Difference between revisions of "Ensign Ful-Vue"

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cit: "''The '''Ful-Vue''' camera is really a very simple [[camera]]. It consists of a light-tight box. In front of the box there is a hole, over which the lens is fixed. Behind this hole is the shutter. There is a second lens in a second box above it. This produces a picture on the viewfinder on top of the camera. In the back of the box is another hole covered by a [[red window]]. This helps you in winding the film on, which you do by the [[film advance|knob]] at the side of the box near the top.''" [Marcel Natkin].
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{|align=right
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{|class=plainlinks
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|
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3240313503/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3240313503_d0e2d295be_m.jpg]
 
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3241146236/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3241146236_161fa7a072_m.jpg]
 
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3240497121/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3240497121_f5a3dc1fab_m.jpg]
 
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3240310727/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/3240310727_92f1728b40_m.jpg]
 
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|-align=center
 
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||The knob to unlock the camera to open it.
 
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||The big finder.
 
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||The front.
 
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||The camera<br>(Barnet-Ensign design of 1946).
 
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|-align=center
 
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|colspan=4|<small>images by {{image author |Dirk HR Spennemann}}</small> {{with permission}}
 
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|}
 
 
{{Flickr_image
 
{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/graustark/532580529/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/kratz/881565002/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image= http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1158/532580529_4d13854810_m.jpg
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|image= http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1070/881565002_626c4ec60a_t.jpg
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|image_align= right
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|image_align=center
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|image_text= Early Ful-Vue: already with big finder
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|image_text= Ful-Vue II
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|image_by= Graustark
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|image_by= John Kratz
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|image_rights=with permission
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|image_rights= nc
 
}}
 
}}
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The earliest Ful-Vue version of 1939 was a typical [[box camera]] with back door, but already having the characteristic big [[viewfinder]]. Like other box cameras it had a back door and an inner camera part which could be taken out of the box to load the film. In 1946 the camera was redesigned, getting away from average box camera design. Then the inner part of the camera was fixed to the side panel with the film winding knob. The whole unit could be pulled out of the camera sidewards after unlocking it with the knob on the other side panel.
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|-
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|
 
{{Flickr_image
 
{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/89864432@N00/2910260750/in/pool-camerawiki
 
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|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2910260750_460e0155e6_m.jpg
 
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|image_align= left
 
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|image_text= [[Ross-Ensign]] Ful-Vue Super
 
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|image_by= Uwe Kulick
 
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|image_rights=with permission
 
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}}
 
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Shutter speed was 1/30 sec. in instant mode and B in time mode. Focusing was possible by pulling the lens out for close exposures. Pictures were 6×6cm on [[120 film]].
 
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In 1950 further improvements were made, the new [[flash sync]]hronized shutter, the turnable lens barrel allowing three different distance settings instead of two, an all-plastic front panel, and an optional [[flashgun]]. The improved version was called '''Ful-Vue II'''. This was succeeded in 1954 by the '''Ross-Ensign Ful-vue Super''', which had a flat front plate extending around both lenses, a cast alloy body (in place of the sheet steel) and a collapsible hood around the viewfinder. Its [[red window]] was closable. The film loading was eased another time by means of the removable back-and-bottom part which was held just by the clamp on the bottom. A more elegant [[flash]] unit was available, mountable without cable to a side panel of the camera.
 
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Except for the Ful-Vue Super, which used [[620 film#620_film|620 film]] the Ful-Vues use(d) type No. [[120 film|120]] [[rollfilm]]. An old Barnet-Ensign Ful-Vue may need some manipulation by simply bending the long metal strip that is part of the rollholder a little bit to achieve the necessary tension of the film. Using both rollfilm sizes in one Ful-Vue is not possible.
 
