The Vivitar Panorama is a 35mm film camera that became a cult favorite in the 1990s. Known for its unique faux panoramic mode and budget-friendly price, it’s perfect for capturing wide-angle shots.
In the summer of 2022, I stumbled upon a golden Vivitar Panorama on eBay Kleinanzeigen for less than €10. After reading about it in a few blogs, I knew I had to buy it.
After quickly cleaning my new camera, it was ready for a photo walk in the vibrant streets of Berlin. Its lightweight and compact design made it the ideal companion, easily slipping into my pocket as I explored the city.
Budget-Friendly Adventures: My Vivitar Panorama Experience in Berlin
As I wrote in my first article about this camera, I opted for black-and-white film to capture the lo-fi aesthetic I had in mind for my first test roll. But in October 2022, a friend was in town, and we decided to go for a photo walk around Berlin’s more traditional tourist spots. I chose Kodak Gold as my first color film, and I believe I made the right choice.
The Vivitar Panorama truly shone with a roll of Kodak Gold. The combination of the camera’s faux perspective and the film’s warm tones created a series of images that perfectly captured the spirit of Berlin.
From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall and the bustling streets of Kreuzberg and Neukölln, the Vivitar Panorama allowed me to see the city in a new light. I loved how it captured the city from a different perspective.
Ultimately, this could be a better camera, but it was so cheap that I wouldn’t mind. Its faux panoramic mode, achieved by masking part of the film, results in a slightly reduced image resolution. And while its plastic construction keeps the camera lightweight and affordable, it may not be the most durable option. But for those seeking a unique and budget-friendly way to capture their travels, the Vivitar Panorama is an excellent choice.
My €7 Vivitar Panorama has become one of my go-to cameras for capturing the essence of Berlin. Its simple point-and-shoot operation and quirky design make it a joy to use, and its wide-angle perspective allows me to capture the city’s grandeur in a way that no other camera can. It’s easy to carry it around, take pictures, and put it back in your pocket.
If you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to explore the world of film photography, try the Vivitar Panorama. You might be surprised at what you can create.
Lo-Fi Berlin Vibes: Shooting with the Vivitar Panorama and Kodak Gold
You can see more pictures I took with my Vivitar Panorama on Flickr.
