Ensign Midget Model 55
Art Deco Credentials ⓘ
Bold, geometric cameras from Deco’s golden age
Significant: Strong and recognisable Deco features
- Produced during the main Art Deco period.
- Angular geometric design on front face.
- Chrome used on struts.
- Chrome used on film winder.
Specification
| Manufacturer | : | Houghton-Butcher Manufacturing Co Ltd |
|---|---|---|
| Produced | : | 1934 - 1941 |
| Classification | : | Miniature |
| Body Type | : | Folding Strut |
| Construction | : | Metal |
| Film Type | : | E10 |
| Film Width | : | 35mm |
| Image Size | : | 1¼ x 1⅝ |
| No. of Images | : | 6 |
| Lens Type | : | Ensar-Anastigmat |
| Focus Type | : | variable |
| Focal Length | : | 55mm |
| Focal Range | : | 3ft - inf. |
| Aperture Type | : | Iris |
| Apertures | : | f/6.3 - f/22 |
| Shutter Type | : | Variable |
| Shutter Speeds | : | T, B, I(1/25, 1/50, 1/100) |
| Size Open (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 45 x 62 mm |
| Size Closed (w x h x d) | : | 90 x 45 x 18 mm |
| Weight | : | 155g |
Description
Metal bodied (pressed steel) miniature folding camera with tapered supporting struts that fold away into the body. When extended, the struts are designed to hold the front panel in a rigid position. It features a simple viewfinder that folds out from the back and top, and also a brilliant finder that is normally closed for vertical views but can swing out when a horizonal view is required. It has a variable focus lens, focussing from 3ft to infinity by turning the front cell of the lens until the pin projecting from it faces any of the 5 positions - inf., 12, 8, 5, 3. The aperture is adjustable between f/6.3 and f/22.
It is one of a set of midgets which have model numbers 22, 33 and 55. These numbers refer to the cost when new - ie. 22 shillings, 33 shillings and 55 shillings. A shilling is 5 pence in today's money. However, in 1935 this was a lot of money. 22 shillings=£75 today. There was a Silver Jubilee model produced in 1935 which had a silver coloured body.
How to Use
Find the manual here. This camera takes Ensign E10 film which is not available except as expired film. It is possible to roll 35mm film into old backing paper.