George Houghton Classic Cameras
Midget, Ful-vue and Selfix are Loved by Collectors Everywhere
Digital cameras are rapidly taking the place of traditional roll film cameras and many of the older cameras we knew and loved are becoming must-have collectibles.
When Joseph Nicéphore Niépce took what many regard as the first photograph in 1826 few realised that photography would become not only one of the most popular hobbies but also one of the fastest changing technologies of the 21st century. Putting technology aside, it is those early cameras that are now keenly sought after by collectors.
One of Britain's earliest camera manufacturers was established in 1834 when George Houghton joined the French photographer and artist Antoine Claudet. Claudet had secured a licence from Louis Daguerre to operate the Daguerreotype process in England. Houghton continued to produce cameras until the company ceased trading in 1961. Between the wars Houghton was the largest, and most important, British manufacturer of photographic equipment. The range they are best known for is "Ensign" including the Midget, Ful-Vue and Selfix.
Yesterday's Compact - the Ensign Midget
In the mid-1930s Ensign amazed photographers with the Midget. This pocket sized folding camera measured 3" x 1¾" x 11/16", not much more than a modern digital. It was designed by Swedish engineer Magnus Niell who had originally patented it in 1918. It had a fragile folding frame finder and small bright view finder. When it finally appeared in 1934 it was heralded by a blaze of publicity. The Ensign slogan said "Wear it always…like your watch".
The Sexy Ensign Ful-Vue
Another popular camera in the Ensign range was the Ful-Vue which started life in 1939 as a black metal box camera with a huge view finder. In 1945 the Ful-Vue was re-launched with a new streamlined body. It was still a simple box camera with basic controls and a fixed aperture. The lens had three focusing positions and the shutter offered "instantaneous" and "time". Ensign's new curvaceous, but rugged, Ful-Vue became one of Britain's most popular cameras. Perhaps it was the sexy design or echoes of Art-Deco and Bauhaus that made it appeal to so many. Using 120-roll film it produced twelve 2¼" x 2¼" negatives. It was small, neat, and nice to handle. According to Ensign's publicity material the large reflex view finder provided, "a better idea than ever before of what the finished result is likely to be". In fact, it gave a "Full View" of the subject. Ensign's patented "all distance lens" allowed close-up photography down to a distance of three feet through a pull out lens mount with a simple shutter. The ruggedness of the Ful-Vue is partly due to the view finder's mirror which was not actually mirrored glass but a polished metal plate secured by two screws! This camera is widely collected and regarded by many as a design classic.
Ensign Selfix 16-20
Ensign continued to manufacture cameras into the 1950s. The Selfix 16-20 Model IV in the photograph has a F4.5/75mm Rosstar lens and used 120 or 620 film. It was often called a "semi" because it took half-size frames. This camera has its original box which makes it far more attractive to collectors.
Old cameras can be found at specialist stores, auction rooms, charity shops, swap meets or even car boot sales but it's becoming much harder to find a real bargain!
Sources:
- Classic Cameras: the Collector's Guide to Identifying, Buying and Enjoying Classic Cameras, Kate Rouse, Eagle Editions Ltd., (2002), ISBN 1861605056
- The Collector's Guide to Classic Cameras 1945-1985, John Wade, Hove Books Ltd., (1999) ISBN 1897802110
