New Folder - Ensign Ranger Special

[hans voralberg]

I got this from the Wolverhampton camera fair this morning, not too bad I think, for £37 with leather case and instruction booklet. In exc condition too! Takes 6x9 and 6x6 with inbuilt mask.

 

[oftheherd]

Certainly looks nice enough. What is that on the inside of the rear viewfinder lens? Also, what are the two knobs for?

 

[Solinar]

Certainly looks nice enough. What is that on the inside of the rear viewfinder lens? Also, what are the two knobs for?

Those white lines are the frame lines for the Albada finder, which is a nice feature.

The left hand knob winds the film and the right hand knob is probably a depth of field scale.

 

[fidget]

the extra knob is sprung, you lift it up to load the film..like a foldex...unlike many of the other folders that have a swivel pull out film chamber

One of the things I like about the Ensigns I have, is the general engineering of them. Over-done you could say.

One hallmark of this over-engineering is the delightful "hubs" on the camera body base, secured by three screws each, for each of the reel holders. These both have a sprung centre which is pulled out (once pushed proud of the surface from the inside) and turned slightly to lock in position to change a reel/roll.
The 1620,1220 and 820 models had these, does this one not have them?


Dave...

 

[hans voralberg]

Hi Dave, I believe this is a cheaper version than the 820 and as such doesn't have that feature, the top knob can be lift up for installing new roll though, it even comes with an Ensign spool. I'll get the 820 in due time!

 

[fidget]

Hi Dave, I believe this is a cheaper version than the 820 and as such doesn't have that feature, the top knob can be lift up for installing new roll though, it even comes with an Ensign spool. I'll get the 820 in due time!

Ah! The body looks so similar to the 820's.

 

[Ernst Dinkla]

those hubs you mention are a bit like the hubs on the bottom of later super isolette, they turn to move out, very inconspicuous on the isolette, they appear just a decoration and it wouldnt be the first time that someone is caught trying to pull them out without budging until they figure out they unscrew lol

Houghton/ensign

The Iskra inhereted that system. It is a bit tricky though, when you put the rear on again after loading it should clamp the screw mechanism at the same time. Often they get unscrewed abit in that step or just before and when unnoticed light can get in. It is always my last check after loading film.

Ernst Dinkla

 

[hans voralberg]

Some sample from my first roll:

Quite good despite my non-existent distance guessing skill!.

I'm giving this camera as a Xmas gift to a relative soon, so if anyone have a Autorange 820 or Super Ikonta that they wish to sell please let me know! (UK only)