Ensign Focal Plane Roll Film Reflex
The Ensign Focal Plane Roll Film Reflex, also sold as the Speed Film Reflex,[1] is an SLR camera for 2½x3½-inch exposures on 120 film, made by Houghton in the late 1920s.[1] It is similar in form to the horizontally-oriented Ensign Roll Film Reflex, but whereas that camera has only a T&I shutter, this model has a cloth focal-plane roller shutter, running vertically.[2]
The camera has a reflex focusing screen, taking up approximately the rear half of the top of the body; over this is a folding leather hood. The focus knob is at the front of the left side; the camera focuses down to 3 feet. The shutter control is at the rear of the right side. The shutter is tensioned with a wind-knob, similar to that on the larger Ensign Reflex SLRs, but the speed selector is a small lever, concentric with the knob, with click-stop positions giving at least six instantaneous speeds, plus Time. There is also a separate Time/Instantaneous selector controlling the mirror's return function, again as on the larger SLRs. The shutter release is on the front, by the lens, and is threaded for a cable release.
The lens on the example seen is a 100 mm f/4.5 Ensar Anastigmat, stopping down to f/32. McKeown states that other lenses were offered.[1]
The film winder is on top of the body, in front of the focus hood. There is a cover over the red window, which apparently releases the tension of the film pressure plate for winding when opened (it resembles the cover on the Duo-Ensign 2¼B, which does this).
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). p402.
- ↑ Example offered for sale as Ebay item 141995344977.