is this lens worth buying?

mingkoy · 05-03-2013, 12:16 PM

i'm into a small budget in finding good or repairable lenses here in the philippines...

i stumbled upon this VIVITAR SERIES 1 35-85 f/2.8 lens but im pretty curious about the markings inside the lens... is this fungus? is this a bad sign? its on sale for 30 dollars

HEEEELLPP!!!

Attached Images

**lmd91343** · 05-03-2013, 12:36 PM

I have that lens.

In its day it was quite remarkable. It was a constant f:2.8 throughout the range. It is sharp at f:4.0 and above. It was, as named by Robert Monaghan, the original "Vivitar Cult Lens".

Today it is not so outstanding as it was back then. The world has caught up. It is heavy. The extra speed of f:2.8 is only usable for brightness in focusing or when that extra speed is the only way to catch the image. It is vaifocal, needing to be refocused after zooming.

As for fungus, some can easily be cleaned, some not. If the fungus is between cemented lenses or if it requires complex disassembly. It is not worth it. You can't know that until you take it apart.

Fungus eats the lens coating. Even if cleaned, some coating will be missing. Coating is VERY expensive to replace.

It is a roll of the dice, $30, and several hours of your time.

Nick Siebers · 05-03-2013, 01:03 PM

That doesn't look like fungus to me, but it doesn't look good either. Hard to say from that shot. I would probably buy it for $30, if the light path through the center is clear.

05-03-2013, 12:16 PM	#1
mingkoy New Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20	is this lens worth buying? i'm into a small budget in finding good or repairable lenses here in the philippines... i stumbled upon this VIVITAR SERIES 1 35-85 f/2.8 lens but im pretty curious about the markings inside the lens... is this fungus? is this a bad sign? its on sale for 30 dollars HEEEELLPP!!! Attached Images

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Is Pentax Worth Buying Anymore?	Mass. Wine Guy	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	26	12-28-2011 08:34 PM
Is YN 560 worth buying?	wildweasel	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	10	09-18-2011 07:53 AM
Worth buying an adapter for this lens?	magnum1	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	04-30-2010 05:34 PM
Is this lenes worth buying? Canon 50mmf/1.4?	Softsoap	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	03-02-2010 01:25 PM
Advise needed - Is this CPL worth Buying?	joodiespost	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	7	01-12-2010 12:41 PM

05-03-2013, 12:36 PM	#2
lmd91343 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,027	I have that lens. In its day it was quite remarkable. It was a constant f:2.8 throughout the range. It is sharp at f:4.0 and above. It was, as named by Robert Monaghan, the original "Vivitar Cult Lens". Today it is not so outstanding as it was back then. The world has caught up. It is heavy. The extra speed of f:2.8 is only usable for brightness in focusing or when that extra speed is the only way to catch the image. It is vaifocal, needing to be refocused after zooming. As for fungus, some can easily be cleaned, some not. If the fungus is between cemented lenses or if it requires complex disassembly. It is not worth it. You can't know that until you take it apart. Fungus eats the lens coating. Even if cleaned, some coating will be missing. Coating is VERY expensive to replace. It is a roll of the dice, $30, and several hours of your time.

05-03-2013, 01:03 PM	#3
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	That doesn't look like fungus to me, but it doesn't look good either. Hard to say from that shot. I would probably buy it for $30, if the light path through the center is clear.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search