Difference between revisions of "Vivitar Professional 135mm f/1.5"

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The Vivitar Professional 135mm f/1.5 lens is a rare telephoto lens marketed by Ponder & Best.
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The '''Vivitar Professional 135mm f/1.5''' lens is a rare telephoto lens marketed by Ponder & Best.
 
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  |image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mureena/4543535745/in/pool-camerawiki
 
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  |image=http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4543535745_5aefd7e2fc.jpg
 
  |image_align=right
 
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  |image_text=Vivitar Professional 135mm f/1.5 lens
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  |image_text=Prototype Vivitar Professional 135mm f/1.5 lens, sn 19671001
 
  |image_by=Vilhelm Sjostrom
 
  |image_by=Vilhelm Sjostrom
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  }}
 
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==Description==
 
==Description==
"Vivitar Professional" was a name applied to only a few, rare lenses marketed by [[Vivitar|Ponder & Best (aka Vivitar)]]. This badge follows the "P&B Vivitar" badged lenses and precedes the more common "Vivitar" branding. The Vivitar Professional 135mm f/1.5 lens is highly sought after by collectors and generally fetches a very high price in auctions due to its rarity. Reviews of the quality of the lens vary. The identity of the manufacturer is unknown; however, the lens is marked "Made in Japan". It is not known exactly how many were produced. Second-hand accounts of total production numbers vary from under 100 units to a number in the low hundreds. Based on the serial numbers known to exist, at least 197 were produced in 1967, less than 100 each produced in 1969, and 1970. Only a handful of existing examples are currently documented (see serial number list below for those that are known).
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"Vivitar Professional" was a name applied to only a few, rare lenses by [[Vivitar|Ponder & Best (aka Vivitar)]]. The Vivitar Professional 135mm f/1.5 lens is highly sought after by collectors and generally fetches a very high price in auctions due to its rarity. Opinions of the quality of the lens vary. The identity of the manufacturer is unknown; however, the lens is marked "Made in Japan". It is not known exactly how many were produced. Second-hand accounts of total production numbers vary from under 100 to the low hundreds. The known serial numbers suggest that at least 197 were produced in 1967, less than 100 in each of 1969 and 1970. Only a handful of surviving examples are known (see serial number list below).
  
