Vivitar V335

The Vivitar V335 is a classic SLR camera for the 35mm format. It was produced by the Japanese company Cosina and sold under the Vivitar brand. A functionally identical model was available as the Cosina CT-1 EX.

Lens

The Vivitar V335 uses a “K” bayonet (often referred to as the Pentax PK mount), which allows for quick lens changes. This bayonet is widely used, so a wide range of compatible lenses from various manufacturers is available.

Focusing is always done manually by turning the focus ring on the lens. The viewfinder offers several tools to assist with focusing: The entire viewfinder image changes from blurry to sharp. In the center is a ring of microprisms that shimmers or appears broken when out of focus and becomes clear when correctly focused. Within this ring is a horizontal split-image indicator that divides a subject horizontally when out of focus and merges it into a single line when in focus.

Exposure Settings

The Vivitar V335 features a built-in TTL (Through-The-Lens) exposure metering system that measures the brightness of the light entering the lens when the aperture is open (open aperture metering). The metering pattern is center-weighted, meaning that the center of the viewfinder image is given greater weight than the peripheral areas. This provides reliable exposure values ​​in most standard situations.

The exposure meter is activated by pulling the film advance lever slightly away from the camera body to the ready position (approximately 30° angle) and lightly pressing the shutter button.

The measurement results are displayed by three colored LEDs on the left side of the viewfinder: A red plus sign (+) indicates overexposure, a green circle (O) indicates correct exposure, and a red minus sign (-) warns of underexposure. The correct exposure is set manually by the photographer changing either the exposure time on the shutter speed dial or the aperture value on the lens aperture ring until the green LED lights up.

The shutter is a vertically traveling metal focal plane shutter. Exposure times are set manually using the Shutter Speed ​​Dial on the top of the camera. Available times range from 1 second to 1/2000 second; there is also a B (Bulb) setting for long exposures.

To correctly calibrate the exposure meter, the film speed must be set using the Film Speed ​​Dial. This dial allows you to set film speeds in the range from ISO 25 to ISO 1600. At ISO 100, the exposure meter’s measuring range extends from EV 3 (equivalent to f/2 at 1/2 second) to EV 19 (equivalent to f/16 at 1/2000 second).

Flash System

For flash photography, the Vivitar V335 is equipped with a standardized hot shoe (center-contact hot shoe) on the pentaprism body. This connection allows the use of external electronic flash units (e.g., from Vivitar or compatible manufacturers).

The camera offers X-sync. The shortest possible exposure time for flash sync is 1/125 second. When using a flash unit, the Shutter Speed ​​Dial must be set to 1/125 second or a slower exposure time. Flash sync with exposure times shorter than 1/125 second is not possible.

When a flash unit is mounted in the hot shoe, it fires automatically as soon as the camera shutter button is pressed. Correct exposure with flash must be set manually, usually by selecting an appropriate aperture on the lens based on the flash unit’s guide number and the distance to the subject, or by using the flash unit’s automatic functions (if available).

Additional Features

The Vivitar V335 focuses on essential photographic functions, but offers several useful features. It features a standard 1/4-inch tripod thread on the bottom for use on a tripod, which is especially recommended for long exposures (B setting) or when using telephoto lenses.

The film advance lever not only advances the film and cocks the shutter (with a travel angle of 135 degrees), but also activates the exposure metering system in its standby position (30 degrees). When the lever is fully pressed against the body, the shutter release is mechanically locked to prevent accidental release and conserve battery life.

A built-in mechanism reliably prevents accidental double exposures on the same section of film. The frame counter is progressive and counts the captured images (starting at ‘S’ for start, then 0, 2, … up to 36). It automatically resets to ‘S’ as soon as the camera back is opened. Film rewinding is manual: After the last exposure, the film rewind button on the bottom of the camera is pressed, and the film is then rewound clockwise into the film cartridge using the fold-out film rewind crank.

Other features include side eyelets for attaching a camera strap and an ergonomically shaped handgrip on the front for a better grip. The lens is unlocked by pressing the Lens Release Button and removed by turning it counterclockwise.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the Vivitar V335 camera body are 133 mm wide, 85 mm high, and 50 mm deep (equivalent to 5.24 x 3.35 x 1.97 inches). The body weight alone, without batteries and lens, is 410 grams (equivalent to 14.5 ounces).

Power Supply

The Vivitar V335’s power supply is required solely for the operation of the built-in TTL light meter and the LED display in the viewfinder. Two 1.5-volt button cells are required for this. Compatible battery types are LR44 (alkaline) (eBay / Amazon*) or SR44 (silver oxide) (eBay / Amazon*).

The batteries are inserted into the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera. Ensure that the positive (+) poles of the batteries are facing up, i.e., toward the contact in the battery compartment cover. The cover is opened and closed with a coin.

Since the camera’s shutter works purely mechanically, the camera will also fire without batteries or when the batteries are empty. In this case, however, exposure metering is not available, and the exposure must be measured or estimated externally (e.g., with a handheld light meter).

Film Recommendations

The Vivitar V335 uses 35mm film (eBay / Amazon*). The camera does not have DX code recognition; therefore, the film speed must always be set manually using the Film Speed ​​Dial. The adjustable range of ISO 25 to ISO 1600 covers a wide range of film types and lighting conditions.

Quick Operation Guide

1. Inserting Batteries: Insert two LR44/SR44 batteries into the battery compartment, observing the correct polarity.
2. Attaching Lens: Attach a K-mount lens (align the red markings) and turn clockwise until it clicks into place.
3. Loading Film: Open the back by lifting the rewind crank. Insert the film cassette into the film chamber, pull the film tongue over the guide rails to the take-up spool, and insert it into a slot. Ensure the perforation engages the teeth of the advance wheel. Close the back.
4. Advancing Film: Operate the film advance lever and press the shutter button until the frame counter reaches the ‘1’ mark. Check that the rewind crank rotates (sign of correct advance).
5. Set film speed: Set the film’s ISO value on the Film Speed ​​Dial opposite the index mark.
6. Activate blade & focus: Pull the film advance lever to the ready position (approx. 30°). Look through the viewfinder and focus with the focusing ring on the lens (use a split image or microprisms as an aid).
7. Set exposure: Lightly press the shutter button. Adjust the exposure time using the shutter speed dial and/or the aperture using the lens aperture ring until the green LED (O) lights up in the viewfinder.
8. Release the shutter: Select the frame and gently press the shutter button.
9. Advance the film: Push the film advance lever all the way to advance the film for the next shot and cock the shutter.
10. Rewind the film: After the last shot, press the film rewind button on the bottom. Extend the rewind crank and turn it clockwise until you feel less resistance. Turn it a few more turns to securely wind the film into the cartridge.
11. Remove the film: Open the back cover and remove the film cartridge.