James's Light Meter Collection: Vivitar 35
Vivitar 35 exposure meter Japanclick for manual
Maker: Vivitar
Model: 35
Circa: 1978
Price (new): $10
Cell type: Selenium
Measure type: Reflecting/Averaging

This appears to be a cosmetic updating of the Vivitar 30 from the late 60s. If there are any differences other than the case and appearance, I haven't been able to figure it out. Same thing with the models 43 and 45; the later one just has a different case.

The difference between the 30-series and the 40-series appears to be the light sensors. The 30 and 35 use Selenium cells; the 43 and 45 use CdS cells.

This makes a good beginner's meter. It's simple, it's got a selenium cell so no obsolete batteries to deal with, and it's fairly recent so hopefully the cell is still good.

Similar meters: Bewi Quick, Gossen Pilot 2, Sekonic L-86 Auto-Lumi

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