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Most Ful-Vues were finished in dark grey crackle paint, but many other colours were made, in smaller quantities. In 1952 a special colored models were issued to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
 
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{|class=floatleft
 
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|{{Flickr_image
 
 
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/33661472@N06/4706633571/in/pool-camerawiki
 
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/33661472@N06/4706633571/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image= http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4706633571_94151e7623_m.jpg
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|image= http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4706633571_94151e7623_t.jpg
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|image_align= left
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|image_align=center
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|image_text= Ful-Vue in light gray
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|image_text= Ful-Vue II (light gray)
 
|image_by= Katherine Hartley
 
|image_by= Katherine Hartley
 
|image_rights= with permission
 
|image_rights= with permission
 
}}
 
}}
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||{{Flickr_image
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|-
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|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 
|image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/awcam/5109066216//in/pool-camerawiki
 
|image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/awcam/5109066216//in/pool-camerawiki
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|image=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1327/5109066216_84a6aca3e2_m.jpg
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|image=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1327/5109066216_84a6aca3e2_t.jpg
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|image_align=left
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|image_align=center
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|image_text=Ful-Vue Super in Red
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|image_text=Ful-Vue Super (Red)
 
|image_by= AWCam  
 
|image_by= AWCam  
 
|image_rights=with permission
 
|image_rights=with permission
 
}}
 
}}
 
|}
 
|}
 +
"''The '''Ful-Vue''' camera is really a very simple [[camera]]. It consists of a light-tight box. In front of the box there is a hole, over which the lens is fixed. Behind this hole is the shutter. There is a second lens in a second box above it. This produces a picture on the viewfinder on top of the camera. In the back of the box is another hole covered by a [[red window]]. This helps you in winding the film on, which you do by the [[film advance|knob]] at the side of the box near the top.''" [Marcel Natkin].
 +
 +
=== [[Ensign]] Ful-Vue ===
 +
The earliest Ful-Vue version of 1939 was a typical [[box camera]] with back door, but already having the characteristic big [[viewfinder]]. Like other box cameras it had a back door and an inner camera part which could be taken out of the box to load the film. Pictures were 6×6cm on [[120 film]]. The cameras had two shutter settings; instant which was 1/30th of a second and time which kept the shutter open until you pressed it again, all later models are the same.
 +
 +
=== [[Barnet Ensign]] Ful-Vue ===
 +
In 1946 the camera was redesigned, getting away from average box camera design<ref>The distinctively redesigned second Ful-Vue was copied by the Spanish manufacturer [[Industrias Sintéticas Abril]] and named the [[Captaflex]]. This model had a body made of Bakelite and offered the choice of three aperture settings. </ref>. Then the inner part of the camera was fixed to the side panel with the film winding knob. The whole unit could be pulled out of the camera sideways after unlocking it with the knob on the other side panel. Focusing was possible by pulling the lens out for close exposures. Pictures were 6×6cm on [[120 film]]. An old Barnet-Ensign Ful-Vue may need some manipulation by simply bending the long metal strip that is part of the roll-holder a little bit to achieve the necessary tension of the film.
  
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{{Flickr_image
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=== Barnet Ensign Ross Ful-Vue II ===
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3243116155/in/pool-camerawiki/
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In 1950 further improvements were made, the new [[flash sync]]hronized shutter, the turn-able lens barrel allowing three different distance settings instead of two, an all-plastic front panel, and an optional [[flashgun]]. The improved version was called '''Ful-Vue II'''. Pictures were 6×6cm on [[120 film]]. Adrian Richmond states that colored models (red, white and blue) were sold in 1952-3, to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II;<ref>[http://www.licm.org.uk/livingImage/Ensign_Ful_Vue.html The Ensign Ful-Vue], at Adrian Richmond's [http://www.ensignphotographic.com/ensigncamerapage.htm Ensign Camera: a History].</ref> However, no other evidence for these cameras has been seen: in particular, the Ful-Vue is not mentioned in a coronation advertising supplement to the BJP Almanac of 1953. Colored Ful-Vues were advertised as 'Ful-Vue à la Mode' in late 1952. Examples of the regular Ful-Vue II, repainted and presented as the colored model, have been seen in online auctions.<ref>[https://www.flickr.com/groups/camerawiki/discuss/72157656130983580/ Flickr discussion post by John-Henry Collinson] (Flickr user Colonel Blink) in the Camera-wiki.org group, 30 July 2015, noting some basic features of a genuine coloured Ful-Vue.</ref>
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|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3243116155_4629b3d0ff.jpg
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|image_align= right
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=== [[Ross-Ensign]] Ful-Vue Super ===
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|image_text= Further disassembly of Barnet-Ensign Ful-Vue
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The Ful-Vue II was succeeded in 1954 by the '''Ross-Ensign Ful-Vue Super''', which had a flat front plate extending around both lenses, a cast alloy body (in place of the sheet steel) and a collapsible hood around the viewfinder. The taking lens focused to 2 yards/meters. Its [[red window]] was closeable. The film loading was made easier again by means of a removable back-and-bottom part which was held just by the clamp on the bottom. A more elegant [[flash]] unit was available, mountable without cable to a side panel of the camera. Pictures were 6×6cm but now using [[620 film]].
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|image_by=fulvue
 
