Ernemann Ermanox Reflex
The Ermanox Reflex is a plate-format single-lens reflex camera produced by the German maker Ernemann of Dresden in the mid-1920s, derived from the Ermanox line that was marketed for its unusually fast lens and available-light capability. Ernemann was absorbed into Zeiss Ikon in 1926, so the Ermanox Reflex had only a short production window under the Ernemann name before the merger.
Auction evidence for the Ermanox Reflex is thin and highly condition-dependent: UK hammer prices in the saleroom have ranged from around £50 for an incomplete or heavily worn example up to £3,800 for a clean, complete one, with a mid-point around £1,150. Because only a handful of sales sit on record, today's value for any given Ermanox Reflex at auction turns almost entirely on completeness, cosmetics and whether the original fast Ernostar lens is present, and a single strong example can sell for many times what a tired one is worth.
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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| Oct 2024 | £50 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 88) Title: An Ernemann Ermanox 4 X 5.5 Reflex Camera
Description:
An Ernemann Ermanox 4 X 5.5 Reflex Camera, shutter AF, no curtain, body F, brassing and wear, with Ernemann 7.5cm f/4.5 Earnoplast lens, paint wear |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 2,200 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_11815) Title: Ernemann Ermanox Reflex
Description:
4.5x6cm, early and very rare SLR with fast Ernostar 1.8/10.5cm no.179626, cap, focal plane shutter (not working), in very good original condition, strap, focusing screen adapter, 18 plate film holders, original leather case Estimate: EUR 3,500 - EUR 4,500 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 2,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11516) Title: Ernemann Ermanox Reflex
Description:
4.5x6cm, early and very rare SLR with Ernostar 1.8/10.5cm no.205312, focal plane shutter (working), in good original condition, strap, focusing screen adapter, fimpack holder, original leather case Estimate: EUR 4,000 - EUR 4,500 |
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| Jun 2008 | EUR 3,800 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 13 (Lot AI_13_16719) Title: Ernemann Ermanox Reflex
Description:
4.5x6cm, early and very rare SLR with Ernostar 1.8/10.5cm no.179705, focal plane shutter, in excellent original condition, strap, cap, focusing screen adapter,shutter in working order Estimate: EUR 4,500 - EUR 5,000 |
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| Mar 1999 | £1,150 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 361) Title: Ermanox Reflex no. L47174
Description:
Ermanox Reflex no. L47174 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Ernemann Ermanox Reflex worth today?
Recorded UK auction hammer prices span roughly £50 to £3,800, with a median near £1,150, so a complete, clean example is worth substantially more than one with bellows, shutter or lens issues.
How much does an Ermanox Reflex sell for at auction?
It sells for anywhere from under £100 for a rough, incomplete body to several thousand pounds for a well-preserved outfit with its original lens, reflecting how condition-sensitive the price is.
Why does the value vary so much between examples?
Bellows condition, shutter function and presence of the original fast lens are the main value drivers; sample size at auction is also small, which makes individual results swing the apparent price range.