViviCam 20
  • Vivitar ViviCam 25
  • Vivitar ViviCam 38
  • Vivitar ViviCam 40
  • Vivitar ViviCam 50
  • Vivitar ViviCam 55
  • Vivitar ViviCam 60
  • Vivitar ViviCam 355
  • Vivitar ViviCam 2655
  • Vivitar ViviCam 2775
  • Vivitar ViviCam 2795
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3200
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3305
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3315
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3330
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3340
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3345
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3350
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3355
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3500
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3540
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3550
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3555T
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3610
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3615
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3620
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3625
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3630
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3632
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3635
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3640
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3655
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3665
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3675
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3695
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3705
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3715
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3725
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3730
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3735
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3740
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3745
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3746
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3750
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3755
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3765
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3785
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3815
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3825
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3826 (aka Vivitar V3826)
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3915
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3930
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3935
  • Vivitar ViviCam 3945s
  • Vivitar ViviCam 4000
  • Vivitar ViviCam 4100
  • Vivitar ViviCam 5018
  • Vivitar ViviCam 5019
  • Vivitar ViviCam 5022
  • Vivitar ViviCam 5024
  • Vivitar ViviCam 5188
  • Vivitar ViviCam 5385
  • Vivitar ViviCam 5386
  • Vivitar ViviCam 6326
  • Vivitar ViviCam 7022
  • Vivitar ViviCam 7024
  • Vivitar ViviCam 7028
  • Vivitar ViviCam 8018
  • Vivitar ViviCam 8025
  • Vivitar ViviCam 8225
  • Vivitar ViviCam 8300s
  • Vivitar ViviCam 8400 Underwater
  • Vivitar ViviCam 53405
  • Vivitar ViviCam T027
  • Vivitar ViviCam T324N
  • Vivitar ViviCam T328
  • Vivitar ViviCam T532
  • Vivitar ViviCam V25
  • Vivitar ViviCam X016
  • Vivitar ViviCam X018 iTwist
  • Vivitar ViviCam X024
  • Vivitar ViviCam X025
  • Vivitar ViviCam X028 iTwist
  • Vivitar ViviCam X029
  • Vivitar ViviCam X327

Camera Lenses

P&B Vivitar Lenses

  • P&B Vivitar 35mm f/2.8, T-Mount
  • P&B Tele Vivitar 135mm f/2.8, T-Mount
  • P&B Tele Vivitar 135mm f/3.5, T-mount
  • P&B Tele Vivitar 200mm f/3.5, T-mount
  • P&B Vivitar 1.8x Tele Converter Model M-3, Nikon F mount
  • P&B Vivitar Auto 2x Tele Converter Model A-1
  • P&B Vivitar Auto 2x Tele Converter Model 2A-2, Exakta/Topcon mount
  • P&B Vivitar Auto 2x Tele Converter Model 2A-3, Nikon mount
  • P&B Vivitar Auto 3x Tele Converter Model 3A-1, M42 mount

Vivitar Professional Lenses

Vivitar Lenses

Vivitar Compatible T System Family

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Vivitar Compatible T System Logo (Image rights)

Ponder & Best markted this family of preset T mount lenses the Compatible T System[31]. The lenses in this family were made by two different manufacturers. One of those has been confirmed to be Tokina by Bill Swinyard, the Ponder & Best Product Manager from 1969-1971.[32]

  • Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 Compatible T System, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar 35mm f/3.5 Compatible T System, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar 85mm f/1.8 Compatible T System
  • Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 version 1 Compatible T System
  • Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 version 2 Compatible T System
  • Vivitar 135mm f/3.5 Compatible T System
  • Vivitar 180mm f/3.5 Compatible T System
  • Vivitar 200mm f/3.5 Compatible T System, 67mm filter size
  • Vivitar 250mm f/4.5 Compatible T System (aka the "2 Window Preset" lens)
  • Vivitar 300mm f/5.6 Compatible T System
  • Vivitar 400mm f/5.6 Compatible T System
  • Vivitar 500mm f/6.3 Compatible T System, 92mm filter size
  • Vivitar 600mm f/8 Compatible T System
  • Vivitar 800mm f/8 version 1 Compatible T System
  • Vivitar 800mm f/8 version 2 Compatible T System

