Film cameras
ENSIGN Speed Film Reflex Camera User manual
User manual for ENSIGN Speed Film Reflex Camera. 24 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Ensign
- Model / document
- ENSIGN Speed Film Reflex Camera
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 24
- File size
- 5.4 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 1 · Read text
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ENSICN
SPEED Flll'l
REFLEX CA]'IERA
wwv
Made in Great Britain
ENSIGN, LtMITED,
LONDON, ENGLANDView original page 1Page 3 · Read text
Inslruclions for Using
lhe
ENSIGN
Speed Roll Film
Reflex Camera
Patent -Atrar. .'-
Englisb Nos. z7tr45, z8o35z.
U.S.A. I\0. r7o9872.
Cerruan No. 486989.
a
Before loading the camera with film it is always
advisable to study the various actions with the
illustrations and simple directions. Even to those
who have never previously handled a Reflex
Camera, it will prove quite easy to operate the
ENSIGN SPEED ROLL FILM REFLEX
successfully at the first attempt.View original page 3Page 4 · Read text
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Open the Hood
Press the nickelled stud in the front of the hood
the hood cover will frame (Illttstratiott I ) and
Digitally signed by mike butkus
cn=mike butkus,mike DN:o=orphancameras, ou=29,
email=mike@butkus.org, c=US
Date: 2020.05.17 10:56:23 -04'00'butkus
spring up automaticallv ; the hood is provided
with internal springs to erect it, and also with
spring stretchers in the mouth, to hold it open
for conrfortably viewing the picture on the screen.
Focus the Picture
Raise the protecting cover and sky-shade L'
(Illustrations I and 2) and set the mirror-indicator
I (I llustration 4) to " Inst. " On looking down
into the hood you will see on the ground-glass
screen the full-sized picture exactly as you will
take it.View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
Convenient to Hold
The size, shape and placing of the various
actions give a convenient grasp of the carnera.
I llustrotion, 3 shows thc right h-and holding the
camera with forefinger in position over the shutter
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release button B, the left hand supporting the
camera with thumb and forefinger operating the
focussing knob F.
Half a turn of this knob will move the lens
through all positions of focus, from Infinity to a
close-up portrait. The exact sharpness of the
principal planes of the subject may be seen on
the screen. A scale of distances is engraved on a
plate around this knob, which can be used alter-
natively if desired.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
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Wind the Shutter
Refore an ex-
posure can be
made it is
necessary to
wind or " set "
the shutter. In
this camera it
is the " H-B
Focal Plane, "
consisting of a
pair of blinds of
rubber- coated
fabric rvorking
close to the sur-
face of the film
and conse-
quently having
a greater effici-
ency of expo-
sure, especially at higher speeds.
The " H-B Focal Plane " shutter gives a range
of ll25th, ll40th, l/50th, ll75th, lll25th, li250th
and'l/500th of a second Instantaneotls speeds, as
well as Time exposure. These are all controlled
by the nickelled pointer and knob working it _"
semi-circular slot below the shutter winding knob
necessary (Illustration 4). In operation it is first
to decide what speed is to be used according to
the conditions of light and speed of movement
in the subject, then lift up the knob and move it
around until the pointer faces the speed desired.
On releasing the knob, it will be retained there
until it is again required to alter the speed. Re-
peated exposures on similar subjects requiring theView original page 6Page 7 · Read text
same exposure do not call for the speed-control
knob to be touched again.
Then wind the shutter by turning the large
milled-edge knob in a left-hand direction ("t
indicated by an arrow engraved on it) until a
definite stop is reached.
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Time Exposures' 9t.pshot " or
exposure If an Instantaneous (or " Snapsh ot " )is to be given, the mirror-indicator (1, Illuslration
4) must be'set facing the word " Inst.", but if
the shutter control knob is set to " T " for a Time
exposure, the mirror-indicator must also face the
word " Time." The purpose of this is to hold up
the reflecting mirror while the shutter blinds
remain open for the Time exposure, and to enable
the release button to be pressed twice (for opening
and cl_osing the blind) rvithout the mirror falling
as it does for Instantaneous exposures.