The lens was first produced in 1967-1968, originally for NASA. It retailed for just under $600 USD. According to a review published in a 1967 issue of ''Camera 35'' magazine, the lens intentionally sacrifices resolving power to gain the extra two stops over an f/2.8 lens but the result is better than that from shooting at f/2.8 and pushing development by two stops. A quote from the article:
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The lens was first produced in 1966-1967, originally for NASA.<ref name="cam35review">''Camera 35,'' Aug/Sep 1967, page 57. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/nesster/6580842885/in/photostream/ Scan of review]</ref> According to Ponder & Best dealer product lists, the lens retailed for $600 USD in February of 1967<ref name="PBbrochureFebruary1967">Vivitar Preset Lenses, brochure, Ponder & Best, February, 1967, page A-6</ref> but the price dropped to $390 USD by August of 1967.<ref name="PBbrochureAugust1967">Vivitar Preset Lenses, brochure, Ponder & Best, August, 1967, page B-4</ref> According to a review published in a 1967 issue of ''Camera 35'' magazine, the lens intentionally sacrifices resolving power to gain the extra two stops over an f/2.8 lens but the result is better than that from shooting at f/2.8 and pushing development by two stops. A quote from the article:
<blockquote>This is no general purpose lens. First, It's huge - five inches long, four inches wide, weighing a hefty four pounds, eight ounces. Second, it's pre-set. But this should present no problem, since you'd be foolish to use (and pay the price for) a lens specifically designed for speed at any but its widest apertures. A lens with this much glass area gives less than optimum performance under a bright sun, due to inevitable flare. Even inside use a lens hood. Mechanically, this Vivitar is superb. But this is to be expected, since the lens was originally made for NASA, to rigid government specifications.<ref>''Camera 35,'' Aug/Sep 1967, page 57.</ref>
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<blockquote>''"This is no general purpose lens. First, It's huge - five inches long, four inches wide, weighing a hefty four pounds, eight ounces. Second, it's pre-set. But this should present no problem, since you'd be foolish to use (and pay the price for) a lens specifically designed for speed at any but its widest apertures. A lens with this much glass area gives less than optimum performance under a bright sun, due to inevitable flare. Even inside use a lens hood. Mechanically, this Vivitar is superb. But this is to be expected, since the lens was originally made for NASA, to rigid government specifications."<ref name="cam35review" />''
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
Modern users of the lens confirm that the result is soft when the lens is shot wide open, but its primary value now is as a collectors' item.
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The review of the lens also included this resolution test data:
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{|cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="2px" padding="3px"
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|- bgcolor=#e0e0e0
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| colspan="3" | Vivitar 135mm f/1.5 Resolution Test from Camera 35 Review
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|- bgcolor=#e0e0e0
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|Aperture||Center lines/mm||Edges lines/mm
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|- bgcolor=#f0f0f0
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|f/1.5||24||17
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|- bgcolor=#f0f0f0
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|f/2||28||24
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|- bgcolor=#f0f0f0
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|f/2.8||28||24
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|- bgcolor=#f0f0f0
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|f/4||34||28
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|- bgcolor=#f0f0f0
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|f/5.6||40||34
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|- bgcolor=#f0f0f0
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|f/8||48||40
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|- bgcolor=#f0f0f0
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|f/11||56||48
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|- bgcolor=#f0f0f0
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|f/16||68||48
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|- bgcolor=#f0f0f0
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|f/22||56||40
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|}
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Modern users of the lens confirm that the result is soft when the lens is wide open, but the lens is now primarily a collectors' item and rarely used. While the manufacturer is currently unknown, the same lens was imported to the US by Chicago company [[Burke_%26_James|Burke & James, Inc.]] under the Carl Meyer brand. The Vivitar and Carl Meyer versions were identical except for branding marks and mount. The Carl Meyer lens has an M42 mount rather than T mount.<ref>[http://www.ebay.com/itm/310975389612 eBay listing (not visible to public after 90 days)]</ref>
  
 
==Specifications==
 
==Specifications==
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|weight=1,970g (2,170g with hood, [[tripod]] collar, and caps)
 
|weight=1,970g (2,170g with hood, [[tripod]] collar, and caps)
 
