Houghton's Film Envelope system was introduced in 1905. Cut-film, made by Austin Edwards, was held in envelopes, an adapter held the envelope firmly to the film plane. The draw-slide of the adapter engaged the cover of the envelope, when the draw-slide was pulled out the film was uncovered.

The first model was for cut-film only and finished in polished wood, either mahogany or teak.

In 1907 the adapter was redesigned to include a spring-mounted focusing screen, either cut-film or plates could then be used. This introduced the models B, C and D.

The first model continued to be sold, renamed model A, without a focusing screen. It could now take plates though in different envelopes to the B and C. A separate focusing screen could be purchased.

The model B was made of wood for cameras taking wooden slides, the model C, made of metal, was for cameras taking single metal slides. Both were leather covered. The model D had a tropical finish of brass bound teak, in other respects it was similar to the model B.

The envelopes could be reloaded with ordinary cut-film.

The adapter is probably based on the patents listed which are in the name of Wishart.