[fwcetus]

> v3 from Komine:
> Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/2.8-4.0, from Komine (v3)
> serial number starts with 28
> the only version among the three that has 'A' settings

This actually is the only version of ~all~ of the VS1 70-210 mf zooms that is available both ~with~ and ~without~ the "A" setting on the aperture ring. The older V.3's have a "regular" K mount, while newer V.3's have a Ka mount.

(This duality of mounts is not unique - some other 3rd-party lenses of the early 80's which "straddled" the introduction of the Ka mount by Pentax underwent a change from K mount to Ka mount during their production run - I know, for example, that the Tokina AT-X 90/2.5 Macro was made with both types of mounts.)

[fwcetus]

Here are the weight of the three Series 1 zooms recommended by Mark Roberts

• v1 from Kiron: 879g
• v2 from Tokina: 710g
• v3 from Komine: 860g

And here are the weights of all the Series 1 K-mount and Ka-mount zooms (that I know of) -

Version 1 - VS1 70-210/3.5 (67mm threads) SN 22945237 - 935.8g

Version 2 - VS1 70-210/3.5 (62mm threads) SN 37323456 - 720.4g

Version 3a - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (62mm threads) [K mount] SN 28400180 - 855.1g

Version 3b - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (62mm threads) [Ka mount] SN 28504569 - 849.8g

Version 4a - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (58mm threads) SN 09045232 - 739.6g

Version 4b - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (58mm threads) [Gold 50th Anniversery version] SN 18 - 996.7g

Version 5 - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (58mm threads) [Q-DOS version] SN 09230596 - 737.8g

Version 6 - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (62mm threads) SN 09721344 - 726.6g

(The above are from actual measurements of K-mount and Ka-mount specimens.)

[hinman]

And here are the weights of all the Series 1 K-mount and Ka-mount zooms (that I know of) -

Version 1 - VS1 70-210/3.5 (67mm threads) SN 22945237 - 935.8g

Version 2 - VS1 70-210/3.5 (62mm threads) SN 37323456 - 720.4g

Version 3a - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (62mm threads) [K mount] SN 28400180 - 855.1g

Version 3b - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (62mm threads) [Ka mount] SN 28504569 - 849.8g

Version 4a - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (58mm threads) SN 09045232 - 739.6g

Version 4b - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (58mm threads) [Gold 50th Anniversery version] SN 18 - 996.7g

Version 5 - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (58mm threads) [Q-DOS version] SN 09230596 - 737.8g

Version 6 - VS1 70-210/2.8-4 (62mm threads) SN 09721344 - 726.6g

(The above are from actual measurements of K-mount and Ka-mount specimens.]

Thanks for the information. Wow, I did not know that Kiron in the 1st version weigh that much higher. I got my numbers probably from MarkRobert web site. I currently have 3b version with Komine. I will say that among all the first three versions, the easiest to handle goes to the Tokina version followed next by the Komine version and my preference to sharpness, though very close among the first three versions, also go to the Tokina version.

On my Komine copy, I do find moderate amount of PF/CA and I hear similar complaints from other owners of Komine Series 1 zoom copy, do you find it the case?

[fwcetus]

Thanks for the information. Wow, I did not know that Kiron in the 1st version weigh that much higher. I got my numbers probably from MarkRobert web site. I currently have 3b version with Komine. I will say that among all the first three versions, the easiest to handle goes to the Tokina version followed next by the Komine version and my preference to sharpness, though very close among the first three versions, also go to the Tokina version. On my Komine copy, I do find moderate amount of PF/CA and I hear similar complaints from other owners of Komine Series 1 zoom copy, do you find it the case?

Yes, the first version is indeed quite heavy (in fact, only the gold 50th anniversary version is heavier). However, the real surprise for me regarding the comparative weights (masses, actually - <g>) is the ~third~ version (whether K or Ka) - it is significantly heavier than, say, the second version, even though it is not much different is size (in contrast, the first version is physically quite a bit larger than the others, and so its great weight is not at all surprising).

As for the PF/CA on a digital body, I have to plead ignorance (for now) - I haven't really used any of these lenses on my DSLR's much yet. However, I ~do~ promise to do a comparison of all of them sometime... [My particular LBA affliction is of the "So Many Lenses, So Little Time" variety - <g>.]

[fwcetus]

The komine copy of the vivitar zoom looks so much like the Tokina copy. In appearance, v2 from Tokina and v3 from Komine almost look identical, but there is the red line in lens' front distinguishing it from v1 and v2.

