Vivitar 2000 Camera Manual

Description of Parts

Front View

1. Shutter Speed Dial
2. Film Advance Lever
3. Shutter Release Button
4. Frame Counter
5. Strap Lug
6. Hand Grip
7. Lens Release Button
8. Hot Shoe
9. Film Rewind Crank
10. Film Rewind Knob/Film Compartment Opening Knob
11. Film Speed Dial
12. Film Speed Index

Diagram of the Vivitar V2000 camera's front view, with numbered call-outs pointing to various controls and features.

Rear/Internal View

13. Viewfinder Eyepiece
14. Rewind Shaft
15. Film Chamber
16. Battery Compartment Cover
17. Tripod Socket
18. Film Guide Bars
19. Sprocket
20. Back Cover
21. Film Pressure Plate
22. Film Take-Up Spool
23. Film Rewind Button

Diagram of the Vivitar V2000 camera's rear and internal view, with numbered call-outs pointing to film loading and rewinding mechanisms, viewfinder, and battery compartment.

Getting Started

This section guides users through the initial setup of the camera to check basic functions and familiarize themselves with its operation. It is recommended to read the entire manual for full enjoyment and understanding.

Photo Tips

Throughout the manual, helpful tips are provided to improve picture-taking and camera care.

System Set-Up

To follow along with the manual, it is suggested to have the front and back cover photographs of the camera unfolded for reference to the numbered parts.

Before You Do Anything Else...

Operation and Setup

Opening the Back Cover

1. Pull up the Film Rewind Crank (9). The Back Cover (20) will pop open. Remove and discard any protective paper. Firing the shutter with this paper in place could cause damage.
2. Gently close the door until you hear a soft click. Push down on the film rewind knob to reseat it.

Mounting/Removing the Lens

The camera uses a bayonet 'K' mount (also referred to as 'PK'), compatible with other lenses of the same designation. Note: While AF lenses may fit, they will not auto-focus.

To Mount the Lens:

1. Match the red dot on the lens with the red dot on the camera mount.
2. Gently insert the lens into the camera mount and turn it clockwise until it clicks into position.

Illustration showing the alignment of the red dot on a lens with the corresponding red dot on the camera's K-mount for proper attachment.

To Remove the Lens:

1. Grasp the lens with your left hand.
2. Depress the Lens Release Button (7) with your index finger.
3. While holding the button, rotate the lens to the left (counter-clockwise).
4. Gently remove the lens from the camera body.

Loading the Batteries

1. With a small coin, rotate the Battery Compartment Cover (16) counter-clockwise and remove it. Do not use a screwdriver, as excessive force may damage the cover.
2. Holding the cover, insert two LR44 or SR44 batteries, ensuring the plus (➕) signs face up. These are standard batteries available widely.
3. Replace the cover. The positive (➕) side of the batteries should align with the (➕) contact at the bottom of the compartment. Turn the cover clockwise with a coin until it is flush with the camera base. Do not overtighten.

Battery Check

1. Pull the Film Advance Lever (2) out about 1/2 inch to the 'stand off' or 'ready' position. This activates the system electronics.
2. Look through the viewfinder and gently press the Shutter Release Button (3). One of the three colored LED symbols (? [overexposure], 0️⃣ [correct exposure], ➖ [underexposure]) should light up, indicating the batteries are functional.
3. If no lights appear, remove the batteries and verify their positive (➕) orientation is correct.
4. Push the Advance Lever back toward the camera body until it stops. This turns off the electronics, locks the shutter release, and prevents battery drain.

Photo Tip: Some photographers replace batteries annually or before vacations. If in doubt, replace them after one year or heavy use.

Battery Corrosion

To prevent damage, remove batteries if the camera will be stored for over a month. Store them in a small plastic bag for safety.

Loading the Film

1. Pull up the Film Rewind Crank (9) and open the Back Cover (20) fully to the right. The Frame Counter (4) automatically resets to '0'.
2. Ensure the Film Rewind Crank is in the fully up position.

Photo Tip: Never load or unload film in direct sunlight. Seek shade or use your body to shield the camera.

