Yes, you’re reading that headline correctly. Vivitar is slinging a brand new all-manual 35mm film SLR and it’s not half bad. In fact, I’ve had more fun shooting with this than I have with any of my DSLRs. What’s most impressive about the V3800N are its specs compared to what it costs, which is only $170. That price includes a 50mm f/1.7 lens.
Before we get to the specs, here’s what you get in the box. Aside from the body is the aforementioned 50mm lens along with a strap, faux leather case, lens hood, batteries for the light meter and a double exposure mask.
Update: I’ve added a few other test shots to the gallery.
The DVR565HD from Vivitar should give Sanyo a run for its money. This 1080i video camera has HDMI out and records at 720p at 30 frams a second. No price or availability and I actually forgot that Vivitar still existed.
Digital has almost completely replaced film in the casual set and is making inroads among professionals and artists, but that doesn’t mean film is being completely forgotten. Kodak and Vivitar have not forgotten their roots, and are creating a new film camera aimed at universities teaching “traditional photography.” They say it’ll be similar to the V3000.
I’m not sure I like how they refer to film photography as something of a folk tradition (I’ve still got a Canon FT and some T-Max 400 in the fridge), but I’m glad they’re keeping the fire.
Kodak SLR Brings Film Back Into the Picture [Photography Bay]
