Vivitar 35EF

The Vivitar 35EF is a 35mm compact camera from the 1970s, notable at the time for its compact design and ease of use. It was designed as a lightweight “always-on-hand” camera.

The camera was produced in Japan. The exact manufacturer who produced the model for Vivitar is not definitively known. Many cameras were manufactured by Cosina on behalf of Vivitar.

Lens

The Vivitar 35EF is equipped with a fixed Vivitar 38mm f/2.8 lens. This lens consists of 4 elements arranged in 3 groups. It is a moderate wide-angle focal length, well-suited for a variety of subjects, from landscapes to group photos and snapshots.

The fast f/2.8 aperture allows for shooting even in less favorable lighting conditions. The lens features a 46mm filter thread, to which accessories such as filters or close-up lenses can be attached. Since the lens is fixed, it cannot be interchanged.

Focusing is done manually using a Zone Focus System. Symbols representing different distance ranges (e.g., portrait, small group, landscape) are located on the focusing ring. The user selects the symbol that most closely matches the shooting situation and aligns it with the focusing index line. Additionally, a more detailed distance scale is provided on the focusing ring, displaying distances in meters (green numbers) and feet (white numbers). The focusing range extends from 1 meter (3.3 feet) to infinity.

Exposure Settings

The Vivitar 35EF features a programmed automatic exposure system (EE System). This system automatically selects a suitable aperture and shutter speed combination to ensure correct exposure, as long as the lighting conditions are within the camera’s operating range and the set film speed.

The available range of aperture/shutter speed combinations extends from 1/60 second at f/2.8 to 1/350 second at f/22. This corresponds to an exposure value (EV) range of EV 9 to EV 17 when using ISO 100 (DIN 21) film.

In the camera’s viewfinder, the aperture selected by the system is indicated by a needle on a scale ranging from f/2.8 to f/22. As long as the needle is in the yellow-marked area, correct exposure without flash can be expected.

However, if the needle moves into the red-marked area at the lower end of the scale, the camera signals that the available light is insufficient for correct exposure without flash, and the built-in flash should be used. The camera offers no manual control for aperture or shutter speed.

Flash System

The Vivitar 35EF is equipped with a built-in electronic flash that is manually activated when needed. Pressing the white flash control button causes the flash reflector to pop up.

The flash system operates on the “Flashmatic” principle, meaning the camera automatically adjusts the aperture to the set distance to achieve correct exposure when using the flash.

A flash ready indicator, visible both in the viewfinder and on top of the camera, illuminates once the flash is charged and ready for use. Charging time is approximately 5 to 9 seconds, depending on battery condition.

The flash range depends on the set film speed. With ISO 100 (DIN 21) film, the range is approximately 1 meter (3.3 feet) to 4.8 meters (16 feet). When using higher sensitivity films (e.g., ISO 400/500), the range increases to approximately 10.6 meters (35 feet).

The camera does not have a connection for external flash units.

Additional Functions

The Vivitar 35EF has a mechanical self-timer, activated via the lever on the front of the camera. After pushing down the lever and pressing the shutter button, there is a delay of approximately 10 seconds before the picture is taken. For self-timer use, it is recommended to place the camera on a tripod or a stable surface.

For tripod mounting, the camera features a standard tripod socket on the bottom. A threaded release cable connection allows for shake-free shots during longer exposures (although the camera only automatically selects relatively short speeds up to 1/60s) or when using a tripod.

Other features include strap lugs for attaching a neck strap or hand strap, a film counter that displays the number of exposures taken (with numbers for 12, 20, and 36 exposures marked in red), and a parallax correction mark in the viewfinder, which should be used for correct composition in close-up shots under 1.5 meters (5 feet).

Dimensions and Weight

The Vivitar 35EF is a relatively compact camera. Its dimensions are 135 mm in width, 77 mm in height, and 54.5 mm in depth (equivalent to 5.4″ x 3.1″ x 2.2″). The camera’s weight without batteries is 380 grams (13.4 ounces), making it a lightweight and easily portable camera.

Power Supply

The Vivitar 35EF requires two separate power sources for its different functions. The automatic exposure system is powered by a single 1.35 Volt mercury battery.

Compatible types include Mallory PX 675, Eveready EPX 675, HS-C/H-C, or equivalent batteries. This battery is inserted into the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera, which is opened with a coin. Ensure that the positive side (+) of the battery faces outwards. It is recommended to change this battery once a year or if the needle in the viewfinder reacts sluggishly.

The built-in electronic flash requires two 1.5 Volt AA alkaline batteries (eBay / Amazon*). These are inserted into the separate flash battery compartment on the side of the camera. With a fresh set of batteries, approximately 250 flash shots can be taken.

Film Recommendations

The Vivitar 35EF uses 35mm film. The camera allows for manual setting of film sensitivity in the range of ISO 25 to ISO 500 (equivalent to DIN 15 to DIN 28). Automatic DX-code recognition is not present.

For general photography in good lighting conditions (e.g., daylight, landscape photography), films with low to medium sensitivity such as ISO 100 or ISO 200 are suitable. These generally offer fine grain and good color reproduction. A good color film option is the Kodak Gold 200*.

Quick Start Guide

1. Insert the correct batteries: one 1.35V mercury battery (PX675 or similar) for exposure metering and two 1.5V AA alkaline batteries for the flash.
2. Open the camera back with the release lever and insert a 35mm film cartridge into the film chamber. Thread the film leader into a slot on the take-up spool and slightly tension the film with the film advance lever until the perforations engage. Close the back cover.
3. Set the correct film speed (ISO/DIN) of the loaded film using the lever on the lens.
4. Advance the film by operating the film advance lever and pressing the shutter button until the number ‘1’ appears in the film counter.
5. Look through the viewfinder and select your composition using the bright frame lines. For subjects closer than 1.5m, use the parallax correction mark.
6. Set the distance to the subject using the zone focus symbols or the distance scale on the focusing ring.
7. Check the exposure indicator in the viewfinder. If the needle is in the yellow area, press the shutter button to take the picture.
8. If the needle points to the red area (underexposure), pop up the flash with the white button and turn it on with the orange button. Wait until the flash ready indicator illuminates, set the distance, and press the shutter button.
9. After each shot, advance the film to the next frame using the film advance lever.
10. After the last shot, press the film rewind button on the bottom and fully rewind the film into the cartridge using the foldable rewind crank before opening the camera back.