Vivitar V3800N

<p>I just did a search on manual slrs and found this: Vivitar V3800N. (Hopefully i'm in the right forum category?)<br>

How does this fair as a low-cost, manual SLR? If i'm not wrong, this camera can share lenses with the Pentax Z20 right?</p>

<p>Many thanks!</p>

<p>Relatively inexpensive (still some new ones left) made by Cosina. Lacks the build quality of earlier manual focus K-mount cameras, but takes all K-mount lenses except the ones that control aperture electronically. Basically (with some modifications) this camera has appeared as the Nikon FM-10, Yashica FX Super 2000, and as at least one Ricoh (KR II, I think), as well as others that I can't remember. Metering is OK and the shutter will go to 1/2000 second, but if you want a manual K-mount body, you might want to compare before deciding. For manual exposure and mechanical shutter like the V3800N, but with better build quality there's the KX, K1000, and MX. The KX and MX, though, are old enough to likely need a CLA. For apeture priority automation there's the ME Super (also old) and the Super Program.<br>

You might also check the archives of the Pentax forum and see if there are any discussions on some of the cameras I mentioned. Don't expect to find a lot about the V3800N in that forum. Discussing non-Pentax C-mount SLR's there is rather like asking a Harley enthusiast what he thinks about non-Harley aftermarket accessories for his bike. </p>

<p>If you want to buy new, there aren't many choices.<br>

Used, there's a zillion K-mount choices. K1000 is solid and common, the KM is the model above it that has self-timer and depth-of-focus preview. While the KM isn't as common as the K1000, it can be cheaper, since there's a lot of demand for K1000 from people told to buy one for their photography class. MX is a really wonderful camera.<br>

Equally fine choice is a used Nikon FA or FM. FM is nice in that you can use non-AI lenses.<br>

Buy used BGN grade from KEH. You will get a camera that works, although it will be beat up.</p>

<p>There must be more than a thousand "manual slrs" of one kind or another, so it's kind of premature to narrow in on this particular Vivitar camera. Vivitar was originally a Ponder and Best company that had both lenses and camera bodies made for their brand, some of which apparently to designs of their creation. After the deaths of the principals, the name, but nothing else, was bought up by a new company, so the present day Vivitars should share none of the "glory" of the classic, high-quality Series 1 lenses of the 70s.</p>

<p>Film SLRs of the highest quality, both manual and automatic, are mostly selling for very low prices these days as the world as a whole has gone to digital. So you want to take a good look around before you jump into one particular line.</p>

<p>By far the largest number of manual SLR cameras, I think, are what are variously called M42, Praktica, or Pentax screw-mount cameras. More lenses have been made in this mount than any other, I'm sure. Of course, Praktica (who adopted this mount from their cousin the Pentacon/Contax S), Pentax, but also dozens of other cameras were made to accept these lenses. Most are good, solid cameras. Some of them continued to be made right up to the start of the auto-focus lens era in the late 1980s.</p>

<p>At one point, Pentax realized that sticking with the M42 screw mount was limiting development possibilities and they initiated a new bayonet mount called the K mount. There are not as many K-mount SLRs as there are M42, but there are still a lot of them out there. Even some Soviet cameras used the K-mount (as well as the M42, Nikon, and Leica M39 mounts).</p>

<p>The Nikon bayonet mount does occur on a few non-Nikon cameras, but even just taking the Nikon-made cameras using this mount, there are a substantial number of manual to more automatic cameras made by them over the years. You should seriously consider these - A classic Nikon F with a (non-functioning, few still work) Photomic head and 50mm lens is very inexpensive (often under US$100), and even the later F models often sell for low prices, too.</p>

<p>The older Canon FD mount cameras (not compatible with modern Canon EOS cameras) sell for even cheaper prices because of this incompatibility. The later ones like the Canon A series can be shot manually, but are manual in the sense of manual focus, but with automatic exposure.</p>

<p>Even early fully automatic (focus and everything) cameras like the Canon EOS 620 can sell for $10-20. Of course the lenses for them are still compatible with the newest EOS cameras and so can cost a little more.</p>

<p>So, my advice is to keep looking and do some research on what is available. I personally really like the old unmetered Praktica L series bodies. Rugged metal vertical shutter, very reliable and <em>not</em> built like a Trabant. :)</p>

 

<p>If you really want a Vivitar look at the Vivitar 420/Sl which I have and like it very much</p><div></div>

<p>Lauren's Vivitar would be a good choice if you want an M42 mount. While the Spotmatic series is most popular among used M42 SLR's the Vivitar would likely be less expensive. There is an adapter that allows M42 lenses to work on K mount so you could still use the lenses on your Z20. FWIW, the Minolta SRT series is good too and there is also an M42 to Minolta adapter for it as well. Another M42 option would be a Praktica. Check the archives to read up on them.</p>

