In general shape the camera is similar to the 'Ensign Roll-film Reflex' which had a front shutter rather than a focal-plane. That model was a development of an earlier design from Butcher. This model with focal-plane shutter was mostly known as the 'Ensign Speed Film Reflex' the name of 'Focal Plane Roll-film Camera' was probably used when introduced but found to be too similar to the front shutter model.

The camera was introduced in 1928 with a choice of lenses. A tropical model, having a waxed finish rather than being lacquered, was introduced about a year later. A variant was introduced, probably the following year, with a lens interchangeable with a Dallmeyer telephoto. That model was also available in a tropical finish. Production ceased sometime around 1936.

Patent 271145 is in the names of Houghton-Butcher Mfg. Co., A.J. Dennis, W. Dockree, V.W. Edwards. Patent 280352 has the same list of names except for W. Dockree.