Houghton Ensign-Midget Model 55 **Art Deco** Subminiature camera
06
days
09
hours
11
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39
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Starting bid
€ 1
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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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Brand Ensign (Houghton-Butcher, UK), Model Ensign‑Midget Model 55 (Art Deco), functional condition: tested and working, in very good physical condition.
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Description from the seller
A complete vintage set of the Ensign Midget (Model 55) is 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 aperture. The camera features the characteristic Art Deco front panel and folds mechanically into a pocket size via a hinged spring system (strut folder). This lot is distinguished by being supplied with the original cardboard packaging and the original black leather protective case with snap closure.
Specifications:
Brand: Ensign (Houghton-Butcher, UK)
Model: Midget Model 55 (Premium version)
Production period: approx. 1934-1936
Lens: Ensar-Anastigmat 1:6.3 focusing lens (adjustable from 3ft to infinity)
Aperture: Manually adjustable (f/6.3 - f/22)
Shutter speeds: T, B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100
Viewfinder: Folding metal sport finder (frame finder)
Film format: Ensign E10 roll film
Body material: Pressed steel with black wrinkle finish textile lacquer
Condition Report:
Cosmetic condition: In good, original vintage condition. The black wrinkle finish shows light, age-appropriate signs of use and patina at the edges. The bellows have been visually checked and are light-tight.
The cardboard box shows wear on the corners and edges appropriate to its age, but is structurally intact. The leather case is pliant and the snap fastener works.
Mechanical condition: The folding/unfolding mechanism opens smoothly and locks correctly. The shutter cocking functions and clicks properly at the different speeds. The lens elements appear visually clear, without deep scratches.
Tests: The camera has been mechanically tested, but has not been tested with actual film (operation on film not guaranteed). Sold as a historical collectible object.
A complete vintage set of the Ensign Midget (Model 55) is 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 aperture. The camera features the characteristic Art Deco front panel and folds mechanically into a pocket size via a hinged spring system (strut folder). This lot is distinguished by being supplied with the original cardboard packaging and the original black leather protective case with snap closure.
Specifications:
Brand: Ensign (Houghton-Butcher, UK)
Model: Midget Model 55 (Premium version)
Production period: approx. 1934-1936
Lens: Ensar-Anastigmat 1:6.3 focusing lens (adjustable from 3ft to infinity)
Aperture: Manually adjustable (f/6.3 - f/22)
Shutter speeds: T, B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100
Viewfinder: Folding metal sport finder (frame finder)
Film format: Ensign E10 roll film
Body material: Pressed steel with black wrinkle finish textile lacquer
Condition Report:
Cosmetic condition: In good, original vintage condition. The black wrinkle finish shows light, age-appropriate signs of use and patina at the edges. The bellows have been visually checked and are light-tight.
The cardboard box shows wear on the corners and edges appropriate to its age, but is structurally intact. The leather case is pliant and the snap fastener works.
Mechanical condition: The folding/unfolding mechanism opens smoothly and locks correctly. The shutter cocking functions and clicks properly at the different speeds. The lens elements appear visually clear, without deep scratches.
Tests: The camera has been mechanically tested, but has not been tested with actual film (operation on film not guaranteed). Sold as a historical collectible object.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Houghton
Model/type nr
Ensign-Midget Model 55 **Art Deco**
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Estimated period
1910-1920
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