Difference between revisions of "Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Zoom"
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* '''Serial Numbers:''' n/a | * '''Serial Numbers:''' n/a | ||
* '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | * '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | ||
| − | The earliest automatic version of the lens is based on the external design of the Chrome Nose family, with a silver ring at the front tip of the lens and a silver zoom ring. The focusing ring is metal with | + | The earliest automatic version of the lens is based on the external design of the Chrome Nose family, with a silver ring at the front tip of the lens and a silver zoom ring with a diagonal diamond pattern. The focusing ring is metal with alternating longitudinal ridges and flats. The bottom grip area has a bumpy plastic covering. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Chrome Nose family. |
{{Flickr_image | {{Flickr_image | ||
| Line 57: | Line 57: | ||
* '''Serial Numbers:''' n/a | * '''Serial Numbers:''' n/a | ||
* '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | * '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | ||
| − | The earliest preset T Mount version of the lens is based on the external design of the Chrome Nose family, with a silver ring at the front tip of the lens and a silver zoom ring. The focusing ring is metal with | + | The earliest preset T Mount version of the lens is based on the external design of the Chrome Nose family, with a silver ring at the front tip of the lens and a silver zoom ring with a diagonal diamond pattern. The focusing ring is metal with alternating longitudinal ridges and flats. The top section of bottom grip area is used for the aperture preset rings. The upper preset ring has a small window to show the preset aperture. The lower preset ring has a distinctive graphic showing a red triangle inside a white direction indicator. The remainder of the bottom grip area is smooth black metal. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family. |
===Version 2 Auto Fixed Mount=== | ===Version 2 Auto Fixed Mount=== | ||
| Line 63: | Line 63: | ||
* '''Serial Numbers:''' 30980 | * '''Serial Numbers:''' 30980 | ||
* '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | * '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | ||
| − | The second version is identical to version 1 except metal focus ring now has longitudinal ridges only, the flats are gone. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Chrome Nose family. | + | The second version is identical to version 1 except the metal focus ring now has longitudinal ridges only, the flats are gone. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Chrome Nose family. |
===Version 2 Preset T Mount=== | ===Version 2 Preset T Mount=== | ||
| Line 69: | Line 69: | ||
* '''Serial Numbers:''' 29479 | * '''Serial Numbers:''' 29479 | ||
* '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | * '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | ||
| − | The second version is identical to version 1 except metal focus ring now has longitudinal ridges only, the flats are gone. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family. | + | The second version is identical to version 1 except the metal focus ring now has longitudinal ridges only, the flats are gone. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family. |
===Version 3 Auto Fixed Mount=== | ===Version 3 Auto Fixed Mount=== | ||
| Line 75: | Line 75: | ||
* '''Serial Numbers:''' 22xxxxxx | * '''Serial Numbers:''' 22xxxxxx | ||
* '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | * '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | ||
| − | The | + | The third automatic version of the lens is based on the external design of the Bright Band family. The Silver ring at the front tip of the lens has been removed to make room for a black built-in extendible lens hood. The silver zoom ring remains, matching the bright silver bands of the members of the lens family. The focusing ring is metal with longitudinal ridges. The bottom grip area has a bumpy plastic covering. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Bright Band family. |
{{Flickr_image | {{Flickr_image | ||
| Line 91: | Line 91: | ||
* '''Serial Numbers:''' 22830049 | * '''Serial Numbers:''' 22830049 | ||
* '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | * '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | ||
| − | The | + | The third preset T Mount version of the lens is based on the external design of the Bright Band family. The Silver ring at the front tip of the lens has been removed to make room for a black built-in extendible lens hood. The silver zoom ring remains, matching the bright silver bands of the members of the lens family. The focusing ring is metal with longitudinal ridges. The top section of bottom grip area is used for the aperture preset rings. The upper preset ring has a small window to show the preset aperture. The lower preset ring has a distinctive graphic showing a red triangle inside a white direction indicator. The remainder of the bottom grip area is smooth black metal. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family. |
===Version 4 Auto Fixed Mount=== | ===Version 4 Auto Fixed Mount=== | ||
| Line 98: | Line 98: | ||
* '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | * '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | ||