Vivitar Pyramid Preset Family

The Pyramid Preset family consists of T Mount lenses designed to fill gaps in the longer-lived Compatible T System Family lineup. These rare lenses are easily identified by a preset ring marked with a large red triangle, suggesting a pyramid to some collectors. The Pyramid Presets were introduced later the life cycle of the Compatible T System; the earliest printed reference to one is 1967. The 85-205mm zoom came in two variants: one matching the Chrome nose family look, one matching the Bright Band family look. There is no equivalent version matching the Dark Band family appearance. This suggests the Pyramid Preset family was discontinued by 1970 or 1971 at the latest. The very last ones produced were made after the switch to a unified serial number system and have 22xxxxxx numbering, suggesting Kino Precision as the manufacturer for this family.

Vivitar Chrome Nose Family

The Chrome Nose lens family was marketed in 1967. Serial numbers pre-date the standardized system that indicates manufacturer but they are believed to have been made by Kino Precision.[33][34]. These are the first automatic, fixed-mount lenses marketed by Vivitar. In addition to the chrome nose, the lenses have an unusual lens coating which gives the glass a distinctive blue tint. The M42 mount is the most common but other variants known to exist are Nikon F and Canon FL mounts.[35] Vivitar ads for some lenses refer only to M42 and Canon, so Nikon F mounts may not have been available on all lenses in this family.[36] The Chrome Nose lenses appear to have been marketed for one year or less and were quickly superseded by the Bright Band family. These lenses and are uncommon today, with the Canon and Nikon mounts bordering on rare. They are primarily of interest to collectors since the Bright Band family consists of similar lenses with a variety of functional and optical quality improvements.

Vivitar Bright Band Family

Marketed ca 1968. With the exception of the Compact 135mm, which was new, these fixed-mount lenses are modified and upgraded versions of the chrome nose family hardware. Serial numbers indicate most members of this family were made by Kino Precision.

Vivitar Dark Band Family

Marketed ca 1969. Most of these fixed-mount lenses are modified and upgraded versions of the Bright Band family hardware. The primary visual difference is that the bright silver band has been replaced with a black band, leading to a more conventional, all black lens design.

  • Vivitar Auto Wide 28mm f/2.5
  • Vivitar Auto Wide 28mm f/2.8
  • Vivitar Auto 35mm f/2.8
  • Vivitar Auto 135mm f/2.8
  • Vivitar Compact Auto 135mm f/2.8
  • Vivitar Auto 135mm f/3.5
  • Viviatr Auto 200mm f/3.5
  • Vivitar Tele Zoom 85-200mm f/3.8, 58mm filter size

Vivitar T-4 Mount Family

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Vivitar T-4 family, 1969
image by Nesster (Image rights)

Marketed ca 1969. The T-4 family are lenses with interchangeable mounts. T-4 mount adapters for most common camera mounting types were available. This family of lenses is has only slight cosmetic differences from the T-4 lenses marketed by Soligor at the same time, suggesting they were been made by the same manufacturer.[37][38][39] Tokina is most often cited as the likely manufacturer.[40]

Vivitar TX Mount 1st Generation Family

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Vivitar TX family, 1976
image by Nesster (Image rights)

Marketed ca 1976[41][42]. The TX lens family are interchangeable mount lenses that supercede the T-4 interchangeable mount family.

  • Vivitar TX 24mm f/2.8
  • Vivitar TX 28mm f/2.5 (stock #35-1108)
  • Vivitar TX 35mm f/2.5
  • Vivitar TX 135mm f/2.5
  • Vivitar TX 200mm f/3.5
  • Vivitar TX 300mm f/5.6
  • Vivitar TX 400mm f/5.6
  • Vivitar TX 75-260mm f/4.5 Zoom, 67mm filter size, stock# 35-3102
  • Vivitar TX 90-230mm f/4.5 Zoom

Vivitar TX Mount 2nd Generation Family

Marketed ca 1980 [43][44] These replace some of the original TX family lenses. Other 1st generation TX lenses continued to be sold.

