Vivitar's Series 1 28mm f/1.9 — a fast, higher-grade third-party M42 wide-angle prime.
The Vivitar Series 1 28mm f/1.9 is a fast wide-angle prime from Vivitar's premium Series 1 line, sold in M42 mount. The Series 1 range was Vivitar's high-grade line, built by selected Japanese makers to higher specification, and this was a fast 28mm within it.
This is a manual-focus M42 screw-mount lens with a 28mm focal length and a bright f/1.9 maximum aperture. Focus and aperture are set by hand on the barrel, with an automatic diaphragm. It is a well-built all-metal wide-angle. As with Vivitar-branded lenses the maker varied, and detailed element figures are not asserted here beyond the verified focal length and aperture.
A fast 28mm is a versatile moderate wide for landscapes, street, travel and interiors, and the bright f/1.9 aperture gives good low-light capability and some subject separation. Series 1 lenses were built to a higher standard than ordinary Vivitar glass, and this wide-angle is regarded as a capable and characterful vintage optic.
Used copies are sought after among the better Vivitar glass and priced above the ordinary line. Inspect for haze, fungus and cleaning marks, confirm the aperture blades are clean and oil-free, and check the aperture-ring and focus feel. Verify the M42 mount before purchase. An M42 adapter allows fast wide-angle use on mirrorless.