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The Norton Camera:
In 1933, (or late 1932) Norton Laboratories of Lockport, NY designed a camera made out of GE "Texolite" plastic for Universal Camera Corp. Norton Labs and Universal Camera Corp didn't agree over some of the design aspects and went their own way. Universal modified the design, working around several of Norton's pending patents, shortened the lens-film spacing and shrinking the image size slightly. The Universal design, sold in 1933 was called the Univex A and retailed for 39 cents each. As it was the depression days, 39 cents wasn't "cheep". In 1934 Norton sold their own version of the camera as the Norton Camera.
The Norton Camera used re-spooled #00 film and took 6 exposures. The image size was approximately 1 1/8" x 1 1/2". The Norton Camera was not a good seller and in 1935 the remaining stock was sold back to Universal. Universal rebadged the back (where the logos and names were located) and sold them under the Univex name. Eventually 35m film became the standard and the Univex A and the Norton Camera became obsolete. At the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, both cameras were sold with the "Century of Progress" labeling. The Univex A had a commemorative sticker placed on the box, but Norton put a decal on the camera itself.
Close examination of the Univex A and the Norton Camera revealed several minor and major design departures. The Univex had a flip-up "sport finder" whereas the Norton Camera had a fixed metal framed finder on the end of the camera. Sizes of the cameras are slightly different too, with the Norton being slightly larger. The lens and shutter were different, which being "better" is a matter of debate. The major difference in the cameras is that the lens-film distance is shorter with the Univex, the image size slightly smaller. Obvious differences in design are apparent on the back cover too, with the red plastic window placed in different positions. The biggest improvement that Universal made was on the inside of the imaging chamber. The Norton is smooth and highly reflective, but the Univex is roughened some to prevent central hotspotting of the image which the Norton and many other cameras of the day were plagued with.
Although the name is interesting it is unknown whether or not there is any family connection.
Camera, manual, box and information courtesy of Bob Norton (N5EPA). Photographs Copyright Ken Norton. All unauthorized use prohibited.
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