  • Vivitar TX 24mm f/2.8, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar TX 28mm f/2.8 Auto Wide-Angle, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar TX 35mm f/2.8, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar TX 135mm f/2.8, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar TX 200mm f/3.5, 58mm filter size
  • Vivitar TX 300mm f/5.6, 58mm filter size
  • Vivitar TX 400mm f/5.6, 72mm filter size
  • Vivitar TX 35-105mm f/3.5 Close-Focusing Zoom, 72mm filter size
  • Vivitar TX 70-150mm f/3.8 Close-Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar TX 80-200mm f/4.0 Zoom, 55mm filter size
  • Vivitar TX 90-230mm f/4.5 Close-Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter size
  • Vivitar TX 100-300mm f/5.0 Close-Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter size

Vivitar Wolf Family

Marketed ca 1980. This fixed-mount lens family is so named because the lenses are extensively documented in the John C. Wolf book. [45]

  • Vivitar 17mm f/3.5 MC Auto Wide, 72mm filter size
  • Vivitar 24mm f/2, 55mm filter size
  • Vivitar 24mm f/2.8, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar 28mm f/2, 55mm filter size
  • Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 MC Wide Angle, 49mm filter size
  • Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 49mm filter size
  • Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 Macro, 62mm filter size
  • Vivitar 90mm f/2.8 Macro, 62mm filter size
  • Vivitar 135mm f/2.8, 55mm filter size
  • Vivitar 135mm f/2.8, Close Focusing, 62mm filter size
  • Vivitar 200mm f/3.5, 62mm filter size
  • Vivitar 300mm f/5.6, 58mm filter size
  • Vivitar 400mm f/5.6, 77mm filter size
  • Vivitar 35-105mm f/3.5 Close Range Zoom, 72mm filter size
  • Vivitar 70-150mm f/3.8 Zoom, 55mm filter size
  • Vivitar 70-150mm f/3.8 Close Focusing Auto Zoom, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar 75-205mm f/3.8 Close Focusing Auto Zoom, 58mm filter size
  • Vivitar 80-200mm f/4.5 Close Focusing Zoom MC, 55mm filter size
  • Vivitar 100-200mm f/4 Close Focusing Zoom, 58mm filter size
  • Vivitar 100-300mm f/5 Close Focusing Auto Zoom, 62mm filter size
  • Vivitar 2x Matched Multiplier for 70-150mm f/3.8 Close Focusing Zoom
  • Vivitar 2x Matched Multiplier for 100-200mm f/4 Close Focusing Zoom
  • Vivitar 2x Automatic Tele Converter (multiple mounts)
  • Vivitar 3x Automatic Tele Converter (multiple mounts)

Vivitar Autofocus Zoom Family

Marketed briefly starting in 1988, this family was limited to two fixed-mount lenses (though a similar autofocus prime lens was added to the Vivitar Series 1 family). The idea was to make a self-contained, battery-powered autofocus lens that would mount on conventional, non-autofocus cameras.[46]

Vivitar Other Camera Lenses

These are lenses known to have been marketed by Vivitar but which have not been categorized by lens family yet.

Primes

  • Vivitar 17mm f/3.5, 67mm filter size (ex sn: 37102475, fixed-mount, probably 2nd gen Wolf)
  • Vivitar 19mm f/2.8
  • Vivitar 19mm f/3.8 MC Wide Angle, 62mm filter size
  • Vivitar Auto Wide-Angle 20mm f/3.8
  • Vivitar 21mm f/3.8, 72mm filter size
  • Vivitar 21mm f/3.8, 67mm filter size
  • Vivitar 28mm f/1.9
  • Vivitar 28mm f/2.0 Close Focus
  • Vivitar Preset Wide 28mm f/2.5
  • Vivitar Auto Wide 28mm f/2.5, 67mm filter size
  • Vivitar Auto Wide-Angle 28mm f/2.5, 62mm filter size
  • Vivitar Preset Wide 28mm f/2.8
  • Vivitar Auto Wide Angle 28mm f/2.8
  • Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 MC Close Focus Wide Angle, 49mm filter size (also in RL edition)
  • Vivitar Auto Wide 28mm f/2.8 (at least 3 variants)
  • Vivitar 35mm f/1.9, Auto Wide-Angle. 55mm filter (Komine)
  • Vivitar 35mm f/2.8 Auto Wide-Angle, 52mm filter size (Tokina)
  • Vivitar Preset Wide 35mm f/3.5
  • Vivitar 50mm f/1.7
  • Vivitar 50mm f/1.9, 49mm filter size
  • Vivitar 50mm f/2.0, 49mm filter size
  • Vivitar 55mm f/1.2
  • Vivitar 55mm f/1.4
  • Vivitar 90mm f/2.5
  • Vivitar Auto 90mm f/2.5 Macro
  • Vivitar 100mm f/2.8 Auto Telephoto (looks like early Tokina w/ridged ring, example sn 37306974, 37307208)
  • Vivitar 100mm f/3.5 Macro
  • Vivitar Auto Telephoto 100mm f/2.8, 55mm filter size
  • Vivitar 135mm f/2.5
  • Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 Auto Telephoto (built by Komine)
  • Vivitar 135mm f/3.5 (built by Komine)
  • Vivitar 200mm f/3
  • Vivitar 200mm f/4
  • Vivitar 500mm f/8 Mirror lens Macro Focusing (marked "Made in Korea")

