Vivitar's fixed-lens 35mm rangefinder — aperture-priority auto, CdS meter, 1978.
The Vivitar 35ES is a fixed-lens 35mm rangefinder sold under the Vivitar brand and introduced in 1978. Like many Vivitar products it was manufactured for the company by a Japanese maker, and it belongs to the compact fixed-lens rangefinder category popular in the late 1970s. It is closely related to other Cosina-built aperture-priority rangefinders of the period.
This is a coupled-rangefinder 35mm camera with a fixed lens and a leaf shutter, offering aperture-priority automatic exposure. A CdS meter reads the scene and the camera sets the shutter speed for the aperture chosen. Because the meter and auto exposure are electronic, the camera needs a working battery for metered operation. Focusing is by the coupled rangefinder.
The 35ES suits users who want a compact rangefinder with automatic exposure for general, street and travel photography. Aperture priority makes it quick to use once an aperture is set, and the fixed lens keeps it pocketable, making it a straightforward everyday film camera.
On inspection, confirm the meter and aperture-priority automation respond correctly with a fresh battery, and check the battery compartment for corrosion. Inspect the lens for haze and fungus, verify the rangefinder patch is present and aligned, and test the leaf shutter for sticking. Check light seals and the film-advance and rewind mechanisms for wear.