An Ensign Selfix 16-20

<p>It came with its ever ready case and even the original box, but was in rather a sorry state and I had to dismantle the Ross Express lens, clean and refocus, and remove some corrosion from the body and repaint some areas. The Epsilon shutter, which doesn't have a great reputation, worked fine. The Albada viewfinder pops up automatically when you open the camera.</p><div></div>

<p>The only thing I couldn't get working properley was the double exposure prevention, which I don't mind as when this works, a sharp spike up the middle of the shutter button sticks into the end of your finger. I'm not joking.<br>

Here are some shots on Ilford 50 ISO film at the Leicester University Botanical Garden Sculpture Exhibition.</p><div></div>

<p>I regret I didn't note the titles of these sculptures or the artist, I think this one is called "First Born". All credit to them.</p><div></div>

<p>Another one.</p><div></div>

<p>And another.</p><div></div>

<p>Last one - I've got another 16-20 Ensign with an Ensar lens which is a triplet I think - the Xpress being tessar type. Both seem to perform well. The only thing lacking is a coupled rangefinder. Thanks for looking.</p><div></div>

<p>A good sharp lens, John, and very well-graduated images. That's not a film I know, but the tones are great. And what great sculpture! Any of those pieces could find a home in my garden...There's a Selfix 16-20 coming up on our local auction and I'm keeping an eye on it; my very first camera was an Ensign Ful-Vue, but it didn't produce images of this quality. Congratulations on another fine acquisition/restoration and thanks for an interesting post.</p>

<p>Lovely camera. Looks like a Zeiss Ikonta to me.<br>

I am the proud owner of no less than 3 Ensign Selfix 20. I bought them because they are easy as hell and I needed a 120mm pocket camera. Very nice to use as street gear I am able to load a roll walking... Unfortunately my beloved Superikonta appeared in my life, but the 20s are beautiful as decoration too ;)</p>

<p>Nice "grouping" as they say on the shooting range.</p>

<p>I note that it is no "British" camera either, by gosh. "Made in England" as proud as a peacock.</p>

<p>Excellent results, John. I miss my little 16-20. They are nifty, pocketable shooters. </p>

<p>A nice set. My first camera was an Ensign 420, and I still have it. I can't say I ever got pictures as good as this though - well done indeed.</p>

Excellent camera and the original box to boot! I would've had a field day with so many interesting subjects. Great way to shoot a classic. I am never happy with this film (PanF+) when I use it.. just ..just ..too something. I can't put my finger on it. the tone graduation for me is wrong; the contrast is either too strong or not enough ..depends on the exposure of course. Anyway your work here is excellent. The lens seems quit nice. I know the name Ensign but I know little about the models etc! Great if it ever or rather never breaks.. it's all Selfix!!

<p>Thats awesome! Nice sharp, clean pictures, would like to see more from it.</p>

<p>~Jack</p>

<p>Thanks to all for the comments. Made in England - yes, it's nice to see although Made in Scotland, Wales, etc are not so common. I did feature a camera made in Ireland a while back (The Periflex) and I've somewhere got one made in Wales - a Gnome Pixie, a very basic box camera.<br>

The negatives look quite sharp and contrasty but when scanning it's been my practice to set levels, and apply a low degree of sharpening after resizing to 700 px. Hence the (hopefully) good contrast and sharpness on the screen. Thanks again.</p>

<p>Fine rendering of the sculptures, John. Nice work with the Selfix! Good scan job to boot.</p>