Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Vintage-Mercury-II-CX-27

In Cameras > 35mm Cameras > Show & Tell.
Cameras239 of 1456Vintage Baia 8mm Film Splicer With CaseCigarette warning Glass slide Lumiere
6
Love it
1
Like it

freonfreon loves this.
PhilDMorrisPhilDMorris loves this.
fortapachefortapache loves this.
mcheconimcheconi loves this.
roddyqroddyq loves this.
GeodeJemGeodeJem likes this.
SpiritBearSpiritBear loves this.
See 5 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 7 years ago

    zenkitty
    (1 item)

    Mercury II Serial Number 95399
    Lens Number 68730

    This camera is half frame and was not used very much mainly because, I believe, that my parents really didn't know how to use it. The camera appears to be in good condition but with rust on the hinge. The leather is not loose and there is still film in the camera. The box contains the original price tag, manual, registration card, a dated letter stating that an adjustment was made, and various odds and ends that were in the box.

    logo
    35mm Cameras
    See all
    MINTolympus mju zoom 115 deluxe 35mm Point & Shoot Panorama Camera TESTED
    MINTolympus mju zoom 115 deluxe 35m...
    $109
    NIPPON 35mm Camera AR-4392F w/Case Strap Sun Shade Lens Cap Vintage New in box
    NIPPON 35mm Camera AR-4392F w/Case ...
    $15
    MINT Olympus mju Zoom 140VF 35mm Film Point & Shoot Camera
    MINT Olympus mju Zoom 140VF 35mm Fi...
    $109
    MINTolympus mju zoom 140 35mm Point & Shoot Panorama Camera TESTED
    MINTolympus mju zoom 140 35mm Point...
    $129
    logo
    MINTolympus mju zoom 115 deluxe 35mm Point & Shoot Panorama Camera TESTED
    MINTolympus mju zoom 115 deluxe 35m...
    $109
    See all

    Comments

    1. PhilDMorris PhilDMorris, 7 years ago
      In 1946, the Mercury II was introduced with more dials, knobs, and features.

      In 1938 Universal introduced their only serious camera, one with world class potential. This camera uses an innovative shutter system where a large wheel rotates past an adjustable-sized opening. There is a pie shaped opening in the wheel, and it allows light into the camera as the opening rotates. The second part of the shutter is a sizeable window which by narrowing the width controls the amount of time when light hits the film. The combination allowed shutter speeds of up to 1/1000 of a second. The camera was marketed in the $25 range compared to other fast shutters in Leica and Contax in the $200 to $300 ranges respectively. In an effort to go faster than the competition Universal offered the Mercury CC 1500 Super Speed which had a faster shutter than the Lieca and Contax, at 1/1500 of a second. Sadly the engineering compromises to reach this speed caused consistent failures.

      This camera sold well and boosted company revenue by over $25%. It was a hot seller until Universal shifted to wartime production of binoculars.
    2. zenkitty, 7 years ago
      Hi, and thanks. What do you think of the price tag? I can't believe that someone would have actually paid that for casual picture taking. My parents were far from that kind of money living in a two bedroom flat. This has always baffled me.

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.