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|image_rights=with permission
 
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}}
 
  
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{|class="plainlinks floatright"
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=== Ful-Vue inspired models ===
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| colspan=2 | Shutters:
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The '''[[Captaflex]]''' was an advanced Spanish redesign of the Ensign Ful-Vue.
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|-
 
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|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3243118807/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3243118807_414027b4f0_m.jpg]
 
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|| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/2966942784/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2966942784_7886501093_m.jpg]
 
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|-
 
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|| shutter of Barnet-Ensign Ful-Vue || shutter of Ful-Vue II
 
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|-
 
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| colspan=2 align="center"|<small>images by {{image author |fulvue}}</small> {{with permission}}
 
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|}
 
  
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{{Br}}
 
  
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{|class="plainlinks floatleft"
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==== Through the viewfinder photography ====
 +
The complete Ful-Vue series serves as a model for Through-The-Viewfinder [[TTV]] photography, where people use other cameras (mostly digital) to take pictures through their amazingly big viewfinders.
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{{brl}}
 +
{{brl}}
 +
{|class="collapsible" cellpadding="5px" cellspacing="2" style="text-align: center; padding: 3px;"
 +
|- bgcolor=#E0E0E0
 
| colspan=5 | '''Timeline'''
 
| colspan=5 | '''Timeline'''
 
|-
 
|-
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| colspan=5 | The history of the Ful-Vue reflects the history of the [[Ensign]] companies:
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| colspan=5 | The history of the Ful-Vue reflects the history of the [[Ensign]] companies
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| rowspan=4 | [http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3241149552/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3241149552_d2047668a1_t.jpg]
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|- bgcolor=#E0E0E0
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!Year
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!1939
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!1946
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!1950
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!1954
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|- bgcolor=#F0F0F0
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!bgcolor=#E0E0E0|Name
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| Ful-Vue || Ful-Vue || Ful-Vue II || Ful-Vue Super
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|- bgcolor=#F0F0F0
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!bgcolor=#E0E0E0|Maker
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| [[Ensign]] || [[Barnet Ensign]] || Barnet Ensign Ross || [[Ross-Ensign]]
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|- bgcolor=#F0F0F0
 +
!bgcolor=#E0E0E0|Photo
 +
| {{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3333266339/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image=http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3570/3333266339_a63fe11486_m.jpg
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|image_align= left
 +
}}
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|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3333267311/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image=http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3389/3333267311_8b24ca2bb8_m.jpg
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|image_align= left
 +
}}
 +
|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3334106176/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image=http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3319/3334106176_e9fcae837e_m.jpg
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|image_align= left
 +
}}
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|
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3333269291/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image=http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3573/3333269291_a3cb50659d_m.jpg
 +
|image_align= left
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}}
 
|-
 
|-
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|| year || 1939 || 1946 || 1950 || 1954
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|colspan=1|
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|-
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|colspan=4| <small>images by {{image author|fulvue}}</small> {{with permission}}
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|| name || Ful-Vue || Ful-Vue || Ful-Vue II || Ful-Vue Super
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|}
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|-
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<br clear="all" />
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|| maker || [[Ensign]] || [[Barnet Ensign]] || Barnet Ensign Ross || [[Ross-Ensign]]
 