If it is desired to view the picture on the screen,
5View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
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and the next exposure is to be a Time one, place
the mirror-indicitor to " Inst.," and the 'tirror thenwill occupy the viewing position - agail :
place tne inAicator back tb Tirne so that the mirror
iryitt U. held up when the sncceeding Time exposure
is made.
Cable Release
An alternative method of rcleasing the shutter
;is to use the Ensign flexible r,vire cable release
this requires the fitting of a special hin-ged bracket
over the release button, and the cable release is
screwed into this bracket as shown in lllustration
release isl. It should be noted that the flexible order'an extra fitment, and is only supplied to
Loading with Film
When Th.." simple movements are fully under- -load tp--o^o^lstood, proceed to the camera with ? of. 2[x b+ film. Aty make u'ill fit, but Ensign E20
is recommended.
I
:, N_oS ,, - i. ,..,. .^
Turn the camera over and pull back the sunk
catch (see Illrtstration 5) and open the lower section
6View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
No.6
...-. _,..*:.. ... ..**,J
of the camera, exposing the interior : at the front
oil either side of the lens are the spool brackets
whiclr are hinged to lift up (P, Illustration 6).
Thcse brackets have bearing studs S on which
)o
the spool bobbins turn, and on the winder side
an ernpty bobbin will be found. Raise the bracket
on thc sidt: oltpositt' to the winder and insert the
new spool of filnr (lllwstration 7), shut down theView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
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bracket to engage the spool, break the paper seal
and lead the - paper strip right round inner -th"box of the camera, over both the nickelled rollers
(R, Illustration 6), and insert the cnd in the saw-
(Illu,stration B). Noteiut in the emptv bobbin
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that the saw-cut is wider on one side than on the
other, to suit the tapered end of the paper : now
give a few turns to the winder (W, Illwstration 2)
to tighten the first few turns, and make sure that
the paper is centred nicely between the. flanges
of the spool : if it is not, press it gently sideways
to correct it.
The Reason for Better Definition
While the camera is open, notice the Ensign
register plate (Patent 280352) which ensures the
flaltness of tne film during exposure. This is con-
trolled by lever forming the hinggd covgr-plate
the filmto the sight " aperture, through _whichnumbers aie seen (Illustration 9). When this coverView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
is lifted to see the numbers, the spring pressure is automatically withdrawn, and it is iestored when the cover is shut down for exposing. As soon as the paper is nicely started, close the game.ra (make sure that the catih is fully secured). Continue the winding whilst observing through the rubv window : first a warning sign wtill appeir, a row of dots or arrows, sometimes a hand pointing. Soon the figure I will appear, close the sigh't aperture plate, and the camera is ready for [fre first exposure to be made. After exposing on No. I it is best to windimmediately to No. 2. Make it a rule to do this automatically, and avoid blank films or double exPosures.View original page 11
Page 12 · Read text
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Remove the Spool
After No. B has been exposed, continue to wind
until the end of the paper is seen to pass the rubrv
catch may then be undone and thewindow ; thecamera opened. The full spool will be on the
winding side, of course, and the hinged bracket
must be raised to allow the spool to be lifted out,
taking care to hold it so that it does not become
loose and allorv the light to penetrate : then secure
it with the " Exposed " label,. ancl put it away
out of the light until ready for development
Transfer the empty bobbin from the other side
to the winder side, the end with the slot engaging
with the winder kev, and the camera is ready for
reloading.,
,lt
NOTE.-Do not load or unload in full sun-
light if you can avoid it. A film may be
fogged in 1/1000th of a second bqfot'e or atter
it has received an exposure, therefore $et in-
doors if you can, or at least in the shadow. I
Always raise the si$ht aperture plate before
winding the film and lower immediately Iafterwards.
