Ensign Pocket Twenty
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Houghton-Butcher |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1931 |
| Classification | : | Medium Format |
| Body Type | : | Folding Bed |
| Bellows Deployment | : | Sliding Rail |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | 120 |
| Film Width | : | 62mm |
| Image Size | : | 2¼ x 3¼ |
| No. of Images | : | 8 |
| Lens Type | : | Meniscus |
| Focus Type | : | Variable |
| Focal Length | : | 100mm |
| Focal Range | : | 3¼ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Multihole |
| Apertures | : | f/16, f/22 |
| Shutter Type | : | Everset leaf |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, B, I*(1/25s) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 85 x 155 x 124 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 85 x 155 x 40 mm |
| Weight | : | 465g |
| * Measured on this camera | ||
Art Deco Credentials
Significant: Pronounced and self evident
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- geometric pattern on shutter plate.
- chrome used on decorative struts.
- chrome slide rails
- chrome tommy-bar winder
- decorative latch.
Description
The Ensign Pocket Twenty is a folding camera for 120 film, taking 6x9cm images. It was made by Houghton Butcher in England under their Ensign brand. The Pocket Twenty is not self-erecting. Open the camera by lifting the table stand and pulling down the bed. Pull the lens post forward to the first click stop. This position is for normal views. You can pull the lens further forward to a second click stop for close-ups.
The camera has a meniscus lens. There were two marked aperture settings - for "ordinary light" and "brilliant light". These work out to be f/16 and f/22 respectively. The everset shutter has a single instantaneous (I) speed, plus B and T settings. It has a brilliant view-finder which can be rotated for landscape or portrait images. Film advance is indicated by a red window and is not coupled to the shutter.
The body is constructed of metal and coated in ripple enamel. There are two types of face plate and some cameras have the red Ensign logo on the body.
How to Use
This camera takes 120 film which is widely available.
The aperture choice is f/16 or f/22 which are labelled 'ordinary light' and 'brilliant light' respectively. The measured speed on this camera was 1/25s. As the shutter speed is only 1/25s, it is advisable to use a tripod to get clear shake free images. However, holding it against a wall or other solid object would work as well. For quick snapshots, hold it firmly against your body.
The table shows how this camera will perform using ISO 100/125 film. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Modern film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when overexposed by 2 or 3 stops or underexposed by 1 stop.
The tables assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summers day in the UK.
Remember that the exposure guide in the manual may not be helpful as it is based on the use of old film with a low ISO value.
Using ISO 100/125 film - shutter speed 1/25s
| Weather Conditions | Shadow Detail | Aperture | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
 SunnySnow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges | f/22 | +2 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
| Sunny | Distinct | f/22 | +1 Stops Overexposed Acceptable |
 Slight Overcast | Soft around edges | f/22 | Good |
 Overcast | Barely visible | f/16 | Good |
 Heavy Overcast | None | f/16 | -1 Stop Underexposed Acceptable |
 Open Shade/Sunset | None | f/16 | -2 Stops Underexposed Not Acceptable |