Cameras/Anmtique Camera
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Question
I have na "Ensign Midget" camera , Model "22". It is in reasonbly good condition; considering it's age. The bellows work, and the shutter also workd. The dimensions are 3 1/2"L By 1 5/8"H by 5/8" thick. I believe the camera may have originated in Australia as my uncle gave it to me. He had been stationed i Australia during the early 1940's and stated that he acquired the camera during that time. Any information you could provide would be appreciated.
Thank you
Hello,
The Ensign Midget Model 22 is a miniature folding bellows camera, made by Houghton of England around 1935, for 3.5 x 4.5 cm exposures on European E-10 roll film (or possibly American #121 roll film could be substituted). It is not an uncommon camera, but valued for its novel simplicity and subtle art-deco styling. I am not aware of these cameras being made in Australia (or whether Houghton produced any cameras in Australia), but I do know that Houghton exported their amateur cameras all over the English speaking world. I would think there are MANY Houghton cameras floating around Australia! A truly excellent example of the Ensign Midget Model 22 should sell in the US$75 range today.
Best wishes,
David Silver
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David Silver
Expertise
I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience
I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
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