Ensign Multex Model I
The Ensign Multex Model I is a British-made compact rangefinder camera for 35mm film, introduced by Houghton-Butcher in the late 1930s. It was positioned as a high-end precision instrument, competing with German rangefinders of the period.
At UK auction the Multex Model I is a scarce camera, with hammer prices for the two recorded sales sitting between £2,300 and £3,800 (median around £3,100). As of 2026 it remains a collector-only item where condition, completeness of original lens and rangefinder function strongly affect what each example sells for, so values quoted here reflect wholesale saleroom levels rather than dealer retail prices.
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Based on 4 recorded sales — indicative only.
Most recent sale: November 2025.
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Nov 2025 | £2,300 | £2,300 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 64) Title: An Ensign Multex Model I Rangefinder Camera
Description:
An Ensign Multex Model I Rangefinder Camera, serial no H 2466, shutter working, shutter curtian not fully closing when cocked, rangefinder working, |
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| Jun 2022 | EUR 3,800 | £3,259 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 40 (Lot AI_40_40202) Title: Ensign Multex Model I
Description:
rare medium format camera for 14 exposures on 127 film, in fine condition, partially repainted, with rangefinder-coupled interchangeable proprietary M42 mount lens, with nickel Multar 3.5/5cm (cond. C), shutter needs attention Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 900 |
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| Jun 2021 | EUR 2,000 | £1,717 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 38 (Lot AI_38_39244) Title: Ensign Multex I
Description:
the only known example of Multex I camera, the camera has been announced, but never produced, it is a medium format camera for 14 exposures on 127 film, it is rangefinder-coupled and the lens is interchangeable (equipped with proprietary M42 mount), with a rangefinder coupling via a cam similar to the Leica, comes with a matching Tessar 2.8/5cm no.1982345 Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 5,000 |
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| Jul 2016 | £1,300 | £1,300 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive) | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica Including The Mike Simkin Magic Lantern Collection Thursday 7th July 2016 at 10:00 (Lot 500) Title: An Ensign Multex I Rangefinder Camera
Description:
An Ensign Multex I Rangefinder Camera, black, with Ensign Multar f/3.5 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 140382, body, G-VG, shutter working, speeds inaccurate, lens, G-VG, some light internal haze, complete with maker's cap and case; Only other known example sold at WestLicht Photographica Auction for £1,475 November 2003 Estimate: £1,000 - £1,500 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Ensign Multex Model I worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices sit between £2,300 and £3,800, giving a working value guide of roughly £2,300–£3,800 depending on condition and completeness.
How much does an Ensign Multex Model I sell for at auction?
The two tracked UK auction sales sold for £2,300 in 2025 and £3,800 in 2022, both hammer prices excluding buyer's premium.
Why does the price vary so much?
With only a handful of sales recorded, each result is heavily influenced by cosmetic condition, mechanical function and whether the original lens is present, so the range reflects individual examples rather than a settled market value.