Houghton Ensign Cinematograph Tropen (Tropical)
The Ensign Cinematograph Tropen (Tropical) is an early hand-cranked cine camera sold under the Ensign name by the British maker Houghton. The Tropical designation refers to a body finished for use in hot, humid climates, typically with teak panels and brass fittings in place of standard leather covering.
Sales data for this model is very thin: a single UK auction record from November 2023 shows a hammer price of £900, which is the only datapoint available to gauge what the camera is worth today in 2026. Because this is a wholesale saleroom result rather than a dealer asking price, retail values for a comparable example would typically sit higher, and condition of the woodwork, brasswork and mechanism will move the price materially in either direction.
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.
Prices updated: April 2026
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | £938 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 520) Title: An Houghton Ensign Cinematograph Tropical 35mm Motion Picture Camera
Description:
1914, with Zeiss Anasrtigmat No.1 f/7.2 lens, no serial no., body, G, mechanism running, lens, VG |
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| Nov 2023 | £900 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 313) Title: An Houghton Ensign Cinematograph Tropical 35mm Motion Picture Camera
Description:
1914, with C. P. Goerz Dopp-Anastigmat Series III Dagor f/6.8 120mm lens, serial no. 177545, body, F-G, mechanism running, handle damaged, lens, VG |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Ensign Cinematograph Tropen (Tropical) worth?
Based on the single available UK auction record, one example sold for £900 hammer in 2023; with only one datapoint the true market value range cannot be stated with confidence.
How much does an Ensign Cinematograph Tropen sell for at auction?
The only recorded sale in our data is £900 at UK auction, which reflects the wholesale hammer price before buyer's premium rather than a retail price.
What affects the value and price of a Tropical-bodied Ensign cine camera?
Condition of the teak body, integrity of the brass fittings and whether the hand-crank mechanism runs smoothly are the main factors, alongside completeness of any original case or accessories.