Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6
The Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6 is a German plate camera introduced in the mid-1920s, built around an unusually fast lens that made hand-held available-light photography practical for the first time. It used 4.5 by 6 cm glass plates and was positioned as a specialist press and interior camera when new, priced well above typical folding cameras of the period.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Ermanox 4.5x6 have ranged from around £700 to £1,600, with a median near £1,300 — these are wholesale saleroom results, not dealer retail. As of today in 2026, a complete example with its original lens, plate holders and case tends to sell for the upper end of that band, while incomplete or optically compromised bodies are worth considerably less. Condition of the shutter and front cell, together with completeness of accessories, is the main driver of value and price.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Er-Nox | — | — | 7 | £1,062 – £6,500 |
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: June 2025
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | EUR 2,200 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01612) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm 2nd version
Description:
A nice second version of the Ermanox, in feet scale, in very good condition and working order, the shutter has been restored, note the very uncommon Zeiss Ikon Albada viewfinder, with fast Ernostar 1.8/8.5cm no.1342202, very good optics, with black leather front lens cap, focusing back, 12x film plate holders and Rollex rollfilm back. Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Jun 2025 | EUR 1,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01611) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm 1st version
Description:
Rare early first version of the Ermanox, Er-Nox (Ernemann - Night) with heavy focusing mount milled from solid brass, engraved meter scale and German exposure table in the viewfinder, in good condition and working order, the shutter has been restored, with early fast Ernostar 2/10cm no.150202, optics showing some cleaning marks, with black leather front lens cap, focusing back, 12x film plate holders, Rollex rollfilm back and original leather case (with matching key). Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| May 2024 | £1,062 | Flints Auctions | Er-Nox | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 241) Title: An Ernemann 'Er-Nox' Ermanox 4.5x6cm Camera
Description:
1924, black, no serial no., with Ernemann Ernostar Anastigmat f/2 100mm lens, black, serial no. 150862, body, G, shutter not working, lens, G-VG, |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| May 2023 | £1,375 | Flints Auctions | — | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 250) Title: An Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm Camera
Description:
1924-26, black, serial no. 1254041, with Ernemann Ernostar f/1.8 85mm lens, serial no. 167428, body, G, shutter requires attention and curtain not |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Nov 2022 | USD 1,300 | pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
|
Auction: November 2022 Results (Lot 25) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4,5x6cm with 8,5cm Ernostar f1,8 Anastigmat
Description:
Ernemann Ermanox 4,5x6cm with 8,5cm Ernostar f1,8 Anastigmat |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Apr 2021 | £1,240 | Flints Auctions | Er-Nox | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 261) Title: An Ernemann Er-Nox 4.5x6cm Camera
Description:
1924, black, serial no. 1185267, with Ernemann Ernostar f/2 100mm lens, serial no. 150689, body, VG, shutter working, lens, G, some light cleaning |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Nov 2020 | EUR 3,400 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38580) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm
Description:
Rigid-body Ermanox in fine condition, focusing scale in meter, French exposure table, in good condition (shutter needs maintenance), with Ernostar 2/10cm no.148233, incl. lens cap, four film holders, leather case for the outfit Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| May 2020 | £1,592 | Flints Auctions | — | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 180) Title: An Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm Camera
Description:
An Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm Camera, 1924-26, black, serial no. 1253880, with Ernemann Ernostar f/1.8 85mm lens, serial no. 167428, body, G, shutter |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Oct 2019 | £1,800 | Flints Auctions | Er-Nox | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 346) Title: An Ernemann 'Er-Nox Ermanox 4.5x6cm Camera
Description:
1924, black, serial no. 1184826, with Ernemann Anastigmat Ernostar f/2 100mm lens, serial no. 150218, body, VG, shutter working, lens, VG, some haze |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Jun 2019 | EUR 1,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 34 (Lot AI_34_37246) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm
Description:
late export version rigid-body Ermanox in fine condition, focusing scale in feet, English exposure table, Zeiss Ikon badge mounted on top, in good condition (shutter not operable, as usual), with Ernostar 1.8/8.5cm no.1109182 Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Apr 2019 | £2,040 | Flints Auctions | Er-Nox | |
|
Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine (Lot 326) Title: An Ernemann 'Er-Nox' Ermanox 4.5x6cm Camera
Description:
1924, black, serial no. 1184826, with Ernemann Anastigmat Ernostar f/2 100mm lens, serial no. 150193, body, VG, shutter not working, lens, VG, some |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Mar 2018 | EUR 2,400 | Leitz Auction | Er-Nox | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_35848) Title: Ernemann Er-Nox (Ermanox) 4.5x6cm
Description:
rare and very early first model Er-Nox (Ernemann - Night) with heavy focusing mount milled from solid brass. While the later Ermanox weights just 1000gr, this camera weights 1600gr., with meter engraved scale and German exposure table in the viewfinder, one of the first examples made. With very early Ernostar 2/10cm no.150618 (with clean optics). In very good cosmetic condition. The camera has the most early serial number we have seen. Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 4,500 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Jun 2017 | EUR 4,000 | Leitz Auction | Er-Nox | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35643) Title: Ernemann Er-Nox (Ermanox) 4.5x6cm
Description:
Extremely rare first model Er-Nox (Ernemann - Night) with heavy focusing mount milled from solid brass. While the later Ermanox weights just 1000gr, this camera weights 1600gr. Early Ernostar 2/10cm no.150266 (with very clean lenses), meter scale. In beautiful original condition with ground glass holder Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 5,000 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Nov 2015 | EUR 1,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 28 (Lot AI_28_33108) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm
Description:
later type of the famous camera with Zeiss Ikon name plate, Ernostar 1.8/8.5cm no.167569, in very fine condition, clean lenses, good working shutter. 3 original plate film holder and original outfit case Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,500 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Jun 2015 | EUR 650 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_31924) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm
