arhphotographic

The Vivitar V3800N was announced in 2001 and has to be the newest ‘old’ film camera I own. It is an all manual camera requiring only two LR44 batteries to power the exposure meter which consists of a red +/- and green LED’s in the viewfinder. Despite plastic being very evident in its construction, the sculpted chassis feels solid and very comfortable in the hand. With the 28-70mm f3.4-4.5mm lens, below, it weighs just over 11/2lbs or 700grams.

As you can see from the image above the V3800N comes with a dedicated multiple exposure button situated on the left.

The included 28-70mm f 3.5-4.5 lens is nice and compact. Rather than use the push and pull mechanism to achieve zoom you have a twist ring arrangement.

The camera includes a welcome image preview button, below on the right, along with a rather nice self timer, on the left

The top plate, below is quite spartan. Film rewind on the left and film speed/shutter dial, shutter actuation button and film wind on located on the right. One really nice feature is that the film wind on doesn’t have to be out when taking an image. So no chance of a poke in the forehead😜while taking photos.

Nice to see a proper film memo included on the back of the V3800N. I can’t emphasise enough how the sculpted grip helps to make the camera well balanced in the hand.

Loading some Rollei Superpan 200 I went for a local walk in my new neighbourhood.

The 28-70mm Vivitar lens comes with a macro function. I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised at how sharp the images are.

I found I had to do a little levels adjustment but I mean a little. It really pleases me when I have little to do in post processing my images.

Although the camera may have been aimed at the entry level user it has more than enough going for it to keep even the most seasoned photographer happy. So plastic yes. Fantastic? Yes indeed. The added impetus to get one of these cameras is the fact that you can potentially get a brand new, never been used V3800N as these were available as long ago as 2012.