The Fulvueflex Synchroflash

Fulvueflex Synchroflash

The Fulvueflex Synchroflash was the last of the Ful-Vue models and a huge departure from its predecessors.  Released in 1957, this camera really flew in the face of what Ensign stood for - good build quality with excellent lenses.  Conceptually, it wasn't very different from the Super.  It was a pseudo TLR with flash sockets and a flip up hood to shield the viewfinder.  Unlike the Super, it took 120 film, didn't have a tripod bush, ruby window shield, or a three-point focusing mount. 

Fulvueflex viewfinder hood

Fulvueflex back

One of the major differences, however, was the build quality.  The body of the camera was made of polystyrene and the lenses, too, were plastic.  Not all Fulvueflexes bear the Ross Ensign name.  Some, unlike mine (pictured), bear the name Ensign India and were manufactured by Ensign (India) Ltd in Delhi.*

Source: http://www.ensign.demon.co.uk/ensign%20india.htm

A preview of the camera was announced in The Chemist and Druggist in March 1957.  It seems the camera was on display at a photo fair in April of that year:

The Chemist and Druggist, March 9th 1957

"What's all the rush about?

They're off to see their local dealer.

Every photographer today is wise to the importance of a first class lens on his camera. A fact which makes it easier to sell a Ross Ensign camera than any other, and one which will bring an unprecedented number of visitors straight from the Fair to your shop to buy the camera of their choice fitted with the best lens in the world.

But spare time to visit the Ross Stand yourself where you will find promise of even more exciting things to come. New Ross Ensign colour cameras and slide projectors, a new precision enlarger and a fine new series of inexpensive enlarging lenses.

See the new wide screen CinemaScope lenses for 35 mm still and 16 mm cine projection and the latest in low price Ross binoculars. And whatever you do, don't miss the pre-view of the new Ful-Vue – the FULVUEFLEX. It's brand new right through with a fully supporting range of profitable accessory lines. Stand 39. Photo Fair, April 11-17." p.9

Shutter release

The wide list of accessories that complimented the camera were advertised in the same publication in May 1957. As there was no focusing mount a separate portrait lens was required for close up shots. 

May 4th 1957

"There were several new models in the camera range of Ross Ensign Ltd., 3 Clapham Common North Side, London, SW4. A simplified and restyled version of the well-known Ful-Vue – the FULVUEFLEX – has a fixed-focus lens, large reflex view-finder with hinged hood and ever-set flash contacted shutter. It takes twelve exposures on 120-size roll film and at its price (£2 14s 11d) is likely to prove popular. A full range of accessories includes capacitor flash unit (£1 12s 6d), ever-ready case (15s 4d), lens hood (2s 5d), yellow filter (6s 11d), portrait lens (8s 4d) and folding direct-vision view-finder (14 7d)." p.487

Astaross lens and threaded mount

Another advert appeared in the same publication in August.  Interestingly it seems to suggest that the plastic Astaross lens supplied on the camera was one of its main selling points. 

August 10th, 1957 

"Give your Till a gold injection . . .

Here's everything the public wants from a snapshot camera – giant viewfinder, easy operation, modern styling and low price. But it is the Astaross lens on the Fulvueflex which is going to ring the till. Designed by Ross to give every amateur the certainty of success at every click of the shutter, the lens on the Fulvueflex is, optically speaking, quite unique among snapshot cameras at this price. With the Fulvueflex camera it is the lens that makes the picture and the sale.

Fulvueflex with Astaross Lens 54/11 inc. P.T." p.7

We can only wonder what they meant by 'optically speaking, quite unique'.

Flash sockets

A listing for the Fulvueflex Synchroflash in The Chemist and Druggist in May 1958 makes for an interesting price comparison with the Ful-Vue Super, which was still being manufactured and sold at the time.    

May 3rd 1958, p. 492 

"ROSS ENSIGN LTD

Cameras and accessories:

Fulvueflex 53 2
Capacitor flash unit presentation set (complete) 27 6
Presentation set (camera and E.R. case) 66 4
Les Hood 2 1
Filter 6 0
Close-up lenses 7 2

Ful-Vue Super 53 9
Capacitor Flash Unit presentation set (complete) 21 6
Presentation set (camera and case) 65 2
F.V. Super case 11 4

Ful-Vue II E.R. Case 6 3."