Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens
- Price: $229.95
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
Remember the Essentials
Film is not included with the camera. Get the type of film for the shot you need.
A basic, all-manual SLR combination for students, the Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens will help you learn the art of photography the old fashioned way. Load, advance, and rewind the film yourself. Determine exposure manually with just a simple match diode centerweighted meter, and enter the settings on the aperture ring and shutter speed dial. It can use any Pentax K-mount lens which has an aperture ring. You'll only need small, long-lasting button batteries for the meter (the shutter is all-mechanical) and some film. The V800N is a basic camera that's a great teaching instrument and fun, too.
Though the V3800N shares many traits with other student cameras from other makers, it does have a few advantages. You can make multiple exposures on a single frame with the V3800N, there's a self timer as well, and a depth of field preview allows you to see the actual range of sharpness in an image before making the exposure.
- An ideal 35mm SLR for students
- Fully manual focusing, exposure control, film loading, film advance, and film rewind
- Accepts all Pentax K-mount lenses with an aperture ring
- Features a self timer, depth of field preview, and multiple exposure capacity (unlike many similar student cameras)
- Simple centerweighted metering and match diode system
- Shutter requires no batteries
- Includes fitted case
- Standard 28-70mm zoom lens covers a broad range of subjects
| Type | 35mm SLR |
| Lens Mount | "K" Type Bayonet |
| Focus Modes | Manual |
| Exp. Modes | Manual |
| Exp. Metering | Centerweighted LED metering +/0/- |
| Exp. Metering Range | EV 2-19 (@ ISO 100 with f/1.7 lens) |
| Exp. Compensation | None |
| Exp. Bracketing | None |
| Flash | None |
| Shutter Speed | 1/2000th to 1 Second + bulb with flash sync at 1/125th second |
| ISO Range | 25-3200 (manually set) |
| Film Wind | Manual |
| Focusing Screen | Fixed matte with horizontal split image |
| Diopter Correction | None |
| Self Timer | Yes |
| Remote Control | Takes regular mechanical cable release |
| PC Terminal | Yes |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | Yes |
| Mirror Lock-Up | No |
| Multiple Exposure | Yes |
| Viewfinder Info | LED (green & red) exposure indicator |
| LCD Information | None |
| Power Source | Two 1.5-Volt LR44/SR44 alkaline or lithium batteries |
| Dimensions | 5.3 x 2.3 x 2.0" (135 x 58 x 51mm) WxHxD |
| Weight | 0.98 lb (445g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 28 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable design (18)
- Fast film loading (15)
- Strong construction (15)
- Reliable operation (12)
- Fingertip controls (10)
Cons
- Dim viewing prism (6)
Best Uses
- Home (13)
- Travel (10)
- Photojournalism (8)
- Office (5)
- Action shots (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (12), Casual photographer (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (8)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great Deal
Purchased this camera body/lens combo two years ago for my older son taking a H.S. photography course. Affordable pricing! The lens is GREAT too, worth the addition $20 over the straight 50mm ...Read complete review
Purchased this camera body/lens combo two years ago for my older son taking a H.S. photography course. Affordable pricing! The lens is GREAT too, worth the addition $20 over the straight 50mm lens. Now my younger son is using this camera for his H.S. photography course. This is no bargain basement plastic look-a-like. This is a quality black metal body, with a lens 'stop down' feature, shutter timer, and the lens is an f3.4 and has macro capability to 1:4. Would buy this again.
Expertise: Just say, I know what I'm doing behind the lens.
Problems Encountered: Not really a problem with this product. When my younger son started this school year, we weren't sure my older son would let him have this camera, so I started looking for a camera for him. Recently when shopping in the store, the only camera the guy at the counter would show me was the manual Nikon for $250.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: And still own - Canon AT & AE
Items I Recommend: 28-70mm lens, and possibly the flash
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Suitable for the task
I'm using this camera for an introductory black-and-white photography course. It has everything it needs and does everything it is supposed to do It works well, but the construction feels a little cheap. Overall...Read complete review
I'm using this camera for an introductory black-and-white photography course. It has everything it needs and does everything it is supposed to do It works well, but the construction feels a little cheap. Overall, it's a fine camera, but it drops to three stars for several reasons:
* The eyepiece slips off too easily
* The shutter speed knob is too small for big fingers and hard to turn with just one finger
* The kit lens vignettes
If I had it to do over again, I go with the Nikon FM10 for an entry-level SLR.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 28 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Too Few Features
Best Uses
- Action Shots
- Home
- Office
- Photojournalism
- Travel
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
Instruction manual needs to be a little revised other than that the camera is so fun to use. Specially for a first timer. Its fully manual so you get to learn a lot and experiment with it. It pretty fast when shooting pictures. I still have to develop my pictures to see how the look =)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Film Loading
- Fingertip Controls
- Reliable Operation
Cons
- Dim Viewing Prism
Best Uses
- Home
- Photojournalism
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
i use it for my black and white photography class in college and it works great i love it!!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
Nice product,easy to use and great if you want to shoot pictures with a camera and not a computer! Awesome learning tool about photography!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Fingertip Controls
- Help with exposure
- Reliable Operation
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Action Shots
- Environment
- Home
- Night photography
- People shots
- Sports Photography
- Travel
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
I love my Vivitar, i use it for my photography class at Marian university. The light meter is really helping me learn how to capture the light to help me take better pictures. I would have to say i havent had any thing i dont like about the Vivitar. The whole camera is easy to use and makes taking pictures very enjoyable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Dim Viewing Prism
Best Uses
- Home
- Office
- Photojournalism
- Travel
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
Great Student Camera. Currently using for school. Its just a great camera for a good price.
