Restoring a Century Universal 8x10

[Michael Roberts]

I just realized I never posted any shots of the camera closed, or the base, etc., after I finished the reassembly. So, here they are...

[Michael Roberts]

A pleasant surprise was how much smaller the Century Universal is compared to the Kodak 2D. I knew the CU would be about 25% lighter, but it is also about 3 inches shorter than the 2D when the 2D tripod block is attached. Takes up a lot less room in the backpack!

[Rodney Polden]

Well done, Michael. That truly is a beautiful job of restoration that you've accomplished.

[johnschlicher]

So___ Do you want to start re-storing cameras on the side?

I got a couple, I could send you!!!

But Really--NICE JOB, It Looks Great

[Michael Roberts]

Thanks Chris, Joseph, ic-racer, Rodney, John. This has been a really fun project and I'm glad it turned out so well. I'm excited about getting out and using the camera now, and I've been turning over ideas for how to do that--and how to use it even more than I thought I would when I started this (if that makes any sense).

John, I really enjoy cleaning up these vintage cameras, but I'd never want to do this as a business. For me, it's therapy--like gardening for some folks--so I wouldn't want to introduce deadlines and commitments into the process. I'd be willing to do the occasional restore for somebody else, but not full time. Thanks for the compliment!

[Jon Wilson]

Thanks Chris, Joseph, ic-racer, Rodney, John. This has been a really fun project and I'm glad it turned out so well. I'm excited about getting out and using the camera now, and I've been turning over ideas for how to do that--and how to use it even more than I thought I would when I started this (if that makes any sense).

John, I really enjoy cleaning up these vintage cameras, but I'd never want to do this as a business. For me, it's therapy--like gardening for some folks--so I wouldn't want to introduce deadlines and commitments into the process. I'd be willing to do the occasional restore for somebody else, but not full time. Thanks for the compliment!

Mike, you truly have done a wonderful job in restoring your beauty. As you may recall, I have this same camera and you were kind enough to send me a spare knob for mine which I truly appreciate. My CU is my "go to" rig when I want something in the 8x10 format and which is lighter than my V8.

In the event you find yourself in a position where you need more "therapy" just let me know and I will ship my CU to you.

Happy Holidays. Jon

[seezee]

Jim, my old strap did not have any embossing--does yours? If so, what's it say?

I'm about to embark on restoring a CU myself. The handle has an elongated lozenge ("diamond") embossing. It's made from 4 layers: 2 outside layers, then 2 skived pieces to add thickness to the business part of the handle. I have an inquiry with a guy who might be able to fabricate a copy but I also plan to see if the local shoe guy can do it.

Other parts I had to order were a missing #10-32 thumb knob, both of the tightening pieces for the front tilt (ordered #4-40 thumb screws, threaded rod & acorn nuts), and some small wood screws.

[Michael Roberts]

Wow, didn't expect to see this thread resurrected. It is one of the older posts that lost all the attached photos in one of the LFP server migrations....

I won't try to restore all of the in-process images, but here are some befores and afters for seezee and anyone else interested in Century Universals:

seezee, good luck with your restoration.

[Michael Roberts]

2 more "befores"...

[Michael Roberts]

restored camera porn...