Duo-Ensign

c. 1930

2 ¼ size

Houghton-Butcher (Great Britain) Ltd

London

England

Lens:

Meniscus. Three stops on sliding plate.

Shutter:

Sector, T & I settings.

Construction:

Cardboard / metal covered in leatherette.

Format:

8, 2 ¼" x 3 ¼" exposures on 2 ¼B (120) roll-film.

Focusing:

Separate portrait lens on sliding plate.

Attributes:

Two reflecting view-finders, frame finder. Film advance indicated by red window. The pressure plate is retracted as the cover to the red window is raised. Tripod socket.

The Duo was introduced in 1930 or a little before, it was produced in two sizes, 2 ¼" x 3 ¼" and 2 ½" x 4 ¼" exposures. It was available in black, blue and red finishes. Houghton produced a range of box cameras, there does not seem to have been a particular niche for the Duo and it did not sell as well as other models.

References & Notes:

BP 280352/1926. Ensign Cat. 1931, p. 3. Ensign Cat. 1932, p. 6.

Company Details:

Houghton-Butcher

Early Photography