tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post5823321415894913747..comments2024-03-29T01:15:37.463-05:00Comments on Making Not Taking: Vivitar Series 1 135mm f/2.3Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04654023154516839425noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-40650711503350054522022-03-22T04:47:58.650-05:002022-03-22T04:47:58.650-05:00Looking for a sharper 135mm? Try the Nikkor-QC 13...Looking for a sharper 135mm? Try the Nikkor-QC 135mm. The QC is noticeably sharper wide open than non-C versions.<br /><br />In certain lighting situations, the Viv 135mm does a fine job and I toughly enjoy my copy.<br /><br />I might also suggest the 135mm f/4 Voigtlander Color-Dynarex but when you are as slow as f/4 I would and vintage Voigtlander, sharpness and great colors is par for the course. Charlie Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08712345438211893224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-41515389514218116542017-06-24T18:25:03.708-05:002017-06-24T18:25:03.708-05:00fully agree. This Vivitar only looks good. And mos...fully agree. This Vivitar only looks good. And most people dont give a damn about looks, but more of performance. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-92009388931310218542016-01-28T13:54:28.088-06:002016-01-28T13:54:28.088-06:00Thank you for interesting article.
I use some old ...Thank you for interesting article.<br />I use some old M42 screw-mount on digital Pentax with the lens selected to M (Manual) which gives me control over the A-ring and the camera selects the shutter speed.<br />Camera positions For this is Av and full auto.<br />In short ; the camera reacts like I was using a mirror reflex lens without f-stops.<br />With with out Auto focus , of course.<br />Anyone with good ideas how to use the Pentax K mount (without contacts).<br />As I can not control light without taking test photos i manual mode (M) I can not see how the K bajonet lenses could be used in practical photography.<br /><br />Anyway , I plan to buy the 135 mm 2.3 Vivitar Series 1 ,mostly because it is a quality product. <br /><br />Best regards<br />Carl W. Leo<br />Akershus , Norway Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-25595279325351390572013-06-28T18:24:29.949-05:002013-06-28T18:24:29.949-05:00I remember reading your article a few years back w...I remember reading your article a few years back when I started looking for my Series 1 lenses. Now after having extensive experience with all three; 90/2.5, 135/2.3, and 200/3, I'm back with a few comments. First, I'm surprised to see you say in regard to the 135mm " there are definitely sharper, faster options out there with better controlled CA". I have not yet found a sharper 135mm. Mine is like a razor even at f/2.3. CA was an issue until I started using a NEX, then it all but disappeared. I can say all the same about the 200/3, and the 90/2.5, well, you've already said it all. <br /><br />Regards,<br />Mike L.Mike L.http://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/sonynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-3676583076300560152012-05-07T18:24:05.355-05:002012-05-07T18:24:05.355-05:00I picked up one of these last year (blue vmc) in a...I picked up one of these last year (blue vmc) in a local charity shop for £8 - approx $12. It's in the KAR mount - I don't actually own any Konica cameras at present - but bought an adapter for my NX10 which cost 3x the price of the lense.<br /><br />I really love this lense. Yes, the CA is pretty bad (purple/blue branches!) but I can forgive it because it's such a nice lense to use. That and the front of the lense extends from the left edge to the hand grip of the Camera.<br /><br />It's a pity that I can't use it on any of my other cameras (currently 11 35mm SLRs - all get used on occasion.) Just going to have to find a decent Auto-Reflex.JBV^_^https://www.blogger.com/profile/09122511399241830164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-73111595463937186292012-05-04T02:45:55.778-05:002012-05-04T02:45:55.778-05:00It is such such a pleasure to find this site and t...It is such such a pleasure to find this site and the info review about this lens here, David.<br /><br />I just bought this lens yesterday, no VMC and it is Konica AR mount. Going together with this is the 28 f1.9, also Konica AR mount.<br /><br />I wasn't intended to buy this lens, just only the 28mm (been looking for one for more than 2 years), but after seeing the built quality. I have to take them both.<br /><br />And just like you said. The build quality is top notch. Built like a tank. Very very solid lens with real glasses.<br /><br />Very sad thing is that, I am using Nikon D700 and can not focus at infinity with any of them :( and I am very desperate about it.<br /><br />Here are the photos of the lenses. <br />[img]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/305532_10150883991346062_605741061_11964805_785366618_n.jpg[/img]<br /><br />[img]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527301_10150883991091062_1321182603_n.jpg[/img]<br /><br />[img]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/538614_10150883985856062_605741061_11964802_1500227845_n.jpg[/img]Tri Huynhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09384083230918583740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-14549864211298700522012-03-19T12:14:34.392-05:002012-03-19T12:14:34.392-05:00I agree that focus is an issue with these lens. Bu...I agree that focus is an issue with these lens. But I have used 3 methods to focus, adapters that have the feedback chip, a 3x eyepiece, and liveview (Olympus) which allows 7x and 10x magnifications while focusing manually. The truth is, the CA is bad enough that possibly the focus sensor can get confused depending on the scene. It is bad enough that you can see it at 7x as well as 10x in liveview. With the 3x eyepiece, it is barely noticeable but present. <br /><br />I have tested the MTF of these lenses and the Red channel will usually test the best with green a close second (but out of focus) and blue being fairly noticeably out of focus. This is just longitudinal color with a smattering of spherochromatism (color dependence of spherical aberration). <br /><br />On the other hand, if you don't blow up the images, you probably can get away with alot with these lens, at least for the price. <br /><br />That said, the 90mm F/2.5 exhibits none of the above and IS one of the sharpest lenses ever made. <br /><br />I'm not saying the 135 is bad, it's just not as good as paying for a new pro prime lens (e.g., Olympus 150mm F/2.0).