Houghton Butcher Ensign 2 1/4B. Help!?!

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stellarbeam

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Jessica
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I just got this camera today (an ebay purchase) but alas I cannot find any sort of manual, or instructions online.

I'm not used to box cameras and I don't know which twiddly bit is which. Also when I tried to undo the back there seemed to be yellow backing paper there so I very quickly closed it back up. Would there be anything inside this camera that is yellow that wouldn't be film? I don't know how to wind it on or anything like that.

Any help much appreciated. Here is the ebay pic:

f752_1.JPG

(It's actually black)
 
Old Timer Cameras is worth a try:

http://www.oldtimercameras.com

Just out of curiosity, I've tried looking it up and there are 2 types listed on their website, Houghton Butcher Box Ensign 2 1/4 B and the Speed Ensign.

Click on FAQ and then select Houghton Butcher, then type in the model you have. They will make a charge however.

Hope this helps.
 
Ive breifly twiddled around with this camera before (took one shot on someone elses!)

that does sound as if there is a film in it (120mm if I am correct!) if you opened it in the light it probably means that almost the whole film has now been exposed to light, but it might not be too much damage! if you wind it onto the spool (using the crank in the pic I think) you should be able to get it out of the camera safely (when opening again just do it in pitch black!)

then its the usual thing with the next film you put in- you need an empty spool (should be one in the camera) and the film. pull backing paper over the "light exposed area" and then onto the empty spool. Its a bit fiddly on old cameras like this I find, so do it in the dark first... then all you have to do is wind on the film until there is a "1" in a window somewhere, or just estimate -there is a certain no. of times to twist the crank to get the right frame advance.. cant remember though!

I have no idea about the shutter speed etc, that was all done for me, I just pointed and shot! -but some cameras like this only have certain shutter speeds and no way to change the apperture(or just one or two settings) so you might have to use a specific film ISO to the brightness that you will be shooting in... all too confusing for me:lol:

have fun and good luck though, I do like a muck-about with an old camera like this!
 
Thank you both.

I'm hoping I've not completely wrecked the film. I was opening the back v.slowly and as soon as I saw a glimpse of yellow I quickly shut it so fingers crossed.

The crank winds freely and doesn't seem to be turning the film at all (which is why I didn't realise there was anything in it)

It seems to have 2 shutter speeds. One is like a bulb setting and the other I'm not sure, but I'd guess at about 1/30. I can't seem to fathom out anything for apertures so it may be that it isn't adjustable.

Sadly the above link isn't working at the moment, but I'll have a look again later. Google is being unusually unhelpful today, so I'm going to go and see what I can find on flickr.
 
I'm not getting through to it either at the moment. It was fine this morning, so it should work OK later.
 
It would be interesting to see what's on the film.
If you process it yourself, develop it for 50% longer than you would do a fresh film.
 
Steve Smith said:
You're almost correct. It may be 120 film, not 120mm. 120 is the film size reference number, not its dimension.


Steve.
Click to expand...


I know! my silly mistake, ive spent the day doing technical drawings, been writing "mm" after every number :lol:
 
If it's B&W I'll dev it myself, if it's colour I'll take it to a lab.

I still can't get the winding thingy to turn the film. There is a shop in town that specialises in film cameras so I'm hoping they'll be able to advise me on this one.

I'll let you know how I get on. It'll be next weekend before I can take it into town...urgh I hate being patient!
 
I very much doubt that any camera of that age had an interlock. so I suggest the winder is just stuck.

You should be able to get the film out in total darkness or a changing bag.
I have one and live in saddleworth. If you pm me, may be we could meet up. and I could get it out.

You should not have spoilt more than two exposures by opening it as unlike 35mm the backing paper protects the film.

It actually looks from the picture that the film winder is partially pulled out. this could make it stick, but it might be difficult to get it to line back up with the slot in the film spool.
 
Thank you :)

I'm planning on buying a changing bag on Tuesday (it's the last thing I need to start home dev'ing) If I struggle (or chicken out) I'll give you a PM.
 
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