Houghton Ensign Roll Film Reflex (2 1/4 B, vertical)

The Ensign Roll Film Reflex (2 1/4 B, vertical) represents an early and significant attempt by British manufacturer Houghton to enter the burgeoning 35mm still photography market in 1920. Designed as a reflex camera, it featured a waist-level viewfinder system, which allowed the user to compose the image directly through the lens via a ground glass screen – a feature offering a significant advantage over simpler finder systems prevalent at the time. Utilizing 35mm film (format 135) but designated as "2 1/4 B," it likely targeted images roughly 2 1/4 inches square, reflecting common roll film sizes of the era while being housed in a compact format. Constructed with a metal body typical of the period, the camera offered a straightforward mechanical design aimed at photographers seeking a more portable alternative to larger plate or sheet film cameras, contributing to the ongoing transition towards smaller, more practical photographic tools. While not achieving the widespread acclaim or innovation of later iconic models, its introduction in 1920 places it among the earliest commercially available 35mm roll film reflex cameras, marking a notable step in camera miniaturization.