Actually, to me, the biggest visual difference between V.2 and V.3 (both V.3a and V.3b) is the DOF/IR markings on the barrels. In V.3, there is a white straight line for focus distance, a curved red line for IR focus distance, and several green lines for DOF range. In V.2, the multiple green DOF lines are absent, making for a "cleaner" (or less "busy") appearance.

As for the red line around the objective end of the lens, it is interesting that it is present in V.3b (Ka), but is absent in V.3a (K) - the two V.3 models are otherwise marked very similarly (except, of course, for the "A" button). Most of the newer versions (V.3b, V.4a, V.5, and V.6) have the red circle, while the older ones (V.1, V.2, V.3a) do not. (The gold V.4b lens is marked with black on gold and gold on black, with no other colors.)

[woefulwabbit]

Hi, I have this Tokina 70-210mm f/3.5 handed down to me. It's not labeled as a Vivitar Series 1, but seem to have the same specs and manufacturer, so I'm wondering if it is related to the v2. It has a 62mm thread, with the labels RMC Tokina 70-210mm 1:3.5 062 8023400. Here are some shots of it:







Thanks

[hinman]

Hi, I have this Tokina 70-210mm f/3.5 handed down to me. It's not labeled as a Vivitar Series 1, but seem to have the same specs and manufacturer, so I'm wondering if it is related to the v2. It has a 62mm thread, with the labels RMC Tokina 70-210mm 1:3.5 062 8023400. Here are some shots of it:

Thanks

It sure looks like the lens. I own the first three versions of Vivitar. And I sold Kiron version1 long time agao as I had problem with the weight. Back then, I was silly with getting used to lighter weight with DA zoom. I should have kept the Kiron longer. Then comes the Tokina version v2 and the Komine v3 with 'A' in my pursuit of Vivitar zooms. I picked the Komine copy to sell first and no one shows interest at the time and I sold the Tokina instead.

I actually like the Tokina copy as much as I like the Komine copy. While it is the weakest among the first three versions for close-up with 1:4 as compared to 1:2.2 in v1 with Kiron or 1:2.5 in v3 with Komine, it has the best sharpness among the three, though all are quite close. And the handling with least zoom creep also goes to my Tokina copy. But it does miss the 'A' setting as in the Komine later copy with 'A'

Update: I see the Ricoh label on your rear cap, please make sure that the lens' back does not have a protruding pin that is NOT retractable before you try it on your Pentax body. Richo pin that doesn't recess on back of Ricoh K mount lens are known to cause problems in jamming Pentax bodies.

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Last edited by hinman; 03-05-2009 at 11:37 AM.

[fwcetus]

Hi, I have this Tokina 70-210mm f/3.5 handed down to me. It's not labeled as a Vivitar Series 1, but seem to have the same specs and manufacturer, so I'm wondering if it is related to the v2. It has a 62mm thread, with the labels RMC Tokina 70-210mm 1:3.5 062 8023400.

I have one of those, too. As far as I can tell, it is optically identical to (or at least virtually the same as) the VS1 70-210/3.5 V.2 (by Tokina). The visual similarity is striking, and the two lenses do have the same optical formula (as shown in Vivitar and Tokina magazine ads from the early 80's). However, the lenses cannot be totally identical - the Tokina is slightly lighter (the K-mount Tokina RMC weighs 715.8g, while the K-mount Vivitar Series 1 weighs 720.4g, and these aren't just published "ballpark figures" but are actual measurements) and the close focus point is different as well (I don't have them right in front of me at the moment, but one of the two lenses does focus just a bit closer than the other).

[woefulwabbit]

Update: I see the Ricoh label on your rear cap, please make sure that the lens' back does not have a protruding pin that is NOT retractable before you try it on your Pentax body. Richo pin that doesn't recess on back of Ricoh K mount lens are known to cause problems in jamming Pentax bodies.

I have no idea why it came with a Ricoh rear cap. I've taken the lens on and off several times without problem... fortunately. This is what the rear mount looks like:

I have one of those, too. As far as I can tell, it is optically identical to (or at least virtually the same as) the VS1 70-210/3.5 V.2 (by Tokina). The visual similarity is striking, and the two lenses do have the same optical formula (as shown in Vivitar and Tokina magazine ads from the early 80's). However, the lenses cannot be totally identical - the Tokina is slightly lighter (the K-mount Tokina RMC weighs 715.8g, while the K-mount Vivitar Series 1 weighs 720.4g, and these aren't just published "ballpark figures" but are actual measurements) and the close focus point is different as well (I don't have them right in front of me at the moment, but one of the two lenses does focus just a bit closer than the other).