3. Insert a 35mm film cassette into the Film Chamber (15). Gently push down and turn the Film Rewind Crank until the cassette is seated.
4. Stretch the film leader across the Film Guide Bars (18). Align the Sprocket (19) with the holes on the bottom edge of the leader.
5. Insert the film leader tip into one of the slots of the Take-Up Spool (22). Verify that the Sprocket (19) teeth engage the film's sprocket holes.
6. Using the Film Advance Lever (2), advance the film with several short strokes until the leader has made one rotation around the Take-Up Spool.
7. Slowly and gently turn the Film Rewind Crank (9) clockwise until you feel resistance. This creates proper tension and film flatness.
8. Gently close and apply pressure to the Back Cover until it clicks shut.
9. Advance the film and fire the shutter three times by pressing the Shutter Release Button (3). The black index mark in the Frame Counter Window (4) should align with the silver dot between '0' and '2'. The shutter is now cocked for picture number one.

Photo Tip: As you advance the film, check that the Film Rewind Knob (10) turns. If it does, the film is advancing correctly. If not, the film may have disengaged from the Take-Up Spool, and you may need to re-thread the leader.

Setting the Film Speed

1. Note the film speed (ISO) from the film package or instruction sheet.
2. Turn the Film Speed Dial (11) until the ISO speed aligns with the white Film Speed Index mark (12).

Setting the Shutter Speed

1. Turn the Shutter Speed Dial (1) until the desired speed aligns with the white index line. Speeds click into position. Note: Intermediate speeds are not available, and attempting to use them can lead to incorrect exposures. The 'B' (bulb) position disables the exposure system.
2. Shutter speeds of 1/125 sec. or faster are recommended for brightly lit scenes, sports, and fast films (e.g., ISO 400).

Photo Tip: To avoid camera shake with telephoto lenses, select a fast film and use the lens's focal length as a guide for shutter speed (e.g., 135mm lens ≈ 1/125 sec., 500mm lens ≈ 1/500 sec.).

Shutter Speed Recommendations (ISO 100 Film)

Setting the Lens Aperture

1. Pull the Film Advance Lever (2) about 1/2 inch away from the camera body to activate electronics.
2. Look through the viewfinder and partially press the Shutter Release Button (3). Turn the Aperture Ring on the lens.
3. Observe the LEDs on the left side of the viewfinder:
   • ? (RED) means STOP! (Overexposure)
   • 0️⃣ (GREEN) means GO! (Correct exposure)
   • ➕ symbol means too much light.
   • ➖ symbol means not enough light.
4. Adjust the Aperture Ring until the center indicator turns green (?). If in low light, you may need a slower shutter speed.

Diagram illustrating viewfinder exposure indicators: a circle showing 'Too much light' (overexposure) with a '+' symbol, 'GO' (good exposure) with a green signal, and 'Not enough light' (underexposure) with a '-' symbol.

Practice rotating the Shutter Speed Dial and Lens Aperture Ring to achieve the green light.

Webmaster Note: Exposure can be adjusted by changing either shutter speed or aperture (f-stop). For example, a reading of 1/250 at F11 is equivalent to 1/500 at F8 or 1/125 at F16, as they allow the same amount of light. Adjustments of 1/2 stop can be made similarly.

Photo Tip: The integration of Shutter Speed and Aperture allows for creative effects, such as blurring the background while tracking a moving subject by using a slower shutter speed.

This completes the system check. Read on for more tips and important facts about your camera.

Camera Holding Technique

1. Hold the lens with your left hand, palm under the lens, thumb and index finger on the Aperture Ring.
2. Hold the camera body with your right index finger over the Shutter Release Button, thumb against the Film Advance Lever, and middle/fourth fingers on the Hand Grip (6).
3. Bring the camera to your eye, pressing your left elbow against your body for support. Keep your right arm relaxed.

Illustrations showing correct camera holding technique: left hand cradling the lens and operating the aperture ring, right index finger on the shutter release, thumb on the film advance lever, and other fingers on the hand grip.

Photo Tip: Relax your grip. Take a deep breath. Apply pressure to the Shutter Release Button evenly and smoothly. Lean against a stable surface (wall, fence) to minimize body movement and vibration. For telephoto or telezoom lenses, USE A TRIPOD.

Focusing

Look through the viewfinder and turn the Focusing Ring on the lens. You will observe three focusing aids:

1. The entire screen transitions from blur to sharp focus, allowing quick focusing.
2. The outer ring of the central 'donut' will shimmer and become sharp when focus is achieved. This is a fine-tuning aid, especially useful with dim viewfinders or long telephoto lenses.
3. The inner split image rangefinder separates the subject horizontally and aligns it when in focus.

