Vivitar XV-5

The Vivitar XV-5 is a 35mm analog single-lens reflex (SLR) camera from the 1980s. It was produced in Japan. Chinon is believed to have been the manufacturer. This is somewhat unusual, as many of Vivitar’s SLR cameras were produced by Cosina.

A functionally identical model is the Vivitar XV-11.

Lens

The Vivitar XV-5 comes standard with a 50mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.9. This lens allows for shooting in a variety of lighting conditions and offers good depth of field.

The camera uses a quick-release bayonet (Pentax K-mount), which allows for the use of a wide range of compatible lenses, including wide-angle, telephoto, and zoom lenses.

Exposure Settings

The Vivitar XV-5 features a TTL (Through-The-Lens) exposure metering system that uses center-weighted average metering. This system uses a silicon blue photocell.

Exposure is indicated by three LEDs in the viewfinder: one for overexposure, one for correct exposure, and one for underexposure. Metering is activated by lightly pressing the shutter button and automatically turns off approximately 15 seconds after the shutter button is released to save battery power.

The camera offers manual exposure modes. Exposure times range from 1 second to 1/1000 of a second, as well as a bulb setting for long exposures. The shutter is a Seiko MFC.

Flash System

The Vivitar XV-5 is equipped with a hot shoe that offers X-sync at 1/60 of a second. An electronic flash can be attached to the hot shoe for low-light photography. The camera is flash-synced at 1/60 second, although flash photography is also possible at lower sync speeds.

Additional Features

The Vivitar XV-5 features a self-timer with a delay of approximately 10 seconds. There’s also a tripod thread for attaching the camera to a tripod. A memo holder is attached to the back for recording information about the film loaded.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the Vivitar XV-5 are 135.5 mm (width) x 86.0 mm (height) x 50.5 mm (depth). The camera weighs approximately 455 grams (body only).

Power Supply

The Vivitar XV-5 requires two 1.5V alkaline (A-76) (eBay / Amazon*) or silver oxide (EPX-76, MS-76, RS-76, G-13) batteries, or equivalents. It is important that the negative terminals of the batteries face up. The batteries are used for exposure metering. An LED indicator provides information about the battery status.

Film Recommendations for the Vivitar XV-5

The Vivitar XV-5 is compatible with an ASA/DIN range of 25 to 1600 ASA (DIN 15 to 33). The Kodak Ektar 100* is ideal for color images. Those who prefer black and white photos can purchase the Ilford Delta 400*.

The film speed is set manually. The camera does not automatically detect the DX code. The number of frames per roll is automatically counted and returns to “S” (Start) when the back is opened.

Quick Operation Guide

1. Insert two 1.5V batteries.
2. Open the camera back by pulling up the rewind knob.
3. Insert a 35mm film cassette into the film compartment and slide the end of the film into the take-up spool.
4. Advance the film until the number “1” appears in the frame counter.
5. Set the film speed (ASA/DIN) according to the film package.
6. Select the desired shutter speed using the shutter speed dial.
7. Set the aperture on the lens.
8. Focus the lens using the viewfinder.
9. Lightly press the shutter button to activate the exposure meter. Pay attention to the LEDs in the viewfinder.
10. Adjust the aperture so that the green LED lights up.
11. Press the shutter button all the way down to take the photo.
12. After the last shot, rewind the film by pressing the rewind button and turning the rewind crank.
13. Open the back and remove the film.