Does either of yours have a macro setting? This has been confusing me. According to Vivitar 70-210 Series 1 Macro Zoom Lenses - Mark Roberts Photography the series is supposed to be "Macro Zooms" and RMC Tokina 3.5 / 70 - 210 mm C / D on Flickr - Photo Sharing! shows a Tokina RMC with macro setting. Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/3.5 Macro, Tokina, v2 - Hin's Tech Corner shows a v2 with a min focus of 1.2m and "macro focusing zoom". My version has a min focus distance of 1.4m and no macro mode.

Btw, any idea what the curved red line means? I'm thinking it's aligned with the focus distance at different focus length.

[CFWhitman]

You don't have to worry about that lens having the Ricoh pin since it has no automatic setting ('A' or 'P' on the aperture ring). Also, the lens cap isn't original, since an original one would say "Tokina" rather than "Ricoh." It probably has been mingled with Ricoh lenses at some point in order to end up with the Ricoh cap.

This lens could certainly have quality on par with a Series I lens from that era (although apparently it is not the same as the Tokina manufactured Series I lens), but it wouldn't say "Series I" unless it were actually Vivitar branded. Tokina has their own designation for their higher grade lenses now, which is currently just "Pro," but I'm not sure about back then.

[deadwolfbones]

Hi, I have this Tokina 70-210mm f/3.5 handed down to me. It's not labeled as a Vivitar Series 1, but seem to have the same specs and manufacturer, so I'm wondering if it is related to the v2. It has a 62mm thread, with the labels RMC Tokina 70-210mm 1:3.5 062 8023400. Here are some shots of it:







Thanks

I have this lens too, and it's quite good.

Used it for my only PPG-accepted photo, actually.

[fwcetus]

Does either of yours have a macro setting? This has been confusing me. According to Vivitar 70-210 Series 1 Macro Zoom Lenses - Mark Roberts Photography the series is supposed to be "Macro Zooms" and RMC Tokina 3.5 / 70 - 210 mm C / D on Flickr - Photo Sharing! shows a Tokina RMC with macro setting. Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/3.5 Macro, Tokina, v2 - Hin's Tech Corner shows a v2 with a min focus of 1.2m and "macro focusing zoom". My version has a min focus distance of 1.4m and no macro mode.

Neither of these has a "macro setting" or "macro mode" per se. Many one-touch so-called "macro zooms" of that era (unlike the V.1 VS1 70-210/3.5 of a few years previous) tried getting away from having a special macro function, and tended to go just for having a fairly close focusing ability without requiring any extra "effort" on the part of the user.

The Tokina RMC 70-210/3.5 focuses as close as 1.4m, while the V.2 VS1 70-210/3.5 (62mm, Tokina) focuses to 1.2m. In both lenses, these close-focus distances are available throughout 70mm to 210mm. (Pentax claimed a magnification of 1:4, while Tokina claimed a magnification of 1:5.4.)

The Tokina is older than the Tokina-made V.2 VS1 70-210. As Herbert Keppler in Modern Photographic said, in referring to the V.2 VS1, "this new version resembled closely a Tokina-made, recently discontinued optic".

[fwcetus]

Btw, any idea what the curved red line means? I'm thinking it's aligned with the focus distance at different focus length.

Sort of - it's for setting the focus when using infrared. Both the Tokina and Vivitar manuals refer to the line as an "Infrared Index Line" (well, that's Vivitar's exact name - Tokina actually calls it an "Infra-Red Film Index Line"). When using IR film, you'd focus on an object normally, note the focus distance on the distance scale (where it meets the straight white line), and then turn the focus ring until that distance lines up with the red IR line.

[RioRico]

I have the v.1 Kiron, weighed raw (no caps) on my digiscale at 880g. I've used it some, not a lot, because I just wasn't blown away with the results, but that was in a tedious environment. I'm not carrying it on this journey, as I have enough other longish lenses and weight does eventually matter. So I'm carrying my Tak-A 70-200 f/4 - a trifle slower than v.1 or v.2, considerably lighter at 450g, and with the A-setting for faster thoughtless photography. When I get back to California in a few months, I'll take the v.1 out for a couple weeks and see what happens. Oh yeah, I got both those lenses last year on eBay - including shipping, the v.1 cost me US$33, the Tak was US$9. I am so happy!

[BlueStar II]

Does anyone know if there is a lens hood that was originally manufactured for the Vivitar 70mm-210mm f/3.5 Series 1 lens (Version 1, by Kiron, 67mm filter size??? If so, does anyone know where I can find one at? Thank you.

patc@everestkc.net