Houghton Butcher May Fair Medium Format Folding Camera. Great As A Prop Or For Experimental Photography

What a gorgeous specimen of true vintage medium format photography! This has been fully cleaned and tested. The bellows are all intact with no light leakage. Lens is clear enough to use. If you are looking to get into experimental photography or want to add to your existing collection this is for you.

Case has seen better days but we feel it really adds to the feel of the camera. strap could be fixed with some tlc.
Great as a stage prop or to add to you working collection of antique cameras.

The May Fair De Lux camera was made by the Houghton-Butcher Manufacturing Co Ltd. for the Ardath company. “May Fair” was a cigarette brand name and this camera was given away as a premium item in return for cigarette coupons. This camera can be seen in several of the Ardath premium gift catalogues in the early 1930s. It is basically an Ensign Carbine No.3 with a different lens/shutter combination.

This folding bed camera is finished in black imitation leather on the sides but has a black ‘crackle’ paint finish on the inner face of the folding baseboard. The camera has an attractive faceplate design around the lens, based upon a stylised eye.
As with all antique cameras, it is very difficult to completely guarantee it’s condition. However, it fires nicely, the view finder is clear, all apertures step down and there is no light leakage from the bellows.

We always have stock waiting to go on so if you are looking for something in particular please ask we can often help.
Al items are carefully checked, cleaned serviced so the item reaches you in the best possible condition. Please note that items of this age often have the odd mark and these are shown in the photos or in the description and they often add to the charm. You have 30 days to check the item yourself and if there is anything you are not happy with you can return for a replacement, repair or refund.
We check our cameras and use a laser shutters speed tester to check accuracy, light seals and mirror cushions are replaced. the camera is checked for light leaks and lubricated and adjusted prior to shipping on older cameras this may take a day or two but we will keep you updated
After sales help and advice is included with every purchase, we also run workshops and online tutorials. Contact us for more information. We are not just a camera shop! If you have any questions please ask.