Vivitar V3800N SLR Multi Exposure Camera with 50/1.7 lens

2012-12-16T19:00:00

You make the picture. Camera did exactly what you whant

Sergio P.

2011-10-17T21:00:00

I really enjoy using film and it is wonderful that there are still great film cameras like this available new. I love all types of photography and this camera works great, even for action photos like tracking down my grandkids on the run. Using manual focus takes a bit of practice but knowing that you have focused exactly where you want is worth the effort. This camera reminds me so much of my old Pentax K1000, but it is lighter to carry around and it comes with some additional handy features that my K1000 didn't have. Like a faster shutter speed (1/2000 seconds vs only 1/1000 seconds), a faster flash synchronization shutter speed (1/125 seconds vs only 1/60 seconds), a 10 second timer (to let you get you into the picture with your grandkids) and a depth of field preview. If you have been dreaming about a full frame digital camera, but you definitely don't have a full frame digital camera budget ($3,000 to $8,000), but you are willing to learn manual photography, then this is definitely the camera for you. Send your film right here for developing, and have them put the images on a Photo CD. Or buy your own inexpensive scanner right here on Adorama, and scan the negatives yourself. Now you have the best of both worlds. Film and full frame digital, all in the same camera, for a very, very good price. Believe me, it is far less then you will invest for that full frame digital camera, even without the lens. If you don't believe me go ahead and check. At this very low price it is possible you may end up with a dud, that does happen occasionally, even with those very high priced digital cameras we have been talking about. There are lots of used film cameras out there, many of them available right here. Some of those used cameras are quite high quality, top of the line when they were built, but it can be really hard to know before you put your money down. Adorama does try to help with their rating system but it is still tough to know. But this is a chance to have a brand new camera and still get those wonderful film results. And with a new camera you get a warranty, and with Adorama you also get their terrifc return policy. That is one of the wonderful benefits of buying new. However, let's be honest, if you are looking for a digital camera that does it all for you, you will not be happy with this camera. If all you really want is something to put your pictures up on Facebook, or to e-mail to your friends, don't let my enthusiasm sell you something you really aren't looking for. Go ahead and buy a digital point and shoot, or use your phone, you will be far happier. Adorama can help you there as well, they have lots of them available. But for those who do want that magnificent quality that is possible by handling your own exposure decisions, and want the chance to use wonderful, high quality lenses. For those who want to see that wonderful analogue film quality with its dramatic dynamic range that digital still doesn't quite provide. For those who want to know that they focused on the right thing, because they focused the lens themselves. For those who want that high quality single lens reflex camera experience, then this is a terrific option! If you haven't guessed yet, I will tell you that I am absolutely thrilled with this camera. I have been shooting it for quite some time and have always been perfectly happy with my results. I would have rated it a 5, I think it is that good, but there have been some examples in the past where some of these cameras arrived with problems. That is why I recommend that you buy from a reputable dealer like Adorama. That way you can be sure that your investment is protected in those early days. In addition, I have occasionally found that it is hard to see the LED meter readout in the viewfinder that tells you whether you are over or under exposed. It doesn't happen very often, usually only in very bright light, but it can be disconcerting when it happens. I have always been able to find a satisfactory solution, usually by providing a bit of shade using my hat or something, but it is still irritating, particularly when you are right in the midst of capturing a great shot. The only other gripe I have is very, very minor. I love the 50mm lens that comes with this camera, and it does produce some very high quality results, but it can take too long to focus sometimes. This is caused because the lens has to twisted a long ways to go from the closest focus distance to infinity, and it only really happens if I have taken one picture up close, and want to take the next one of something much further away. Then it can feel like it takes forever to turn the focus ring until the scene is back in focus. Again, this only happens rarely, and never happens if I plan ahead a little, but it can be another irritation that I need to tell you about. Fortunately, this camera uses the thousands of K-Mount lenses that were built over the years for the Pentax cameras, and they are available very inexpensively, especially the older, manual ones. Since they have no electronics to go bad these lenses seem to last forever and good ones are easily available right her on Adorama. So there you are. Now you know the things that I love about this camera and you even know about the few things that irritate me, and stop me from rating it a perfect five. But, if you are looking for a 35mm camera, but are a bit hesitant to buy a used one, this is really a terrific deal, even at twice the price. Just remember, it requires you to be involved in the entire process, this one won't take the picture for you. But, whichever way you decide to go, please...Enjoy Yourself and Happy Shooting!

DANIEL S.

2009-05-26T21:00:00

I use the camera for B & W photos. I enjoy using the darkroom with 35mm.

Shade P.