Vivitar lens: Someone has given me a Vivitar lens.1:3.8. 1=85-205 mm No 533944 Optomax auto zoom. I know nothing about Vivitar lens, and this is probably for an older camera, it is...

Linda Ewing Loc: Lincolnshire,UK

Someone has given me a Vivitar lens.1:3.8. 1=85-205 mm
No 533944 Optomax auto zoom.

I know nothing about Vivitar lens, and this is probably for an older camera, it is quite heavy, all metal construction, it looks like it screws to the camera.

It has a solid, red lined tube box.

My question is does anyone know anything about this particular lens, I would like to possibly sell it (if it is worth anything) so would like to know a rough guide as to 'how much' etc.

The lens looks in very fine condition.

The person gave it to me as a 'gift' and said I could do whatever I wanted to with it. Well I would like to sell it and give this lady the money to treat herself.

Any ideas welcome.

I could possibly photograph it if that is what is needed.

Thanks HOGS.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Linda Ewing wrote:

Someone has given me a Vivitar lens.1:3.8. 1=85-20... (show quote)

Post a clear picture, especially of the mount, so we can tell it it's an M42 Practica or T-mount.

Edit: Missed the "auto zoom" - it's not a T-mount!

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

For worth, check out Ebay and see what they have recently sold for.

Leitz Loc: Solms

ottopj wrote:

For worth, check out Ebay and see what they have recently sold for.

10 USD!

pyroManiac Loc: HIXSON,TN

Sounds like the old Pentax screw thread lens--value .98 cents. Probably a good lens but almost nobody uses this mount any more. I understand Vivitar does not make lenses but there is a code in the serial # that identifies who made the lens. HOWEVER THERE ARE ADAPTERS TO ADAPT THESE LENSES TO ABOUT ANYTHING. If curiosity exceeds common sense you could use this lens probably with good results.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Hi, I went on ebay and that lens is selling for $89. You will need to tell someone what mount it has. That means what camera was it made for. In it's time Vivitar was not considered a superb quality lens. http://www.ebay.com/itm/rare-fast-VIVITAR-SERIES-1-35-85mm-2-8-manual-focus-lens-f-2-8-f2-8-OLYMPUS-OM-/111901398190?hash=item1a0dd7d4ae:g:rLAAAOSwDuJWu44i

Linda Ewing wrote:

Someone has given me a Vivitar lens.1:3.8. 1=85-20... (show quote)

pyroManiac Loc: HIXSON,TN

The Vivitar series 1 lenses were made by the better lens makers for Vivitar and some were of superb quality. Vivitar was a marketing concern who sold various makers lenses under their name, some very good, some not so good.

Linda Ewing Loc: Lincolnshire,UK

Thank you for taking the time to look, whatever I get for it will be nice to give it to the lady who thought of me when clearing out her cupboards.

PixelStan77 wrote:

Hi, I went on ebay and that lens is selling for $89. You will need to tell someone what mount it has. That means what camera was it made for. In it's time Vivitar was not considered a superb quality lens. http://www.ebay.com/itm/rare-fast-VIVITAR-SERIES-1-35-85mm-2-8-manual-focus-lens-f-2-8-f2-8-OLYMPUS-OM-/111901398190?hash=item1a0dd7d4ae:g:rLAAAOSwDuJWu44i

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

PixelStan77 wrote:

Hi, I went on ebay and that lens is selling for $89. You will need to tell someone what mount it has. That means what camera was it made for. In it's time Vivitar was not considered a superb quality lens. http://www.ebay.com/itm/rare-fast-VIVITAR-SERIES-1-35-85mm-2-8-manual-focus-lens-f-2-8-f2-8-OLYMPUS-OM-/111901398190?hash=item1a0dd7d4ae:g:rLAAAOSwDuJWu44i

Actual sales -
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=VIVITAR%20SERIES%201%2035-85mm%202.8&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

Leitz Loc: Solms

Linda Ewing wrote:

Thank you for taking the time to look, whatever I get for it will be nice to give it to the lady who thought of me when clearing out her cupboards.

Here's a bit of information on the actual lens you mentioned:

http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Vivitar_85-205mm_f/3.8_Zoom

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/51701767

pyroManiac Loc: HIXSON,TN

The issue with this lens is not the quality but the fact that Pentax discontinued use of this mount about 1974. With an adapter it could be used on the latest Pentax digital with latest antishake because this is built into camera body and not in lens, but all settings must be on manual.

shagbat Loc: London

Linda Ewing wrote:

Someone has given me a Vivitar lens.1:3.8. 1=85-20... (show quote)

Hi Linda, you confuse me slightly you mention Viv. then Optomax, definitely different manufacturers.
All the advice you have been given by others is pretty much correct, it's worth a tenner, however, you don't state what cameras you have, it may be worth keeping and experimenting/having fun with it.

Linda Ewing Loc: Lincolnshire,UK

I hadn't given that a thought, the end protection cap for the lens has vivitar on it and Optimax on the inside of the lens, so perhaps it could be just a Vivitar cap. Thanks for pointing that out.

shagbat wrote:

Hi Linda, you confuse me slightly you mention Viv. then Optomax, definitely different manufacturers.
All the advice you have been given by others is pretty much correct, it's worth a tenner, however, you don't state what cameras you have, it may be worth keeping and experimenting/having fun with it.

Linda Ewing Loc: Lincolnshire,UK

Very interesting read. I think what I will do is offer it up at our Camera Club meeting, it might be of interest to one of the people there. I will happily give it away if they can use it. The person who gave it to me has no knowledge whatsoever of cameras, it was such a lovely gesture that she thought of me so I will buy that bunch of flowers anyway. Thank you, all of you, for your help with this.

Leitz wrote:

Here's a bit of information on the actual lens you mentioned:

http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Vivitar_85-205mm_f/3.8_Zoom

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/51701767

shagbat Loc: London

Linda Ewing wrote:

I hadn't given that a thought, the end protection cap for the lens has vivitar on it and Optimax on the inside of the lens, so perhaps it could be just a Vivitar cap. Thanks for pointing that out.

It is Optimax, but possibly identical to a Vivitar, who never made lenses, the brand name was put on lenses from various sources in Japan.