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Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed archive threads packed with images.

Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed archive threads packed with images.
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Vivitar 180/3.5 T-mount Preset
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Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 4:55 am
Post subject: Vivitar 180/3.5 T-mount Preset
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Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 4:55 am
Post subject: Vivitar 180/3.5 T-mount Preset
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This must be one of the first Vivitar-brand lenses sold, it is definitely one of the first preset series.



Its serial number also does not fit in the famous Vivitar numbering system (being 19xxxx..). I guess this lens is from the 1960's, before the numbering system that identified manufacturers came into use.

These 180mm/3.5 presets were standard products in the Japanese third party lens lines of the day. There are at least three versions (I think by three different manufacturers) under the Soligor brand, and at least two Vivitars. Who made this one ? I have no idea.

It is interesting because quite unusually by that time, this one stops down to f/32.

Performance is very disappointing. At f/3.5 the results are quite poor, and they don't get decent until f/8. I know that some of these early Vivitar presets had a good reputation, but this one is something of a turkey. My Komine-made Soligor 180/3.5 of the same era is a much better lens.



















The bird -




crop -



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Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 10:55 am
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Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 10:55 am
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Great samples!
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