Houghton London Ensign Reflex Model B
The Houghton London Ensign Reflex Model B is a British-made single-lens reflex plate camera produced in the early twentieth century. It falls into the large-format SLR category, designed for sheet film or glass plates and aimed at serious amateur and professional users of its day.
At UK auction today, hammer prices for the Ensign Reflex Model B sit in a narrow £44–£88 band based on the limited recorded sales, with a median around £66. These are saleroom results — wholesale levels reflecting condition-sensitive demand for early British reflex plate cameras — so a clean, complete example with a working shutter and original back tends to sell for more than a shabby one.
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: March 2023
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2023 | £44 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 340) Title: A Houghton London Ensign Reflex Model B SLR Camera
Description:
black, body G, shutter working but not tested on slower speeds, ground glass & mirror appear good, without lens, (Qty: 1) |
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| Jun 2022 | £88 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 539) Title: A Houghton Ensign Folding Reflex Model B Large Format Folding SLR Camera
Description:
black, body G, some wear to leatherette covering, shutter working but second curtain slow to return, with Ross London Xpres f/4.5 136mm lens, optics (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Houghton London Ensign Reflex Model B worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices fall between £44 and £88, so current value for a typical example sits around the £60–£70 mark, with condition and completeness driving where a specific camera lands in that range.
How much does a London Ensign Reflex Model B sell for at auction?
The two verified saleroom results show the camera sells for £44 at the low end and £88 at the high end, both hammer figures before buyer's premium.
Is the Ensign Reflex Model B a good user camera?
It is collectable rather than practical — the plate format, aged bellows and lack of service support mean its price reflects display and historical value rather than day-to-day shooting use.