Vivitar XV-1

The Vivitar XV-1 is a mechanical 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera equipped with an integrated TTL exposure metering system. It was built by Cosina in Japan. Its features are based on the Cosina CT-1. A model with the same features is the Vivitar XV-10.

Lens

The Vivitar XV-1 was typically offered with various standard lenses. These included lenses with a focal length of 50mm and apertures of f/2.0, f/1.8, f/1.7 (VMC), or f/1.4 (VMC), each with a minimum focusing distance of 0.5 meters (20 inches). There was also a variant with a 40mm f/2.5 VMC lens with a minimum focusing distance of 0.6 meters (24 inches).

The camera uses a Pentax K mount, which is compatible with a variety of normal, wide-angle, telephoto, and zoom lenses available for this mount. The lens mount is mechanical; there is no electronic data transfer between the lens and the camera.

Focusing is done manually using the distance setting ring on the lens. A focusing screen in the viewfinder serves as a focusing aid, combining a central microprism circle surrounded by a ground glass ring. When correctly focused, the image in the microprism circle appears clear and not flickering or fragmented.

There is no autofocus.

Exposure Settings

The Vivitar XV-1 features a TTL open-aperture exposure metering system. Metering is center-weighted integral using two CdS photocells, each located on either side of the viewfinder eyepiece behind the pentaprism. Measurements are taken with the aperture fully open, ensuring a bright viewfinder image.

The correct exposure is displayed by a manual adjustment system (match needle) in the viewfinder. The photographer must center the light meter needle between two fixed marks by adjusting the shutter speed or aperture.

The camera does not offer automatic exposure modes, but supports the photographer in manual setting. This can be done using two methods: shutter priority or aperture priority.

With shutter priority, the photographer first selects a shutter speed using the shutter speed dial and then adjusts the aperture setting ring on the lens until the needle is centered in the viewfinder. This is useful for fast-moving subjects to control motion blur.

With aperture priority, the aperture on the lens is first selected to control depth of field, and then the appropriate shutter speed is selected using the command dial until the needle is centered.

Available shutter speeds range from 1 second to 1/1000 of a second, plus a “B” setting for long exposures, where the shutter remains open as long as the shutter button is pressed.

The shutter speeds are selected using the shutter speed dial located next to the shutter button. Intermediate shutter speeds cannot be set; the dial clicks into place at the marked values. The shutter is a mechanical Copal FM-582 metal focal plane shutter with vertical travel.

The aperture values ​​are set directly on the lens’s aperture control ring. The ring typically clicks into full aperture increments, but allows for fine-tuning exposure by positioning the index mark centered between two marks.

The exposure meter is activated by pulling the film advance lever slightly outward to the ready position. In the fully engaged position, the exposure meter is off and the shutter release is locked.

If the needle in the viewfinder moves upwards to the “+” area, this indicates overexposure; a smaller aperture or faster shutter speed is required. If the needle moves downwards to the “-” area, this indicates underexposure; a larger aperture or slower shutter speed is required.

The system’s metering range is EV 3 to EV 18 (based on ASA 100 and aperture f/1.4).

Flash System

The Vivitar XV-1 is equipped with X-sync for flash photography. The camera features an accessory shoe on the pentaprism body with a built-in X-center contact (hot shoe) for wireless flash units.

There is also a PC sync socket for flash units connected via cable. The flash sync speed is 1/125 second (this value is often marked in red on the shutter speed dial) or any slower shutter speed. Faster shutter speeds cannot be used with electronic flash units.

The camera does not offer special flash modes such as TTL flash metering; correct exposure for flash photography must be set manually via the lens aperture, based on the flash unit’s specifications (guide number, distance) or an external flash meter.

Additional Features

In addition to its core functions, the Vivitar XV-1 offers several useful additional features. A mechanical self-timer is included, activated by flipping down the lever on the front of the camera. It provides a delay of approximately 10 seconds before the shutter is released, allowing the photographer to be in the frame. After the shutter is released, the lever automatically returns to its original position.

The camera features a standard 1/4-inch tripod thread on the bottom, which is on the optical axis and allows for stable mounting on a tripod, which is especially important for long exposures, self-timer shots, or when using long telephoto lenses.

The back of the camera features a memo holder into which the film pack’s tear-off tab can be inserted to remind you of the film type and speed loaded. A DIN/ASA conversion table is printed next to it.

The film advance lever not only advances the film and cocks the shutter, but also acts as a shutter release lock and turns the light meter on and off.

A built-in double exposure lock prevents accidental multiple exposures of the same image.

The exposure counter counts forward from “S” (start) to 36 and automatically returns to “S” when the camera back is opened. The exposure markers for 12, 20, 24, and 36 exposures are highlighted in red for better visibility.

A film plane marker on the top of the camera indicates the exact position of the film plane, which can be relevant for close-up shots.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the camera body (without lens) are 135 mm wide, 85 mm high, and 48 mm deep (equivalent to 5.32 x 3.40 x 1.92 inches). The body weight (without lens and battery) is approximately 450 grams.

Power Supply

The Vivitar XV-1 is a largely mechanical camera. The shutter, film advance, and all basic camera functions operate without power.

Only the TTL exposure metering system requires a power source. This is provided by a single 1.35 volt mercury battery. Compatible types are Mallory PX-675, Eveready EPX 675, Ray-O-Vac RPX-675 or equivalent Japanese types such as HS-C/H-C.

Film Recommendations

The Vivitar XV-1 uses 35mm film (eBay / Amazon*). The recording format is 24 mm x 36 mm.

The camera does not have automatic DX code recognition; the film speed must be set manually using the film speed dial. The adjustable range is from ASA 25 to ASA 1600 in 1/3-stop increments (approximately equivalent to DIN 15 to 33).

Color negative film (for prints), color slide film (for projection or scanning), and black-and-white film can be used.

Quick Operation Guide

1. Inserting the Battery: Unscrew the battery compartment cover on the bottom, insert a suitable 1.35V battery with the positive (+) terminal facing down, and close the compartment (optional, for light meters only).
2. Setting the Film Speed: Turn the film speed dial until the film’s ASA value is opposite the index mark.
3. Loading the Film: Extend the rewind crank and pull the rewind knob upward until the camera back pops open. Insert the film cartridge into the film cartridge chamber and press the rewind knob down again. Pull the film leader over the shutter blades and insert it into a slot on the take-up spool. Pull the film advance lever once to ensure the perforation is engaged by the advance rollers. Close the camera back and use the film advance lever and shutter button to advance blank shots until the frame counter reaches “1”.
4. Set the exposure: First, select either the shutter speed or the aperture. Pull the film advance lever out slightly to activate the exposure meter.
5. Metering and Adjusting: Look through the viewfinder and adjust the other setting (aperture or shutter speed) until the needle is centered in the display.
6. Focusing: Turn the focus ring until the subject appears sharp in the microprism circle or on the focusing screen ring.
7. Releasing the shutter: Gently press the shutter button.
8. Advancing the film: Swing the film advance lever all the way to the right to advance the film to the next frame and cock the shutter.
9. Rewinding the film: When the film is full, press the rewind release 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 (no resistance is felt). Open the back cover and remove the film cartridge.