|accessories= tripod mounting ring, and detachable metal hood  
 
|accessories= tripod mounting ring, and detachable metal hood  
|example_serial_numbers=1967197, 19671001, 196811,197001
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|example_serial_numbers=1967197, 19671001, 196811, 197001
|stock_number=  
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|stock_number= 20-109<ref name="PBbrochureAugust1967" />
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Copies Known to Exist==
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==Known examples==
* '''19671001''' - Photos of this copy may be seen on this page. Additional photos were posted on the Nikonians forum<ref>[http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=219&topic_id=1001&mesg_id=1001 Nikonian forum: Photos of Vivitar Professional 135mm f/1.5 sn 19671001]</ref>. In 2009, Andrej Korencc, the current owner of this lens, said it was purchased with a Nikon F T mount adapter and that the lens was in very bad condition with scratches, dust, and fungus on the glass. He had it disassembled, cleaned, and the some elements polished by Fotomehanika camera services in Slovenia. After reconditioning, Andrej reported that the lens functioned very well and he subsequently sold it. The current owner is unknown. This copy does not have the usual "Vivitar Professional" badging, the tripod ring, lens hood, or the lens cap. It has an unusual serial number, suggesting this may be a prototype that preceded the first production run. <ref>[http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/forum/topic/823877 Fred Miranda Forum: Vivitar 135mm f/1.5 sn 19671001]</ref>
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Because this lens is both very rare and very sought after by collectors, it seems worthwhile to describe the small number of known examples. These are listed in chronological order by serial number. The serial numbers for this lens are made up of the four-digit year of production followed by the sequential number of production for that year. The one exception to the numbering system is number 19671001, which has other minor differences with the usual production version of the lens and is believed to be a prototype.
* '''196767''' - This copy shows significant wear and was described as having fungus on rear elements. Tripod mount and lens hood are missing. Lens cap is included but due to wear and damange, does not fit properly. Sold on eBay 17 Feb, 2012 for $x USD by seller lostintheozarks<ref>[http://myworld.ebay.com/lostintheozarks eBay seller lostintheozarks]</ref> of Joplin, MO.<ref>[http://www.ebay.com/itm/140697366823  eBay listing (not visible to public after 90 days)]</ref>
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* '''1967197''' - This copy is missing the tripod ring, lens hood, and lens cap. Sold on eBay 8 Jan, 2012 for $888.88 USD by seller phytorx<ref>[http://myworld.ebay.com/phytorx eBay seller phytorx]</ref> of Tucson, AZ.<ref>[http://www.ebay.com/itm/190622489264 eBay listing (not visible to public after 90 days)]</ref>
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If you have further information on any of these copies or can provide information on other copies not yet listed, please feel welcome to add to this listing.
* '''196811''' - This copy is mentioned in a Yahoo lens forum in 2005 but no details of condition were given.<ref>[http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ManualMinoltaFree/message/10885 Yahoo! forum ManualMinoltaFree: That's a lens!]</ref>. In December 2011, it was reported sold on eBay.
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Lenshood-replacement: The universal lenshood for Zeiss Jena Sonnars 300/4 and 180/2.8 can be used by removing 86-95-adapter. There is a cap. <!-- btw:i corrected filtersize from 97 to 95mm. -->
* '''196819''' - This copy is said to be in good condition. Includes tripod ring and lens hood but lens cap is missing. Sold on eBay 12 Feb 2012 for $x USD by seller  phytorx<ref>[http://myworld.ebay.com/phytorx eBay seller phytorx]</ref> of Tucson, AZ.<ref>[http://www.ebay.com/itm/190636906076 eBay listing (not visible to public after 90 days)]</ref>
 
* '''197001''' - This lens was sold on eBay in August 2011 by Reed Drummond. He also granted Camera-wik.org permission to use his auction photos for this article. This copy is missing the lens hood. It includes the tripod ring as well and lens caps. A previous owner has engraved some numbers and letter on the outside of the barrel near the front of the lens. At the time of the auction, glass looked clean with a slight amount of internal dust visible.
 
* '''197012''' - Photos of this copy were posted to the Manual Focus lens forum in September of 2009 by user taunusreiter. The lens hood and cap are not shown and may be missing. The tripod ring is present. The lens barrel appears in remarkably new condition and the glass appears clean and clear.<ref>[http://forum.mflenses.com/vivitar-135mm-lens-bad-boy-t20417.html Manual Focus Lens Forum: Vivitar 135mm f/1.5 sn 197012]</ref>
 
  
==Photos==
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* '''19671001''' - In 2009, Andrej Korencc, said he purchased this example with a Nikon F T mount adapter and it was in very bad condition with scratches, dust, and fungus on the glass. He had it disassembled, cleaned, and some elements polished by Fotomehanika camera services in Slovenia. After reconditioning, Korencc reported that the lens functioned very well and he subsequently sold it. In 2010, Vilhelm Sjostrom was the apparent owner and posted photos to his flickr account, which appear below with his permission. This example does not have the usual "Vivitar Professional" badging, tripod ring, lens hood, or lens cap. It has an unusual serial number, suggesting it may be a prototype that preceded the first production run. <ref>[http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/forum/topic/823877 Fred Miranda Forum: Vivitar 135mm f/1.5 sn 19671001]</ref> Additional photos of this example were posted on the Nikonians forum<ref>[http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=219&topic_id=1001&mesg_id=1001 Nikonian forum: Photos of Vivitar Professional 135mm f/1.5 sn 19671001]</ref>.
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<blockquote>
 
