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This is an Ensign Midget 33 strut folding miniature camera produced by Houghton Butcher in London between 1934 and 1941. This was one of a series of miniature cameras produced by this manufacturer in the years immediately before WW2 and was named after its price at that time – 33 shillings (1.65). The camera is in excellent cosmetic condition and is generally in good working order with one or two minor operational issues – see below. It comes with its original slip case. Cosmetic Condition (to be read in conjunction with the photos)This camera is in excellent condition throughout. The faceplate is largely unmarked and the black crackle paint finish is equally good. There is a small amount of paint loss on support for the viewfinder and the usual rubbing of the paintwork around the lens. The bellows are in excellent condition. Operational ConditionThe camera is in good working order. The strut folding mechanism works as it should but one of the top struts needs manually clicking into place to make the faceplate rigid. The struts tend to fold back into the wrong position when collapsing the camera and need manually guiding into the correct position to fold away correctly. The shutter fires on all settings. The timing feels right although this will need to be checked. The diaphragm operates smoothly on its two settings. The lens is clean and appears to be fungus free. The simple flip out viewfinder would benefit from a clean and the secondary wire frame finder is missing its top element. Closed dimensions are 2 x 4.5 x 9cm and the camera weighs just 150g.
The camera comes with its original slip case which is in very good condition.
Overall, this is a very rare and attractive little camera in very good condition for its age. It has not been tested with film and as with any camera of this age it would benefit from a mechanical service and internal clean. I check all lenses for fungus as best I can, but do not guarantee that any lens is entirely fungus free. I recommend having the lens professionally cleaned if you intend to use this camera. Due to the age of this camera it is being sold as seen without warranty. The camera will be sent fully insured by Royal Mail 2nd Class Signed For service.
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Category: Cameras and Photography:Vintage Photography:Vintage Cameras:Folding Cameras
Location: Basingstoke