This is a development of an earlier camera by Butcher.

The Tropical version of the camera was added in the late 1920s, the finish was advertised as 'waxed' this applied to some (?early) models but this example is lacquered. The focusing hood and light-trap surrounding the lens are of Russia leather. Around 1931 the retaining catch to the body changed from a circular shape to a flat plate as on this example. Several lenses were available including: f6.3 Ross (early models); f6.3 Uno; f7.7 Uno; f4.5 Dallmeyer, (from c. 1930).

The patents describe the camera in detail, in particular the mirror, shutter arrangement and the sliding extension to the mirror. The price was £6.0.0. Production ceased around 1933.

The origin of this camera is Butcher's Reflex Carbine, introduced around 1924, and fitted with an f7.7 Aldis Uno lens. Following the merger with Houghton the camera was updated and known as the Ensign or Carbine Roll Film Reflex 2 ¼B, the Carbine version was fitted with either an f6.3 or f7.7 Aldis Uno lens, the Ensign version was fitted with a Ross Anastigmat. One of the improvements made was the fitting of a much deeper focusing hood. By 1931 the Carbine name had been dropped and all models were called Ensign, the Ross lens seems to have been dropped in favour of one by Dallmeyer working at f4.5. Shortly after this the leather covered model was ended.