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The A8 is a single speed (16 fps) clockwork driven
camera. Its odd shape does not enhance its ease of use,
but it did have facilities for a tripod mount. The lens
aperture of F5.6, together with the slow emulsion of
black and white films of the day, would have made this
‘sunny day’ camera.

The single run 8 mm black and white film came on a
30-foot spool. The only reference to film that I can find
is for a Super Pan Reversal black and white, made in
Belgium by Gevaert for Univex. There is no reference
to any color film being available.

Univex also made an 8 mm projector. This was a fairly
basic unit, incorporating a single claw pull-down
mechanism and a rear sprung pressure plate. Its general
design resembled that of the Keystones and Kodaks
of the time. The small aperture lens provided no
method of focusing, apart from sliding it forward or
back within the sleeve of the lens holder. It had a
maximum film capacity of 200 feet - the norm for the
era. The lamp was 100 watt 110 volt. It did however
have separate motor and lamp switches, as well as a
speed control mounted at the rear.

All images are of items in the author’s
collection.
© Mike Trickett