Barnet Ensign Ross Ful-Vue II

Specification

Art Deco Credentials

Noteworthy: Worth giving special attention

• Produced after the main Art Deco period.
• Streamlined rounded corners.
• Bakelite lens plate
• Pressed steel body, cast viewfinder.
• Chrome embellishments.
• Shows a symmetrical front aspect.

Description

Often referred to as Art Deco, this camera sits better in the Streamline Moderne category. Streamline Moderne is a late type of the Art Deco design style that emerged in the 1930s in America and continued into the 1940s. The style emphasized curving forms. The camera embraced the principals of streamlining as suggested by the American designer Harold van Doren in his book 'Streamlining in Industrial Design' of 1940. The original camera having this style was produced in 1946 for the 'Britain Can Make It' exhibition that was held at the Victoria and Albert Museum. A 'flash' model was brought out in 1950. In 1953 Ensign introduced coloured versions of the camera in red, blue and gold to mark the Coronation celebrations.

You can't help but notice the large viewfinder on the top of the camera - hence the name Ful-Vue. The viewfinder is easy to use and is exceptionally bright. The camera can be described as a pseudo twin lens reflex camera. It isn't a true TLR because the top lens is just part of the viewfinder and does not aid focussing. The film transport system is removed from the side when a knob is turned to release it on the other side of the camera. A knob is used to advance the film and proper framing is acheived by the use of a red window on the rear of the camera. Focus is achieved by turning the lens bezel on the front of the camera and the focus range is from 2ft to Infinity. A tripod mount is found on the base.

Shutter speed is fixed at about 1/40s with the aperture fixed at f/11. The shutter is released by pushing a lever below the lens upward. A switch provides for 'bulb' shutter mode. There is a flash synchronisation terminal on the front which was a new addition to the 1950s model.

How to Use

See Instruction Manual for the original camera is found here : https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ful-vue/ful-vue_guide.htm. The main difference to this camera is the focussing and the flash terminals. This camera takes 120 film which is easily available from photographic outlets or on-line.