Vivitar XC-4

The Vivitar XC-4 is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It was produced by the Japanese company Cosina. Its range of functions is similar to the Cosina CSM.

Lens

The Vivitar XC-4 uses a Universal (M-42) screw-thread mount. This widely used mount allows the use of a wide range of lenses from various manufacturers that are compatible with this standard.

The camera was typically offered with standard lenses, such as 50mm or 55mm focal lengths with apertures such as f/1.4, f/1.7, f/1.9, or f/2.1. The value stated in the exposure metering range refers to a 50mm f/1.9 lens. The standard lenses supplied with the camera were usually fully automatic, meaning the aperture remains fully open for focusing and image composition and only closes to the preselected value when the shutter is released.

Focusing is performed manually using the focusing ring on the lens. A central horizontal split-image indicator surrounded by a microprism ring serves as a focusing aid, both positioned on a ground glass screen in the viewfinder. For precise focusing, we recommend using either the split-image indicator or the microprism ring. The entire ground glass area can also be used for focus assessment and image composition.

The lenses feature a distance scale and a depth-of-field scale, which allow the photographer to estimate the depth of field at a specific aperture and distance setting (zone focus). The Vivitar XC-4 does not have an autofocus system.

Exposure Settings

The Vivitar XC-4 features a built-in TTL exposure metering system. Metering is performed by two CdS light metering cells located behind the prism, which measure the light entering the lens. The system uses center-weighted metering, which places greater emphasis on the center of the image field than on the edges.

Exposure is controlled manually by adjusting the aperture and shutter speed settings until the correct exposure is displayed. The display is provided by three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) above the viewfinder image. To activate exposure metering, the film advance lever must be cocked, the shutter release lock lever set to the ‘A’ (Advance) position, and the shutter release button pressed halfway.

A red LED on the left indicates overexposure, a green LED in the center (•) indicates correct exposure, and a red LED on the right indicates underexposure. If the left and right red LEDs light up simultaneously, the lighting conditions are outside the camera’s metering range for the selected film speed/aperture/shutter speed combination. The photographer must then adjust the aperture using the lens aperture ring or the shutter speed using the shutter speed dial until the green LED lights up.

The camera offers a wide range of electronically controlled shutter speeds from 4 seconds to 1/1000 of a second. The shutter is a horizontally moving, fully electronic focal plane shutter. There is also a “B” (Bulb) setting for long exposures, where the shutter remains open as long as the shutter button is pressed (ideally with a cable release), and a mechanical “M” setting, which offers a fixed shutter speed of 1/50 of a second and works even with depleted batteries.

The film speed is set by lifting and turning the ring around the shutter speed dial and is displayed in the ASA window. The adjustable range extends from ASA 25 to ASA 3200 in 1/3 EV increments. The camera’s exposure metering range extends from EV 0.75 to EV 18 (measured at ASA 25 with a 50mm f/1.9 lens). With the optional Vivitar XC-A accessory, the camera can be upgraded to an aperture priority camera, where the aperture is preselected and the camera automatically determines the appropriate shutter speed.

Flash System

The Vivitar XC-4 is designed for use with electronic flash units and is prepared for “X” synchronization. It offers two flash connection options: a center-contact accessory shoe, called a hot shoe, on the pentaprism and a standard PC sync socket (referred to as the “X” Sync PC Outlet) on the front of the camera.

Using both sockets ensures flash synchronization at shutter speeds of 1/60 second or slower.

Additional Features

In addition to its core functions, the Vivitar XC-4 offers several useful additional features. It features an integrated electronic self-timer, which is activated by pressing the corresponding lever on the front of the camera. After pressing the shutter button, the camera releases the shutter with a delay of approximately 10 seconds, allowing the photographer to be in the picture. This function is fully electronically controlled.

For checking the depth of field before shooting, the camera features a depth-of-field aperture button. Pressing this button closes the lens aperture to the preselected value, allowing the depth of field to be assessed in the viewfinder.

A shutter-lock lever prevents accidental release of the camera and conserves battery power when the camera is not in use. For vibration-free shots at long exposure times or with telephoto lenses, a threaded socket for a cable release is integrated into the shutter release button.

