[CraigPJ]

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PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
VGC: Vivitar Series 1 105mm 1:1 f/2.5 Macro (Kiron made)

Asking Price
US$ 400 (or closest offer)

My Ebay user ID is JumpyJoeau. You can see feedback here


Item Description
Vivitar Series 1 105mm 1:1 f/2.5 Macro (Kiron made)

This lens probably needs little introduction. It is certainly in the top few Macro lenses available from any manufacturer.

This has a serial number of 22403589, which means it was made by Kino Precision (Kiron). I am lead to believe that it is about 1989 vintage. I bought this lens as new old stock about 2 years ago. Since then the lens has become even more sought after.

Specifications:
Focal Length: 105mm
Aperture Range: f/2.5-f/32 (and Automatic with A setting)
Optical Construction: 6 elements in 6 groups, multicoated
Minimum Focusing Distance (from sensor./film plane): 0.35m
Maximum reproduction Ratio: 1:1
Weight: 656g
Max Barrel Diameter: 72mm
Filter Size: 52mm


Construction:
This is by far the best build quality of any lens that I have handled (built like a tank may be an understatement). It is an all metal construction with a very wide high quality rubber grip on the focusing ring. I think the only plastic on this lens is in the lens caps

Lens has retractable metal hood.

Focusing is very high precision and very well damped. Although the focusing ring is fairly stiff, it has always been like this since new. I have used this lens a lot with extension tubes and reverse mounted 35mm and 50mm lenses (see samples) which results in a minuscule depth of field. Focusing with this lens is a breeze and I have used it in preference to my 105mm sigma for these types of jobs. I also find that visually (through the viewfinder), I am able to determine focus a lot more clearly than with my Sigma. Not sure why (perhaps the slightly wider aperture).

Condition:

Optically: Glass is near to perfect, with no nicks, scratches or fungus that I can see. The are a few tiny dust specs on the internal elements, but these are negligible and do not affect image quality in any way.


Cosmetically: This lens is in very good condition with only signs of light use. The is no brassing. The mount plate shows only very minor wear.

There is only one blemish to the finish that I must note. Shortly after I got the lens, I noticed an unacceptably large speck of dust on the front internal element. Having repaired and cleaned many lenses before, I decided to open the lens to remove the speck. Unfortunately I was a little overzealous when trying to removed one of the screws on the barrel which was apparently fastened with loctite. The phillips head got damaged making it impossible to remove. In the end it was necessary to very carefully drill it out and replace it with a new screw (from my spares box). Although the replacement doesn't look perfect, unless you are looking for it you will more than likely not even notice it. I just wanted to make sure that the buyer is aware of it. This repair in absolutely not way affects the function of the lens or the image quality. It was made in about the first month or two that I had the lens and I by far the majority of my images with the lens were made after this repair. The dust speck which was originally the source of my journey has been removed.

Function:
The aperture ring turns easily and clicks firmly at each half-stop. Aperture blades are clean and move freely. Focusing is very smooth but dies get a little stiffer towards 1:1.

Focusing from 1:1 to infinity takes approximately a whopping 680 degrees of rotation on the focus ring! Now that's precision focusing for you. (In comparison, my Sigma only takes about 270 degrees!)

Uses:
Obviously as a macro lens this guy really shines. It is very sharp and has a fantastic bokeh. Contrast and colour is fantastic too. In my opinion one of the greatest positives of this lens for macro is the exceptionally fine precision focusing.

The lens also makes a very nice portrait lens (did I say great bokeh yet?) and short telephoto. When I first got it, for about the first 3 months it became my walk around lens and performed very well in this role.

Being a stock photographer, this lens was my go-to lens when I wanted exceptionally sharp images with fine detail shot in a light tent.

Although I still use this lens, I find that since I (unexpectedly) acquired my Sigma 105mm AF macro, I have used it less. This sigma is much lighter and the AF is more suited to portraiture.

What's Included:
You will receive the following:
The lens (obviously)
Original front and rear caps.
The orginal mint very robust faux leather latched carrying case with strap.
Original mint box.
Original instruction manual
Original warranty certificate (I doubt it is valid any longer)

Images of the lens and accessories





I tried to get a decent shot of the aperture blades, but because they are so deeply recessed, this is the best I could do.



This is the site of ill fated screw after repair



Now for some sample images

First two shot shot yesterday
@f/8

@f/2.8 (dollar bill was not flat)


A few older images









Here is one with a FA35/2 reverse mounted for a magnification ratio of 3.5:1

Standard match head (uncropped)


Sorry for the long winded post and the image heaviness, but hopefully that will be enough to tempt you

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition
Used
Excellent

Item Location
Brisbane, Australia

Shipping Charge
$20 if within Australia. For Postage to Other countries, check here Australia Post

Shipping Services
Express Parcel Post (Insured)

Shipping Destinations
Worldwide

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal Other (Elaborate)

Additional Details
Direct Deposit also Accepted

The mass to be used in postage calculations is about 0.8-1.0kg (it's a beast of a lens WRT build quality)

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!

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Last edited by CraigPJ; 08-19-2009 at 10:49 PM. Reason: Added Ebay Feedback link

[kev.pride]

Pm sent 19.8.

[CraigPJ]

PM Replied kev.pride

[CraigPJ]

Lens is still available. Price is negotiable (within reason).

[kev.pride]

Craig I have sent you another PM.

regards

[CraigPJ]

Sale is Pending to kev.pride

Sorry Kev for the confusion.

[CraigPJ]

Lens has been sold. Thanks Kev for the prompt payment.