Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6 (Er-Nox)
The Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6, also known as the Er-Nox, is a German plate camera introduced in the 1920s. It was built around a very fast Ernostar lens and marketed for available-light photography at a time when most hand cameras required flash or tripod work.
With only two UK auction hammer results on record, the Ermanox 4.5x6 has sold in a wide £1,200–£4,000 range at saleroom level, reflecting how condition and completeness dictate what this camera is worth today in 2026. Clean, fully operational examples with the original fast Ernostar fitted tend to sell for the upper end, while tired bodies change hands much lower, so buyers asking how much an Er-Nox sells for should expect significant variation between individual lots.
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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| May 2024 | £1,062 | Flints Auctions | |
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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, |
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| Apr 2021 | £1,240 | Flints Auctions | |
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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 |
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| Oct 2019 | £1,800 | Flints Auctions | |
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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 |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 2,400 | Leitz Auction | |
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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 |
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| Jun 2017 | EUR 4,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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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 |
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| Jun 2015 | EUR 6,500 | Leitz Auction | |
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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 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Ernemann Ermanox 4.5x6 worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices sit between roughly £1,200 and £4,000, with the value of any given example driven primarily by lens condition, shutter function and originality.
How much does an Ermanox Er-Nox sell for at auction?
The two verified UK hammer results on file are £1,240 in 2021 and £4,000 in 2017, so the price a collector pays depends heavily on which tier of condition the camera falls into.
Why does the Ermanox 4.5x6 command a high price?
It was one of the first hand cameras built around a very fast lens for low-light work, and surviving examples in usable condition are scarce, which supports its collector value.