Zooms

  • Vivitar 28-50mm f/3.5-4.5 MC Zoom, 58mm filter size (sn 28xxxxxx)
  • Vivitar Zoom 28-70mm f/3.5-4
  • Vivitar Zoom 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6
  • Vivitar Zoom 28-70mm f/3.9-4.8
  • Vivitar 28-80mm f/3.5-4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom MC, 62mm filter size (also in RL Edition)
  • Vivitar MC Auto Variable Focusing 28-85mm f/2.8-3.8, 67mm filter size
  • Vivitar Zoom 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
  • Vivitar Zoom 28-90mm f/2.8-3.5
  • Vivitar Zoom 28-200mm f/3.5-5.3
  • Vivitar Zoom 28-210mm f/3.5-5.3
  • Vivitar 28-210mm f/3.5-5.6 MC Macro Focusing Zoom
  • Vivitar Macro-Zoom 28-210mm f/3.5-5.6
  • Vivitar 35-70mm f/2.8-3.8 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 55mm filter size
  • Vivitar 35-70mm 1:3.5-4.8 Macro Focusing Zoom 52mm
  • Vivitar 35-70mm f/3.5 MC Zoom
  • Vivitar 35-105mm f/3.2-4 MC Macro Focusing Zoom
  • Vivitar 70-210mm f/4-5.6 zoom
  • Vivitar 70-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar SMS 70-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 6 blade iris, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar SMS 70-210mm f/4.5 zoom, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar 75-205mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom (built by Tokina)
  • Vivitar 75-205mm f/3.8 Close Focusing Auto Zoom, 52mm filter size
  • Vivitar 75-250mm f/3.8-4.5 zoom
  • Vivitar 75-260mm f/4.5 Auto Zoom
  • Vivitar SMS 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MC Macro Focusing Zoom, 58mm filter size (sn 77xxxxxx)
  • Vivitar 80-200mm f/4.0 Macro Focusing Zoom MC, 55mm filter size (also in RL Edition)
  • Vivitar 80-200mm f/4.5 Macro Focusing Zoom MC, 55mm filter size (diagonal diamond pattern on focus ring)
  • Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Close Focusing Auto Zoom, 58mm filter size
  • Vivitar 120-600mm f/5.6-8.0 MC Telephoto Zoom, 82mm filter size (sn 77xxxxxx)

Tele-Converters

  • Vivitar 2x macro focusing tele converter MC
  • Vivitar Automatic Tele Converter 2x-3 Nikon
  • Vivitar Auto 2x Custom Tele Converter 2x-4 FL-FD
  • Vivitar Auto 2x Custom Tele Converter 2x-5
  • Vivitar Automatic Tele Converter 2x-7
  • Vivitar Auto 2x Custom Tele Converter 2x-19 Kodak Retina Reflex (silver)
  • Vivitar Automatic Tele Converter 2x-21 Olympus OM
  • Vivitar Auto 3x Custom Tele Converter 3x-7 Konica AR

Vivitar Series I Lenses

Vivitar Series I fixed mount lenses represent the top-tier products in Vivitar history. Most of were unusual, original designs subcontracted to a variety of lens manufacturers.