Close Hood Carefully
A little care in closing the hood of the camera
will greatly prolong its period of efficiency, and the
three illustrations, taken in conjunction with the
three diagrams, show the best method of doing
l0View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
this. \\rith the lens towards you, grip the top
section just belor,v the mouth and press the
stretchers inwards with
the forefingers, then
flatten the top section
r,vitlr the thumbs (Illus-
tration l0). Apply slight
pressure at the points
marked with arrows orr
the Di,agrant, A, then
bring the top section
right down on to the
I
bottonr, as shown in
I llustratiott, I 1.
IF Now press in the
bottonr section (Dia-
gratn B) and the whole
hood is folded down in
tlrree yDiagratn, C) and
the cover-plate may be
shut down over it.I
!
Dingrunt.l Diagrant Li Diagratn C
1lView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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Lenses and Diaphragm Stops
To get the best from the very fine Anastigmat
lenses fitted to the Ensign Spee l F ilm Reflex
Camera, some examination of their working should
be made. The diaphragm stops are operated by
turning the front cell of the lens, some makes being
provided with pins for this purpose. It should be
remembered that the depth of focus of a lens
depends on the aperture, and that the area in
which objects will be sharp, increases in proportion
as the aperture decreases. With large aperture
lenses such as are fitted to the Ensign SpeeC trilm tReflex Camera, correct focussing is very necessary,
particularly when the large apertures are being 1
used. .
The following will serve as an approximateguide :- I
F t3 4 or F/4 5 ul?fli-frtj ":ffi;3#, it" *tJxI'Ji;To,"l',',
t?1" : portraits
:xtr, .Ti.:T i?n31, ;""i'f"% .
F/5.6 or F/6.3 General subjects in moderate light :
of. I 17 St}:r of a second in brilliant t
fft?:"t"t {F/8 ... General subjects in a good light and 1/50th
of a second in brilliant light.
F/r l General subjects in a good light, particu-
larly where " depth " is required : ex- f posures up to I l25th of a second in briliiant
light.
!'/ l6 Brightly lit subjects where " depth " is
required, and for exposures up to I l25th of a second in very briiliant sunshine
(seaside ).
Use srnaller apertures for " time " exposures
only.
t2View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
Additional Accessories
DI RECT-YISION VI Evv. FINDER
An optical Direct-vision view-finder (I llustra-
tion l3), consisting of a negative lens in a folding
L
?
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frame and a folding back-sight, can be fitted. It
will be found very useful in situations where itI is difficult to view the subject in the reflex view-
finder, or where the eye-level view-point inrproves
the perspective and reduces excess foreground.t.
It may also be used in conjunction with thei
reflex view-finder, using the latter for focussing
only, and the direct finder for taking the picture.
When used in conjunction with the engraved
focussing scale on the camera, the camera becomes
a practical focal-plane roll fihn camera, suitable
for Press work, sports photography, etc.
l3View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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Thc Direct-vision vicrv-finder is st_r urountcd that
it is equallv convenient for both lrorizontal and
vertical pictures, as seell in Illustrotioits l-l and 15.
Flexible Wire Release
'fhc Ilnsign flesible rvirc rclease can be Iittcd
to thc calnerA, bv thc ust: of a hinged brackct
rvhich is screrved to the front t-rf the cAr]lcra, near
tlte release button, and into which the w'ire rclease
is screu'ed for action. It will be found r.er)' useful,
particularly when Tinre c\posures har-e to bc given
for its use considerablv rcduccs the risk of shaking
tlrc carrrera when exposing. (See Illttstratiort, l.)
[.-zless ordered of titrte of fiurclmse, the cotttern
,.1' llte trttrst lte retttrnetl lo the nroliers frtr the _fil/ittt
slt tttlc/ /0lettse,tli ret:l-z'i sit,tt i'i ezt-fi nder u ttd .flerible
t4View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
Special Instructions for usrng
Ensign Speed Roll Film Reflex
Telephoto Outfits
I
I Remove standard tr/4.5 lens by unscrewing from
I its flange. Fit Telephoto lens to the flange, taking
I great care not to cross the threads. The bestL
method is to turn the lens backr,vards first. until
the thread connects.
After making sure that the Telephoto lens is
screwed down as far as possible, the Infinity
? position (marked on the focussing scale round the
focussing knob) is correct for Teiephoto as rvell
as standard Ir/1.5 lens.
