The Universal Mercury II CX has always seemed to me to be one of the most interesting camera designs produced in the U.S. or anywhere.
The half-frame format was uncommon at the time, the rotary shutter was rugged and accurate up to 1/1000, the coated Tricor lens was sharp, and the price was very competitive. In spite of those unique qualities, the camera today is frequently the target of derision on photography forums. The criticisms seem to come most often from people with little or no actual experience with the camera. While I sometimes feel a slight urge to post responses to some of those opinions, it always seems more worthwhile to just go out and make some pictures with the camera. These latest were made on a recent outing to Albuquerque's Rio Grande Zoo.
The film was some well-expired Fuji 400, the twelfth roll processed in my current batch of Cinestill C-41.
