The Vivitar T201 lx is a simple snapshot camera. Equivalent models were also marketed under the names “Kodak KV250“, “Hanimex SnapShot Metallic” and “Hanimex SnapShot 10“.
The camera is honestly of simple construction. The body is made of plastic and is silver in color. The lens of the camera cannot be changed and is not coated. The focal length is fixed and is 28 mm. The largest aperture is f/9. The focus of the lens is fixed. The closest focusing distance is 1.2 m for this lens.
Exposure is not metered by the plastic camera. The aperture and shutter speed are fixed. The built-in flash provides sufficient light. At ISO 100, the range is up to 3 m. The camera requires one AA battery (eBay / Amazon*). The batteries are only necessary for the flash, the rest of the camera works mechanically.
Films for the Vivitar T201 lx
What kind of films does the Vivitar T201 lx need? The camera requires films of the 35mm format. Material for this film format is still produced by various manufacturers, e.g. Kodak, Fujifilm and Ilford. A 35mm film for color photography is the Kodak Ultramax 400*. A possible black and white film is the Ilford XP2 Super*. Both films are flexible for everyday use.
After each press of the shutter button, the film must be rewound for the next image. This step must be done manually with a thumbwheel on the back. When the end of the roll is reached after 36 frames, the film must be rewound into the cartridge with a crank. After that, the film can be removed from the camera and taken to be developed. The development process for the two films mentioned is the C-41 process. This development process is offered by most laboratories.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 28 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/9 |
| Minimum focus distance | 120 cm / 3.936 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Exposure times | 1/125 second |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 1,2 to 3 Meter / 3.94 to 9.84 Feet |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x AA battery |
FAQ about the Vivitar T201 lx
Is the Vivitar T201 lx camera easy to use, even for beginners?
Yes, the Vivitar T201 lx is a very simple point-and-shoot camera. Its design is straightforward, making it easy to handle even for those new to photography. Basic functions are manual, so learning is quick.
What kind of film does this simple camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film, readily available from various manufacturers like Kodak and Fujifilm. Both color and black and white films work. You can find many options.
Does the camera have autofocus or do I need to adjust something?
The Vivitar T201 lx has a fixed focus lens. It's set to a minimum focus distance of 1.2 meters; objects closer than that will be blurry. No adjustments are necessary.
How does the flash work on the camera?
The built-in flash provides sufficient light up to 3 meters with ISO 100 film. The flash needs a AA battery to function, but the rest of the camera operates mechanically.
What about the lens – can I change it?
No, the Vivitar T201 lx has a fixed 28mm lens; it cannot be changed. This is typical for simple cameras like this one. It's a basic but easy-to-use lens.