Vivitar 28mm As FA31mm Replacement?

**David Whiteley** · 02-26-2009, 07:47 AM

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Last coupla posts show that my claim the FA*24 may have an edge in bokeh might just be me wanting to find virtue in the FA*24. Those backgrounds look lovely & smooth! And the discs in top of Arjay's first shot are much nicer than the ones I was getting in my K02 test shots.

Now if this trade goes ahead to lay my hand son a K01, that f/2 (or stopping down a half-click to clean it up) should be even sweeter!

Or, anybody want to unload one of the A01's that are allegedly out there? PKA would be so handy...

jsherman999 · 02-27-2009, 03:16 PM

.

Picked up a very nice copy of the Vivitar/Kiron auto wide angle f/2.5 m42 from
a local store - think this is M06?

Great sharpness and very good contrast:

(stopped down 1)

crop:

It also does close-focus pretty well (wide-open).

Plus I like the bokeh - very good for a wide-angle.

Crop of above:

.

**rparmar** · 02-28-2009, 07:44 AM

Jay: very nice find!

jsherman999 · 03-03-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

K00 : Vivitar Series 1 / 28MM 1:1.9 / VMC / AUTO WIDE ANGLE / No. 37xxxxxx / Ø58MM [Tokina]
K01 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.0 / MC / CLOSE FOCUS WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine]
K02 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / CLOSE FOCUS WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine]
K03 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine]
K04 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2 / AUTO WIDE-ANGLE / No. 22xxxxxx / Ø55MM [Kiron]
K04b: Vivitar / 28MM 1:2 / WIDE-ANGLE / NO. 22xxxxxx / Ø55MM [Kiron]
K05 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.5 / AUTO WIDE-ANGLE / NO. 22xxxxxx / Ø67MM [Kiron]
K06 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / AUTO / Ø49MM / VMC [?]
K07 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / WIDE ANGLE / MC / NO. 42xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Bauer]
K08 : Vivitar / 28mm 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE JAPAN / Ø49mm / IMAGE by [?]
K09 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE / Ø49MM [Cosina]
K10 : Vivitar / 28mm 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE LENS / NO. 61xxxxxx / Ø52MM [?]
K11 : VIVITAR / SMS / 28mm 1:2.8 / MC / CLOSE FOCUS WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine]

Lesson for today: Don't walk into a camera shop that sells used equipment
with cash in your pocket.

Having just sold my K02 to Gus, I had let it go - I knew he would put it
through it's paces, post images, and make me regret it. So be it. I have
progressed through the stages of LBA to the point where I would no longer
scour Ebay for a lens I wished I hadn't sold. (Well, except for that Helios.
Another story.)

Anyway, imagine my surprise when I laid eyes about a K02 in the case - the
second one I've ever seen. With tax, about the same $ as the one I sold.

Of course, I bought it. Cash in pocket, you see, and LBA - and LBA knows
no logic, only impulse.

Except, turns out it's K11 - exactly the same as K02, except with "SMS"
lettered in between the "Vivitar" and "28mm".

What does SMS stand for, anyone know?

Anyway, optically the same, I'm assuming - some shots from today, most cropped
because I couldn't get right up next to some of these plants in the Conservatory:

In the Conservatory, I shoot this same plant with every lens I bring
there - I don't know if any others got sharper than this:

Jewelltrail · 03-03-2009, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Lesson for today: Don't walk into a camera shop that sells used equipment
with cash in your pocket.

Having just sold my K02 to Gus, I had let it go - I knew he would put it
through it's paces, post images, and make me regret it. So be it. I have
progressed through the stages of LBA to the point where I would no longer
scour Ebay for a lens I wished I hadn't sold. (Well, except for that Helios.
Another story.)

Anyway, imagine my surprise when I laid eyes about a K02 in the case - the
second one I've ever seen. With tax, about the same $ as the one I sold.

Of course, I bought it. Cash in pocket, you see, and LBA - and LBA knows
no logic, only impulse.

Those are beautiful shots Jay and justify the purchase--you could sell the lens in a second if the LBA generates too much guilt. LOL

asdf · 03-03-2009, 02:31 AM

Something to keep in mind: If you think you may have to shoot in a hurry and/or want the option to use flash wireless-ly sometimes, then go with pentax-a instead of pentax-m.

jsherman999 · 03-03-2009, 10:45 AM - **1 Like**

.

CF at 28mm gives you some interesting framing possibilities.

