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08-23-2016, 08:54 AM   #1
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Found a lens need input

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I found a lens that I can't find in the data base. It's a Vivitar m42 mount 400mm f5.6. Anyone have an idea what the pros and cons are for a Vivitar telephoto lens would be?

I'll not link to it as if it's good, I'll buy it.

08-23-2016, 09:11 AM   #2
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If cheap, just buy it.
08-23-2016, 09:29 AM   #3
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Vivitar never made a single lens, they are all rebadged by various other manufacturers and the results were variable between excellent and mediocre.

As above, if it's cheap, take a punt and wack it on ebay if it's no good
08-23-2016, 09:33 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by photolady95 Quote
I found a lens that I can't find in the data base. It's a Vivitar m42 mount 400mm f5.6. Anyone have an idea what the pros and cons are for a Vivitar telephoto lens would be?

I'll not link to it as if it's good, I'll buy it.
Some of the vivitar were not too bad. I have a k mount 400/5.6. Serial number starting 28(I think). Slow to focus with 330 degree focus throw and minimum focus distance of about 25 feet

Check the image archive

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/130-lens-sample-photo-archive/198957-vivi...ml#post2098866

08-23-2016, 10:05 AM   #5
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This may help it's a list of Vivitar manufacturers codes, it goes by the 1st two digits of the serial number.
6 Olympus 9 Cosina 13 Schneider Optik 22 Kino (aka Kiron) 25 Ozone Optical 28 Komine 32 Makinon 33 Asanuma 37 Tokina 42 Bauer 44 Perkin Elmer (US) 47 Chinon 51 Tokyo Trading 56 Kyoe Schoji 61 Samyang (?) 75 Hoya Optical 77 Kobori 81 Polar

Glenn
08-23-2016, 10:05 AM   #6
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Its not a mirror lens, right?
08-23-2016, 10:48 AM   #7
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In the database - see vivitar primes.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/vivitar-400mm-f5-6.html

Also learn to use the search.

08-23-2016, 11:31 AM   #8
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Thanks all for your input. No it's not a mirror lens. And marcus, that links to a K-mount the one I was looking at is screwmount. From the list that G and T put up it looks like is actually a Komine. First two serial numbers are 28.

And Marcus, I could do a search but I wanted more info on just what is was, I thought maybe or perhaps someone here had one, recently.
08-23-2016, 12:19 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by photolady95 Quote
a K-mount the one I was looking at is screwmount.
The point is that these vivitars can be found with all the mounts of the era including Pk and M42. The pic on the review page looks like a konica mount.

There is more info on the komine version that your are looking at on mflenses:

Vivitar 400mm f/5.6 - Komine - high ISO shots

Vivitar 400mm f/5.6 Lens Review

My own experience of the tokina 400mm f.6's is not encouraging. I have had both types of the 37xxxx serial tokinas and not been impressed with either. IMO the 400mm f6.3's are actually better. I suggest a target price around 50 bucks for any of these if that's any help....

Last edited by marcusBMG; 08-23-2016 at 12:34 PM.
08-23-2016, 01:35 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by photolady95 Quote
Thanks all for your input. No it's not a mirror lens. And marcus, that links to a K-mount the one I was looking at is screwmount. From the list that G and T put up it looks like is actually a Komine. First two serial numbers are 28.

And Marcus, I could do a search but I wanted more info on just what is was, I thought maybe or perhaps someone here had one, recently.
If the serial number starts 28 then optically it may be the same as the one I linked in the image archive. Just remember my sample image was 400Iso slide film
08-23-2016, 02:30 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by photolady95 Quote
I'll not link to it as if it's good, I'll buy it.
Will you link to it if we say it's garbage?
08-23-2016, 02:56 PM   #12
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Thanks Marcus for more information.

QuoteOriginally posted by Lowell Goudge Quote
If the serial number starts 28 then optically it may be the same as the one I linked in the image archive. Just remember my sample image was 400Iso slide film
Thanks Lowell.

And no, I wouldn't say it's cheap, they want $100 for it.

QuoteOriginally posted by THoog Quote
Will you link to it if we say it's garbage? :
I'll think about it but right now........no!
08-23-2016, 03:21 PM   #13
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I own the Tokina 8 element, 8 blade, TX mount version. Bought it in the 70s with the TX-M42 adapter attached. Swapped that out with a TX-PK adapter a few months ago. I like that mine has the tripod mount and built-in hood. Haven't used it much over the years, and have never used any other 400mm prime, so can't compare quality. If someone wants to lend me a DA* 300mm f4 for a year or so, I'll be happy to write a comparative review. 8¬)

The shots I *have* taken with it have just been 'OK'. That might have as much to do with the lighting at the time and my technique as with the actual quality of the lens. I would never sell it unless I could get something significantly better at a ridiculously good price. It is built like a tank, and almost as heavy. I really need to take it on a wildlife photo excursion and put it through its paces.
08-23-2016, 04:11 PM   #14
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Here's the link in case anyone else is interested. I've decided to bypass it and go with a Takumar instead.

Vivitar 400mm F5 6 M42 Screw Prime Lens for SLR Mirrorless Cameras | eBay
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