Internet reviews of the Vivitar 35ES seem to agree that it’s a well built camera with a great lens, but which is otherwise uninspired. So why did I get it?
My first serious camera (given to me by my wife back around 1980 and which I still have) was a Minolta 7sii. It bears more than a passing resemblance to this camera. In fact the half case in the picture is from the Minolta and it fits perfectly). While I love the 7sii I would have preferred it in black. I later discovered that there was a black version. Unfortunately it’s quite scarce and rather expensive so I decided I’d have to get along without it. Then I came across this camera. It looked very much like the 7sii and offered (apart from full manual operation) a similar feature set …and it was black and much less expensive. So I decided to get one.
Cosmetically it’s in fairly good shape and everything works. In fact the viewfinder is significantly clearer than that on my Minolta. The leather is lifting up in a couple of places, but that’s an easy fix.
Although I made a few “rookie” mistakes (e.g. forgetting to take off the lens cap for one frame; placing my thumb on top of the camera in a way that stopped the film advancing properly and leading to inadvertent double exposures) I was pleased with the results.
My website – www.aheadworld.org
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Terry B on 5 Frames with a Vivitar 35ES – By Howard Dale
Comment posted: 13/03/2018
Howard, a great mini portfolio. In days gone by, Vivitar was better known for its Series 1 lenses and some excellent flashguns (283 and 285, for example) but those in the know could also pick up a more than decent camera, too, if they knew what to look for. I remember this camera, but know nothing about it. A lot of compact cameras sporting an f1.7 lens were more about bragging rights. However judging by your pics it is an admirable performer indeed, and the rangefinder seems to be doing its job, too.
Comment posted: 13/03/2018
Dan Castelli on 5 Frames with a Vivitar 35ES – By Howard Dale
Comment posted: 14/03/2018
I stopped by your website before commenting. Your work is nice and you've got a great variety of pictures.
Lately (mostly while digging out of one of our frequent nor'easters here in Connecticut) I've been thinking of the difference between a photographer and someone who takes pictures. You fall into the photographer category - visually engaged with your world. I'm the same. The camera is more of a tool to us, rather than a status symbol. We may have our personal (camera) favorites, but it's the act of observing and capturing what we see that's important. Much like an artist who carries a sketchbook everywhere, or a writer jotting down seemingly random notes. I'd feel naked going out without my camera.
Dan (flickr.com/photos/dcastelli9574)
Comment posted: 14/03/2018
Comment posted: 14/03/2018
Comment posted: 14/03/2018
Comment posted: 14/03/2018
Comment posted: 14/03/2018
Chris Pattison on 5 Frames with a Vivitar 35ES – By Howard Dale
Comment posted: 14/03/2018
Comment posted: 14/03/2018
Kodachromeguy on 5 Frames with a Vivitar 35ES – By Howard Dale
Comment posted: 17/03/2018
Comment posted: 17/03/2018