<p>Euph, this Vivitar performed well enough for me:</p>

<p>http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00WMPw</p>

<p>I wrote about that camera a while back but can't find it. I tried one and decided it wasn't for me, because it doesn't compare well to manual cameras you can get used for the same price. It's very plastic and does not have a "smooth" feel to it and the +/- meter isn't as good as the more informative ones you can get. I have some classic Vivitar lenses that are among my favorites (the S1 28-90/2.8-3.5, S1 70-210/3.5 1st gen and 28/2.5 large front element version) but the V3800n is a Cosina camera that's not up to the standards of the classic Vivitar. My comment at the time was that with the Vivitar being $170 new with a lens, it's not a bad deal, but since the cameras on the used market are even better deals - $170 can get you a much better camera from a reliable used dealer like Keh - it doesn't make sense unless you feel very strongly about buying new.</p>

<p>Hi! I have had this camera for some time now. It is a very good performer. Even the zoom lens is sharp. You may want to look at my post as below from last year. The metal bladed shutter is similar to that of the Praktica, perhaps the springs are bit smoother, with less recoil. However, you may want to touch and get a feel for the body and its hold before you decide, as it is a personal taste. best, sp.</p>

 

<h2 ><a href="00RzmZ?unified_p=1" target="_top"><em>Vivitar</em> on the Lake - Photo.net Classic Manual Cameras Forum</a></h2>

 

