Ensign Midget - Antique and Vintage Cameras

Ensign Midget

Model 33

1934

Ensign Ltd

London

England

Image of Ensign Midget

Lens:
c.53 mm 'All Distance' meniscus. 2 apertures on sector.

Shutter:
Pivoted two-blade return, spring powered, speeded 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, B, T.

Construction:
Metal body, leather bellows.

Format:
6, 1 ¼" x 1 ⅝" exposures on paper backed roll-film, size E10.

Focusing:
Fixed.

Attributes:
Frame finder, brilliant view-finder on pivot for landscape or portrait.
Film-advance by red window, not coupled to shutter.

With:
Pouch.; 2 spools.

Ensign Midget

Model 22

c.1935

Ensign Ltd

London

England

Lens:
c.53 mm 'All Distance' meniscus. Fixed aperture.

Shutter:
Spring powered, sector T and I (1/25) settings, second blade for capping.

Construction:
Metal body, leather bellows.

Format:
6, 1 ¼" x 1 ⅝" exposures on paper backed roll-film, size E10.

Focusing:
Fixed.

Attributes:
Frame finder without rear post.
Film-advance by red window, not coupled to shutter.

With:
Pouch.; 2 spools, roll of exposed film.

Ensign Midget

Model 55

1934

Ensign Ltd

London

England

Lens:
f6.3, c.53 mm Ensar. Iris diaphragm to f22.

Shutter:
Pivoted two-blade return, spring powered, speeded 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, B, T.

Construction:
Metal body, leather bellows.

Format:
6, 1 ¼" x 1 ⅝" exposures on paper backed roll-film, size E10.

Focusing:
Front cell focusing to 3 feet.

Attributes:
Frame finder, brilliant view-finder on pivot for landscape or portrait.
Film-advance by red window, not coupled to shutter.

With:
Pouch.; Spool.

Silver Midget

Model S/33

1935

Ensign Ltd

London

England

Image of Silver Midget

Lens:
c.53 mm 'All Distance' meniscus. 2 apertures on sector.

Shutter:
Pivoted two-blade return, spring powered, speeded 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, B, T.

Construction:
Metal body, leather bellows.

Format:
6, 1 ¼" x 1 ⅝" exposures on paper backed roll-film, size E10.

Focusing:
Fixed.

Attributes:
Frame finder, brilliant view-finder on pivot for landscape or portrait.
Film-advance by red window, not coupled to shutter.

With:
Presentation box.; Instruction book.; 2 rolls of film in a tin, 1 labelled Ultrachrome.; Grey pouch.

The Midget was designed by Magnus Nièll and similar to the earlier Ensignette. It sold in large numbers especially the Model 33.

Some versions of the 22 have the type of finder found on the other models i.e. a hinged frame above the front standard and a rear post. Other versions, this example included, have a rear frame only.

A silver painted version was produced in 1935 for the Jubilee in both the 33 and 55 specifications these came in a presentation box. Later adverts list only the s/33 model.

The camera was sold at the following prices: model 22 - 22/-; model 33, originally called the A/d - 33/-; model 55, originally called the A/N - 55/-. When introduced the price of the 33 was 30/- and the 55, 50/-.

Accessories included:

  • Electric enlarging printer.
  • Daylight printer.
  • Electric contact printer.
  • Developing tank.
  • Developing & printing outfit.
  • Printing frame.
  • Albums.
  • Developing dish.
  • Outfit case.
  • Colour filter (model 55).
  • Tripod attachment.
  • Cable release.

References & Notes:
BP 15568/1934.; BP 117399/1917.; BJA 1935, pp. 83, 280.; BJA 1936, p. 76.; BJA 1938, p. 68.; Ensign Cat. 1934, p. 11.; Ensign Cat. 1936, p. 10.; Photography by Ensign, (c.1935), p. 6.

Illustrations:
Permutt, Collecting Old Cameras, p.139. (enlarger).

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