The Ensign Multex

Early Multex 1 from The Ensign Catalogue 1936.

Photograph of the Early model. Note the nickel fittings and chrome bezel on the lens with engraved pattern.

The Ensign multex shown here is a Model 0.

The shutter is a focal plane type but very poorly made and seldom found in working order, even after repair the speeds are never accurate. The first models were made with a black finish and nickel controls and lens mount. Very attractive. Introduced in 1936. In 1937 the Model 0 was introduced this model was finished in satin chrome. The words Ensign Multex on the front having the E of Ensign and the M of Multex picked out in red. The camera was of not very successful and was discontinued by 1938.

Technical Details

Lens: Ross Xpres f 2.9 53mm.

Shutter: Ensign Focal Plane, 1/2 second to 1/1000. (Advertised as having 1 second)

Film size: 127 (Vest Pocket size)

Picture size: 14 pictures of 1 1/4" x 1 5/8".

Top view of Multex showing the shutter speed controls, sliding slow and high speed selector and direct view finder. Next to the film advance and shutter cocking knob there is a small window for the exposure counter and a reset button.

If You have any Houghton-Butcher/Ensign cameras in your collection could you take a moment to let me have some information about them? Just visit my ONline serial number data page.

Ensign Serial number Data Project

© Copyright Adrian Richmond 1997. All rights reserved.