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|-
 
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|colspan=5|
 
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||Back with red window<br><small>image by {{image author |Dirk HR Spennemann}}</small><br>{{with permission}}
 
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|}<br style="clear:right"/>
 
  
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The complete Ful-Vue series serves as a model for [[TTV]] cameras, cameras used for taking digital images through their amazingly big finders ([[TTV|through-the-viewfinder photography]]).
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== Images ==
 +
{|class=plainlinks
 +
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3240310727/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/3240310727_92f1728b40_m.jpg]
 +
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3241149552/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3241149552_d2047668a1_m.jpg]
 +
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3240313503/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3240313503_d0e2d295be_m.jpg]
 +
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3241146236/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3241146236_161fa7a072_m.jpg]
 +
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3240497121/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3240497121_f5a3dc1fab_m.jpg]
 +
|-align=center
 +
|Barnet-Ensign design of 1946
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|Back with red window
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|The knob to unlock the camera to open it.
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|The big finder.
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|The front.
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|-align=center
 +
|colspan=5|<small>images by {{image author |Dirk HR Spennemann}}</small> {{with permission}}
 +
|}
  
  
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{{Flickr_image
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{|class=plainlinks
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/90900361@N08/27896387561/in/pool-camerawiki
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3176869048/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3176869048_24198fe6c5_t.jpg]
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|image= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/27896387561_a0c212aefe_n.jpg
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3176028711/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3176028711_893509c1dc_t.jpg]
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|image_align= left
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3176027573/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3176027573_4ca174bbcf_t.jpg]
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|image_text= <small>image by Diane Robertson</small>
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3176040665/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/3176040665_93300a9478_t.jpg]
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|image_by=
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3243117151/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3243117151_91bd9c81f6_t.jpg]
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|image_rights= wp
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3243118103/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/3243118103_347f33130f_t.jpg]
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}}
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|-
 
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|colspan=6 align="center"|The finder housing with lenses and the retention springs which fix it over the mirror upon the camera body.<br><small>images by {{image author |Dirk HR Spennemann}} and {{image author |fulvue}}</small> {{with permission}}
 
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|}{{br}}
 
  
 
{{Flickr_image
 
{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3448361706/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/90900361@N08/9567244493/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3319/3448361706_3e530d9b9d_m.jpg
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|image= http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/9567244493_8d5bfaa793.jpg
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|image_align= right
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|image_align= left
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|image_text= Ful-Vue Super, distance scale
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|image_text= Ensign Ful-Vues in four colors
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|image_by= fulvue
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|image_by= Geoff Harrisson
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|image_rights= with permission
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|image_rights= wp
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
{{Flickr_image
 
{{Flickr_image
−
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/kratz/881565002/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/90900361@N08/29199170582/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image= http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1070/881565002_626c4ec60a_m.jpg
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|image= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/29199170582_dc9136b1a8_n.jpg
 
|image_align= left
 
|image_align= left
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|image_text= 1950s version, with plastic<br/>front and distance scale
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|image_text= Ful-Vue Super
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|image_by= John Kratz
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|image_by= Geoff Harrisson
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|image_rights= with permission
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|image_rights= wp
 
}}
 
}}
  
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===Links===
+
{{br}}
−
* [http://www.ensign.demon.co.uk/ful-vue.htm the Ful-Vue] at www.ensign.demon [http://www.ensign.demon.co.uk]
+
 