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Fingertip Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- School
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
I use it for school for my Photography class. It's easy to hold, and light. I haven't found a problem with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Reliable Operation
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Dim Viewing Prism
Best Uses
- Action Shots
- Travel
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
This was my first camera I bought with a lens it is great. It is a really good camera to have if your just starting out.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Easy to use
- Fingertip Controls
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Dim Viewing Prism
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
This is a great student camera. It helps teach the basics of photography. Although I lost the rubber eyepiece after just 2 days, it didn't make a huge difference. The viewfinder is also a little dim. The accessory kit that I purchased along with it is a great choice. If you are looking for a cheap, but reliable SLR, this is the camera for you
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Easy to use
- Reliable Operation
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
I just started a photography class this semester and have never had to deal with a film camera, really, ever before. I got this camera because it said that it was a good choice for students, and I couldn't have made a better decision. It's an easy to handle, load, take snapshots everything. I learned how to use it in one day and I absolutely love it! I don't know if I will ever be able to use only digital again.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Reliable Operation
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Travel
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
I bought this camera as a collectors Item, but when I recieved it, I realized how well built it is.It feels and sure is tougher than the FM10 or any other cameras in the range for that matter. The lens provided is great, the images compared to nikon is on the colder side. But it is still a great camera. And the sound of a manual shutter, is always sweet music to my ears! I love this camera and will treasure it for life!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Reliable Operation
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Beginner or school
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
Bought it for my daughter for a college intro photography class. Perfect. The zoom lens was key.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast Film Loading
- Reliable Operation
Cons
- Dim Viewing Prism
Best Uses
- Home
- Office
- Travel
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
I'm using this camera for an introductory black-and-white photography course. It has everything it needs and does everything it is supposed to do It works well, but the construction feels a little cheap. Overall, it's a fine camera, but it drops to three stars for several reasons:
* The eyepiece slips off too easily
* The shutter speed knob is too small for big fingers and hard to turn with just one finger
* The kit lens vignettes
If I had it to do over again, I go with the Nikon FM10 for an entry-level SLR.
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Reliable Operation
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Photojournalism
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
Great for taking photos of friends and nature.
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Fingertip Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Office
- Photojournalism
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
I recently joined a black and white photography class where we had assignments every week. My teacher recommended this camera. It's easy to learn with so it's good for beginners. I do, however, often wish that I could have more freedom with the depth of field. Since this is my first camera, I don't know how much freedom other similar cameras give. A problem that I often have is light leak. It didn't happen at first and not all the time either so I'm still not entirely sure where the fault lies. I do know that it's not a problem with my printing station. In the end, if someone new to photography asks me whether or not he should get this camera, I would say a definite yes but make sure to take good care of it as one should do with any camera.
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Action Shots
- Home
- Travel
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
I got this camera, I got it for school. I have used my aunt's camera and this one is just like. I love taking pictures with it and can't wait to get my pictures developed to see how they are. There isn't much that is wrong with this camera at all for me atleast.
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Light weight
- Reliable Operation
- Strong Construction
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
Great slr! I appreciate the fact that this camera can shoot at 1/2000! The lens however cannot. For example freezing a goose in flight is impossible at an iso of 400. This is however a great starter lens and works great for everything a student could ever need. The body of this camera is ideal for all types of photography including panning, painting with light and shooting anything you could ever want within the capabilities of your lens. This lens is good quality just slow. Upon a few days of use i found myself able to adjust the zoom and focus at the same time.(with such ease I would sometimes over look the ap.) The strap mounts are a little weak and I lost the eyepiece and am having trouble finding a replacement. It tends to pop off on its own,,,, But all in all a great slr and very lightweight. great price too! Go with this over the vivitar 3800n with the fixed 50mm. No brainer I have used both.
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Fingertip Controls
- Lightweight
- Self-timer
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Dim Viewing Prism
Best Uses
- Home
- Photojournalism
- Travel
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
I've been using this camera for my photography class at school and it's really simple to figure out. At our first critique my teacher was blown away at the quality of my photos, and I couldn't even remember what I did so I could tell her. It was as if the camera did everything for me! I would rather have a light meter that tells you the setting to put it on instead of the little plus/minuses, but it has worked fine so far. Don't try to take pictures of snow because the light meter gets really thrown off. Also, I sometimes feel my lens cap could come off - it doesn't feel completely attached.
I bought this camera used and there wasn't even a scratch on it. It's been a great camera so far, I'm excited to see what else I can create with it!
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Fingertip Controls
- Reliable Operation
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Photojournalism
- Travel
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
I'm currently taking a photography course in college and I needed a 35mm SLR film camera. My professor recommended that I get a Vivitar V3800N and so I did. When I got this camera, I can't believe how easy it was to use and the weight of the camera felt good on my hand. Overall, this camera is perfect for beginners that want to learn about film photography.
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Fingertip Controls
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
The only thing that I had a problem with was light sensor on the inside of it doesnt tell me if it goes from positive to negative for some reason.
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Easy to use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens:
this is perfect for a starter!i guess everybody says that and it s so true...i bought it for school and i got zero experience in film photography...but this camera makes everything so easy and the price is really good(body and lens plus a flash i added total only [$]
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Film
Required item: Film is not included-be sure to load your camera with the best film for the shot you need.
Batteries & Power
Be sure to get batteries so you don't get caught without power.
- Price: $3.49
Lenses
Get a wide-angle, zoom, or other effect for various photography applications.
- Price: $109.95
This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
Filter & Lens Hoods
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect.
- Price: $23.85
- Price: $17.50
Flash & Accessories
Get a flash to add light to your picture.
- Price: $59.99
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $34.95
What's in the Box
- Two 1.5-Volt LR44 Alkaline Batteries
- Case
- Strap
- Lens Cap
- 1-Year Warranty
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