Vivitar's fixed-lens 35mm rangefinder — automatic exposure, CdS meter, 1975.
The Vivitar 35EE is a fixed-lens 35mm rangefinder marketed by Vivitar and introduced in 1975. As with other Vivitar cameras it was built by a Japanese manufacturer for the brand, and it sits in the compact automatic rangefinder category of the mid-1970s aimed at general photographers.
This is a coupled-rangefinder 35mm camera with a fixed lens and a leaf shutter, offering automatic exposure. A CdS meter reads the scene to set exposure, so the camera depends on a working battery for its metered and automatic operation. Focusing is by the coupled rangefinder within the lens.
The 35EE suits users after a compact rangefinder with automatic exposure for everyday general and travel photography. Its automation makes it quick to shoot, and the fixed lens keeps the package simple and portable for casual film use.
When buying, confirm the meter and automatic exposure work with a fresh battery, and inspect the battery compartment for corrosion. Check the lens for haze and fungus, verify the rangefinder patch is present and aligned, and test the leaf shutter for sticking. Assess the light seals and the film-advance and rewind feel.