Description:
classic camera with fast and very clean Ernostar 1.8/8.5cm no.167246, modified with custom reflex finder and modified Leitz finder, inclusive 7 film holders, ground glass, original cap, rare Ernemann yellow filter, sealed Kodak Verichrome film pack and outfit case Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Jun 2015 | EUR 6,500 | Leitz Auction | Er-Nox | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_32152) Title: Ernemann Er-Nox (Ermanox) 4.5x6cm
Description:
Extremely rare and very early first model Er-Nox (Ernemann - Night) with heavy focusing mount milled from solid brass. While the later Ermanox weights just 1000gr, this camera weights 1600gr. It is an export version with feet engraved scale and English exposure table in the viewfinder, one of the first examples made. With very early Ernostar 2/10cm no.150043 (with clean lenses), cap. In almost mint original condition with perfect working shutter and ground glass holder - the camera has the most early serial number we have seen. Estimate: EUR 5,000 - EUR 6,000 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Jun 2015 | EUR 1,200 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_31514) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm
Description:
very early Ermanox with fast Ernostar 2/10cm no.150283 in good condition (focal plane shutter needs attention), early heavy mount version with 1600g weight, inclusive roll film back and original Ernemann leather case Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Nov 2013 | EUR 1,500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 24 (Lot AI_24_27539) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm
Description:
in beautiful original condition, second model with Ernostar 1.8/8.5cm no.167364, working shutter Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| May 2013 | EUR 1,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 23 (Lot AI_23_10952) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm
Description:
early Ermanox in good original condition with Ernostar 2/10cm no.165714 (focal-plane shutter sticky) Estimate: EUR 1,500 - EUR 1,800 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| May 2013 | EUR 2,000 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 23 (Lot AI_23_10275) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm
Description:
in beautiful original condition, first model with Ernostar 2/10cm no.165899 (shutter slow), original Ernemann outfit case, 2 film holders, original Ernemann case, instructions and brochure Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,500 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Dec 2010 | EUR 1,300 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_11813) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4,5x6cm
Description:
very late type of the famous camera with Ernostar 2/10cm no.150967, shutter in good working order, 5 original plate film holders (3 in case), original case Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,500 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Dec 2010 | EUR 2,400 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_11814) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4,5x6cm
Description:
very late type of the famous camera with Ernostar 1.8/8.5cm no.167639, cap, in very fine condition, clean lenses, good working shutter. 3 original plate film holders in case, original pack film holder, several un-named plate film holders Estimate: EUR 2,500 - EUR 3,000 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Dec 2009 | EUR 1,400 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 16 (Lot AI_16_19633) Title: Ernemann Ermanox
Description:
4.5x6cm, earlier model of the famous camera with Ernostar 2/10cm no.150503, in original condition (shutter not operable) Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Nov 2008 | EUR 1,600 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_17677) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4,5x6cm
Description:
later type of the famous camera with Zeiss Ikon name plate, Ernostar 1.8/8.5cm no.167569, in very fine condition, clean lenses, good working shutter. 3 original plate film holder and original outfit case Estimate: EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,200 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| May 2007 | EUR 1,600 | Leitz Auction | — | |
|
Auction: Leitz Auction 11 (Lot AI_11_15997) Title: Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6cm
Description:
in beautiful original condition, first model with Ernostar 2/10cm no.150666, in perfect working order, original Ernemann outfit case, 3 filmholders in Ernemann case Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,200 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Sep 2005 | £780 | Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 289) Title: Ermanox no. 1236000
Description:
Ermanox no. 1236000 Estimate: £500 - £800 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Feb 2005 | £840 | Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 214) Title: Ermanox no. 1184852
Description:
Ermanox no. 1184852 Estimate: £600 - £900 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Nov 2004 | £657 | Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 322) Title: Ermanox camera
Description:
Ermanox camera Estimate: £300 - £500 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| May 2004 | £657 | Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 306) Title: Ermanox no. 1184696
Description:
Ermanox no. 1184696 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Sep 2003 | £705 | Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTO EQUIP, INCLUDING A EUROPEAN LEICA COLLECTION (Lot 427) Title: Ermanox no. 1236027
Description:
Ermanox no. 1236027 Estimate: £600 - £800 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| May 2001 | £646 | Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 348) Title: ERMANOX NO. 1254459
Description:
ERMANOX NO. 1254459 Estimate: £500 - £700 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Nov 1998 | £920 | Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: KOSLOV COLLECTION OF CAMERAS AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (Lot 203) Title: Ermanox no. 1185567
Description:
Ermanox no. 1185567 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
| Jun 1998 | £517 | Christie's | — | |
|
Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 680) Title: Ermanox camera no. 1253737
Description:
Ermanox camera no. 1253737 Estimate: £25 - £100 |
||||
|
Loading...
|
||||
Frequently asked questions
What is an Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6 worth today?
Auction hammer results in the UK have clustered between roughly £700 and £1,600, with a median around £1,300 for reasonably complete examples.
How much does an Ermanox 4.5x6 sell for at UK auction?
Recent saleroom results range from £705 in 2003 to £1,592 in 2020, so a clean, complete camera typically sells for four-figure sums rather than the low hundreds.
What drives the value of an Ermanox 4.5x6?
The condition of the lens and shutter, together with the presence of original plate holders and the fitted case, are the main factors determining price.
Is the Ermanox 4.5x6 usable today?
It can be used with 4.5 × 6 cm glass plates or cut-film adapters, but shutter servicing and plate handling make it a specialist proposition rather than a casual shooter.