(wide open)

Crop:

Crop of next shot, superbly sharp wide-open:

Igilligan · 03-03-2009, 12:00 PM

That looks like an amazing one for a great price... Great find!

Ummh... how long before I own it? Place your bets

ovim · 03-08-2009, 11:53 AM

Just won the bid for this 2.8/28mm can anyone tell from the picture/specs which version this is?

**Just1MoreDave** · 03-08-2009, 12:53 PM

It seems like it should be one of these - numbers from the November 08 renumbering on page 11:

Quote:

K-mount:
K02 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / CLOSE FOCUS WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine]
K03 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine] *
K04 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / AUTO WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine]
K05 : Vivitar / RL EDITION / 28mm 1:2.8 / CLOSE FOCUS / MC / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49mm [Komine]

K21 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / WIDE ANGLE / MC / NO. 42xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Bauer]
K22 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / AUTO / Ø49MM / VMC [?]

The focus distance scale looks like a non-close focus version to me, so K03, K04, K21 or K22.

ovim · 03-08-2009, 01:31 PM

the serial is 28108801, 28 means Komine right? I was hoping it to be "close focus" but the price wasn't too bad even if it's just the regular version.

**David Whiteley** · 03-08-2009, 04:28 PM

Yep. SNo. 28xxxxxxxx = Komine. Nice!

**rparmar** · 03-08-2009, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by ovim

the serial is 28108801, 28 means Komine right? I was hoping it to be "close focus" but the price wasn't too bad even if it's just the regular version.

Komine, yes.

Most of the models can focus down to 30cm, which is pretty decent. The close focus are 14cm which is amazing.

Let us know what you ended up with when you get it.

ovim · 03-08-2009, 11:11 PM

Originally posted by rparmar

Komine, yes.

Most of the models can focus down to 30cm, which is pretty decent. The close focus are 14cm which is amazing.

Let us know what you ended up with when you get it.

Will do. It'll take a week or so.

ovim · 03-13-2009, 01:50 PM

Just got the lens tonight and it's K03 (MC WIDE ANGLE 28xxxxxx) I think. Now going to put it up against my Chinon 2.8/28mm which has been my favorite lately.

02-27-2009, 03:16 PM	#197
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	M06? . Picked up a very nice copy of the Vivitar/Kiron auto wide angle f/2.5 m42 from a local store - think this is M06? Great sharpness and very good contrast: (stopped down 1) crop: It also does close-focus pretty well (wide-open). Plus I like the bokeh - very good for a wide-angle. Crop of above: .

03-03-2009, 12:00 PM	#203
Igilligan Guest	Just beautiful, Jay That looks like an amazing one for a great price... Great find! Ummh... how long before I own it? Place your bets

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02-26-2009, 07:47 AM	#196
David Whiteley Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ottawa-Gatineau, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 372	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Last coupla posts show that my claim the FA24 may have an edge in bokeh might just be me wanting to find virtue in the FA24. Those backgrounds look lovely & smooth! And the discs in top of Arjay's first shot are much nicer than the ones I was getting in my K02 test shots. Now if this trade goes ahead to lay my hand son a K01, that f/2 (or stopping down a half-click to clean it up) should be even sweeter! Or, anybody want to unload one of the A01's that are allegedly out there? PKA would be so handy...

02-28-2009, 07:44 AM	#198
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,817 Original Poster	Jay: very nice find!

03-03-2009, 12:08 AM	#199
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Quote: K00 : Vivitar Series 1 / 28MM 1:1.9 / VMC / AUTO WIDE ANGLE / No. 37xxxxxx / Ø58MM [Tokina] K01 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.0 / MC / CLOSE FOCUS WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine] K02 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / CLOSE FOCUS WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine] K03 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine] K04 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2 / AUTO WIDE-ANGLE / No. 22xxxxxx / Ø55MM [Kiron] K04b: Vivitar / 28MM 1:2 / WIDE-ANGLE / NO. 22xxxxxx / Ø55MM [Kiron] K05 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.5 / AUTO WIDE-ANGLE / NO. 22xxxxxx / Ø67MM [Kiron] K06 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / AUTO / Ø49MM / VMC [?] K07 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / WIDE ANGLE / MC / NO. 42xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Bauer] K08 : Vivitar / 28mm 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE JAPAN / Ø49mm / IMAGE by [?] K09 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE / Ø49MM [Cosina] K10 : Vivitar / 28mm 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE LENS / NO. 61xxxxxx / Ø52MM [?] K11 : VIVITAR / SMS / 28mm 1:2.8 / MC / CLOSE FOCUS WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine] Lesson for today: Don't walk into a camera shop that sells used equipment with cash in your pocket. Having just sold my K02 to Gus, I had let it go - I knew he would put it through it's paces, post images, and make me regret it. So be it. I have progressed through the stages of LBA to the point where I would no longer scour Ebay for a lens I wished I hadn't sold. (Well, except for that Helios. Another story.) Anyway, imagine my surprise when I laid eyes about a K02 in the case - the second one I've ever seen. With tax, about the same $ as the one I sold. Of course, I bought it. Cash in pocket, you see, and LBA - and LBA knows no logic, only impulse. Except, turns out it's K11 - exactly the same as K02, except with "SMS" lettered in between the "Vivitar" and "28mm". What does SMS stand for, anyone know? Anyway, optically the same, I'm assuming - some shots from today, most cropped because I couldn't get right up next to some of these plants in the Conservatory: In the Conservatory, I shoot this same plant with every lens I bring there - I don't know if any others got sharper than this:

