Vivitar Corporation was a manufacturer, distributor and marketer of photographic and optical equipment originally based in Santa Monica, California. The company was founded in 1938 as Ponder and Best by Max Ponder and John Best. Ponder and Best first imported German-made photo equipment. After World War II, 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 Mamiya/Sekor 35mm cameras, Kobena 8mm movie cameras, Sankyo/Komura wide/tele adapter lenses and a full line of photographic darkroom equipment imported from many manufacturers throughout Japan and later Taiwan.
In the early 1960s, the partners created the "Vivitar" brand to compete with major lens manufacturers. The company commissioned experienced lens designers and top-line Japanese optical lens manufacturers such as Kino Precision 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. In the 1970s, Vivitar introduced its now-famous Series 1 lenses. These computer-designed state-of-the-art lenses were well priced and often outperformed the optics of camera manufacturers of the day.
After the deaths of Max Ponder and John Best, company ownership was transferred to a variety of owners. In 2008, subsequent to its filing for bankruptcy, parent company Syntax-Brillian completed the sale of the Vivitar brand name and intellectual property to privately held consumer electronics maker Sakar International.
Tele Convertor:
Thanks for your review, I just bought this lens and I really look forward to using it.
ReplyDeleteI should mention it's the f4.5 70 to 210mm built by Kobori. Thank you for the lovely report and photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments!
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