Vivitar 250/SL

The Vivitar 250/SL is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera. It was introduced in the 1970s. The model was manufactured in Japan by Cosina. The camera was offered in a black and silver and a completely black version.

A functionally identical model is the Vivitar 220/SL. The 250 differs by a shutter release lock, a battery check light, and a battery test button on the back.

Lens

The Vivitar 250/SL is typically supplied with standard lenses such as the Vivitar 50mm f/1.8 or the Vivitar 55mm f/2.8. Both lenses have a 49mm filter thread.

The lens mount is a universal thread mount, commonly known as M42 mount or Praktica/Pentax screw thread. This mount allows the use of a very wide selection of lenses from various manufacturers that were and are available for this system.

Focusing is done manually by turning the focusing ring on the lens. A central microprism focusing spot in the viewfinder serves as a focusing aid, which is surrounded by a focusing screen ring, which lies on a Fresnel field. The image is considered in focus when the pattern in the microprism field disappears and appears clear. For low-light lenses or when heavily stopped down, the surrounding focusing screen can alternatively be used to assess sharpness.

Exposure settings

The Vivitar 250/SL’s exposure metering is done through the lens. Two cadmium sulfide (CdS) photocells, located behind the pentaprism, measure the light entering the lens. The metering characteristic is center-weighted integral. This means that the entire image area is measured, with the central part of the image being given a higher weighting. This is particularly helpful for subjects with high contrast, backlighting, or a very bright sky.

The exposure metering is done by stopped-down metering. To meter, the exposure meter must be switched on via the side switch by pressing it down until it locks into the red position. At the same time, the lens aperture closes to the value preselected on the aperture ring.

A needle becomes visible in the viewfinder, which must be centered between two brackets to indicate the correct exposure. Centering is done by adjusting the aperture on the lens or the shutter speed on the shutter speed dial. If the needle is above the brackets (+), overexposure is likely (a faster shutter speed or smaller aperture is needed). If it is below (-), underexposure is likely (a slower shutter speed or larger aperture is needed).

The shutter is a mechanically controlled, vertically traveling metal blade shutter. It offers exposure times from 1 second to 1/1000 second and a B setting for long exposures, where the shutter remains open as long as the shutter release is pressed. The shutter speeds are selected on the setting wheel.

The film speed is also set on this wheel by lifting the outer ring and turning it until the desired ASA value appears in the window. The adjustable range extends from ASA 25 to ASA 1600.

The exposure meter covers a range of EV 3 to EV 18 (at ASA 100 and an f/1.4 lens). The exposure meter switches off automatically after the shutter is released. It can also be switched off manually by pushing the switch up.

Flash system

The Vivitar 250/SL has a versatile flash synchronization system. Two separate PC sync sockets are available for flash units with cable connections: an “M” socket and an “X” socket.

The “M” socket is intended for synchronization with class M flashbulbs and allows sync speeds of 1 second to 1/1000 second.

The “X” socket is intended for electronic flash units. The shortest sync speed for electronic flashes is 1/125 second. This shutter speed is marked in red on the setting dial and corresponds to the red “X” marking on the socket and hot shoe. Class F and FP flashbulbs can also be used with the X socket, with the shortest sync speed being 1/30 second.

In addition to the PC sockets, the camera has an accessory shoe on the pentaprism, which is designed as an “X”-synchronized hot shoe. This allows direct connection of electronic flash units without a sync cable. Synchronization occurs automatically via the center contact of the hot shoe up to the maximum sync speed of 1/125 second.

Exposure control for flash photography is usually done manually via the guide number of the flash unit and the distance to the subject (guide number / distance = aperture) or via the automatic functions of more modern flash units.

Additional features

In addition to the core functions, the Vivitar 250/SL offers some useful additional features. A mechanical self-timer is built-in and allows a variable delay of the shutter release of about 7 to 15 seconds. It is activated by pulling down the lever on the front of the camera and started by pressing the shutter release. Once wound, the self-timer must run its course for the next shot.

For stable shots at longer exposure times or to avoid camera shake, the camera has a standard tripod thread on the bottom (1/4 inch). In addition, a socket for a mechanical cable release is integrated in the shutter release button.

Exclusively on the Vivitar 250/SL model, there is a shutter release lock lever around the shutter release button. In the “L” position, the shutter release is blocked to prevent accidental triggering. In the “A” position, the camera is ready to shoot. Also only present on the 250/SL is a battery check light and a corresponding button on the back next to the viewfinder.

Side eyelets are used to attach a carrying strap. The viewfinder has side grooves for attaching accessories such as eyecups or viewfinder magnifiers.

Dimensions and weight

The dimensions of the Vivitar 250/SL camera body are 96 mm in height, 146 mm in width and 52 mm in depth. The weight of the body without lens is approximately 730 grams.

Power supply

The power supply for the Vivitar 250/SL’s exposure metering system is provided by a single 1.35 volt mercury oxide battery. Compatible types include the Mallory PX-675 or the Eveready E-675 or equivalents.

Film recommendations

The Vivitar 250/SL uses standard 35mm film (eBay / Amazon*). The camera can handle cassettes with 20 or 36 exposures. There is no DX code recognition; the film speed must be set manually on the ASA/ISO setting wheel according to the film loaded. The adjustable range extends from ASA 25 to ASA 1600 (corresponding to ISO 25 to 1600).

Quick guide to use

1. Insert battery: Open the battery compartment on the bottom with a coin. Insert a suitable 1.35V battery (or alternative) with the positive (+) pole facing up and close the compartment. Press the battery test button to check the function (the lamp should light).
2. Insert film: Fold out the film rewind crank and pull the knob upwards until the back cover springs open. Insert the film cartridge into the film chamber. Pull the film tongue over the film guides and thread the end into one of the slots of the take-up spool. Operate the film advance lever once to ensure that the perforation is captured by the transport sprockets. Close the back cover tightly.
3. Advance film: Operate the film advance lever and the shutter release alternately until the number “1” appears in the frame counter. The rewind crank should rotate counterclockwise during transport – this indicates correct film transport.
4. Set film speed: Lift the outer ring of the shutter speed dial and turn it until the ASA/ISO value of your film appears in the window. Lock the ring.
5. Select and focus the subject: Look through the viewfinder and turn the focusing ring on the lens until the subject appears clear and without flickering in the central microprism field.
6. Measure and set exposure: Press the exposure meter switch down to the “ON” position. The aperture closes to the preselected value. Select a shutter speed on the dial. Now turn the aperture ring on the lens until the needle in the viewfinder is centered between the two index brackets. Alternatively, you can select the aperture first and then adjust the shutter speed.
7. Release the shutter: Press the shutter release button gently and fully.
8. Transport film: Operate the film advance lever to the stop to advance the film for the next shot.
9. Rewind film: When the film is full, press the film rewind release button on the bottom of the camera. Fold out the rewind crank and turn it clockwise until the resistance decreases. The film is now completely rewound into the cartridge.
10. Remove film: Open the back cover (as in step 2) and remove the film cartridge. Avoid direct sunlight when inserting and removing the film.