Yes? Vivitar 75-205 mm 1:3.8 Close Focusing Auto Zoom

[johnapp]

Why are people replying to an 8 year old post?

why not is is a great lens.

 

[johnapp]

I agree and found the continuation of the thread years later to be useful. The date of the posts don't matter as much as the relevance of the information and feedback.
I have one of these Vivitar 70-205mm/3.8 lenses in the one-ring version. It was given to me two years ago in mint condition except I discovered the aperture blades are stuck at f8 and there's fungus inside. I like the solid feel of it and only use a zoom like this for when I want to photograph a setting moon or sun-cast tree tops from the roof of my building.
I know it's not worth spending any money on fixing it but I'm reluctant to part with the otherwise brand new condition. (The previous owner had it sitting in a closet for decades along with a pristine Nikon FE2 and Nikon 50mm/1.4 Ai-s). The 50mm also had stuck blades (but no fungus) which was worth fixing for $75.
I've been looking at inexpensive options to this cheap Vivitar, like the Nikon 80-200mm/f4.5 Ai-s but it's not so easy to find one in near-mint condition. The Nikon 180mm/2.8 Ai-s is an even more appealing option but costs too much for my basic telephoto needs.
May the thread live on....

I have this lens and I bought it back in the early 80's. It was used on a Nikon FM and FE2. I paired it with a Vivitar Macro 2X converter and it was a great combo.

It performed admirably for many years but seldom saw action as I went AF in the mid to late 90's. As the lens sat around idle, the aperture of the lens became stuck in the open position. I had it fixed once but it became stuck again later on. Since I don't use the lens, I just left it as is. Maybe when I find a cheap repair place I'll bring it in.

it is very east to fix, just separate the zoom from the mount and remove the glass element and clean it.

 

[Kurt Ingham]

Solid Catadiotric?

Flat Field Zoom?

70-210 Series One?

135mm f2.3?

Oops thread is very old!

 

[johnapp]

Solid Catadiotric?

Flat Field Zoom?

70-210 Series One?

135mm f2.3?

Oops thread is very old!

Sharp wide open better that you could Know try it you like it.