26 posts - 14 authors - Last post: 5 Jan 2009

Subbarayan <em>Prasanna</em> , Jan 04, 2009; 05:57 a.m.. I bought this <em>Vivitar 3800N</em> a few years ago, anew for about $100 with a 28-70mm Zoom lens <strong>...</strong><br />photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00RzmZ?unified_p=1<br />Labeled <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&client=google-coop&cof=FORID:11%3BAH:left%3BCX:Photo%252Enet%3BL:http://www.google.com/intl/en/images/logos/custom_search_logo_sm.gif%3BLH:30%3BLP:1%3BVLC:%23551a8b%3BDIV:%23cccccc%3B&rurl=http://www.photo.net/search/%3Fcx%3D000753226439295166877%253A0gyn0h9z85o%26cof%3DFORID%253A11%26ie%3DUTF-8%26section%3Dall%26q%3DVivitar%2B3800n%2Bprasanna%26filter%3D0%26sa.x%3D18%26sa.y%3D9%26sa%3DSearch%26google_rsg%3D__Cak_3MHDXZYX4kVNNcYextZNlnA%3D&ad=w9&adkw=AELymgVQVhYKC_F0ghvLcNsNDxzNWayMVMgE2wcGZkzCJ4B07Wjmo0AO0yLPUswLPX84Mx2XDW4LqeHysls3mfvMxglO4aKQfYvg0Kq-yL90nHn8Y2nBpFGR-IaF8DJzEzv1VgtBzz4CTbjb_lu6ooIVlG66cj5RfDHCbmkESil9RnhJk7sHx7E&boostcse=0&q=Vivitar+3800n+prasanna+more:equipment_reviews_articles&cx=000753226439295166877:0gyn0h9z85o&sa=N&ei=oz6xTN6SKIeucL6xlegN&ved=0CEgQuQQoADAG">Equipment ...</a> <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&client=google-coop&cof=FORID:11%3BAH:left%3BCX:Photo%252Enet%3BL:http://www.google.com/intl/en/images/logos/custom_search_logo_sm.gif%3BLH:30%3BLP:1%3BVLC:%23551a8b%3BDIV:%23cccccc%3B&rurl=http://www.photo.net/search/%3Fcx%3D000753226439295166877%253A0gyn0h9z85o%26cof%3DFORID%253A11%26ie%3DUTF-8%26section%3Dall%26q%3DVivitar%2B3800n%2Bprasanna%26filter%3D0%26sa.x%3D18%26sa.y%3D9%26sa%3DSearch%26google_rsg%3D__Cak_3MHDXZYX4kVNNcYextZNlnA%3D&ad=w9&adkw=AELymgVQVhYKC_F0ghvLcNsNDxzNWayMVMgE2wcGZkzCJ4B07Wjmo0AO0yLPUswLPX84Mx2XDW4LqeHysls3mfvMxglO4aKQfYvg0Kq-yL90nHn8Y2nBpFGR-IaF8DJzEzv1VgtBzz4CTbjb_lu6ooIVlG66cj5RfDHCbmkESil9RnhJk7sHx7E&boostcse=0&q=Vivitar+3800n+prasanna+more:forums&cx=000753226439295166877:0gyn0h9z85o&sa=N&ei=oz6xTN6SKIeucL6xlegN&ved=0CEkQuQQoATAG">Forums</a> <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&client=google-coop&cof=FORID:11%3BAH:left%3BCX:Photo%252Enet%3BL:http://www.google.com/intl/en/images/logos/custom_search_logo_sm.gif%3BLH:30%3BLP:1%3BVLC:%23551a8b%3BDIV:%23cccccc%3B&rurl=http://www.photo.net/search/%3Fcx%3D000753226439295166877%253A0gyn0h9z85o%26cof%3DFORID%253A11%26ie%3DUTF-8%26section%3Dall%26q%3DVivitar%2B3800n%2Bprasanna%26filter%3D0%26sa.x%3D18%26sa.y%3D9%26sa%3DSearch%26google_rsg%3D__Cak_3MHDXZYX4kVNNcYextZNlnA%3D&ad=w9&adkw=AELymgVQVhYKC_F0ghvLcNsNDxzNWayMVMgE2wcGZkzCJ4B07Wjmo0AO0yLPUswLPX84Mx2XDW4LqeHysls3mfvMxglO4aKQfYvg0Kq-yL90nHn8Y2nBpFGR-IaF8DJzEzv1VgtBzz4CTbjb_lu6ooIVlG66cj5RfDHCbmkESil9RnhJk7sHx7E&boostcse=0&q=Vivitar+3800n+prasanna+more:gallery&cx=000753226439295166877:0gyn0h9z85o&sa=N&ei=oz6xTN6SKIeucL6xlegN&ved=0CEoQuQQoAjAG">Gallery</a> <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&client=google-coop&cof=FORID:11%3BAH:left%3BCX:Photo%252Enet%3BL:http://www.google.com/intl/en/images/logos/custom_search_logo_sm.gif%3BLH:30%3BLP:1%3BVLC:%23551a8b%3BDIV:%23cccccc%3B&rurl=http://www.photo.net/search/%3Fcx%3D000753226439295166877%253A0gyn0h9z85o%26cof%3DFORID%253A11%26ie%3DUTF-8%26section%3Dall%26q%3DVivitar%2B3800n%2Bprasanna%26filter%3D0%26sa.x%3D18%26sa.y%3D9%26sa%3DSearch%26google_rsg%3D__Cak_3MHDXZYX4kVNNcYextZNlnA%3D&ad=w9&adkw=AELymgVQVhYKC_F0ghvLcNsNDxzNWayMVMgE2wcGZkzCJ4B07Wjmo0AO0yLPUswLPX84Mx2XDW4LqeHysls3mfvMxglO4aKQfYvg0Kq-yL90nHn8Y2nBpFGR-IaF8DJzEzv1VgtBzz4CTbjb_lu6ooIVlG66cj5RfDHCbmkESil9RnhJk7sHx7E&boostcse=0&q=Vivitar+3800n+prasanna+more:technique_learning_articles&cx=000753226439295166877:0gyn0h9z85o&sa=N&ei=oz6xTN6SKIeucL6xlegN&ved=0CEsQuQQoAzAG">Technique ...</a> <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&client=google-coop&cof=FORID:11%3BAH:left%3BCX:Photo%252Enet%3BL:http://www.google.com/intl/en/images/logos/custom_search_logo_sm.gif%3BLH:30%3BLP:1%3BVLC:%23551a8b%3BDIV:%23cccccc%3B&rurl=http://www.photo.net/search/%3Fcx%3D000753226439295166877%253A0gyn0h9z85o%26cof%3DFORID%253A11%26ie%3DUTF-8%26section%3Dall%26q%3DVivitar%2B3800n%2Bprasanna%26filter%3D0%26sa.x%3D18%26sa.y%3D9%26sa%3DSearch%26google_rsg%3D__Cak_3MHDXZYX4kVNNcYextZNlnA%3D&ad=w9&adkw=AELymgVQVhYKC_F0ghvLcNsNDxzNWayMVMgE2wcGZkzCJ4B07Wjmo0AO0yLPUswLPX84Mx2XDW4LqeHysls3mfvMxglO4aKQfYvg0Kq-yL90nHn8Y2nBpFGR-IaF8DJzEzv1VgtBzz4CTbjb_lu6ooIVlG66cj5RfDHCbmkESil9RnhJk7sHx7E&boostcse=0&q=Vivitar+3800n+prasanna+more:all_articles&cx=000753226439295166877:0gyn0h9z85o&sa=N&ei=oz6xTN6SKIeucL6xlegN&ved=0CEwQuQQoBDAG">All Articles</a>

<p>Euph, you've heard a variety of opinions regarding the V3800. A good next step would be to try to find one that you can examine or better yet try a roll of film with before buying. If you like the light weight and LED metering, but don't necessarily need a new one, they are ridiculously cheap on the used market. If you go with the V3800 or one of the manual K-mount Pentaxes that were recommended, do look at some of the used Pentax glass that is available on the used market. Unless you need program or shutter priority automation you can use the less expensive "M" lenses instead of the "A" ones. While I don't actually own a V3800, I do have two of its close relations: a Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 and a Ricoh KR II Super. Basically the same except for the C/Y lensmount on Yashica and the inclusion of multiple exposure capability on the V3800. The only issue with the Yashica is the wind lever must be tightened a couple of times a year and the film advance on the Ricoh doesn't lock after advancing (meaning skipped frames if careless). I hope this info will help.</p>

<p>Aaak! Lauren, the Vivitar 55mm f2.8. I have nightmares about that lens.</p>

<p>I lucked into a good deal ($5 at a garage sale) on an M42 SMC Tak, and that was the last time the Vivitar 55mm ever was on a camera.</p>