Houghton Ensignette No.2 De Luxe (anastigmat)

The Ensignette No.2 De Luxe represents an early consumer foray into 35mm photography by Houghton, bridging the gap between larger formats and the eventual dominance of miniature cameras. Produced between 1912 and 1920, it utilized the 135 film format, which was nascent at the time, primarily for motion picture stock repurposed for stills. Featuring an anastigmat lens, it offered superior image quality compared to simple lenses found on many contemporary compact cameras, aiming for sharper results. The camera's design was compact for its era, likely a folding or box-style body typical of early amateur 35mm models, prioritizing portability and affordability. While Houghton had produced the original Ensignette earlier, the "De Luxe" designation suggests a slightly upgraded model, potentially with improved optics or finish, catering to the growing market for smaller, more convenient photographic equipment before the Leica revolution truly began.

This camera occupies a niche position as a significant early attempt to popularize 35mm still photography outside professional cinematography circles. Its existence demonstrates the industry's experimentation with miniature formats before Leica standardized the market. The inclusion of an anastigmat lens indicates an understanding of optical needs for sharper imagery in a smaller package, though its overall build and features were likely more utilitarian than revolutionary. It serves as an interesting artifact of the pre-Leica era, showing the pathways that led to modern 35mm photography, but its impact was overshadowed by later, more influential designs.