−
* [http://www.collection-appareils.com/houghton/html/fulvue.php Full-Vue] and [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/accesnotices/html/lire_repertoire?repert=Ensign_Full-Vue&marque=Ensign&modele=Full-Vue User manual] (for the early, box-form camera) at www.collection-appareils.com
+
=== Dis-assembly Images ===
 +
{|class=plainlinks
 +
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3176869048/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3176869048_24198fe6c5_t.jpg]
 +
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3176028711/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3176028711_893509c1dc_t.jpg]
 +
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3176027573/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3176027573_4ca174bbcf_t.jpg]
 +
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/3176040665/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/3176040665_93300a9478_t.jpg]
 +
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3243117151/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3243117151_91bd9c81f6_t.jpg]
 +
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3243118103/in/pool-camerawiki http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/3243118103_347f33130f_t.jpg]
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=6 align="center"|The finder housing with lenses and the retention springs which fix it over the mirror upon the camera body.<br><small>images by {{image author |Dirk HR Spennemann}} and {{image author |fulvue}}</small> {{with permission}}
 +
|}
 +
{{brl}}
 +
{|class="plainlinks floatleft"
 +
|-
 +
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3243118807/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3243118807_414027b4f0_m.jpg]
 +
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/2966942784/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2966942784_7886501093_m.jpg]
 +
| [http://www.flickr.com/photos/31324280@N02/3243116155/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3243116155_4629b3d0ff_m.jpg]
 +
|- align=center
 +
| shutter of Barnet-Ensign Ful-Vue || shutter of Ful-Vue II || Disassembly of a Barnet-Ensign Ful-Vue
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=3 align="center"|<small>images by {{image author |fulvue}}</small> {{with permission}}
 +
|}
 +
<br clear="all" />
 +
 
 +
==Notes==
 +
<references/>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==Links==
 +
* [http://www.ensignphotographic.com/ful-vue.htm the Ful-Vue] at [http://www.ensignphotographic.com/ensigncamerapage.htm www.ensignphotographic.com]
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/groups/ful-vue/pool/ Flickr Group ful-vue] with a lot of [[TTV]] images
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/groups/ful-vue/pool/ Flickr Group ful-vue] with a lot of [[TTV]] images
−
* [http://licm.org.uk/livingImage/FulVueA.html Ful-Vue] at Living Image [http://licm.org.uk]
+
* [http://www.licm.org.uk/livingImage/Ensign_Ful_Vue-A.html Ful-Vue] at [http://licm.org.uk Living Image]
 +
* [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ensign/ensign_ful-vue/ensign_ful-vue.htm Ensign Ful-Vue II PDF manual] at [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ OrphanCameras.com]
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* [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ensign/ross_ensign_full-vue_super/ross_ensign_full-vue_super.htm Ensign Ful-Vue Super] at [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ OrphanCameras.com]
  
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===Literature===
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==Literature==
 
* Natkin, Marcel: Ful-Vue Guide. London and New York 1949 (2nd. edition 1951, 3rd ed. 1952., 4th ed. 1953)
 
* Natkin, Marcel: Ful-Vue Guide. London and New York 1949 (2nd. edition 1951, 3rd ed. 1952., 4th ed. 1953)
 
[[Category:Ensign|Ful-Vue]]
 
[[Category:Ensign|Ful-Vue]]
 
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[[Category:UK]]
 
[[Category:6x6 box]]
 
[[Category:6x6 box]]
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[[Category:F|Ful-Vue]]
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[[Category:120 film]]
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[[Category:F|Ful-Vue Ensign]]
 
[[Category: 1939]]
 
[[Category: 1939]]
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[[Category:Pseudo TLR]]
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Latest revision as of 06:43, 8 January 2023

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Ful-Vue II
image by John Kratz (Image rights)
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Ful-Vue II (light gray)
image by Katherine Hartley (Image rights)
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Ful-Vue Super (Red)
image by AWCam (Image rights)

"The Ful-Vue camera is really a very simple camera. It consists of a light-tight box. In front of the box there is a hole, over which the lens is fixed. Behind this hole is the shutter. There is a second lens in a second box above it. This produces a picture on the viewfinder on top of the camera. In the back of the box is another hole covered by a red window. This helps you in winding the film on, which you do by the knob at the side of the box near the top." [Marcel Natkin].

Ensign Ful-Vue

The earliest Ful-Vue version of 1939 was a typical box camera with back door, but already having the characteristic big viewfinder. Like other box cameras it had a back door and an inner camera part which could be taken out of the box to load the film. Pictures were 6×6cm on 120 film. The cameras had two shutter settings; instant which was 1/30th of a second and time which kept the shutter open until you pressed it again, all later models are the same.

