The Ensign Popular Reflex was introduced around 1915, and is mostly found in a leather finish, the tropical model followed in around 1922. Oddly Houghtons decided to manufacture their tropical reflex based on the Ensign Popular Reflex rather that the De luxe model. Lenses fitted ranged from an f4.5 Aldis to an f2.7 Tessar, Dallon and Teleross telephoto lenses were available.

A camera with this lens cost £31.10.0. The shipping label attached to the case shows the camera travelled in an Elder Dempster ship. The line traded between England and West Africa. The first class State room was in the name of J.R. Walther (John Rodolphe Walther made two round trips to Lagos between 1928 and 1931).

Houghtons changed the layout of the controls (release lever etc.) of the Popular Reflex around 1928. The finish of the tropical model also changed to a light wax finish from the earlier high gloss lacquer. Some of the fittings e.g. focusing back, are very similar to those on the Sanderson cameras. The shutter is of simple design but works well. Only one dial is used to set the speed and tension the shutter. After exposure the mirror returns to the down position.

C.S.& E. sold a number of different reflex cameras under the Salex name. This camera was made for them by Houghtons. It appeared first under the Ensign name around 1915, called the Ensign Popular Reflex. Mostly found in a leather finish but tropical model Ensigns as well as Salex models were made.