Vivitar XV-10

The Vivitar XV-10 is a purely mechanical analog SLR camera for 35mm film, featuring a built-in TTL exposure metering system.

This camera model was manufactured in Japan by Cosina, with the technical basis being the Cosina CT-1. A sister model with identical features is the Vivitar XV-1.

Lens

A selection of different standard lenses was available for the Vivitar XV-10. It was typically shipped with lenses with a focal length of 50mm and maximum apertures of f/2.0, f/1.8, f/1.7 (VMC), or f/1.4 (VMC), all of which allowed focusing up to a distance of 0.5 meters (20 inches). Another option was a 40mm f/2.5 VMC lens, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.6 meters (24 inches).

The camera uses the Pentax K mount, which ensures compatibility with a wide range of normal, wide-angle, telephoto, and zoom lenses designed for this mount. Since the lens mount is purely mechanical, no electronic data transfer takes place between the lens and the camera body.

Focusing on the subject is achieved manually by turning the focusing ring on the respective lens. To assist with this process, the viewfinder incorporates a focusing screen that combines a central microprism circle with a surrounding focusing ring. Correct focus is achieved when the image within the microprism circle appears clear and free of flickering or fragmentation. An automatic focusing system is not integrated into this model.

Exposure Settings

The Vivitar XV-10 is equipped with a TTL exposure metering system that measures exposure at full aperture. Light metering is center-weighted integral using two cadmium sulfide (CdS) photocells located behind the pentaprism to the side of the viewfinder eyepiece. This method ensures a consistently bright viewfinder image during composition.

The correct exposure is determined in the viewfinder using a manual needle adjustment system. The photographer must align the meter needle between two fixed marks by changing the shutter speed or aperture.

The camera itself does not offer automatic exposure programs, but assists the user in manual configuration. This process can be done using shutter priority or aperture priority.

When using shutter priority, the photographer first sets a fixed shutter speed using the control dial and then adjusts the aperture ring on the lens until the needle is centered in the viewfinder. This method is particularly suitable for fast-moving subjects, allowing for targeted control of motion blur. In contrast, with aperture priority, the aperture value is first selected on the lens to create depth of field, and then the appropriate shutter speed is set using the dial until the needle indicates the correct exposure.

The range of selectable shutter speeds extends from one second to 1/1000 of a second, supplemented by a “B” setting for long exposures, in which the shutter remains open for the duration of the shutter release button’s pressed down. The shutter speeds are set using the shutter speed dial, located directly next to the shutter release button. Intermediate settings are not possible, as the dial clicks into place at the marked positions. The shutter is a mechanical Copal FM-582 metal focal plane shutter that travels vertically.

The aperture values ​​are set directly on the lens’s aperture ring. This usually clicks into place at full aperture stops, but for finer exposure adjustment, it also allows for half-stop adjustment by centering the index mark between two marks.

The exposure meter is activated by gently pulling the film advance lever to a standby position. When the lever is fully engaged against the body, the exposure meter is deactivated and the shutter release is mechanically locked. A movement of the needle in the viewfinder upwards into the “+” area indicates overexposure and requires the selection of a smaller aperture or a faster shutter speed. A movement of the needle into the “-” area indicates underexposure, which requires a larger aperture or a slower shutter speed. The system’s metering range covers EV 3 to EV 18, based on ASA 100 and an aperture of f/1.4.

Flash System

For flash photography, the Vivitar XV-10 is equipped with X-sync. The pentaprism body features an accessory shoe with an integrated X-center contact (hot shoe), allowing wireless use of flash units. A PC sync socket is also available for connecting flash units via cable.

The flash sync speed is fixed at 1/125 second, a value often color-coded on the shutter speed dial, although any slower shutter speed can be used. Shutter speeds faster than the sync speed are not compatible with electronic flash units. The camera does not have automatic flash modes such as TTL flash metering; correct exposure for flash photography must be set manually via the lens aperture, based on the flash manufacturer’s specifications, such as guide number and distance, or using an external flash meter.

Additional Features

Beyond its basic photographic functions, the Vivitar XV-10 offers several other useful features. It features a mechanical self-timer, which is activated by lowering a lever on the front of the camera. This allows a shutter delay of approximately 10 seconds, allowing the photographer to position themselves in the frame. After the shutter is released, the lever automatically returns to its original position.

The camera has a standardized 1/4-inch tripod thread on its underside, positioned on the optical axis, ensuring stable attachment to a tripod. This is especially important for long exposures, self-timer shots, or when using long telephoto lenses.

A memo holder is attached to the back of the camera, into which the tear-off tab from the film pack can be inserted to remind you of the film type and speed loaded. A printed DIN/ASA conversion table is located right next to it.

The film advance lever has multiple functions: Not only does it advance the film and cock the shutter, it also acts as a shutter release lock and as a switch for activating and deactivating the exposure meter. A built-in lock reliably prevents accidental double exposures of the same frame. The exposure counter counts forward from the starting position “S” to 36 and automatically resets to “S” as soon as the camera back is opened. For clarity, the markings for 12, 20, 24, and 36 exposures are highlighted in red. A film plane marker on the top of the body indicates the exact position of the film plane, a detail that is particularly relevant for close-up shots.

Dimensions and Weight

The body dimensions of the camera without a lens attached are 135 mm wide, 85 mm high, and 48 mm deep, which corresponds to 5.32 x 3.40 x 1.92 inches. The weight of the camera body alone, without lens and battery, is about 450 grams.

Power Supply

The Vivitar XV-10 is a primarily mechanically operated camera. The shutter, film advance, and all other basic functions do not require electrical power. Only the TTL exposure metering system requires a power source for its operation. This is supplied by a single 1.35-volt mercury battery, with compatible types such as the Mallory PX-675, Eveready EPX 675, Ray-O-Vac RPX-675, or equivalent Japanese models such as the HS-C/H-C.

Film Recommendations

The Vivitar XV-10 uses 35mm film (eBay / Amazon*) and exposes the material in the standard format of 24 mm x 36 mm. Films for this format are still manufactured and can still be developed without it. Color negative film, color slide film, and black-and-white film can be used.

Automatic detection of the DX code of film cartridges is not available, so the film speed must be adjusted manually using the dedicated dial. The adjustable film speed range extends from ASA 25 to ASA 1600 in third-stop increments, which corresponds to a range of approximately DIN 15 to 33.

Quick Operation Guide

1. Inserting the Battery: Unscrew the battery compartment cover on the bottom. Insert a suitable 1.35V battery with the positive pole (+) facing down and close the compartment. This step is optional and only necessary for the light meter to function.
2. Setting the Film Speed: Turn the film speed dial until the ASA value of the loaded film is aligned with 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 button down. 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. Close the back and take 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 on the lens until the subject appears sharp in the microprism circle or on the focusing screen ring.
7. Release: Gently press the shutter button to take a photo.
8. Advance 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. Rewind 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 no resistance is felt. Open the back cover and remove the film cartridge.