NOTE: With telephoto or telezoom lenses with apertures of f/5.6 or slower, the top portion of the split image may 'black out'. This is normal for slow lenses and does not indicate a camera fault.

Photo Tip: Your photo dealer offers accessories like eye cups, diopters, and right-angle finders that aid in precise focusing, particularly for macro photography.

Rewinding the Film

1. When you reach the last frame, you will feel resistance in the Film Advance Lever. The Frame Counter window will confirm this.
2. Turn the camera over and depress the Film Rewind Button (23) until it clicks.
3. Fold out the Film Rewind Crank (9) and turn it clockwise.
4. You will feel tension on the crank. This tension will stop suddenly when the film leaves the Take-Up Spool and Sprocket. Wind a few more turns to ensure all film is in the cassette.

Photo Tip: Remember to never load or unload film in direct sunlight. Seek shade or use your body to shield the camera.

5. Gently lift the Film Rewind Crank to open the Back Cover. Continue lifting until it stops to disengage the Rewind Shaft (14). Remove the film cassette and place it immediately in its protective canister.

The "B" (Bulb) Setting

When 'B' is selected on the Shutter Speed Dial, the shutter remains open as long as the Shutter Release Button is depressed. This is useful for 'open flash' photos, multiple exposures, or time exposures longer than one second (e.g., night scenes).

Photo Tip: Use a tripod and cable release!

Electronic Flash Photography

The Hot Shoe (8) accepts Vivitar or comparable electronic flash units. It is electronically coupled to the shutter mechanism and fires the flash automatically when the shutter is released.

1. Insert your flash unit into the Hot Shoe. Secure it with its locking knob if present.
2. Set the Shutter Speed Dial (1) to 1/125 second or slower. Electronic flash photography is not possible at speeds faster than 1/125 sec. with this camera.
3. Set the appropriate f/stop on the Lens Aperture Ring. Consult your flash unit's instructions for aperture values based on its Guide Number.

Care and Specifications

Do's and Don'ts

YOU SHOULD...

• Care for your camera as you would a fine instrument.
• Keep it in a case when not in use.
• Use a camel hair brush and blower to remove dust.
• Clean the lens and eyepiece with lens cleaning liquid and tissue.
• Consult your photo retailer about camera care and use.

NEVER, NEVER...

• Touch the shutter curtain.
• Get the camera wet.
• Attempt to clean the reflex mirror.
• Clean the camera with solvents.
• Leave the camera in your car's trunk, glove compartment, or rear window.
• Store the camera for extended periods without removing batteries, or store it unprotected in hot, humid, or dusty environments.
• Blow compressed air into the mirror box compartment.

Specifications

• Camera Type: 35mm SLR with focal plane shutter. TTL metering with 3 LED display.
• Film Format: 24mm x 36mm.
• Mount Type: Quick release "K" type bayonet mount.
• Shutter: Vertical travel, metal focal plane shutter.
• Shutter Speeds: B to 1/2000, set manually.
• Flash Synchronization: Hot-shoe, X-contact, synchronized at 1/125 sec. or slower.
• Viewfinder: Fixed, eye-level pentaprism type. 0.86x magnification at infinity with 50mm lens. 93% horizontal and vertical view of actual picture area.
• Focusing Screen: Horizontal split image.
• Displays in Viewfinder:
  • ? + LED overexposure warning
  • 0️⃣ LED correct exposure indication
  • ➖ LED underexposure warning
• Exposure Measurement: Open aperture TTL measurement system, center-weighted area measurement.
• Measurement Range: ISO 100/21°: EV3 (f/2, 1/2s) to EV16 (f/16, 1/2000s).
• Film Speed Range: ISO 25 to 1600.
• Film Advance: Single frame advance, thumb lever action with 135° throw and 30° stand-off. Safety mechanism prevents double-frame advance or double exposure. Shutter release is interlocked by moving the advance lever to stored position.
• Film Rewind: Manual.
• Frame Counter: Progressive type, automatically resets when camera back is opened.
• Power Source: Two 1.5v alkaline (LR44) or silver (SR44) batteries.
• Dimensions: 133 x 85 x 50 mm (5.24 x 3.35 x 1.97 in).
• Weight: 410g (14.5 oz), camera body only.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.