| − | The lens is now all black, to match the coloring of the | + | The lens is now all black, to match the coloring of the contemporary Vivitar lens family. The built-in lens hood remains, as does the metal focus ring with longitudinal ridges. The zoom ring is now has a black diamond grip pattern. The bottom grip area has a bumpy plastic covering. |
===Version 4 Preset T Mount=== | ===Version 4 Preset T Mount=== | ||
| Line 105: | Line 105: | ||
* '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | * '''Badging:''' Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm | ||
| − | The lens is now all black, to match the coloring of the | + | The lens is now all black, to match the coloring of the contemporary Vivitar lens family. The built-in lens hood remains, as does the metal focus ring with longitudinal ridges. The zoom ring is now has a black diamond grip pattern. The top section of bottom grip area is used for the aperture preset rings. The upper preset ring has a small window to show the preset aperture. The lower preset ring has a distinctive graphic showing a red triangle inside a white direction indicator. The remainder of the bottom grip area is smooth black metal. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family. |
| Line 112: | Line 112: | ||
* '''Serial Numbers:''' 22012969 - 22330184 (approximate) | * '''Serial Numbers:''' 22012969 - 22330184 (approximate) | ||
* '''Badging:''' AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM 85-205mm 1:3.8 | * '''Badging:''' AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM 85-205mm 1:3.8 | ||
| − | Starting with Version | + | Starting with Version 5, the T Mount variation has been discontinued and only fixed mount automatic aperture is offered. The only apparent difference between the Version 4 auto fixed mount and this version is that the badging had been changed to reflect the fact that there is no preset version of the lens. The badge text is now prefixed with the upper case word '''AUTO'''. |
{{Flickr_image | {{Flickr_image | ||
| Line 136: | Line 136: | ||
* '''Serial Numbers:''' 22337475 - 22442143 (approximate) | * '''Serial Numbers:''' 22337475 - 22442143 (approximate) | ||
* '''Badging:''' Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | * '''Badging:''' Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM | ||
| − | The focus ring, zoom ring, and bottom grip area are all covered with black diamond grip rubber. Like previous changes, this allows the lens to match the | + | The focus ring, zoom ring, and bottom grip area are all covered with black diamond grip rubber. Like previous changes, this allows the lens to match the contemporary Vivitar lens family. |
===Version 7=== | ===Version 7=== | ||
| Line 142: | Line 142: | ||
* '''Serial Numbers:''' 22500780 - 22710532 (approximate) | * '''Serial Numbers:''' 22500780 - 22710532 (approximate) | ||
* '''Badging:''' Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | * '''Badging:''' Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM | ||
| − | The exterior design is the same as Version 5 but there have been internal changes | + | The exterior design is the same as Version 5 but there have been internal optical changes to allow close focusing. |
Revision as of 01:30, 26 March 2012
The Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Zoom is one of the longest lived zoom lenses marketed by Ponder & Best (later Vivitar)
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| Vivitar ad for 85-205mm f/3.8 Tele Zoom Chrome Nose image by Nesster (Image rights) |
Description
The Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Zoom is one of the longest lived zoom lenses marketed by Ponder and Best (Vivitar). The first version of the lens was announced in the late 1960s and the last version was still being sold over a decade later. The exterior of the lens was modified multiple times to match the appearance of the Vivitar lens family it was marketed with; initially the Chrome Nose family, later the Bright Band family and then all black versions with metal or rubber focus rings to match later lens families. The earliest versions were also available as preset T Mounts and included in the Vivitar Compatible T System Family. The T Mount versions had an unusual marking on the preset ring of a red triangle. This marking signifies lenses that modern collectors refer to as the Pyramid Preset family of lenses. Most of the variations of the 85-205mm zoom were simply cosmetic changes to the exterior hardware but one of the last versions of the lens included internal changes to allow closer focusing.
All versions of the lens are believed to have been manufactured by Kino Precision. The earliest models pre-date the standardized Vivitar serial numbers but all later models use the 22 prefix indicative of Kino Precision. Collectors believe Kino Precision also sold the same lens to other distributors. Variations of the lens have reportedly been sold as Soligor, Hanimex, Panagor, Albinar, and other brands.[1]
According to a Ponder and Best advertisement, the earliest version of the lens retailed for $260 USD in 1967.[2] The same ad lists the preset T-Mount variant of the lens for $180. Versions 1 through 4 were very short-lived and are now quite rare, particularly the T Mount variants. Later versions however are very common, leading to this lens being one of the most commonly available Vivitar zoom lenses on the used market. As a result of the large supply of used 85-205mm lenses, even the rarer versions have little resale value among modern collectors. It's unusual to see any variant sell for more than $10 USD today.