Barnet Ensign Ful-Vue

In 1946 the camera was redesigned, getting away from average box camera design[1]. Then the inner part of the camera was fixed to the side panel with the film winding knob. The whole unit could be pulled out of the camera sideways after unlocking it with the knob on the other side panel. Focusing was possible by pulling the lens out for close exposures. Pictures were 6×6cm on 120 film. An old Barnet-Ensign Ful-Vue may need some manipulation by simply bending the long metal strip that is part of the roll-holder a little bit to achieve the necessary tension of the film.

Barnet Ensign Ross Ful-Vue II

In 1950 further improvements were made, the new flash synchronized shutter, the turn-able lens barrel allowing three different distance settings instead of two, an all-plastic front panel, and an optional flashgun. The improved version was called Ful-Vue II. Pictures were 6×6cm on 120 film. Adrian Richmond states that colored models (red, white and blue) were sold in 1952-3, to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II;[2] However, no other evidence for these cameras has been seen: in particular, the Ful-Vue is not mentioned in a coronation advertising supplement to the BJP Almanac of 1953. Colored Ful-Vues were advertised as 'Ful-Vue à la Mode' in late 1952. Examples of the regular Ful-Vue II, repainted and presented as the colored model, have been seen in online auctions.[3]

Ross-Ensign Ful-Vue Super

The Ful-Vue II was succeeded in 1954 by the Ross-Ensign Ful-Vue Super, which had a flat front plate extending around both lenses, a cast alloy body (in place of the sheet steel) and a collapsible hood around the viewfinder. The taking lens focused to 2 yards/meters. Its red window was closeable. The film loading was made easier again by means of a removable back-and-bottom part which was held just by the clamp on the bottom. A more elegant flash unit was available, mountable without cable to a side panel of the camera. Pictures were 6×6cm but now using 620 film.

Ful-Vue inspired models

The Captaflex was an advanced Spanish redesign of the Ensign Ful-Vue.


Through the viewfinder photography

The complete Ful-Vue series serves as a model for Through-The-Viewfinder TTV photography, where people use other cameras (mostly digital) to take pictures through their amazingly big viewfinders.

Timeline
The history of the Ful-Vue reflects the history of the Ensign companies
Year 1939 1946 1950 1954
Name Ful-Vue Ful-Vue Ful-Vue II Ful-Vue Super
Maker Ensign Barnet Ensign Barnet Ensign Ross Ross-Ensign
Photo
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images by fulvue (Image rights)


Images

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Barnet-Ensign design of 1946 Back with red window The knob to unlock the camera to open it. The big finder. The front.
images by Dirk HR Spennemann (Image rights)


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image by Diane Robertson (Image rights)
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Ensign Ful-Vues in four colors
image by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights)
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Ful-Vue Super
image by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights)


Dis-assembly Images

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The finder housing with lenses and the retention springs which fix it over the mirror upon the camera body.
images by Dirk HR Spennemann and fulvue (Image rights)


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shutter of Barnet-Ensign Ful-Vue shutter of Ful-Vue II Disassembly of a Barnet-Ensign Ful-Vue
images by fulvue (Image rights)


Notes

  1. ↑ The distinctively redesigned second Ful-Vue was copied by the Spanish manufacturer Industrias Sintéticas Abril and named the Captaflex. This model had a body made of Bakelite and offered the choice of three aperture settings.
  2. ↑ The Ensign Ful-Vue, at Adrian Richmond's Ensign Camera: a History.
  3. ↑ Flickr discussion post by John-Henry Collinson (Flickr user Colonel Blink) in the Camera-wiki.org group, 30 July 2015, noting some basic features of a genuine coloured Ful-Vue.


Links

Literature

  • Natkin, Marcel: Ful-Vue Guide. London and New York 1949 (2nd. edition 1951, 3rd ed. 1952., 4th ed. 1953)
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