This website reflects my personal interests. Firstly, and primarily, I have been a collector of cameras and a researcher of photographic history for over 40 years. My prime interest being British cameras, particularly Ensign Cameras which were made by the Houghton-Butcher Manufacturing Company of Walthamstow, London E. 17. I liked it so much I acquired 'Ensign Photographic Ltd'. Mike Hanson created a company importing cameras and accessories from the far east. Mike decided his new company needed a brand name synonymous with quality. So he searched through Companies House and chose the famous British photographic brand Ensign, for his business. I subsequently wrote about his work building Ensign Photographic in the 80's for the magazine 'Photographica World' and because of my deep interest in all things Ensign he later gave me the company. In persuit of my hobby, I have travelled all over the world to research and find rare Houghton-Butcher cameras. I am also an avid photographer and aside from modern digital cameras I use these vintage cameras to explore how they worked. Additionally there is a page in Japanese 日本語 for collectors in Japan. This was translated for me by Hideki Asakura and I owe him a great debt of thanks for his kindness and help.
CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO VISIT!
An illustrated history of Houghton-Butcher.
Updated Jan 1st 2001
The story of how the Ensign brand name resurfaced in the the 1980's
Cash paid for Cameras, Accessories, Advertising.
Did you work at Houghton-Butcher Ensign?
Ensign (India) Private Limited
Information required about Ensign (India) Private Limited
A collection of photographs taken with Classic Cameras.
A collection of humorous photographic or camera related postcards.
Information on YOUR collection needed!
How to find the serial No. of your ensign camera
An illustrated guide on where to find the serial numbers on your camera, shutter and lens.
Restoration Project of old sign
A look back at Bievres 2005 in photographs
If you have any comments about these pages please mail me at:
I will continually update these pages. Many of the images here were originaly taken on film consequently the resolution could be better. Therefore, to improve the images, as time allows, I plan to update older photographs taken on film with new digital images. Last update 21/06/2026
.gif){kind=small}