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Re: [OM] Advice on vivitar lens

Subject: Re: [OM] Advice on vivitar lens
From: Gary Reese <pcacala@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001 15:13:04 -0800
John D. writes:

<< I know vivitar series 1 lenses generally have a good reputation.
Could any listmember give me their thoughts - comments on the following
lens. Vivitar series 1 35-85 f2.8. Condition advertised as mint- Price
approx. £60 ($90). Price seems good, but how does image quality compare
with Zuiko optics? Is it 1or 2 touch zoom? Is it bulky? Any advice from
listmembers gratefully received. >>

Careful, marketing gurus spend big bucks to develop "brand reputation."
You can't make any assumptions about Vivitar Series 1 without knowing
the age and subcontractor origin of the lens.  It is a generally
accepted fact that Vivitar blew the Series 1 brand reputation with
increasing inferior designs and construction.  Yet, "Vivitar" shows up
as one of eBay's top search phrases and folks pay way too much for many
lenses with Vivitar branding, despite the fact that Vivitar never
actually manufactured their own lenses. This is especially evident when
you look at the prices being paid for the same lens design under either
the subcontractor's own brand name or another makerting company brand,
like Soligor.

I seem to recall the model you are interested in is a one touch. Nice
image detail at f/8, but you are very limited in your optimal apertures
with this lens. The C SQF grades wide open are very significant: that is
below the threshold (B-) for an easy to focus viewfinder image. Not only
is the lens unsuitable for greater than snapshot prints (4x6") wide
open, but it is much harder to focus than you would expect for a f/2.8
zoom lens. The bulkiness is a big issue with owners - it is huge and
heavy on an OM body. Consider the diaphragm to be the Achilles Heel of
the design - they maybe sluggish and beyond economic repair.
Additionally, front element alignment is very critical and persnickety
to many Series 1 zooms: if the front element is replaced (or reseated or
the rim dented), it may change infinity focus and result in short
focusing.

Gary Reese
Las Vegas, NV



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