A new and updated Vivitar logo unveiled in 2016.Founded1938; 81 years ago ( 1938) (as Ponder and Best by Max Ponder and John Best),FoundersMax PonderJohn BestProductsCamera and photographic accessoriesSakar InternationalWebsiteVivitar Corporation was a manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of photographic and optical equipment originally based in,. Since 2008, the Vivitar name serves as Sakar International's house brand for digital imaging, optics, mobile accessories, and audio products. Vivitar Series 1 200mm ƒ/3, mid-1970sThe company was founded in 1938 as Ponder and Best by Max Ponder and John Best. Max Ponder headed the sales department, while John Best ran the operations side of the company. Ponder and Best first imported German-made photo equipment.
Some test pics from this lens are included. Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f2.8-4 version three - komine. In the hand this is very similar to the version 2. However the redesign moved to a variable aperture from the constant f3.5 of the previous versions, and greatly improved the close focus capability.
After, the partnership began to import cameras and photographic equipment from Japan. They were instrumental in the introduction of many brands into the American market, including /Sekor 35mm cameras, OM-System 35mm equipment, Kobena 8mm movie cameras, Sankyo/Komura wide-angle/telephoto adapter lenses and a full line of photographic darkroom equipment imported from many manufacturers throughout Japan and later Taiwan. They were also the sole U.S.
Distributor for Olympus products at this time. Ponder and Best were the first to gain acceptance for lenses with interchangeable mounts, allowing customers to use the same lens on different manufacturers' camera bodies.In the early 1960s, the partners created the 'Vivitar' brand to compete with major lens manufacturers. The company commissioned experienced lens designers and reputable Japanese optical lens manufacturers such as to produce their lens designs. By carefully positioning their limited product line with key photo retailers, they quickly built a reputation for good-quality lenses at modest prices. The retailers found that they could make good margins while giving good value. As their reputation grew, many contract lens manufacturers sought them out to carry their products under the Vivitar brand.
In the 1970s, Vivitar introduced the Series 1 lenses. These computer-designed, state-of-the-art lenses were priced relatively low and often outperformed the optics of camera manufacturers of the day.After the success of its aftermarket lens line, Vivitar later introduced its own line of 35mm film cameras manufactured by Japanese companies such as. These include the Cosina-made Vivitar SLR and the Vivitar 35ES/EE series of rangefinder cameras.Vivitar also offered a new type of semi-professional flash unit from National/ called the Vivitar 260. – The flash was acclaimed for its innovative design, but criticized for its use of expensive. Recognizing the problem, Max Ponder travelled to Japan to meet with the manufacturer, offering suggestions for improvements based on the feedback received from customers. The improved flash was introduced in 1970 as the Vivitar 283, which quickly became the number one professional and enthusiast flash unit, outselling all its competitors combined and selling 3,000,000 units by 1973. In production for over 30 years, it was twice returned to production in response to customer demand after having been discontinued.
There was also the model 285, which featured a zoom head to cover different focal length lenses and a built-in variable power setting. Earlier made-in-Japan Vivitar flashes have a trigger voltage of 250 V, which can damage the circuits of some digital cameras. Newer units made in China and Korea are low-voltage units producing 5 to 12 volts. The 283 and 285 have a removable sensor; an optional remote sensor cord makes off-camera automatic flash possible.After Ponder and Best After the deaths of Max Ponder and John Best, company ownership was transferred to a variety of owners.
Some digital compact cameras were launched but were not successful. In November 2006, the corporation was purchased by the Corporation for US$26 million in and was operated as a wholly owned. On August 21, 2008, subsequent to its filing for, parent company Syntax-Brillian completed the sale of the Vivitar and to maker Sakar International, based in. Sakar did not purchase Vivitar's equipment, facilities. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Current Vivitar operations.
Low-end digital camera sold in 2011In August 2008, Sakar announced plans to position Vivitar as a brand for its current mass retail in the midprice range of $70–$300, along with certain camera accessories. New Vivitar-branded products such as are also planned, as well as potential licensing opportunities. In January 2009 Sakar introduced three new Vivitar-branded cameras and a digital SLR lens series. The products are Sakar's first Vivitar-branded items since acquiring the brand. In addition to other electronics products, in 2013 they announced and then shipped the $150, a 7-inch tablet designed for children, with a bilingual English/Spanish interface.
Vivitar lenses.