Late one night, I was on a deep dive into finding a lens that matched a narrow, and somewhat arbitrary set of requirements I set. A mess of browser tabs covered my monitor. Most of these being the multicolored eBay logo as I hunted for a PK-mount, 18 or 19mm, manual focus, and most importantly, cheap lens.
At first glance, this doesn’t make a lot of sense, but with more context the heavily constricted range of choices was more logical. I had long enjoyed 28mm on my film cameras and wanted a lens that would give me the same experience on my Fuji X-Pro 1. I wanted a PK-mount lens though as I still wanted it to work with my troop of K1000s in a variety of conditions. (Budget had long crossed out Fuji’s own 18mm anyways.)
After all this, the search had narrowed down to a Vivitar 19mm f3.8
$40 and an eBay purchase later and the lens was in my possession. As it turns out, there are actually multiple forms of this lens, some plastic, some metal, some Cosina made, etc. I ended up in possession of a metal, and likely Cosina built model.
First impressions were off to a positive start, the lens was compact, being about the same size as your average 28mm lens. It also felt well-built, even if the aperture ring on my example couldn’t decide how stiff or loose it wanted to be.
Vivitar 19mm Lens (Right)
Further tests on digital were less promising. It performed fine, but definitely only stopped down. Distortion is notable, and the lens struggles with contrast at wider apertures. Its resolving power also does not hold up to 16mp sensors. This is absolutely understandable for an old, film-intended, budget ultrawide, but nonetheless I found this lens to capture my attention on its intended medium more than anything.
Shooting ultrawide on film, especially at the very cheap price-point of this lens feels very special. You can ignore the strange five-blade aperture, and appreciate being able to capture things you wouldn’t otherwise be able to with your dented, abused, K1000. I found an ultra-wide and HP5 pushed two stops to be a winning combo in the right environment.
The lower resolving power of film, and general carefree-ness regarding imperfections let me actually enjoy this lens for what it was supposed to be. No longer bound by the hunt for precision I find myself engaging with on digital photography, I find few lenses give me as unique of an experience as this 19mm, especially considering the price. It is not a perfect lens, but some of the stranger qualities give the lens an eccentric persona. While the Vivitar 19mm may not have been what I thought I was looking for, I think I found something even better. It may not be for everyone, but at least for me, I always manage to find a creative boost with this lens.
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Adrian Cullen on Vivitar 19mm f3.8 – Exactly What it Should Be
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
Duncan B on Vivitar 19mm f3.8 – Exactly What it Should Be
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
Michael on Vivitar 19mm f3.8 – Exactly What it Should Be
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
But look at the SAAB graveyard!! OMG, I haven't seen so many SAABs together in ... well, I don't think ever.
Jukka Reimola on Vivitar 19mm f3.8 – Exactly What it Should Be
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
Jeff T. on Vivitar 19mm f3.8 – Exactly What it Should Be
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
murray on Vivitar 19mm f3.8 – Exactly What it Should Be
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
My daughter gave me an eccentric gift for Halloween. I was surprised it was made by the once-proud Vivitar-Sakar company. It's not even photography related but I have taken photos of it. Trying to figure out how to write a story tying together the connection between an unusual Kino-made lens and an alien spacecraft. Or maybe I shouldn't.
If I remember correctly, Saab's automotive demise was facilitated by General Motors involvement. Saab also participated in F-35 airplane development. I saw a cartoon (eyes only) historical illustration once of some flying object with a Viking holding onto it.
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
Jeffery Luhn on Vivitar 19mm f3.8 – Exactly What it Should Be
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
So that's where Saabs go when they die. Peaceful. Very nice shots!
BTW: "a narrow, and somewhat arbitrary set of requirements" Hmmm, at first I thought you were insulting my spouse, but then realized it better applied to the lead singer in my band.
Anyway...I have a 17mm Vivitar with a Nikon F mount that I bought (used) decades ago for interior shooting. My Nikkor 20mm is too dark on the corners and very distorted, so I was desperate to try anything else. The Vivitar was, and remains, a very fine lens at f/11. Yes, it's not tack sharp, but adequate for an 8x10 print. Certainly good enough for shots in realtor fliers.
I later bought a Sigma 14mm that can make a small kitchen into an auditorium, but even a desk lamp makes it flair like a Star Wars scene.
Thank goodness for new Rokinon lenses!
Jeffery
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
Flashknappen on Vivitar 19mm f3.8 – Exactly What it Should Be
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
Speaking of the SAABs! I have a friend in Indiana, US who would like to know where those SAABs are. Care to divulge?
Comment posted: 24/10/2024
Daniel Castelli on Vivitar 19mm f3.8 – Exactly What it Should Be
Comment posted: 25/10/2024
Charles C on Vivitar 19mm f3.8 – Exactly What it Should Be
Comment posted: 25/10/2024
Paul Quellin on Vivitar 19mm f3.8 – Exactly What it Should Be
Comment posted: 25/10/2024