03-03-2009, 12:18 AM	#200
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Quote: Lesson for today: Don't walk into a camera shop that sells used equipment with cash in your pocket. Having just sold my K02 to Gus, I had let it go - I knew he would put it through it's paces, post images, and make me regret it. So be it. I have progressed through the stages of LBA to the point where I would no longer scour Ebay for a lens I wished I hadn't sold. (Well, except for that Helios. Another story.) Anyway, imagine my surprise when I laid eyes about a K02 in the case - the second one I've ever seen. With tax, about the same $ as the one I sold. Of course, I bought it. Cash in pocket, you see, and LBA - and LBA knows no logic, only impulse. Those are beautiful shots Jay and justify the purchase--you could sell the lens in a second if the LBA generates too much guilt. LOL

03-03-2009, 02:31 AM	#201
asdf Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,252	Something to keep in mind: If you think you may have to shoot in a hurry and/or want the option to use flash wireless-ly sometimes, then go with pentax-a instead of pentax-m.

03-03-2009, 10:45 AM - 1 Like	#202
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	. CF at 28mm gives you some interesting framing possibilities. (wide open) Crop: Crop of next shot, superbly sharp wide-open:

03-08-2009, 11:53 AM	#204
ovim Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tre, Finland Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,229	Just won the bid for this 2.8/28mm can anyone tell from the picture/specs which version this is?

03-08-2009, 12:53 PM	#205
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,339	It seems like it should be one of these - numbers from the November 08 renumbering on page 11: Quote: K-mount: K02 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / CLOSE FOCUS WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine] K03 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / MC / WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine] * K04 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / AUTO WIDE ANGLE / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Komine] K05 : Vivitar / RL EDITION / 28mm 1:2.8 / CLOSE FOCUS / MC / NO. 28xxxxxx / Ø49mm [Komine] K21 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / WIDE ANGLE / MC / NO. 42xxxxxx / Ø49MM [Bauer] K22 : Vivitar / 28MM 1:2.8 / AUTO / Ø49MM / VMC [?] The focus distance scale looks like a non-close focus version to me, so K03, K04, K21 or K22.

03-08-2009, 01:31 PM	#206
ovim Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tre, Finland Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,229	the serial is 28108801, 28 means Komine right? I was hoping it to be "close focus" but the price wasn't too bad even if it's just the regular version.

03-08-2009, 04:28 PM	#207
David Whiteley Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ottawa-Gatineau, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 372	Yep. SNo. 28xxxxxxxx = Komine. Nice!

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03-08-2009, 04:36 PM	#208
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,817 Original Poster	Originally posted by ovim the serial is 28108801, 28 means Komine right? I was hoping it to be "close focus" but the price wasn't too bad even if it's just the regular version. Komine, yes. Most of the models can focus down to 30cm, which is pretty decent. The close focus are 14cm which is amazing. Let us know what you ended up with when you get it.

03-08-2009, 11:11 PM	#209
ovim Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tre, Finland Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,229	Originally posted by rparmar Komine, yes. Most of the models can focus down to 30cm, which is pretty decent. The close focus are 14cm which is amazing. Let us know what you ended up with when you get it. Will do. It'll take a week or so.

03-13-2009, 01:50 PM	#210
ovim Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tre, Finland Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,229	Just got the lens tonight and it's K03 (MC WIDE ANGLE 28xxxxxx) I think. Now going to put it up against my Chinon 2.8/28mm which has been my favorite lately.