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This is a listing of every Universal (aka UniveX) movie camera of which I am aware. I am not going to list one-ofs or specialty versions.
UniveX cameras can be organized into three groups:
Models A8, B8 and C8: all use UniveX's proprietary single-8 spool. Model A is first, and easily recognized by the wire-frame viewfinder mounted on the top of the camera. Model B8 was identical but the wire-frame viewfinder was replaced by an external tubular viewfinder (which was offered as an accessory on the A). The C8 moved the viewfinder inside the camera, and incorporated some improvements to the shutter and film transport system.
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Models D8, E8, and F8: All known as Cinemasters. New design inside and out. Used both UniveX's proprietary single-8 spool as well as standard double-8 spools. The D8 is the base model. The E8 included an extinction-style exposure meter and three film-speeds. The F8 was an E8 with nicer cosmetics. These are the last before World War II put camera production on hiatus.
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Models G8 and H8: known as Cinemaster IIs. The G8 is the first offered after World War II. It is almost identical to the F8, with an improved run button and the film transport mechanism. It was the biggest seller by far and probably the most common still available. The H8 was a G8 modified to use double-8 spools only. Manufactured at the end of UniveX's life, it never really sold and is definitely the rarest of all.
Some notes on the table data below:
Model links to a web page where I have the camera itself.
Circa is the year where it first appears in advertising.
Lens Type: Fixed means it has one lens mounted. Turret means that there is a rotating mount with (usually) three lenses. Note that many turret cameras were sold with only one; additional lenses were extra. Zoom means the lens had a variable focal range and was manually adjusted. Power Zoom is a zoom controlled by an electric motor.
Lens: Focal lengths are given where known, but typically only max apertures were quoted in advertising specs. All models allowed other lenses to be fitted, including standard D-mount lenses using an adapter.
Exposure: Auto means the camera has an auto-exposure mode. Manual means the aperture must be set by the operator.
Focus: Fixed means the lens has "universal" focus and cannot be changed; it's also the least expensive. Variable means that the lens must be focused by the operator. Note that on turret cameras, it is common to have one variable-focus lens (usually the tele) and the others are fixed.
Docs: links to operator's/owner's manual. I have only included links where the models match up properly.
Src: this is where I got the information. These are listed at the bottom of the page.
Model |
Circa |
Lens Type |
Base Lens |
Film |
Finder |
Lens Options | Price |
A-8 Standard Cine |
1936 |
Fixed |
½-inch Ilex ƒ/5.6 |
Single-8 |
Frame |
Wollensak ƒ/3.5, ƒ/2.7 and ƒ/1.9 at additional cost | $9.95 to 47.25 |
1939 |
Fixed |
½-inch Ilex ƒ/5.6 |
Single-8 |
View |
Also available: Wollensak ƒ/3.5 | $9.95 to $19.95 |
|
1939 |
Fixed |
½-inch Ilex ƒ/5.6 |
Single-8 |
View |
Also available: Ilex ƒ/4.5, Wollensak ƒ/3.5, ƒ/2.7 and ƒ/1.9 | $12.50 to $47.25 |
|
CT-8 Exposition Turret Cine |
1939 |
Turret |
½-inch , 1-inch and 1-½-inch Wollensak ƒ/4.5 |
Single-8 |
View |
Also available: Wollensak ƒ/3.5 | $25.00 to $29.95 |
D-8 Cinemaster Standard |
1941 |
Fixed |
½-inch Ilex ƒ/6.3 |
Single or Double-8 |
View |
Also available: Ilex ƒ/4.5 | $15.95 to $19.95 |
E-8 Cinemaster Special |
1941 |
Fixed |
½-inch Wollensak ƒ/3.5 |
Single or Double-8 |
View |
Also available: Wollensak ƒ/2.7, Universal ƒ/2.5, Wollensak ƒ/1.9 | $27.50 to $57.50 |
F-8 Cinemaster Jewel |
1941 |
Fixed |
½-inch Wollensak ƒ/3.5 |
Single or Double-8 |
View |
Also available: Wollensak ƒ/2.7, Universal ƒ/2.5, Wollensak ƒ/1.9 | $32.50 to $62.50 |
G-8 Cinemaster II |
1946 |
Fixed |
½-inch ƒ/3.5 |
Single or Double-8 |
View |
Also available: UniveXƒ/2.5, Wollensak ƒ/1.9 | $51.90 to $96.75 |
H-8 Cinemaster II |
1951 |
Fixed |
½-inch ƒ/3.5 |
Double-8 |
View |
Also available: UniveXƒ/2.5, Wollensak ƒ/1.9 | not sold |
Advertising (click image for larger)
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Sources
The Univex Story by Cynthia A. Repinski
Glass, Brass and Chrome by Karlton C. Lahue and Joseph A. Bailey.