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  |image_align=left
 
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  |image_text=sn 19671001
 
  |image_by=Vilhelm Sjostrom
 
  |image_by=Vilhelm Sjostrom
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
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  |image_text=sn 19671001
 
  |image_by=Vilhelm Sjostrom
 
  |image_by=Vilhelm Sjostrom
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  }}
 
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{{br}}
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/nesster/6580842949/in/pool-camerawiki
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</blockquote>
|image= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6580842949_01cd0c14c0_m.jpg
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* '''196752''' - This example shows substantial wear and is missing one of the aperture preset rings. The lens hood and tripod ring are also missing. Front lens element is described as having "heavy amount of cleaning marks and light scratches" and a 1mm area of fungus. Rear element has larger, crescent-shaped area of fungus. Listed on eBay in May, 2014 with a ''buy it now'' price of $1199.00 USD by kehoutlet.<ref>[http://myworld.ebay.com/kehoutlet eBay seller kehoutlet]</ref>
|image_align= left
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* '''196767''' - This example shows significant wear and was described as having fungus on rear elements. Tripod mount and lens hood are missing. Lens cap is included but due to wear and damage, does not fit properly. Sold on eBay 17 Feb, 2012 for $720 USD by lostintheozarks<ref>[http://myworld.ebay.com/lostintheozarks eBay seller lostintheozarks]</ref> of Joplin, MO.<ref>[http://www.ebay.com/itm/140697366823  eBay listing (not visible to public after 90 days)]</ref>  This lens was spotted on eBay again in March, 2012 as a ''buy it now'' listing for $849.99 USD. The listing was removed after 9 declined offers.
|image_text= Vivitar 135mm f/1.5 ad
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* '''1967124''' - This example is described as being in "decent cosmetic condition" but with "dirt inside lens" as well as signs of wear such as scuff marks. It was listed on eBay in Feb, 2016 for $1,379.00 USD by KEH Camera of Smyrna, GA.<ref>[http://www.ebay.com/itm/121875631842 eBay listing (not visible to public after 90 days)]</ref>
|image_by= Nesster
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* '''1967197''' - This example lacks the tripod ring, lens hood, and lens cap. Sold on eBay 8 Jan, 2012 for $888.88 USD by phytorx<ref>[http://myworld.ebay.com/phytorx eBay seller phytorx]</ref> of Tucson, AZ.<ref>[http://www.ebay.com/itm/190622489264 eBay listing (not visible to public after 90 days)]</ref>
|image_rights= with permission
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<blockquote>
}}
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{{Flickr_image
 
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|image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/6867625749/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image=http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6867625749_da9f2711d6_n.jpg
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|image_align=left
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|image_text= sn 1967197
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|image_by=Pete Strasser
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|image_rights=with permission
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}}
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/6867625821/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image=http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6867625821_7401a6a2ff_n.jpg
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|image_align=left
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|image_text= sn 1967197
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|image_by=Pete Strasser
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|image_rights=with permission
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}}
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</blockquote>
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{{br}}
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* '''196811''' - This example is mentioned in a Yahoo lens forum in 2005 but no details of condition were given.<ref>[http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ManualMinoltaFree/message/10885 Yahoo! forum ManualMinoltaFree: That's a lens!]</ref>. In December 2011, it was reported sold on eBay.
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* '''196819''' - This example is said to be in good condition. Includes tripod ring and lens hood but lens cap is missing. Sold on eBay 12 Feb 2012 for $932 USD by phytorx<ref>[http://myworld.ebay.com/phytorx eBay seller phytorx]</ref> of Tucson, AZ.<ref>[http://www.ebay.com/itm/190636906076 eBay listing (not visible to public after 90 days)]</ref>
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<blockquote>
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{{Flickr_image
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|image=http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6867594909_595ac45dc6_n.jpg
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|image_align=left
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|image_text= sn 196819
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|image_by=Pete Strasser
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|image_rights=with permission
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}}
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/6867594961/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image=http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6867594961_3e936d78a2_n.jpg
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|image_align=left
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|image_text= sn 196819
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|image_by=Pete Strasser
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|image_rights=with permission
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}}
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{{br}}
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</blockquote>
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* '''196825''' - This example was reported sold on eBay UK in the summer of 2011.<ref>[http://forum.mflenses.com/templates/mflenses/images/icon_minipost.gif Manual Focus Lens Forum: Post by Tervueren about sn 196825, 17 Nov 2011]</ref>
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* '''197001''' - This example was sold on eBay in August 2011 by Reed Drummond, who granted Camera-wiki.org permission to use his auction photos here. This example is missing the lens hood. It includes the tripod ring and lens caps. A previous owner has engraved some numbers and letter on the outside of the barrel near the front of the lens. At the time of the auction, glass looked clean with a slight amount of internal dust visible.
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<blockquote>
 
