Correct adapter needed for EOS 50D and Vivitar Series 1 600mm lens

[MichaelB4]

Excuse me if this question has been asked before. I was given a Vivitar Series 1 600mm #Catadioptric Telephoto lens, and the adapter that came with it won't work on my Canon#EOS 50D. I was able to remove the old adapter, and now I'm looking for the correct one to use between the lens and camera. Is the Canon T1 adapter the correct one to purchase? I know about the limitations of the lens, but I'm concerned about it.

Thanks to the community.

Mike

[deebatman316]

Nothing will be automatic when adapting that lens. That’s an old manual focus lens and it won’t be worth adapting. Also with no picture of the lens who knows what mount it uses. It could be using the Nikon F Mount, Minolta SR Mount, Pentax K or any screw mount such as M37 or M42 or Canon FD or FL Mount. 

[MichaelB4]

Thanks very much for the reply. I know nothing will be automatic, and I don't mind using it manually. It came with an unmarked mount that I removed (it wasn't Canon, it wouldn't fit on my 50D). I want to buy a mount that will fit on my camera. I know Vivitar used to make a T mount for canon, but I don't know if it's the T1 or another. I've contacted Vivitar about that. I appreciate your input.

[jrhoffman75]

Looks like maybe T2.

[deebatman316]

Canon has had many lens mounts over the lanes. That lens is so old it wouldn't even have the EF Mount. If it did have a Canon Mount it would likely be the old manual focus FD or FL Mount. Or it could be the T Mount. It wouldn't be worth it to adapt it. Some EOS bodies also have a micro switch at the 10 o'clock position. To detect whether a lens is mounted or not. Most adapters don't engage this micro switch and won't allow the camera to fire the shutter.

[MichaelB4]

Thanks for the quick and thorough reply. I'll upload a photo of the inside of my 50D body and could you please tell me if I have a micro switch. 

[deebatman316]

I know the EOS 40D has it I’m not sure about the EOS 50D though. It looks like it’s at the 10 o’clock position.

[Ron888]

Im sure everyone is correct in saying it's a T-mount. Actually it's a 'T2 mount' you should get as John says.The T2 version adds rotational adjustment.
These are easily available on ebay for example for less than US$10. Just search "t2 eos mount"
I'm curious how well the lens performs.Some years ago I've used several brands of mirror lenses but never a Vivitar series 1.
I dont think your camera has the micro switch? Try shooting without a lens. It should allow fully manual lenses in M and Av modes

[MichaelB4]

Thank you Ron. I found one at B&H. It's worth a try. I bought a Canon SX70 HS and want to compare that lens at 600mm to the mirror lens. I appreciate your advice. If the lens works on my 50D, I'll post some comparison images. I've had a lot of people tell me the Series 1 lens is worthless, but I would like to determine that for myself. 

[Ron888]

That would be interesting,thanks.
I'm surprised someone would call it worthless as that model had a good reputation back in the day. Yours is the 'solid' model right?
photo.net/forums/topic/509542-vivitar-series-1-600mm-f8-solid-catadioptric-telephoto-lens/