[knyghtfall]

Have been searching for this thread but can't find it - most of the Viv S1 lenses have a thread of their own (e.g. the 70 - 210, etc)

So I've decided to start one thread here, to cater to the lesser known Viv S1 primes, and for all Viv S1 lens in general.

Here are some from the Viv S1 135 /2.3, the only Viv S1 lens I have. Most of the pictures are straight out from the camera, with a few corrected only for the exposure.

[knyghtfall]

And just some more from this lens - love the bokeh.

[Raybo]

Series 1 105mm f2.5 macro.

[Quicksand]

Here are some from the Viv S1 135 /2.3, the only Viv S1 lens I have. Most of the pictures are straight out from the camera, with a few corrected only for the exposure.

How is that lens wide-open? I have been looking for something in a fast 135, and that one has crossed my radar screen a few times.

I had a Super Takumar 135mm f/2.5 but got fed up with its chromatic aberration so I got rid of it. It was a disaster in high-contrast scenes, all purple and green edges.

[knyghtfall]

How is that lens wide-open? I have been looking for something in a fast 135, and that one has crossed my radar screen a few times.

I had a Super Takumar 135mm f/2.5 but got fed up with its chromatic aberration so I got rid of it. It was a disaster in high-contrast scenes, all purple and green edges.

general review:

Wide open, no question abt the sharpness - its very usable in that regard. I've compared it with the M 135 f3.5, which is well known for being sharp wide open, but not really that surprising given its modest widest aperture at 3.5. The Viv S1 is definitely comparable. The earlier shot of the shadow of the jasmine flower (picture 3 in the first post) was taken wide open.

The lens is not all sweetness and light tho - I have two complaints abt it:

One problem with the lens wide open is the CA if you shoot direct into the light, which does result in funny purple fringing effects. This is not unexpected given that the multicoating tech is not that advanced on old lenses. However, this can be managed with creative composition, i.e. don't shoot directly into very brightly lit areas. Given your concerns, this may be a show-stopper tho.

Second, the lens also suffers from flare issues, which may be because of the wide front element (the lens takes 72mm filters). The built in hood's not that helpful, since its quite shallow. It would be good to invest in a (third party) screw on hood for it, if you want. I haven't really done so, preferring to use cards / hands to shade the lens.

Other then these two shortcomings, I absolutely love the lens - its a wonder to use, and is built like a rock. I find myself reaching for it more than the vt 125mm, more because of the handling rather than the IQ. Also, No worries abt knocking this lens ard a bit - it's built to handle such use!

Here's a few more from the lens:

the funny CA in this one, wide open:



Another wide open shot:



A night shot:


Is your Super Tak 135 / 2.5 the K mount version? Reviews of the K mount version haven't been very good at all, but the common gripe is more on the softness rather than the CA.

[vietlh81]

Interesting topic, for anyone who want to know the reviews of series of Vivitar S1 lenses.
I've done the conversion of Vivitar S1 70-210 (Komine) from KONICA mount to Pentax K.

Here is an example of close focusing.

IMHO, it performs well from center to corners in term of sharpness and contrast, its bokeh is smooth, CA acceptable. I will test more with this lens.


PS: Do anybody have experience with Vivitar 90mm f/2.8 macro, and how much its price?

[knyghtfall]

Here's an interesting thread on Viv S1 lens. Its been circulated on other threads before, but heck, for convenience, here it is again:

Vivitar Series I by Robert Monaghan | Lenses, Lens, Series, Vivitar, Zoom | Manual Focus Lenses

[Fritz]

A few from my only S1 Vivitar, the 105mm f2.5.

[hinman]

Interesting topic, for anyone who want to know the reviews of series of Vivitar S1 lenses.
I've done the conversion of Vivitar S1 70-210 (Komine) from KONICA mount to Pentax K.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3392947015_bb8cb80803.jpg

Here is an example of close focusing.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3375186263_a83e38c9b9.jpg

IMHO, it performs well from center to corners in term of sharpness and contrast, its bokeh is smooth, CA acceptable. I will test more with this lens.


PS: Do anybody have experience with Vivitar 90mm f/2.8 macro, and how much its price?

Can you give us some insights how you convert the Konica mount to K mount. I thought Minolta mount is difficult to convert. Any links to knowledge? Do you have 'A' setting from your Komine copy? Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/2.8-4.0 from Komine is a decent zoom with 1:2.5 close focusing. Very nice pictures you have!

Thanks,
Hin

[OregonJim]

Can you give us some insights how you convert the Konica mount to K mount. I thought Minolta mount is difficult to convert. Any links to knowledge? Do you have 'A' setting from your Komine copy? Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/2.8-4.0 from Komine is a decent zoom with 1:2.5 close focusing. Very nice pictures you have!

Thanks,
Hin

Ooohhhh... me too! I have a couple of Konica mount lenses (and a Konica SLR), as well as a nice Kiron in Minolta mount. Would love any insights or pointers in converting them to K-mount. TIA!

[vietlh81]

Thanks Hin,
I usually read your blog and I am impressed by your knowledge. I read your review about this lens before having bought it. I've created a new thread to introduce how to convert it to PK mount.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/56002-konica-m...onversion.html
@OregonJim: I converted some Minolta lenses and Kiron in Minolta. It is more simple than the conversion of Konica. If it is possible, I will show the steps how to convert it.

[Piotr]

So, it is time for Vivitar 90 mm f/2.5 Macro Series 1

This shot without macro adapter.
Pentax PENTAX K20D,Vivitar 90 mm f/2.5 Macro
1/80s f/4.0 at 90.0mm iso200


This one with macro adapter.
Pentax PENTAX K20D,Vivitar 90 mm f/2.5 Macro
1/800s f/4.0 at 90.0mm iso200

[Bramela]

Here are couple of my Macros taken with the ser 1 105 Macro.
This lens would have to be one of the most outstanding Macro lens there is (at its price)
I rate it absolutely brilliant.

[Laurentiu Cristofor]

An interesting lens. It is soft wide open but gets to be sharp enough at f/5.6. Needs a hood due to its large front element. Flares if there are strong light sources in the frame.

All shots @35mm f/5.6:

[Miserere]

So, it is time for Vivitar 90 mm f/2.5 Macro Series 1

Nice pics, Piotr.

I've said this many times, but I'll keep saying it: This lens is the only one I really, really, really regret selling And I didn't even have the 1:1 adaptor.

...