decent price for M42 Vivitar 200mm f3.5?

JohnBee · 10-20-2010, 09:34 AM

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Originally posted by photovats

I am looking for a M42 vivitar 200mm F3.5 lens from ebay. I am not sure how much should I pay for it. I was wondering what would be a good price for the lens.
Thanks a lot.

I think it really depends on the model.
I payed $300 for a Komine Series 200/3.0 about 2 years ago.

**Lowell Goudge** · 10-20-2010, 10:24 AM

check e-bay there is a vivitar 200F3.5 preset on right now. oct 20, 2010

RioRico · 10-21-2010, 03:05 AM

Originally posted by photovats

Also I am planning to get the Vivitar 28mm 2.8? How is it? Is it worth going for a 28mm or 24mm? Thanks

There are only about a zillion different Viv 28's, all reputedly pretty good. Although I must admit I don't use my Viv-Tokina 28/2.8 in T2-M42 mount, because it's a booger to stop-down the aperture except on an M42 auto camera. So I'll probably sell that one. A Viv-Kiron 28/2.5 just arrived today, and a big heavy sucker it is too, much more massive than a Tamron 28/2.5 that arrived a couple days ago. A couple other Viv 28's should arrive Real Soon Now and I'll be able to stage a proper shootout. Anyway, someone around here has a database of known Viv 28's and I'm sure it'll be mentioned in this thread soon.

At least a couple of Viv 24's exist. I have a Viv-Kiron 24/2 that's reputed to be a real gem but mine is damaged and I don't know when it'll be fixed (spare parts are hard to find, says the repair tech). Be aware that the lensmakers Vivitar contracted with also supplied lenses to other marketers under many names, such as Sears, Soligor, Lentar, Albinar, Focal, Makinon, Porst, et al. My Tokina-made 21/3.8 can be found under several of those names, and a Viv-badged version is on eBay right now for well under US$100.

Also be aware that 24mm and 28mm lenses see the world quite differently. Down in that focal-length neighborhood, 3-4mm change the field-of-view considerably. A 21mm is MUCH wider than a 24mm, which is NOTABLY wider than a 28mm. I find myself using a Soligor 24/2.8 more than any 28mm, but that's just me.

stevebrot · 10-21-2010, 09:34 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Did Vivitar make a Series 1 200/3.5 in M42? There was a 200/3.0 that might have been available in that mount.

Steve

Originally posted by photovats

There is a posting of Vivitar 200 3.5 with M42 mount on ebay. So I guess they did make it sometime.

Ummmm...yes...but the question was regarding a Series 1 lens. There are a couple of Viv 200/3.5 on eBay right now and none are Series 1 lenses. One is posed next to a Series 1 box, but the lens is too early, probably 1971. (The ribbed grip Komine lenses were made in the late 60s and early 70s.) To the best of my knowledge Vivitar never made a M42 200mm f/3.5 Series 1.

Links to two eBay auctions for same model lens:

VIVITAR TELEPHOTO 3.5 / 200mm M42 screw mount lens - eBay (item 110601225350 end time Oct-21-10 16:09:59 PDT)
VIVITAR TELEPHOTO LENS 200mm AUTOMATIC TELECONVERTER ++ - eBay (item 270649709824 end time Oct-21-10 18:24:25 PDT)

Steve

(I own the M42 200/3.5 just like the one in the auction...great lens, but no Series 1)

Last edited by stevebrot; 10-21-2010 at 09:41 AM.

Jewelltrail · 10-21-2010, 09:42 AM

I sold one within the last year for about $40 in our marketplace--it was very close to mint condition. You used to be able to get one in the $20 range, but I think those days may be gone because we all learned just how excellent IQ is with the lens. Good Luck.

photovats · 10-21-2010, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Ummmm...yes...but the question was regarding a Series 1 lens. There are a couple of Viv 200/3.5 on eBay right now and none are Series 1 lenses. One is posed next to a Series 1 box, but the lens is too early, probably 1971. (The ribbed grip Komine lenses were made in the late 60s and early 70s.) To the best of my knowledge Vivitar never made a M42 200mm f/3.5 Series 1.

Steve
(I own the M42 200/3.5 just like the one in the auction...great lens, but no Series 1)

How to I differentiate between Series 1 and other? Are Series 1 considerable better and faster?

stevebrot · 10-21-2010, 06:40 PM

Originally posted by photovats

How to I differentiate between Series 1 and other? Are Series 1 considerable better and faster?

The Series 1 lenses are clearly labeled as such. With the exception of certain recent models, the Vivitar Series 1 line was considered to be pro quality and featured excellent optical performance. This was often accompanied by a little boost in maximum aperture as well. Vivitar debuted the Series 1 line in the 1975 and were a powerful force into the early 1980s. Here is a good article:

Vivitar Series 1, 90-180 on CameraQuest

Steve

(BTW...you can estimate the date of manufacture for pre-1990 Vivitar lenses by the serial number. The first two digits identify the manufacturer. The third digit indicates the year, but not the decade. For example, "3" might be 1973 or 1983. "5" might be 1965, 1975, or 1985. The 1970s found a shift away from the ribbed metal focus rings, so any lens with that feature is probably from the 60s or early 70s based on that feature alone.)

knyghtfall · 10-21-2010, 08:07 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Did Vivitar make a Series 1 200/3.5 in M42? There was a 200/3.0 that might have been available in that mount.

Steve

Hi Steve

you're right, the series 1 is an f3, not 3.5. My mistake! I recalled looking for this earlier because I was very impressed with the 135mm f2.3.. but found a zeiss 200mm instead.