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  |image_text= sn 197001
 
  |image_by=Reed Drummond
 
  |image_by=Reed Drummond
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  }}
 
  }}
 
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  |image_text= sn 197001
  |image_by= Reed Drummond
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  |image_by=Reed Drummond
  |image_rights= with permission
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  |image_rights=with permission
 
  }}
 
  }}
 
  {{Flickr_image
 
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  |image_text= sn 197001
 
  |image_by=Reed Drummond
 
  |image_by=Reed Drummond
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  }}
 
  }}
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</blockquote>
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{{br}}
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* '''197003''' - This example was posted on eBay by mrwebs<ref>[http://www.ebay.com/sch/mrweybs/m.html eBay seller mrwebs]</ref> in January of 2013. Is sold for $1,250 USD. The lens was described as having "small marks on the body". It also has an alphanumeric value engraved by a previous owner near the front of the barrel. Otherwise it was described as being in good mechanical condition with clear glass. Tripod ring and rear lens cap were intact but the hood and front lens cap were missing.<ref>[http://www.ebay.com/itm/251211689273 eBay listing (not visible to public after 90 days)]</ref>
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<blockquote>
 
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  |image=http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8507355929_df63d4ca08_m.jpg
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|image_align=left
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|image_text= sn 197003
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|image_by=mrweybs
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|image_rights=with permission
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}}
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{{Flickr_image
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|image=http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8508464560_0290f160ff_m.jpg
 
  |image_align=left
 
  |image_align=left
  |image_text=  
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  |image_text= sn 197003
  |image_by=Reed Drummond
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  |image_by=mrweybs
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  }}
 
  }}
 
  {{Flickr_image
 
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  |image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/6051333440/in/pool-camerawiki
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  |image_text= sn 197003
  |image_by=Reed Drummond
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  |image_by=mrweybs
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  |image_rights=with permission
 
  }}
 
  }}
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</blockquote>
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{{br}}
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* '''197012''' - Photos of this example were posted to the Manual Focus lens forum in September of 2009 by user taunusreiter. There is no lens cap on this example. The lens hood and tripod ring were present. The lens barrel appears in remarkably new condition and the glass appears clean and clear.<ref>[http://forum.mflenses.com/vivitar-135mm-lens-bad-boy-t20417.html Manual Focus Lens Forum: Vivitar 135mm f/1.5 sn 197012]</ref> This example was last seen in a German eBay auction where it sold on 18 Dec 2011 for &euro;699. At the time of the auction, the lens included the original Vivitar packaging.<ref>[http://www.ebay.de/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270870326907 eBay listing (not visible to public after 90 days)]</ref>
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* '''197027''' - This example was posted on eBay by gokevincameras<ref>[http://myworld.ebay.com/gokevincameras eBay seller gokevincameras]</ref> in April of 2012 as a Buy-it-now listing for $1100 USD. There is no lens cap or hood. Filter ring is dented and front element has evidence of fungus and two chips of glass missing. Tripod mounting ring was not visible in photo and may be missing. Additional photos were posted online.<ref>Kevin Cameras: Vivitar 135 1.5 #197027</ref>
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==Photos==
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Revision as of 05:31, 19 June 2017

The Vivitar Professional 135mm f/1.5 lens is a rare telephoto lens marketed by Ponder & Best.

