 |
The Vivitar 220 SL is a rather basic 35mm SLR, one of the least expensive M42 mount cameras you can buy. It has everything necessary for a beginning photography class and nothing extra. There are probably more lenses available in the M42 mount than any other, Pentax, Praktica, Mamiya, Yashica, and every aftermarket maker. It is not the smoothest or quietest, but is rugged and mechanically reliable. The only common fault is the meter switch. Always check or ask about the meter.
I still shoot film and teach photography to intermediate & high school aged children. I try to give them a basis in classic film photography to teach them the relationship of iso-shutter-aperture and make them think about every precious frame before going to digital. The Vivitar 220 is a rugged manual camera with simple controls that will function with no battery (aside from the metering). The 42mm thread mount lens allows a wide variety of lenses including very inexpensive but high quality russian Helios & Industar lenses. With a camera body that may cost $20 (or less) and a lens that price or less I can hand that to a child and not worry that a handling accident is going to be a financial disaster. Anyone looking at getting into classic film photography at the low end of price without sacrificing quality should go this route and not bother with plastic "lomography" stuff.Read full review
This was built by Cosina for Vivitar when SLRs were mostly brass and stainless and even the cheap ones were fairly solid. This one is big and heavy and fully mechanical. Despite its age and the likelihood that its never been serviced, the winder is smooth and the shutter is strong. Even the viewfinder was good. New seals and mirror cushion (of course) and I got a screw mount camera on the cheap. Very pleased.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I've had one of these since the 80s. It's a good, heavy, solid camera that takes a wide assortment of lenses with a Pentax Pracktika screw mount. The metering system is simple and basic; if the needle is in the center, you're good to go.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
You can't beat this camera for value. Mine works just as well as more expensive cameras and will take all the great M42 lenses. A little heavy, but built to last.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Film Cameras
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Film Cameras
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