10-21-2010, 09:34 AM	#19
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by stevebrot Did Vivitar make a Series 1 200/3.5 in M42? There was a 200/3.0 that might have been available in that mount. Steve Originally posted by photovats There is a posting of Vivitar 200 3.5 with M42 mount on ebay. So I guess they did make it sometime. Ummmm...yes...but the question was regarding a Series 1 lens. There are a couple of Viv 200/3.5 on eBay right now and none are Series 1 lenses. One is posed next to a Series 1 box, but the lens is too early, probably 1971. (The ribbed grip Komine lenses were made in the late 60s and early 70s.) To the best of my knowledge Vivitar never made a M42 200mm f/3.5 Series 1. Links to two eBay auctions for same model lens: VIVITAR TELEPHOTO 3.5 / 200mm M42 screw mount lens - eBay (item 110601225350 end time Oct-21-10 16:09:59 PDT) VIVITAR TELEPHOTO LENS 200mm AUTOMATIC TELECONVERTER ++ - eBay (item 270649709824 end time Oct-21-10 18:24:25 PDT) Steve (I own the M42 200/3.5 just like the one in the auction...great lens, but no Series 1) Last edited by stevebrot; 10-21-2010 at 09:41 AM.

10-21-2010, 09:42 AM	#20
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Viv 200mm 3.5 I sold one within the last year for about $40 in our marketplace--it was very close to mint condition. You used to be able to get one in the $20 range, but I think those days may be gone because we all learned just how excellent IQ is with the lens. Good Luck.

10-21-2010, 06:40 PM	#22
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by photovats How to I differentiate between Series 1 and other? Are Series 1 considerable better and faster? The Series 1 lenses are clearly labeled as such. With the exception of certain recent models, the Vivitar Series 1 line was considered to be pro quality and featured excellent optical performance. This was often accompanied by a little boost in maximum aperture as well. Vivitar debuted the Series 1 line in the 1975 and were a powerful force into the early 1980s. Here is a good article: Vivitar Series 1, 90-180 on CameraQuest Steve (BTW...you can estimate the date of manufacture for pre-1990 Vivitar lenses by the serial number. The first two digits identify the manufacturer. The third digit indicates the year, but not the decade. For example, "3" might be 1973 or 1983. "5" might be 1965, 1975, or 1985. The 1970s found a shift away from the ribbed metal focus rings, so any lens with that feature is probably from the 60s or early 70s based on that feature alone.)

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10-20-2010, 09:34 AM	#16
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by photovats I am looking for a M42 vivitar 200mm F3.5 lens from ebay. I am not sure how much should I pay for it. I was wondering what would be a good price for the lens. Thanks a lot. I think it really depends on the model. I payed $300 for a Komine Series 200/3.0 about 2 years ago.

10-20-2010, 10:24 AM	#17
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	check e-bay there is a vivitar 200F3.5 preset on right now. oct 20, 2010

10-21-2010, 03:05 AM	#18
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by photovats Also I am planning to get the Vivitar 28mm 2.8? How is it? Is it worth going for a 28mm or 24mm? Thanks There are only about a zillion different Viv 28's, all reputedly pretty good. Although I must admit I don't use my Viv-Tokina 28/2.8 in T2-M42 mount, because it's a booger to stop-down the aperture except on an M42 auto camera. So I'll probably sell that one. A Viv-Kiron 28/2.5 just arrived today, and a big heavy sucker it is too, much more massive than a Tamron 28/2.5 that arrived a couple days ago. A couple other Viv 28's should arrive Real Soon Now and I'll be able to stage a proper shootout. Anyway, someone around here has a database of known Viv 28's and I'm sure it'll be mentioned in this thread soon. At least a couple of Viv 24's exist. I have a Viv-Kiron 24/2 that's reputed to be a real gem but mine is damaged and I don't know when it'll be fixed (spare parts are hard to find, says the repair tech). Be aware that the lensmakers Vivitar contracted with also supplied lenses to other marketers under many names, such as Sears, Soligor, Lentar, Albinar, Focal, Makinon, Porst, et al. My Tokina-made 21/3.8 can be found under several of those names, and a Viv-badged version is on eBay right now for well under US$100. Also be aware that 24mm and 28mm lenses see the world quite differently. Down in that focal-length neighborhood, 3-4mm change the field-of-view considerably. A 21mm is MUCH wider than a 24mm, which is NOTABLY wider than a 28mm. I find myself using a Soligor 24/2.8 more than any 28mm, but that's just me.

10-21-2010, 11:35 AM	#21
photovats New Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Jose, CA, USA Posts: 14 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot Ummmm...yes...but the question was regarding a Series 1 lens. There are a couple of Viv 200/3.5 on eBay right now and none are Series 1 lenses. One is posed next to a Series 1 box, but the lens is too early, probably 1971. (The ribbed grip Komine lenses were made in the late 60s and early 70s.) To the best of my knowledge Vivitar never made a M42 200mm f/3.5 Series 1. Steve (I own the M42 200/3.5 just like the one in the auction...great lens, but no Series 1) How to I differentiate between Series 1 and other? Are Series 1 considerable better and faster?

10-21-2010, 08:07 PM	#23
knyghtfall Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 348	Originally posted by stevebrot Did Vivitar make a Series 1 200/3.5 in M42? There was a 200/3.0 that might have been available in that mount. Steve Hi Steve you're right, the series 1 is an f3, not 3.5. My mistake! I recalled looking for this earlier because I was very impressed with the 135mm f2.3.. but found a zeiss 200mm instead.