Description

"Vivitar Professional" was a name applied to only a few, rare lenses by Ponder & Best (aka Vivitar). The Vivitar Professional 135mm f/1.5 lens is highly sought after by collectors and generally fetches a very high price in auctions due to its rarity. Opinions of the quality of the lens vary. The identity of the manufacturer is unknown; however, the lens is marked "Made in Japan". It is not known exactly how many were produced. Second-hand accounts of total production numbers vary from under 100 to the low hundreds. The known serial numbers suggest that at least 197 were produced in 1967, less than 100 in each of 1969 and 1970. Only a handful of surviving examples are known (see serial number list below).

The lens was first produced in 1966-1967, originally for NASA.[1] According to Ponder & Best dealer product lists, the lens retailed for $600 USD in February of 1967[2] but the price dropped to $390 USD by August of 1967.[3] According to a review published in a 1967 issue of Camera 35 magazine, the lens intentionally sacrifices resolving power to gain the extra two stops over an f/2.8 lens but the result is better than that from shooting at f/2.8 and pushing development by two stops. A quote from the article:

"This is no general purpose lens. First, It's huge - five inches long, four inches wide, weighing a hefty four pounds, eight ounces. Second, it's pre-set. But this should present no problem, since you'd be foolish to use (and pay the price for) a lens specifically designed for speed at any but its widest apertures. A lens with this much glass area gives less than optimum performance under a bright sun, due to inevitable flare. Even inside use a lens hood. Mechanically, this Vivitar is superb. But this is to be expected, since the lens was originally made for NASA, to rigid government specifications."[1]

The review of the lens also included this resolution test data:


Vivitar 135mm f/1.5 Resolution Test from Camera 35 Review
Aperture Center lines/mm Edges lines/mm
f/1.5 24 17
f/2 28 24
f/2.8 28 24
f/4 34 28
f/5.6 40 34
f/8 48 40
f/11 56 48
f/16 68 48
f/22 56 40


Modern users of the lens confirm that the result is soft when the lens is wide open, but the lens is now primarily a collectors' item and rarely used. While the manufacturer is currently unknown, the same lens was imported to the US by Chicago company Burke & James, Inc. under the Carl Meyer brand. The Vivitar and Carl Meyer versions were identical except for branding marks and mount. The Carl Meyer lens has an M42 mount rather than T mount.[4]

Specifications

  • Badging: Vivitar Professional
  • Manufacturer: unknown
  • Manufacture Date: 1967
  • Focal Length: 135mm
  • Aperture Range: f/1.5 - f/22 w/half-stops
  • Diaphragm Type: preset
  • Diaphragm Blades: 16
  • Filter Diameter: 95mm
  • Minimum Focus: 1.65 meters (5 feet, 5 inches)
  • Mounts: T-mount
  • Elements: 7
  • Groups: 6
  • Weight: 1,970g (2,170g with hood, tripod collar, and caps)
  • Accessories: tripod mounting ring, and detachable metal hood
  • Example Serial Numbers: 1967197, 19671001, 196811, 197001
  • Original Stock Number(s): 20-109[3]


Known examples

Because this lens is both very rare and very sought after by collectors, it seems worthwhile to describe the small number of known examples. These are listed in chronological order by serial number. The serial numbers for this lens are made up of the four-digit year of production followed by the sequential number of production for that year. The one exception to the numbering system is number 19671001, which has other minor differences with the usual production version of the lens and is believed to be a prototype.

If you have further information on any of these copies or can provide information on other copies not yet listed, please feel welcome to add to this listing. Lenshood-replacement: The universal lenshood for Zeiss Jena Sonnars 300/4 and 180/2.8 can be used by removing 86-95-adapter. There is a cap.

