Casa Univex, Univex
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Casa Univex |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1946 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Solid Body |
| Construction | : | Bakelite |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| ImageSize | : | 2¼" x 1⅝" (6 x 4.5 cm) |
| No. of Images | : | 16 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | Fixed |
| Focal Length | : | 60mm |
| Focal Range | : | 2.5m - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Fixed |
| Aperture | : | f/16 |
| Shutter Type | : | Rotary |
| Shutter Speeds | : | P(Bulb)), I*(1/50s) |
| Size(w x h x d) | : | 128 x 95 x 70 mm |
| Weight | : | 281g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention
- Designed after the main Art Deco period.
- Polished Bakelite
- Curvilinear body design
- Repeated triple line ribbing to body
- Triangular viewfinder moulding
Description
The Univex was built in 1946 by the Spanish company, Casa Univex. It takes sixteen 4.5 x 6cm images on 120 film. Its curved shape and horizontal ribbing is typical of the Streamline Moderne Art Deco period.
It has only two speeds - P(bulb) & I. The shutter release is threaded to allow a cable release to be used. The film plane is curved to give better focus at the corners which can be a issue with meniscus lenses. The viewfinder is a reverse Galileo type. On the bottom is the tripod mount. On the back is the red exposure counting window.
How to Use
Don't forget to cover the red window with black electrical tape except when advancing the film in low light. Modern film is sensitive to red light.
Shutter speeds is 1/50s. The aperture value is f/16.
If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide shown. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when overexposed by 2 or 3 stops or underexposed by 1 stop.
Remember that the exposure guide in the camera user manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summer's day (May-August) in the UK.
As the shutter speed is only 1/50s, it is advisable to try to hold the camera against a wall or other solid object to avoid blur throught shake. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your face.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/50s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/16 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/16 | +1 Stop Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/16 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/16 | -2 Stops Underexposed Unacceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/16 | -2 Stops Underexposed Unacceptable |