The Vivitar V50 is an SLR camera. It was manufactured by Shanghai Camera Factory in China and sold under the American brand “Vivitar” in the 90s. The design of the camera is based on the Minolta X300.
The lens of the Vivitar V50 is interchangeable. Lenses with a Minolta SR bayonet can be used. There is no autofocus on the 35mm camera. You have to manually focus on the subject.
For taking pictures, the Vivitar V50 has a light meter. The exposure meter is designed for 35mm film from ISO 12 to ISO 3200. The metering of the exposure takes place through the lens on the 35mm SLR (TTL). The camera has an aperture priority mode. In manual mode, the exposure time can be set. The aperture is also freely selectable.
The photo camera comes with a bulb mode. An external flash can be fired via the built-in hot shoe. The Vivitar V50 can be mounted on a tripod. There is also a thread for a cable release. Additionally, there is a self-timer. The dimensions of the housing are 13.7 x 9 x 5.1 cm. At the same time, it weighs 470 grams. The power source of the 35mm camera are two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Vivitar V50
What is needed for the Vivitar V50 is photographic film. Used are films for the 35mm format. 35mm films are still easy to get today and are developed by most photo labs. A good choice for the SLR camera is the Agfaphoto Vista 200* (color film) and the Kodak T-Max 400* (black and white film).
The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab. The exposure area of the camera is 24 mm x 36 mm. The film is rewound manually in the camera.
The Vivitar V50 is no longer in production. Depending on the condition and functionality, the used price varies.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta SR mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 4 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 3200 |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x LR44 batteries |
| Size | 13,7 x 9 x 5,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.39 x 3.54 x 2.01 inches |
| Weight | 470 Grams |
| Manufacturer | Shanghai Camera Factory |
| Country of production | China |