Ensign Multex Model 0
The Ensign Multex Model 0 is a British-made compact folding camera produced by the Ensign brand (Houghton-Butcher, London) in the late 1930s. It is the smallest body in the Multex series and was positioned as a precision-built strut-folding camera for serious amateurs.
At UK auction the Multex Model 0 is highly condition- and variant-sensitive: hammer prices (wholesale, before commission) over recent years span roughly £150 to £31,000, with a median around £600. As of 2026 a typical clean working example sells for a few hundred pounds, while one exceptional saleroom result of £31,250 in 2024 shows that rare variants or outstanding examples can be worth dramatically more than the norm.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
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| Nov 2025 | £420 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 65) Title: An Ensign Multex Model 0 Rangefinder Camera
Description:
An Ensign Multex Model 0 Rangefinder Camera, serial no H 21385, shutter working in fast speeds, very sluggish in slow speeds, no dual image visable |
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| Sep 2024 | £200 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 143) Title: An Ensign Multex Model 0 Rangefinder Camera Body
Description:
black, serial number H21782, body F-G, shutter works but speeds not accurate, no lens. |
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| Sep 2024 | £162 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 144) Title: An Ensign Multex Model 0 Rangefinder Camera Body
Description:
black, serial number H21067, body F-G, shutter not working, no lens. |
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| May 2024 | £31,250 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 240) Title: An Ensign Multex Model 0 Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1937-38, chrome, serial no. H21317, with Ross Xpres f/1.9 53mm lens, chrome, serial no. 139354, body, G-VG, shutter working, infinity pin replaced, |
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| Jun 2022 | EUR 4,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 40 (Lot AI_40_40302) Title: Ensign Multex Model 0 with Ross Xpress 2.9/53mm
Description:
Uncommon British camera with coupled rangefinder, for 14 exposures 3x4cm on 127 film, in very good cosmetic condition, with Ross Xpres 2.9/53mm no.139516, very good lenses, with original front lens cap and ever ready case Estimate: EUR 5,200 - EUR 5,600 |
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| Jun 2017 | EUR 600 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35189) Title: Ensign Multex Model 0
Description:
uncommon British camera with coupled rangefinder, for 14 exposures 3x4cm on 127 film, with Multar Anast. 3.5/50mm no.140616, everready case, in excellent condition Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| May 2000 | £152 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Magic Lanterns, Optical Toys and Cameras (Lot 399) Title: Ensign Multex model.O no. H21572
Description:
Ensign Multex model.O no. H21572 Estimate: £25 - £200 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Ensign Multex Model 0 worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer prices range from about £150 to £31,000, with a median near £600, so a typical clean example is worth a few hundred pounds while exceptional examples can fetch far more.
How much does an Ensign Multex Model 0 sell for at auction?
Most examples sell for between roughly £150 and £600 at UK auction, though one outlier sale reached £31,250 in 2024, indicating that rarity and condition can push the price well above the typical range.
Is the Ensign Multex Model 0 a good collector's camera?
It appeals to collectors of British interwar folding cameras, and its value depends heavily on bellows integrity, shutter accuracy and overall cosmetic condition.
Why do prices for the Multex Model 0 vary so much?
The wide price spread reflects differences in lens and shutter fitment, working condition, and rarity of certain variants, all of which strongly affect what the camera sells for.