Ensign Commando, an English made, rather robust, strut braced, self erecting camera for 12 frames 6 x 6cm or 16 4.5 x 6cm. Masking is by two hinged leaves at the focal plane. Originally issued to the British Army in 1945, hence the name, the original military versions are restricted to 6 x 6cm format, the civilian models were available from 1946. Coupled rangefinder, focusing via a turret knob on left hand top of the body which moves the focal plane in or out. The Epsilon shutter with 1/300th dates this example to the last year of production - 1949. Capable of good results. The English manufactured Epsilon shutter is not the most accurate instrument in the world, the slow speeds being a particular weak spot. However the shutter is quite easy to maintain. The lack of a focussing barrel on the Commando making the job even easier. A thorough clean of the slow speed brake and shutter mechanism usually gets them working again, but getting an accurate speed of 1 sec. is a challenge. Owing to the design of the cam ring inside the shutter, DO NOT alter the shutter speed from 1/25th to 1/10th WITH THE SHUTTER COCKED, it will protest and although it can be forced - the strain on the cam follower will be severe. Anonymous donation to the collection in 1987.

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Body No.C3993
Shutter, Epsilon, speeds B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 & 300th
Lens No.7891, Ensar anastigmat 75mm f/3.5
Condition, 5F

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