359205269_c16aa03cf9_m.jpg
Vivitar 600mm f8 Solid Catadioptric Lens
image by pointnshoot (Image rights)
  • Vivitar Series 1 28mm f/1.9
  • Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 macro with 1:1 optical converter
  • Vivitar Series 1 105mm f/2.5 macro 1:1
  • Vivitar Series 1 135mm f/2.3
  • Vivitar Series 1 200mm f/3.0 Auto Telephoto, 72mm filter size
  • Vivitar Series 1 200mm f/3.5 Auto Focus Telephoto, introduced 1988
  • Vivitar Series 1 400mm f/4.5 mirror lens
  • Vivitar Series 1 450mm f/4.5 mirror lens
  • Vivitar Series 1 600mm f/8 Solid Cat mirror lens (Perkin-Elmer mfg.)
  • Vivitar Series 1 800mm f/11 Solid Cat mirror lens (Perkin-Elmer mfg.)
  • Vivitar Series 1 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5 (Cosina)
  • Vivitar Series 1 24-48mm f/3.8 zoom
  • Vivitar Series 1 28-90mm f/2.8 zoom
  • Vivitar Series 1 28-105mm f/2.8-3.8 Macro Focusing Zoom, 72mm filter size (no VMC mark)
  • Vivitar Series 1 28-105mm f/2.8-3.8 VMC Macro Focusing Zoom, 67mm filter size
  • Vivitar Series 1 35-85mm f/2.8 VMC Auto Variable Focusing, 72mm filter size
  • Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/3.5 VMC Macro Focusing Zoom, 67mm filter size (Kino Precision)
  • Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/3.5 VMC Macro Focusing Zoom, 62mm filter size (Tokina)
  • Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/2.8-4 VMC Macro Focusing Zoom, 58mm/62mm filter size (Cosina)
  • Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/2.8 Zoom, 82mm filter size (Sigma)
  • Vivitar Series 1 90-180mm f/4.5 Flat Field Macro Zoom
  • Vivitar Series 1 100-500mm f/5.6-8 Close Focusing Zoom, 67mm filter size
  • Vivitar Series 1 Commemorative Lens Set (rare) - A special set of two lenses made to mark Vivitar's 50th anniversary (1938-1988). The set included special polished brass versions of the Series 1 28-105mm f/2.8 zoom and 70-210mm f/3.5 zoom. Each lens included a lens cap with the Vivitar Series 1 logo in gold. A wooden case was included. Only 50 commemorative sets were made. The lenses in each set are numbered. They were never sold to the public but given to Vivitar officials and select dealers.

Accessories

Extension Tubes and Bellows

  • Vivitar AET-1 Auto Extension Tube for Pentax, Mamiya/Sekor

Vivitar Flash Units

367782630_7870bda4eb_m.jpg
Vivitar 283 Flash
image by Martin Taylor (Image rights)
6917938841_e816c8ec23_m.jpg
Ad for Vivitar 251
image by Bill Swinyard (Image rights)
  • Vivitar 40D Auto/Bounced Dedicated Flash
  • Vivitar 102 Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 125 Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 151 Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 152 Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 181 Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 192 Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 200 Auto Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 202 Auto Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 215 Auto Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 225 Auto Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 252 Auto Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 253 Auto Electronic Flash
  • Vivitar 265 Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 271 Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 272 Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 273 Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 281 Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 283 Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 285 Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 285HV Auto Zoom Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 292 Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 365 Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 530 FD Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 550 FD N Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 550 FD C/R Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 626AF Ni Auto Focus Illuminator Flash
  • Vivitar 636AF Auto Focus Illuminator Flash
  • Vivitar 728 Auto Focus Flashgun
  • Vivitar 1900 Electronic Flash
  • Vivivar 2600 Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivivar 2600 D Auto Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 3500 Zoom Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar 5200 Zoom Thyristor Flash
  • Vivitar V-1 Flash

Vivitar Series 1 Flash Units

  • Vivitar Series 1 840 AF Flash
  • Vivitar Series 1 DF-183 AF Bounce Flash
  • Vivitar Series 1 DF-186 Dedicated TTL Flash
  • Vivitar Series 1 DF-383 AF Power Zoom Flash
  • Vivitar Series 1 DF-293 TTL Bounce Flash
  • Vivitar Series 1 PRO-584 LCD Bounce Zoom Swivel Flash

