Ernemann Kinopticon
The Ernemann Kinopticon is an early 20th-century cine apparatus produced by the Dresden-based optical and camera maker Ernemann, a firm that operated in Germany before being absorbed into Zeiss Ikon in 1926. It belongs to the pre-Zeiss-Ikon era of German cinematographic equipment and is encountered today primarily as a collector's item rather than a working tool.
With only a single documented UK auction hammer result on file — £208 in 2004 — there is not enough recent saleroom data to state a reliable current value or price range for the Ernemann Kinopticon today. As of 2026, what an Ernemann Kinopticon sells for at auction depends heavily on completeness, cosmetic condition and accompanying accessories, and prospective buyers should treat the lone historical figure as indicative rather than a firm market level.
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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| Nov 2013 | EUR 300 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 24 (Lot AI_24_20829) Title: Ernemann 'Kinoptikon'
Description:
Quality cinematograph lantern made by Ernemann Dresden, makers label on the ground plate and on the lamp house, the barrel-shaped lamp house can be shifted in order to either project slides or to be used with the film projector, crank operated pull down mechanism, complete with the original lens and the original bulb-socket, both spools, in good used condition. A rare and highly collectible Ernemann item! Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| May 2004 | EUR 208 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 5 (Lot AI_5_23265) Title: Ernemann, Germany Kinopticon
Description:
35mm, or glass slides, metal lamphouse, electric illuminant, hand-cranked intermittent and film transport, projection lens with rack and pinion focusing, two film spools, in maker's box with instruction booklet, height 45cm Estimate: EUR 1,914 - EUR 26 |
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| Nov 1999 | £184 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Magic Lanterns, Optical Toys and Cameras (Lot 146) Title: Kinopticon
Description:
Kinopticon Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Ernemann Kinopticon worth today?
The only verified UK auction record on file is a £208 hammer price from 2004, which is too thin a dataset to quote a reliable current value; actual worth today will depend on condition and completeness.
How much does an Ernemann Kinopticon sell for at auction?
Public sales data is extremely limited, with one recorded UK auction hammer result of £208; without further comparables it is not possible to give a meaningful price range.
Who made the Ernemann Kinopticon?
It was made by Ernemann of Dresden, a German optical and camera manufacturer that was merged into Zeiss Ikon in 1926.