Houghton Ensign-Midget **Art Deco** Subminiature camera
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Expert
Selected by Thorsten Pöllath
Has 40 years of experience in photography and 25 years of collecting expertise, specialising in M42 lens mounts.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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Description from the seller
A complete vintage set of the Ensign Midget (Model 55) offered, produced from 1934 by the British manufacturer Houghton-Butcher. This is the most luxurious version in the Midget range, equipped with the focusing Ensar-Anastigmat f/6.3 lens and an adjustable diaphragm. The camera features the characteristic Art Deco front panel and folds mechanically into a pocket-size form via a hinged spring mechanism (strut folder). This lot stands out because the camera is supplied with the original cardboard box and the original black leather protective case with snap closure.
Specifications:
Brand: Ensign (Houghton-Butcher, UK)
Model Type: Midget Model 55 (Premium edition)
Production period: approx. 1934-1936
Lens: Ensar-Anastigmat 1:6.3 focusing lens (adjustable from 3 ft to infinity)
Aperture: Manually adjustable (f/6.3 - f/22) Shutter speeds: T, B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100
Finder: Folding metal sport finder (frame finder)
Film format: Ensign E10 roll film
Body material: Stamped steel with black shrink-texture paint (wrinkle finish)
Condition Report:
Cosmetic condition: In good, original vintage condition.
The black textured paint shows light, age-appropriate signs of use and patina at the edges.
The bellows have been visually inspected and are light-tight.
The cardboard box shows wear at the corners and edges, commensurate with age, but is structurally intact. The leather case is in supple condition and the snap closure functions.
Mechanical condition: The folding mechanism opens smoothly and locks correctly. The shutter cocks and fires well at the various speeds.
The lens elements are visually clear, without deep scratches.
Tests: The camera has been mechanically tested but has not been tested with actual film (operation on film therefore not guaranteed). Sold as a historical collectible.
A complete vintage set of the Ensign Midget (Model 55) offered, produced from 1934 by the British manufacturer Houghton-Butcher. This is the most luxurious version in the Midget range, equipped with the focusing Ensar-Anastigmat f/6.3 lens and an adjustable diaphragm. The camera features the characteristic Art Deco front panel and folds mechanically into a pocket-size form via a hinged spring mechanism (strut folder). This lot stands out because the camera is supplied with the original cardboard box and the original black leather protective case with snap closure.
Specifications:
Brand: Ensign (Houghton-Butcher, UK)
Model Type: Midget Model 55 (Premium edition)
Production period: approx. 1934-1936
Lens: Ensar-Anastigmat 1:6.3 focusing lens (adjustable from 3 ft to infinity)
Aperture: Manually adjustable (f/6.3 - f/22) Shutter speeds: T, B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100
Finder: Folding metal sport finder (frame finder)
Film format: Ensign E10 roll film
Body material: Stamped steel with black shrink-texture paint (wrinkle finish)
Condition Report:
Cosmetic condition: In good, original vintage condition.
The black textured paint shows light, age-appropriate signs of use and patina at the edges.
The bellows have been visually inspected and are light-tight.
The cardboard box shows wear at the corners and edges, commensurate with age, but is structurally intact. The leather case is in supple condition and the snap closure functions.
Mechanical condition: The folding mechanism opens smoothly and locks correctly. The shutter cocks and fires well at the various speeds.
The lens elements are visually clear, without deep scratches.
Tests: The camera has been mechanically tested but has not been tested with actual film (operation on film therefore not guaranteed). Sold as a historical collectible.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Houghton
Model/type nr
Ensign-Midget **Art Deco**
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Estimated period
1910-1920
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