A standard tripod thread is located on the bottom of the camera for mounting on a tripod. The camera features a single-stroke film advance lever and a built-in double exposure lock, which prevents accidental multiple exposures of the same image. The frame counter counts from “S” (start) to 36 and automatically resets to “S” when the camera back is opened.

The film plane mark indicates the exact position of the film plane in the camera body, which can be relevant for close-up shots. The camera is equipped with a multi-slot take-up spool for easy film loading.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the Vivitar XC-4 camera body (body only) are: 138 mm (width) x 85 mm (height) x 51 mm (depth). This corresponds to 5.4 inches x 3.3 inches x 2 inches. The weight of the camera body alone, without lens and batteries, is 499 grams, which corresponds to 17.6 ounces.

Power Supply

The Vivitar XC-4’s electronic systems, particularly the exposure metering system and the electronically controlled shutter (except in the mechanical “B” and “M” settings), require a power source. The camera is powered by two 1.5-volt silver oxide button cells. Compatible battery types are Eveready S-76 (eBay / Amazon*), Mallory MS-76, G-13, or equivalent models.

The batteries are inserted into the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera. When inserting them, ensure that the positive (+) side of the batteries is facing outward (visible), as indicated by a mark in the battery compartment cover.

The battery status can be checked via the LED indicator in the viewfinder: If the LEDs do not light up when the exposure meter is activated (and the shutter speed dial is not set to “B” or “M”), the batteries are probably exhausted and should be replaced. The mechanical shutter speed “M” (1/50 s) and the “B” setting also work without battery power.

Film Recommendations

The Vivitar XC-4 uses standard 35mm film (eBay / Amazon*). The camera allows manual adjustment of the film speed in the range from ASA 25 to ASA 3200. There is no DX coding for automatic detection of film speed; the ASA value must be manually set using the dial according to the film loaded.

The choice of film depends on the subject and lighting conditions. Low-sensitivity films (e.g., ASA 50-100) offer the highest sharpness and finest grain structure and are well-suited for brightly lit scenes, such as landscapes or detailed still lifes. Medium-sensitivity films (e.g., ASA 200-400) are versatile and offer a good compromise between grain, sharpness, and light sensitivity, suitable for general photography, portraits, or shooting under cloudy skies.

High-sensitivity films (e.g., ASA 800-3200) are intended for low-light situations, indoor photography without flash, or fast-moving sports photography, but generally exhibit more visible grain. The camera is designed for standard 12-, 20-, 24-, or 36-exposure film rolls, with the numbers 12, 20, and 36 color-coded on the exposure counter.

Quick Operation Guide

1. Inserting Batteries: Unscrew the battery compartment cover, insert two 1.5V silver oxide batteries (type S-76 or similar) with the plus side facing out, and close the compartment.
2. Loading Film: Unlock the shutter release (position ‘A’). Extend the film rewind crank and pull the rewind knob up to open the camera back. Insert the film cartridge into the film chamber and press the rewind knob down again. Pull the film tongue over the film path and insert the end into a slot on the take-up spool. Gently pull the film advance lever once to ensure the film grips. Close the camera back. Advance the film using the advance lever and shutter button until the frame number “1” appears in the counter.
3. Set the film speed: Lift the outer ring of the shutter speed dial and turn it until the correct ASA value of the film is displayed in the ASA window. Click the ring into place.
4. Select the shutter speed: Turn the shutter speed dial until the desired speed is opposite the index.
5. Select the aperture: Turn the aperture ring on the lens to the desired f-number.
6. Focus: Look through the viewfinder and turn the focus ring on the lens until the subject appears sharp in the split-image indicator or microprism ring.
7. Check the exposure: Press the shutter button halfway. Adjust the aperture or shutter speed until the green LED (•) in the viewfinder lights up.
8. Release the shutter button: Press the shutter button fully to take the photo.
9. Advance the film: Fully engage the film advance lever to advance to the next frame.
10. Rewind the film: After the last shot, press the film rewind button on the top of the camera. Extend the rewind crank and turn it clockwise until the film is completely rewound into the cartridge (resistance should decrease). Open the back cover and remove the film cartridge.