Vivitar Flash Accessories

  • Vivitar Color/Wide Angle Filter Kit (for 272,273,283,284,365)
  • Vivitar Lens/Filter Adapter (for 283)
  • Vivitar HVP-2 High Voltage Power Pack

Exposure Meters and Light Meters

2299050952_5215c9e377_m.jpg
image by Uwe Kulick (Image rights)
  • Vivitar 23 Hot Shoe Light Meter
  • Vivitar 24 Hot Shoe Light Meter
  • Vivitar 30 Exposure Meter
  • Vivitar 35 Exposure Meter
  • Vivitar 43 Exposure Meter
  • Vivitar 45 Exposure Meter
  • Vivitar 130LX Exposure Meter (aka Digital System Meter)
  • Vivitar 160LX Exposure Meter (aka Digital System Meter)
  • Vivitar 230LX Exposure Meter (aka Digital System Meter)
  • Vivitar 260LX Exposure Meter (aka Digital System Meter)
  • Vivitar Electronic Flash Meter (EFM), aka Electronic Flash Computer
  • Vivitar Electronic Flash Meter 2 (EFM-2)

Slide Projectors and Printers

  • Vivitar 2000AF Auto Focus Slide Projector
  • Vivitar 3000AF Auto Focus Slide Projector
  • Vivitar 5000AF Auto Focus Slide Projector
  • Vivitar Instant Slide Printer

Tripods

  • Vivitar Model 904 tripod
  • Vivitar Model 914 tripod
  • Vivitar Model 1000 tripod
  • Vivitar Model 1102 tripod
  • Vivitar Model 1301 tripod
  • Vivitar Model 2200 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-120SE tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-120 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-240 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-1240 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-1250 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-1252 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-2320 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-2400 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-2457 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-2650 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-3600 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-3662 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-4867 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-5660 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-6072 tripod
  • Vivitar VPT-9675 tripod
  • Vivitar V3000 tripod


Darkroom Equipment

6855897896_32ff9fac0d_m.jpg
Factory calibration of a
Vivitar 356 Dichroic Enlarger
image by Gordon Lewis (Image rights)

Vivitar Enlargers

  • Vivitar Enlarger E-32 (aka "Little Grabber")
  • Vivitar Enlarger E-33
  • Vivitar Enlarger E-34 (aka "Little Grabber")
  • Vivitar Enlarger E-36
  • Vivitar Enlarger E-54 (aka "Son of Grabber")
  • Vivitar Enlarger E-74 (aka "The Grabber")
  • Vivitar VI Photo Enlarger
  • Vivitar 356 Dichroic Enlarger

Enlarging Lenses

  • P&B Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 enlarging lens
  • P&B Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 enlarging lens (marked Made in Japan, Zebra stripe barrel)
  • P&B Anastigmat 150mm f/4.5 enlarging lens
  • Vivitar 35mm f/3.5 Anastigmat enlarging lens (marked Made in Japan)
  • Vivitar 40mm f/2.8 Anastigmat enlarging lens (marked Made in Japan)
  • Vivitar 50mm f/3.5 Anastigmat enlarging lens (marked Made in Japan)
  • Vivitar 75mm f/3.5 Anastigmat enlarging lens (marked Made in Japan)
  • Vivitar 150mm f/4.5 Anastigmat enlarging lens (marked Made in Japan)
  • Vivitar 35mm f/3.5 enlarging lens (marked Made in Japan, black barrel)
  • Vivitar 40mm f/2.8 enlarging lens (marked Made in Japan, black barrel, sn 47xxx)
  • Vivitar 50mm f/3.5 enlarging lens (marked Made in Japan)
  • Vivitar 90mm f/4.5 enlarging lens (marked Made in Japan)
  • Vivitar 105mm f/4.5 enlarging lens (marked Made in Japan)
  • Vivitar 75mm f/3.5 enlarging lens (no country of origin, Zebra stripe barrel, sn 13xxxx)
  • Vivitar-EL 50mm f/3.5 enlarging lens
  • Vivitar-LU 50mm f/3.5 enlarging lens, stock 67-7536 (marked made in Japan, silver barrel, sn 10xxx, 29xxx, 33xxx)
  • Vivitar-LU 75mm f/3.5 enlarging lens, stock 67-7570 (marked Made in Japan)
  • Vivitar VHE 50mm f/2.8 enlarging lens (marked made by Germany)
  • Vivitar VHE 80mm f/5.6 enlarging lens (marked made by Germany)
  • Vivitar VHE 100mm f/5.6 enlarging lens, stock 67-4203 (marked made by Germany)
  • Vivitar VHE 135mm f/5.6 enlarging lens (marked made by Germany)
  • Vivitar VHE 150mm f/5.6 enlarging lens (marked made by Germany)

