univex model a

[brenda_nelson]

I have found a univex model A camera. Does anyone know about these? I could find more information on the Univex

AF cameras, but not the model A. Is it safe to say that film is absolutely impossible for these cameras? Are they

really just to collect now?

[diser]

<a href=http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Universal-Camera/Univex-A.html>Univex A</a> used No.00 rollfilm. Six

exposures, special V-spool. This film is not manufactured now, as far as I know.

[charles_stobbs3]

When I was a kid (censored) they were sold for $0.19 in Rexall drugstores. You could probably cut down a larger roll of film to fit but the spools were an odd shape with a thick flange on one end to accomodate a wedge shaped slot to engage the winding key. At that time the film was only supplied by Gavaert in Belgium and disappeared in 1940.

[charles_stobbs3]

Maybe Gene M knows a source.

[gene m]

Nope.

[james_ollinger]

<p>Check out a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Brass-Chrome-Kalton-Lahue/dp/0806134348/">

Glass, Brass & Chrome</a>. There's a chapter on Universal Camera and their cameras. It's very interesting.</p>

 

<p>In short, Univex's business model was to sell cameras super-cheap and make money by selling film and

processing that only they produced. They bought Gevaert film and had it specially spooled. The cameras were half-

frame so they got away with shorter rolls. The result was that they appealed to cash-strapped Depression families

who wanted pictures but couldn't afford even Kodak prices. Results were mediocre but good enough considering the

cost.</p>

[richard_oleson]

Yes, it's safe to say that you can't get film. There's another book, The Univex Story by Cynthia Repinski, that has a tremendous amount of information on the company and its cameras.

[brenda_nelson]

Thanks everyone! I'll read up on the company sometime, sounds interesting. I've just recently discovered the classic cameras and am very much and amatuer, and I made a promise to myself to only buy ones that I can use, so this is probably not going on the purchase list - at least for now!