Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera w/ 28-70mm Lens

by Vivitar

Product Details

Data Sheet [164kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.5 x 2.3 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005K2R0
• Item model number: 59890
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,992 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #22 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Film Cameras > SLR Cameras
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 14, 2006

Product Description

For anyone taking a class in fundamentals of photography, the Vivitar V3800N is the perfect camera to bring along. This simple, manual 35mm SLR camera employs the time-tested, reliable vertical traveling metal focal plane shutter. 10 second self timer Hot shoe for optional flash Depth of field preview Dimensions - 3.5H x 5.4W x 2.3D Weighs 13 ounces Warranty - Camera - One Year; Lens - Five Years Includes lens hood, case, strap Filter Size - 52mm

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars under-rated!!, October 2, 2001

By 

"enson" (Union City, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera w/ 28-70mm Lens (Electronics)

this camera is really under-rated. i bought this camera on a hunch and am so glad i did. when i saw the results of my first roll of film, i was so impressed. i was considering buying the v4000 but i wanted something no one else had. this camera has some features that the v4000 doesn't have. why the v4000 is priced more than the v3800n? i will never know. this camera has a depth of field preview and a self timer. also if the batteries run out the camera still works. (batteries only control light metering) also this camera has multi exp. button which really helps,and a metering button when working with aperture. the only negatives i can find is the lack of info that is provided in the instruction manual. but if you know cameras or have other means to find out how to work this "bad boy" then this is the camera for you! the lens that comes with the camera is fairly decent. good for starting you off. it has a 1:4 macro setting which gets you started working with macro. maximum aperture is 3.4. not very big, but like i said a starter. all around my favorite!

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very underated camera, January 12, 2003

By 

jon charles (North East, Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera w/ 28-70mm Lens (Electronics)

I was concerned when I read so many negative reviews, but I was amazed at the quality When I received the camera. The complaints about the lens are unfounded, since all zoom lens' require a bit more light. But the new high speed films out there compensate. I was able to shoot in heavy overcast with 400 film no sweat. Works indoors with at flash at 125 speed, much better than the 60 speed slrs out there. The frame is made of high quality high impact polymer resin,but with a metal ring to change lens's and the camera has a very nice heft to it. I had no problems with the tripod screw stripping. The light meter only tells you if you are over, under, or at the right exposure, allowing you to make the artistic decision to adjust the aperature or speed. The lens is clear and bright. It comes with a nice collapsable lens hood, and eye hood. The shutter is crisp with a max 2000, and the film max is 3200. The shoulder strap is durable and strong, the case is excellent, both strong and attractive. Most importantly, using asa400 both indoors and out, close and far, the photo quality is superb. Have no doubt that this is a professional camera, with total control for the artist, and bright easy to read numbers on both the camera and lens. I own 8 cameras. Now I carry 2. This is one of them. Best regards, Jon Charles

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jewel in the dust! The real professional camera!, March 15, 2003

By 

"old_school_photographer" (Portland OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera w/ 28-70mm Lens (Electronics)

I was looking for a replacement for my trusted but worn out
manual Pentax K-1000 SLR.
Its spare parts and repair costs became very prohibitive.
I didn't want to buy used and old camera for the reasons given above.
I've tested at least fifteen different modern professional SLR's.
I stopped experimenting only when I came across this Vivitar V3800n camera.
I was amazed by the quality of the pictures and reliability of its mechanics.
This camera has all features needed in professional photography.
Depth of the field preview, wide range of the film speeds B-1/2000,
split image focusing, multiple exposure button, flash socket and direct Xcontact.
I completed two photographic seasons with this camera and purchased the second
one of the same model to keep it as a spare.
All my pictures selected and sold for publishing in the magazines and journals
I'm contracting with, were performed using this professional camera.
I can use all set of lenses left from my old Pentax with Vivitar 3800n camera
'cause they have the same K-type mount.
...
This is a truly professional grade camera ...!