In article , Gary Schloss <schloss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes
>Kennedy wrote:
>
>>In article , Gary Schloss <schloss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes
>>>Wrong! These are two different lenses. Btw, Series 1 is 28-90.
>>
>>Beg to differ, but my Vivitar Series 1 lens was most definitely a
>>28-85mm f/2.8-3.5 optic. [...] The lens was serial number 222002119
>
>Looks like Vivitar had a different Series 1 version for Europe.
Or perhaps just changed manufacturers over time.
>Judging from your serial#, the lens you had was made by Kino Precision
>- -- owner of the Kiron brand name, and manufacturer of many Series 1
>lenses,
Correct - as I recall, Vivitar were a bit miffed when the Kiron marque
first appeared together with the ads containing statements that they
made most of the best independent lenses on the market, including the
renowned Vivitar Series 1 range. Vivitar released a statement to the
photo press that Kiron could not, under the terms of their contract,
offer Vivitar designs under their own name.
> but apparently not the 28-90 (again, this is based on the
>serial numbers -- according to Vivitar, the first two digits of its
>lenses serial# identify the manufacturer).
Looking through some old receipts I note that a Vivitar Series 1 70-210
f/3.5 bought at the same time as the 28-85 f/2.8 was also serial number
22xxxxxxx, but a Series 1 28-200 f/3.5-5.3 bought over ten years later
was serial number 77xxxxxxx.
>
>It is conceivable that all these minute differences in focal lengths
>and f-numbers are semantic, and in fact all four lenses are identical,
>with the different cosmetics used to serve misc. marketing objectives.
As I understand it, the design rights were owned by Vivitar who invited
contract tenders from various optical manufacturing houses to make the
units over a set term. Its also true that the designs migrated from one
manufacturer to another as each invested in new manufacturing plant and
hence offered Vivitar a better deal.
>Oh well, photo gear commerce is at times an extremely convoluted
>business...
>
No more than computer gear commerce - or any other commercial activities
come to think of it. The odds are quite favourable that the main PCB in
your computer (whatever make) was actually manufactured by Intel.
And they thought there was confusion over the markings of 50mm Zuikos!
C'est la vie. :-)
--
Kennedy
Yes, Socrates himself is particularly missed;
A lovely little thinker, but a bugger when he's pissed.
Python Philosophers (replace 'nospam' with 'kennedym' when replying)
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