Vivitar 220/SL

[Raguncino]

Hi guys. First of all I need to say that I am a complete beginner, so I apologize for my lack of expertise and ignorance in the matter. I recently bought a Vivitar 220/SL (of course second-hand).
My question is the following: Can I use it without batteries? Do you think it will take pictures?
I'd really appreciate any suggestions, or your previous experience.
Thank you very much.

 

[AgX]

Why do you not just try?

 

[Raguncino]

That is a fair question! I will, for sure.
I was just waiting for having some advices from experts! Also because, as you saw, I bought four cameras, and this camera is the one the looks more scrappy.

 

[vsyrek1945]

Hi guys. First of all I need to say that I am a complete beginner, so I apologize for my lack of expertise and ignorance in the matter. I recently bought a Vivitar 220/SL (of course second-hand).
My question is the following: Can I use it without batteries? Do you think it will take pictures?
I'd really appreciate any suggestions, or your previous experience.
Thank you very much.

The short answer is yes. The battery is only for the camera's built-in light meter, and while the 1.35 volt mercury cell the camera was designed for is no longer made, currently available type 675 zinc-air hearing aid batteries are the exact same physical size and close enough in voltage to be a drop-in substitute. You can search Photrio for more information about their use.

The 220/SL's shutter is mechanical, powered and timed by clockwork spring machinery. While the camera may look a bit 'scrappy', the Copal Square shutter at its core is the same as that in the Nikon FM and Nikkormat models, a very reliable unit.

Good luck with your 220/SL.

 

[choiliefan]

IIRC that Helios 44- a cult swirly bokeh lens.
You may or may not like the effect.