Darkroom Accessories

  • Vivitar 4-IN-1 Enlarger Easel
  • Vivitar 4" lens plate blank
  • Vivitar 8 x 10 inch Developing Trays, 3 pack
  • Vivitar Developing Tank with Adjustable Reel
  • Vivitar Developing Tank with Two Adjustable Reels
  • Vivitar TC-116 Power Supply

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Vivitar website ca 1998 via the Internet Archive
  2. ↑ US Social Security Death Index
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Company outline of the Vivitar UK website (Web Archive version, 31 May 2007).
  4. ↑ Yet Another Buyer Sets its Sights on Vivitar
  5. ↑ Vivitar Clicking Away at 50
  6. ↑ P&B Ad, Popular Photography, June, 1946, p.164
  7. ↑ Google Maps view of 1015 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90015
  8. ↑ Ponder & Best Mamiya ad, May 1965, Popular Photography
  9. ↑ International Marketing: Strategy and Theory, by Sak Onkvisit and John J. Shaw, Page 386
  10. ↑ Ponder & Best 1965 trademark application for Vivitar
  11. ↑ P&B Ad ca 1969
  12. ↑ Google Maps view of 11201 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
  13. ↑ Vivitar Clicking Away at 50
  14. ↑ P&B Ad ca 1972
  15. ↑ Google maps view of 1630 Stewart Street, Santa Monica, CA 90406
  16. ↑ Personal correspondence between Bill Swinyard and Steve Rainwater, 17 Feb 2012
  17. ↑ Cult Lenses
  18. ↑ Hiebert, Timothy H. Parallel Importation in US Trademark Law, Greenwood Press, 1994, P. 114. ISBN 0-313-28956-5
  19. ↑ Yet Another Buyer Sets its Sights on Vivitar
  20. ↑ John Bourne named president of Vivitar U.S. operations Los Angelas Times March 27, 1990
  21. ↑ Yet Another Buyer Sets its Sights on Vivitar
  22. ↑ Yet Another Buyer Sets its Sights on Vivitar
  23. ↑ Wikipedia: 1994 Northridge Earthquake
  24. ↑ MFlenses: Previous Vivitar Techs
  25. ↑ LA Times: The Road to Recovery: Brick by Brick
  26. ↑ Vivitar Splits into 2
  27. ↑ Douglas E. Howe Named President of Vivitar Corp
  28. ↑ Company history of the Syntax-Brillian website (Web Archive version, 22 August 2007).
  29. ↑ News release at the Vivitar website.
  30. ↑ Camera Maker Vivitar in Massive Kit Sell-Off
  31. ↑ Compatible T System packaging
  32. ↑ personal correspondence between Bill Swinyard and Steve Rainwater, 17 Feb, 2012
  33. ↑ Vivitar magazine ad, February 1967
  34. ↑ The Vivitar Chrome Nose Family
  35. ↑ Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 Chrome Nose ad, 1967
  36. ↑ Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 Chrome Nose ad, 1967
  37. ↑ Tested: Vivitar Auto T-4 Lenses, Camera 35, Feb/Mar 1969
  38. ↑ Vivitar Automatc T-4 Lens System owner's manual
  39. ↑ T4 for Two! - The Casual Collector
  40. ↑ The Casual Collector: T4 for Two
  41. ↑ Vivitar Ad, Popular Science magazine, May 1976, Page 43
  42. ↑ Vivitar TX Lens System Ad
  43. ↑ Wolf, John C. The Vivitar Guide ISBN 9780871650658
  44. ↑ Vivitar TX Series lenses: MFLenses
  45. ↑ Wolf, John C. The Vivitar Guide ISBN 9780871650658
  46. ↑ Vivitar ad for Autofocus zoom lens family, April 1988 issue, Popular Science

Bibliography

  • Wolf, John C. The Vivitar Guide. ISBN 9780871650658.

Links

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