At'l For nearer distances, however, focussing with
the Telephoto lens must be done on the focussing
screen. (The marks on the scale are for the standard
tr14.5 lens onlv.)
It is not possible to use the Telcnhoto lens at a
nearer distance than six yards.
15View original page 17Page 19 · Read text
PICTURE COMPOSITION
Anybody with ordinary common sense can take
a photograph, but it is not everyone who without a
thought can " make a picture." We have only to
look at pictures produced by serious workers
to know that photography as a means of producing
pictures is anyffiing but automatic and mechanical.
We often hear our friends, the budding and would-
be artists, denottncing with all the vigour of their i. ignorance the lack of real art in photography, and
I
Ai
T
No. l.
I that a camera is a thing without a soul. So is
I
the palette and brush before the'soul gets behind
gets its soul it. It is the same with a camera ; it
from the photographer. As we see the painter's
masterpiece and the wooden, stiff photograph, so
also do we see the beautiful photograph and the
wooden soulless painting. In other words, ttre
brush or the camera is only the outlet for the
artist's inspiration, be he painter or humble
l7View original page 19Page 21 · Read text
In No. 2 the composition of the picture is very
much improved by a slight alteration in the pos-
ition of the camera.
In No. 3, also, there is too much foreground-
the subject lo.ses in importance beca'f,se there is
not sufficient distance be-
tween the placing of the
principal elements of the
subiect, a tree and a house.
I
I In No. 4 a change in the
Ia position of the camera gives
what is obviously a better
balance to the r,vhole picture.
As regards lighting effect,
this is most important and
has a great effect on the
photograph. Heavy
shadows should be avoided
as far as possible. Nc.4.
Portraits and Groot,ps.-As everyone knows,
snapshot portraits are nearly always more pleasing
and truer to life than the studio type, and much
can be done by the enterprising arnateur in obtain-
ing striking likenesses. Ary attempt at posing is
to be avoidecl; a little patience, d.iscrimination
as regards the best moment, and study of the
lighting conditions prevailing, will generally repay
the photographer with the admiration the re-
sulting portrait receives
l9View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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.. CHART MOVEMENT ''
The speed of exposure necessary to " arrest
motion " in a moving object (as distinct from that
needed to expose the film adequately under the
conditions prevailing) may be given approxi-
mately as follows :
The {igures under column A should be used
when the object is moving directly towards the
camera, under column B for objects moving
obliquely, either towards or away from the camera,
under column C for objects moving directly across
in either direction.
Distance of Object,20 feet,
unless otherwise stated. C.
Pedestrians
(3 miles per hour) l /60th r /90th ' Pedestrians
(4 miles per hour) 1/4Oth l /8Oth I lr2Oth
Vehicles
(6 miles per hour) l /120th r /l80th
Vehicles
(8 miles per hour) l /l50th l /25Oth
Foot races and sports 1/500th l /700th' Diving 1/600th 1/800th
Cycle racing, horse
galloping r /7s0th r/900th
Ships (10 knots per
1 /l80th hour) at 50 feet l /l20th Ships (20 knots per
hour) at 50 feet I lr20th I l240th l/360th
Trains (30 miles per
hour) at 50 feet r /r sOth l/300th 1/450th
Trains (60 miles per
hour). at 50 feet l i600th l /900th
Reprodaced, from the " Wellcome" Photographic Qxposure Calcuiatot, tldnd.book and, Diary by permission of Burrougtts \4 ellcome & Co.
20View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
+-:- € <>**t
All Ensign Cameras have
a certificate of guarantee.
lf for any reason you r
camera is not doing as
ffi well as you th in k it
s hou ld, as k about it-.
either of the dealer froms whom you bought the
camera or direct of us.P
We are here to make
a# you r photography
pleasu re- not a wo rry " fr-
Don't be satisfied ti ll
you get eight good f€-
su lts from eve ry fi lm.
ENSIGN, LIMITED
$ 'High Holborn,L?ndon, w.c.f
F
ffi' +++,+.-+..lView original page 23From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
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