  • 19671001 - In 2009, Andrej Korencc, said he purchased this example with a Nikon F T mount adapter and it was in very bad condition with scratches, dust, and fungus on the glass. He had it disassembled, cleaned, and some elements polished by Fotomehanika camera services in Slovenia. After reconditioning, Korencc reported that the lens functioned very well and he subsequently sold it. In 2010, Vilhelm Sjostrom was the apparent owner and posted photos to his flickr account, which appear below with his permission. This example does not have the usual "Vivitar Professional" badging, tripod ring, lens hood, or lens cap. It has an unusual serial number, suggesting it may be a prototype that preceded the first production run. [5] Additional photos of this example were posted on the Nikonians forum[6].


  • 196752 - This example shows substantial wear and is missing one of the aperture preset rings. The lens hood and tripod ring are also missing. Front lens element is described as having "heavy amount of cleaning marks and light scratches" and a 1mm area of fungus. Rear element has larger, crescent-shaped area of fungus. Listed on eBay in May, 2014 with a buy it now price of $1199.00 USD by kehoutlet.[7]
  • 196767 - This example shows significant wear and was described as having fungus on rear elements. Tripod mount and lens hood are missing. Lens cap is included but due to wear and damage, does not fit properly. Sold on eBay 17 Feb, 2012 for $720 USD by lostintheozarks[8] of Joplin, MO.[9] This lens was spotted on eBay again in March, 2012 as a buy it now listing for $849.99 USD. The listing was removed after 9 declined offers.
  • 1967124 - This example is described as being in "decent cosmetic condition" but with "dirt inside lens" as well as signs of wear such as scuff marks. It was listed on eBay in Feb, 2016 for $1,379.00 USD by KEH Camera of Smyrna, GA.[10]
  • 1967197 - This example lacks the tripod ring, lens hood, and lens cap. Sold on eBay 8 Jan, 2012 for $888.88 USD by phytorx[11] of Tucson, AZ.[12]


  • 196811 - This example is mentioned in a Yahoo lens forum in 2005 but no details of condition were given.[13]. In December 2011, it was reported sold on eBay.
  • 196819 - This example is said to be in good condition. Includes tripod ring and lens hood but lens cap is missing. Sold on eBay 12 Feb 2012 for $932 USD by phytorx[14] of Tucson, AZ.[15]


  • 196825 - This example was reported sold on eBay UK in the summer of 2011.[16]
  • 197001 - This example was sold on eBay in August 2011 by Reed Drummond, who granted Camera-wiki.org permission to use his auction photos here. This example is missing the lens hood. It includes the tripod ring and lens caps. A previous owner has engraved some numbers and letter on the outside of the barrel near the front of the lens. At the time of the auction, glass looked clean with a slight amount of internal dust visible.


  • 197003 - This example was posted on eBay by mrwebs[17] in January of 2013. Is sold for $1,250 USD. The lens was described as having "small marks on the body". It also has an alphanumeric value engraved by a previous owner near the front of the barrel. Otherwise it was described as being in good mechanical condition with clear glass. Tripod ring and rear lens cap were intact but the hood and front lens cap were missing.[18]


  • 197012 - Photos of this example were posted to the Manual Focus lens forum in September of 2009 by user taunusreiter. There is no lens cap on this example. The lens hood and tripod ring were present. The lens barrel appears in remarkably new condition and the glass appears clean and clear.[19] This example was last seen in a German eBay auction where it sold on 18 Dec 2011 for €699. At the time of the auction, the lens included the original Vivitar packaging.[20]
  • 197027 - This example was posted on eBay by gokevincameras[21] in April of 2012 as a Buy-it-now listing for $1100 USD. There is no lens cap or hood. Filter ring is dented and front element has evidence of fungus and two chips of glass missing. Tripod mounting ring was not visible in photo and may be missing. Additional photos were posted online.[22]

Photos



References

Links