Vivitar V3300SE

The Vivitar V3300SE is a single-lens reflex camera (SLR). It belongs to the category of manual focus and manual exposure cameras.

Lens

The Vivitar V3300SE features a Pentax K bayonet mount, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of lenses using this popular mount. This system allows for quick lens changes.

To remove the lens, hold down the lens release button while turning the lens counterclockwise until it stops and then pull it forward. To attach the lens, align the red dot on the lens with the lens alignment mark on the camera, insert the lens, and turn it clockwise until it clicks into place.

Focusing is entirely manual. The photographer has three tools in the viewfinder at his disposal: a central split-image indicator, a microprism ring, and the surrounding focusing screen.

With the split-image indicator, the focusing ring on the lens is rotated until the two halves of the image, divided by a horizontal line, exactly match in the central indicator.

The microprism ring focuses on the clarity of the image within the ring; if the image appears clear or blurry, it is not correctly focused. Alternatively, focus can be set across the entire focusing screen.

Exposure Settings

The Vivitar V3300SE is equipped with a through-the-lens exposure metering system (TTL metering). This is a center-weighted metering system that uses an SPD (silicon photodiode) photocell at full aperture. This means that brightness is measured across the entire image field, with greater emphasis on the center area. This helps to correctly illuminate the main subject, even when the surroundings are brighter or darker.

The camera operates in manual exposure control. The photographer must first set the speed of the film loaded. This is done by lifting and turning the film speed setting ring on the shutter speed ring until the desired ISO value (from ISO 12 to 1600) is next to the setting mark.

The photographer then selects a combination of shutter speed and aperture to achieve the desired exposure. The shutter speed is set by turning the shutter speed ring. Available speeds are B (bulb), 1 second to 1/1000 second in 12 steps. The aperture is set directly on the lens aperture ring.

To check the correct exposure, the shutter button is pressed halfway. This activates the light meter, and one of three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the viewfinder lights up. A green, circular LED indicates correct exposure.

If a red “+” LED lights up, the subject is overexposed; a faster shutter speed or a smaller aperture (higher f-number) should be selected. If a red “-” LED lights up, the subject is underexposed; A slower shutter speed or a larger aperture (smaller f-number) should be selected.

If the green LED lights up together with a red LED, there is slight over- or under-exposure, but the image is usually still smokeable. The light meter automatically turns off as soon as the finger is removed from the shutter button.

The camera’s metering range is EV 1 to 19 (measured with ISO 100 film and an f/1.7 50mm lens).

For long exposures lasting longer than 1 second, set the shutter speed dial to “B.” The shutter remains open as long as the shutter button is pressed. The use of a tripod and a cable release is recommended to prevent camera shake.

Flash System

The Vivitar V3300SE is equipped with an accessory shoe for flash photography, which has a built-in X-shaped center contact. This allows the use of commercially available electronic flash units without a separate sync cable.

The camera synchronizes the flash at shutter speeds of 1/60 of a second or slower. Faster shutter speeds result in partial shadows of the image caused by the shutter curtain.

Additional Features

In addition to its basic functions, the Vivitar V3300SE offers several additional features. It has a self-timer. This is activated by pulling the self-timer switch up until a red mark is visible. After pressing the shutter button, the self-timer light glows steadily for about 7 seconds and then flashes for the last 3 seconds before the shutter is released. The total delay is approximately 10 seconds. After taking the picture, the switch should be returned to its normal position.

On the bottom of the camera is a standard tripod socket, which allows for stable mounting on a tripod, which is especially important for long exposures or when using long focal lengths.

A practical feature is the on/off switch integrated into the shutter speed ring. Turning the ring to the “OFF” position interrupts the light meter’s circuit. This prevents accidental battery discharge if the shutter button is accidentally pressed halfway or when the camera is carried in a bag. All other positions of the shutter speed ring correspond to the “On” state.

The camera also features an ergonomic handgrip on the front, allowing for a more secure grip.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the Vivitar V3300SE are specified as follows: width is 135 mm, height is 84.5 mm, and depth is 50 mm. The weight of the camera without batteries is specified as 445 grams. These compact dimensions and moderate weight make it a relatively portable SLR camera.

Power Supply

The Vivitar V3300SE’s integrated light meter is powered by two 1.5V alkaline cells (type LR44) or two 1.55V silver oxide cells (type SR44). These batteries are inserted into a battery holder, with the plus side (+) facing up, and then inserted into the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera, which is covered with a lid that can be opened and closed using a coin.

It’s important to emphasize that these batteries only power the light meter. All other camera functions, such as the shutter and film advance, are purely mechanical. Therefore, the camera will function without batteries or when the batteries are exhausted, but without exposure metering.

Film Recommendations

The Vivitar V3300SE uses standard 35mm film 35mmfilms, which is still available today. Since the camera does not have DX detection, the film speed (ISO value) must always be set manually using the film speed setting ring. The adjustable range is from ISO 12 to 1600.

Quick Operation Guide

1. Inserting batteries: Open the battery compartment cover, insert two LR44/SR44 batteries into the holder with the plus side facing up, insert the holder, and close the cover.
2. Loading film: Open the camera back by pulling the rewind knob. Insert the film cartridge into the film chamber, press down the rewind knob. Pull the film leader up to the film take-up spool and insert it into a slot.
3. Film advance: Slowly pull the film advance lever until the teeth of the advance roller engage the perforations. Close the back. Pull the film advance lever and press the shutter button until the frame counter displays “1.” Check the film tension by gently turning the film rewind crank.
4. Set the film speed: Lift the film speed setting ring and turn it to the ISO value of the loaded film.
5. Select the shutter speed and aperture: Set the shutter speed and aperture rings on the lens to the desired values.
6. Focus: Look through the viewfinder and, using the split-image indicator, microprism ring, or the focusing screen, turn the focus ring until the subject appears sharp. Compose the image.
7. Check the exposure: Press the shutter button halfway. Observe the LEDs in the viewfinder (green = correct, red + = over, red – = under). If necessary, adjust the shutter speed or aperture until the green LED lights up.
8. Release: Press the shutter button all the way down to take the photo.
9. Advance the film: Pull the film advance lever all the way to the stop to advance to the next frame.
10. Rewind the film: When the film is full (the lever can no longer be operated), press the rewind button on the bottom of the camera. Extend the film rewind crank and turn it in the direction of the arrow until the film is completely rewound into the cartridge (you will notice a reduction in resistance). Open the back cover and remove the film cartridge.