Specifications
- Badging: Vivitar
- Manufacturer: Kino Precision
- Manufacture Date: ca 1967
- Focal Length: 85-205mm
- Aperture Range: f/3.8 - f/22 w/half stops
- Diaphragm Type: Automatic
- Diaphragm Blades: unknown
- Filter Diameter: 58mm
- Minimum Focus: unknown
- Mounts: Canon FL, M42, Nikon
- Elements: 13
- Groups: 9
- Weight: 28oz
- Accessories: Quick-zoom handle was available to fit threaded hole in zoom ring
- Example Serial Numbers: see below
- Original Stock Number(s): unknown
Variations
Version 1 Auto Fixed Mount
- Date: 1966
- Serial Numbers: n/a
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The earliest automatic version of the lens is based on the external design of the Chrome Nose family, with a silver ring at the front tip of the lens and a silver zoom ring with a diagonal diamond pattern. The focusing ring is metal with alternating longitudinal ridges and flats. The bottom grip area has a bumpy plastic covering. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Chrome Nose family.
|
| Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Version 1 image by Nesster (Image rights) |
Version 1 Preset T Mount
- Date: 1966
- Serial Numbers: n/a
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The earliest preset T Mount version of the lens is based on the external design of the Chrome Nose family, with a silver ring at the front tip of the lens and a silver zoom ring with a diagonal diamond pattern. The focusing ring is metal with alternating longitudinal ridges and flats. The top section of bottom grip area is used for the aperture preset rings. The upper preset ring has a small window to show the preset aperture. The lower preset ring has a distinctive graphic showing a red triangle inside a white direction indicator. The remainder of the bottom grip area is smooth black metal. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family.
Version 2 Auto Fixed Mount
- Date: 1966 - 1967
- Serial Numbers: 30980
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The second version is identical to version 1 except the metal focus ring now has longitudinal ridges only, the flats are gone. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Chrome Nose family.
Version 2 Preset T Mount
- Date: 1966 - 1967
- Serial Numbers: 29479
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The second version is identical to version 1 except the metal focus ring now has longitudinal ridges only, the flats are gone. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family.
Version 3 Auto Fixed Mount
- Date: 1968
- Serial Numbers: 22xxxxxx
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The third automatic version of the lens is based on the external design of the Bright Band family. The Silver ring at the front tip of the lens has been removed to make room for a black built-in extendible lens hood. The silver zoom ring remains, matching the bright silver bands of the members of the lens family. The focusing ring is metal with longitudinal ridges. The bottom grip area has a bumpy plastic covering. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Bright Band family.
|
| Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Version 3 image by Nesster (Image rights) |
Version 3 Preset T Mount
- Date: 1968 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22830049
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The third preset T Mount version of the lens is based on the external design of the Bright Band family. The Silver ring at the front tip of the lens has been removed to make room for a black built-in extendible lens hood. The silver zoom ring remains, matching the bright silver bands of the members of the lens family. The focusing ring is metal with longitudinal ridges. The top section of bottom grip area is used for the aperture preset rings. The upper preset ring has a small window to show the preset aperture. The lower preset ring has a distinctive graphic showing a red triangle inside a white direction indicator. The remainder of the bottom grip area is smooth black metal. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family.
Version 4 Auto Fixed Mount
- Date: 1969 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22xxxxxx
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The lens is now all black, to match the coloring of the contemporary Vivitar lens family. The built-in lens hood remains, as does the metal focus ring with longitudinal ridges. The zoom ring is now has a black diamond grip pattern. The bottom grip area has a bumpy plastic covering.
Version 4 Preset T Mount
- Date: 1969 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22950222[3]
- Badging: Vivitar TELE ZOOM LENS 1:3.8 85-205mm
The lens is now all black, to match the coloring of the contemporary Vivitar lens family. The built-in lens hood remains, as does the metal focus ring with longitudinal ridges. The zoom ring is now has a black diamond grip pattern. The top section of bottom grip area is used for the aperture preset rings. The upper preset ring has a small window to show the preset aperture. The lower preset ring has a distinctive graphic showing a red triangle inside a white direction indicator. The remainder of the bottom grip area is smooth black metal. Collectors consider this lens a member of the Pyramid Preset family.
Version 5
- Date: 1970 - 1973 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22012969 - 22330184 (approximate)
- Badging: AUTO Vivitar TELE-ZOOM 85-205mm 1:3.8
Starting with Version 5, the T Mount variation has been discontinued and only fixed mount automatic aperture is offered. The only apparent difference between the Version 4 auto fixed mount and this version is that the badging had been changed to reflect the fact that there is no preset version of the lens. The badge text is now prefixed with the upper case word AUTO.
|
| Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Version 5 image by Nesster (Image rights) |
|
| Vivitar 85-205mm f/3.8 Version 5 image by Nesster (Image rights) |
Version 6
- Date: 1973 - 1974 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22337475 - 22442143 (approximate)
- Badging: Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 AUTO ZOOM
The focus ring, zoom ring, and bottom grip area are all covered with black diamond grip rubber. Like previous changes, this allows the lens to match the contemporary Vivitar lens family.
Version 7
- Date: 1975 - 1977 (approximate)
- Serial Numbers: 22500780 - 22710532 (approximate)
- Badging: Vivitar 85-205mm 1:3.8 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM
The exterior design is the same as Version 5 but there have been internal optical changes to allow close focusing.
