SOLD - Uniflex II TLR 120/620 Format Film Camera, 1947-1950, Original Leather Case

Uniflex II TLR 120/620 Format Film Camera, 1947-1950, Original Leather Case

Description

The Universal Camera Corporation of New York was in business for only 19 years - an unusually short time in the camera world, where numerous makers have been around for a century or more, including Kodak whose dominance in the US "affordable" camera market was very likely at least partially responsible for Universal's demise. However, during that time they introduced a number of interesting cameras including two Uniflex models - the Uniflex I and its more upmarket sister the Uniflex II, both of them twin lens reflex systems.

Twin lens reflex cameras, commonly known as TLRs, feature twin objective lens, one of which is used by the viewfinder system while the other focuses light on the film and is known as the taking lens. These are usually connected via a mechanical linkage, most often cogs as seen on the famous Rolleiflex TLR models; with the lenses perfectly matched, adjusting focus through the viewfinder brings the taking lens into focus too.do things a little differently: instead of a mechanical linkage, both lens are mounted in a moving front plate which, when the focus adjustment on the side is turned, either extends or retracts to focus anywhere from 3 feet to infinity. It's a clever design with all the moving parts tucked away from that great enemy of all cameras dust, and thus on this example is still working perfectly.

Another nice feature is that both cameras can accept either 120 or 620 roll film as standard, which is great news if you're looking to actually use this camera because 120 film is still made and widely available (first introduced by Kodak in 1901, it's by far the longest-produced film format in history), whereas 620 can still be bought too (it's usually 120 re-rolled onto 620 spools) - vintage, expired films are easy to find too, and there are many photographers who seek these out for the interesting artistic effects they can yield.

The viewfinder and taking lenses are both 75mm Universal Anastigmat items; the former is f/3.8 and the latter f/4.5 (max. f/22), making them reasonably fast for the camera's era. The self-cocking shutter is also one of Universal's own and offers speeds of 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 and 1/200 in addition to bulb and timed selected by rotating the ring around the lens; the shutter works, but the speed adjustment is faulty - sometimes it'll work properly with speeds matching those indicated, but occasionally it'll fire at a different speed and bulb only works intermittently (usually, twisting the ring through the various stops resets it so it'll work properly for a while). We don't have any 120 film to carry out a full test but, after examining it closely, there is no evidence of light leakage, nor do we have a compatible flash to check the hotshoe.

Otherwise, everything seems good: there's a little dust behind the glass but not enough to cause problems, there's no fungal growth and the glass in unmarked; the viewfinder has some specks of dust but remains very usable; the hood has a very small dent on top but both it and the optional fine-focus lens (which is another very nice feature - basically a small magnifying glass on a hinge inside the hood, allowing the user to enlarge part of the image to ensure sharp focus; there's also a foldable flap allowing the camera to be shot from eye height rather than waist height which is the normal fashion with TLR cameras) are both in fine order; the film advance/rewind is working perfectly. It's in very good order cosmetically with only a little paint loss on the top of the hood and corners of the body and no peeling to the leather (or leather effect) skin, while the metalwork around the lenses could do with a light polish; the red exposure window and its sliding shutter are both in place.

The camera is fitted with what appears to be an original woven strap. It also comes complete with the original brown leather case designed specifically for this model; this has a few scuffs but is in much better condition than most that we see, with no loose stitching, rot or other issues and the matching strap is in good order.

Specs and Details
• Made By: Universal Camera Corporation
• Model: Uniflex II
• Serial: 230867
• Type: Twin lens reflex
• Format: 120/620
• Date: 1947-1950
• Made In: USA
• Lens: Universal Anastigmat 75mm f/3.8 (viewer), Universal Anastigmat 75mm f/4.5 (taker)
• Shutter: Universal self-cocking
• Shutter Speeds: 1/10, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, B, T
• Aperture: f/4.5, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22
• Features: Tripod mount, cable release socket (unknown size - it's not the standard B7104-1971 type), original leather case

Due to the nature of this item it is not always possible for us to identify any missing parts.
For this reason we ask that you please check the pictures carefully, as these show everything that is included.

Further Details & Enquiries

This item has been very kindly donated to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Our ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

100% of the money raised from this sale will go to the charity.

Our sales team do their best to check each item and ensure that the description and pictures provided are as accurate as possible.

Feedback is extremely important to the charity so if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase please give us a chance to resolve any issues by contacting us prior to leaving feedback.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us via eBay messages, we will make sure that your message is responded to promptly, usually within three working days. Messages sent over the weekend will be responded to on the next working day.

If this item is not quite what you were looking for but you would still like to help our cause, please consider providing us with a donation which can be done via our eBay Charity Profile linked below.

Donate via Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Profile

Payment

We only accept payments made through one of eBay's many approved methods. Please make sure to complete your payment within 96 hours of winning an item. Once your payment has been received we will dispatch your item as soon as possible, usually within two working days.

Delivery

Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday). If your order is placed after 1pm, the next working day will be considered the first working day for delivery. In case of bank holidays and during the Christmas period where delays are more likely, please allow an extra few days for delivery.

Domestic Delivery

We aim to dispatch orders within two working days. If for any reason there is an unexpected delay in dispatching your order we will make sure to inform you of this as soon as possible.

We use Hermes to deliver the majority of our parcels. If you would like to specify a preferred neighbour, or safe place for the parcel to be left, please leave the details in a message when placing your order.

Some low-value items will be sent by Royal Mail 2nd Class. Some items of higher value are sent by Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery, which requires a signature. If you are not present at the time of delivery, a card will be left instructing you to arrange a redelivery, or to collect your order from the local sorting office.

International Delivery

International orders are handled by eBay's Global Shipping Programme.

For full details please see the following eBay help page: Buying internationally with the Global Shipping Programme.

Collection

Items can be collected from our Retail Hub at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Eastern Counties Leather Industrial Estate, Pampisford, CB22 3EE during our opening hours of 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday to Saturday. If you would like to collect your item please contact us in advance to arrange this.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Retail Hub Sawston Map

Show in Google Maps

Returns

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity uses the eBay Returns system to make the process as easy for you as possible. For full details about the process, and for information on how to begin a return, please see the following eBay help page: Return an item for a refund.

Change of Mind

If when you receive your order you are not completely satisfied, you may return the items to us within 30 days for a refund. Returns will be processed within three working days once the goods have been received by us.

Items must be returned to us in the same condition as they were received by you. This includes, but is not limited to: original packaging, original boxes, packaging materials, manuals, blank warranty cards, accessories and documents. We reserve the right to refuse a return or deduct an amount for lost value where the item is returned in a different condition.

We strongly recommend that you fully insure your package that you are returning, as well as using a carrier that can provide you with tracking information or proof of delivery.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will not be held responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit.

Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the customer to cover any delivery charges for returning an unwanted item.

Incorrect/Damaged Goods

We try very hard to ensure that you receive your order in pristine condition. In the unlikely event that your order arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us via eBay immediately, this will be given special priority and you can expect to receive a response within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will cover the cost of domestic return postage for any incorrect or damaged items, subject to the cost of the chosen return method being reasonable. Please contact us before proceeding if unsure.

This one got away