<br /><br />Also, I might add, the history of the individual lenses add a bit of uncertainty to the puzzle. They could have been slammed around, disassembled and poorly reassembled, repaired, etc. For instance, I have two 90mm f2.5 and one tests better than the other even after numerous repeated tests. But they are both really good and out perform the kit lens (40-150mm) that came with the camera.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-31223218422403305662012-03-04T18:17:24.702-06:002012-03-04T18:17:24.702-06:00I have the 90/2.5, 135/2.3, and 200/3. I won't...I have the 90/2.5, 135/2.3, and 200/3. I won't be able to use the 90mm for anything other than macro until I purchase a NEX, but the other two are M42 mounts and easily adaptable to my Sony A200 DSLR. While I agree with much of what has been said, especially about the CA, I will go further when it comes to resolution and say that the 135mm and 200mm are both the sharpest lenses among my collection in each focal lengths. I do not make comparisons to modern prime lenses as I only use much older manual focus lenses. Both telephotos need to be used for their strengths and avoided where they're weak. Focusing takes skill and images can be misinterpreted as soft when actually were not perfectly focused.Woodrimhttp://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/sonynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-39202117154240062152012-02-28T21:50:45.641-06:002012-02-28T21:50:45.641-06:00When you speak About CA, are you talking about lat...When you speak About CA, are you talking about lateral color or longitudinal color?<br /><br />I have all several Series 1s and find the 90mm the best for sharpness. The 135 seems soft, probably due to spherical aberration. The 200mm that I have has extremely noticeable CA, both lateral and longitudinal and soft to boot when compared to my 70-210mm Tamron. The 105mm macro is unbelievable from f4 and up, but is noticeably softer at f2.5 with small amount of spherical and longitudinal color. But wait, the king of sharpness of the series ones is the 90mm f2.5.....Hands down the best performer Vivitar ever designed and built!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-48707345004634632712011-04-25T18:18:22.783-05:002011-04-25T18:18:22.783-05:00Tom-
Yes the CA is always evident in these Serie...Tom- <br /><br />Yes the CA is always evident in these Series 1 lenses. But what a cool opportunity to have a NIB Series 1 from that era!! If you have photos of the packaging of your NIB Vivitar 28mm, I would love to post them (with all due credit to you of course). Feel free to send them via the e-mail listed on the contact page. Thanks for reading and commenting!Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04654023154516839425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-55860797316757928402011-04-25T12:23:56.852-05:002011-04-25T12:23:56.852-05:00Nice article. I also have the S1 200mm F3, use it ...Nice article. I also have the S1 200mm F3, use it on an Olympus E-PL1 (400mm EFL). Love it, but the CA sure is there with bright backgrounds wide open. Considering grabbing an S1 28mm F1.9 that I have just found, NIB! It has the same shape, but no hood.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09361588881527192563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-10996581014556116162011-03-29T10:29:58.117-05:002011-03-29T10:29:58.117-05:00Ashley-
Yes I have owned a 200mm f/3 as well as i...Ashley-<br /><br />Yes I have owned a 200mm f/3 as well as it performs quite similarly to the 135mm, though with my style, the 135mm tends to come in handy more.<br /><br />As far as the apertures go, that whole era of photography is quite interesting with smaller companies entering into the market to compete with the "big boys" so all sorts of marketing strategies came into play when they denoted their specs. <br /><br />Thanks for reading, your comments, and enjoy your lens!Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04654023154516839425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-76767082056713686552011-03-28T12:10:31.908-05:002011-03-28T12:10:31.908-05:00Coo - I have the 200mm f/3, and it does look prett...Coo - I have the 200mm f/3, and it does look pretty much the same, with an oddly futuristic Dalek-like design. Heavy, short, girthsome, nicely dampened focus ring. Mine's a pre-AI Nikon version that I use with a Canon 5D; it's generally not very sharp at f/3, with incredibly odd bokeh, and tonnes of purple fringing on highlights but (a) there's very little vignetting and (b) it's at least consistent across the frame. E.g. the corners don't seem much softer than the middle. Improves slowly when stopped down. Looks fantastic - big front element, built-in lens hood (with felt on the inside!).<br /><br />I've always wondered about Vivitar's apertures. Why didn't they call the f/3 an f/2.9, which sounds a lot more special?Ashley Pomeroyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09466311744358782337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-7580176125904689112010-10-28T23:32:55.598-05:002010-10-28T23:32:55.598-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Theofanis Kavvadashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15461215455436924851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-91487955435730022422010-10-12T18:28:18.642-05:002010-10-12T18:28:18.642-05:00I have actually recently been reading similar info...I have actually recently been reading similar information. I am also suspicious about spherical aberration in relation to digital sensors (spherical aberration can sometimes yield CA-like results on digital sensors). I have not yet done any tests but I will certainly look into this! Forgive my tardiness on this response and thanks forDavidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04654023154516839425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-15963632194896953242010-09-21T17:44:33.626-05:002010-09-21T17:44:33.626-05:00I have some Interesting theories when I look at th...I have some Interesting theories when I look at the pictures showing Chromatic abberation.<br /> Can i ask have you tried other lenses on the same subject and setup the same.<br /> For me i don't see chromatic problems but a digital sensor overload on the brightest picture content.<br /> I have tried many lenses including designed for digital lenses and have observed the same results.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-26924466675183471922010-08-02T23:21:49.965-05:002010-08-02T23:21:49.965-05:00Yes, on the D700 I use aperture priority almost ex...Yes, on the D700 I use aperture priority almost exlusively with my MF lenses. But I can use M. I cannot however use Shutter priority since the camera has no way of setting the aperture upon my choosing of a shutter speed. In Av and M though, yes the lens is always wide open for optimum focusing, and then when the shutter is pressed, the iris is stopped down for the exposure, and immediately release open again for the next photo. <br /><br />Wow, $300-500, that really is something! It seems these Vivitar Series 1's are in short supply in Pentax mounts. Congrats on the lens though! I actually may be headed out tomorrow to pick one up (in FD mount). It's got a great, low pricetag and I kind of miss the feel of it since I have since sold mine to fund another lens. <br /><br />Feel free to send me some shots, I would be happy to post some results, full image credit to you of course!Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04654023154516839425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-54491565702496774012010-08-02T12:32:18.269-05:002010-08-02T12:32:18.269-05:00It took me over a year, but I eventually grabbed a...It took me over a year, but I eventually grabbed a B+/A- copy of this lens in M42 mount, which I use on a Pentax APS-C camera. Because Pentax does not have a modern equivalent, and because Pentaxians are renowned for their love and knowledge of old glass, $300-500 is the going price (depending on condition) for this lens on eBay.<br /><br />A question for you, David: On the D700, you get auto aperture control, right? So you can shoot this lens in Av, Tv and M and the camera will close down the aperture for you.<br /><br />Despite its shortcomings regarding CA and the more manual control it requires on a Pentax digital, I still find myself drawn to it. Like you say, it has a physical appeal that other lenses just don't.Misererehttp://enticingthelight.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-72736490708502383862010-04-07T14:31:28.831-05:002010-04-07T14:31:28.831-05:00This very lens actually went on eBay and only sold...This very lens actually went on eBay and only sold for $135. Because of the cult following of older Series 1 lenses, I have seen them go for much more. On the converse side, probably due to lack of information I have heard of them going for extremely low rates (as little as $30) on places like craigslist.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04654023154516839425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-17746025523789999652010-04-07T14:01:23.229-05:002010-04-07T14:01:23.229-05:00So, what does a baby like this cost? :)So, what does a baby like this cost? :)Stevenhttp://www.stfoto.nlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-72166092954497407382010-03-05T19:14:25.993-06:002010-03-05T19:14:25.993-06:00Agreed. I believe the price is based on elements o...Agreed. I believe the price is based on elements outside of pure performance because you are correct. Many alternatives to this lens exist, which provide sharper images with less CA. I actually rather like the results of this lens: relatively sharp but with a great element of softness for more ethereal portraits. <br /><br />There is a lot of speculation/opinion in regards to these Vivitar Series 1 lenses. Words and terms like "legendary" and "cult-status" get buyers all riled up. The relative rarity of this lens also increases prices. The appeal to these lenses for me is, as stated, largely based on the beautiful build quality. They are a joy to shoot, and produce very unique, albeit imperfect, images.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04654023154516839425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553095084714187596.post-11189792644346591172010-03-05T17:55:54.854-06:002010-03-05T17:55:54.854-06:00it looks like a solid-built lens and i would love ...it looks like a solid-built lens and i would love to have one, but based on your samples, the only advantage seems to be the close focusing distance. the 105mm f/2.5 nikkor is sharper, much sharper, wide open and does not have the CA issues you highlighted. the price of the viv 135 f/2.3 is as much or higher than the 105mm f/2.5 so it doesn't seem like a good buy. it's of interest to collectors perhaps. but for performance, the nikkor seems much better. as for close focusing ability, i would go with the bokina or the kiron 105mm macro lens.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com