Zeiss Ikon Ermanox Reflex
The Zeiss Ikon Ermanox Reflex is a German plate-format reflex camera from the late 1920s, developed from the earlier Ernemann Ermanox line after Ernemann was absorbed into Zeiss Ikon in 1926. It was positioned as a specialist low-light instrument, paired with a very fast large-aperture lens to enable available-light photography at a time when that was unusual.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Ermanox Reflex have ranged from roughly £1,400 to £4,200, with a median sale around £2,900 — these are saleroom results and exclude buyer's and seller's commission. The spread is wide because condition, completeness and lens cleanliness drive value heavily, and in today's market clean, fully-working examples with original accessories sell for a meaningful premium over tired ones.
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: November 2015
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2015 | EUR 1,400 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 28 (Lot AI_28_32603) Title: Zeiss Ikon Ermanox Reflex 4.5x6cm
Description:
late and very rare Ermanox by Zeiss Ikon with Carl Zeiss Jena Ernemann-Ernostar 1.8/10.5cm no.917072 (very clean lenses) in original condition, focal-plane shutter - camera no. M.99925 was sold in WestLicht Auction 27 Estimate: EUR 2,500 - EUR 3,000 |
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| Jun 2015 | EUR 2,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 27 (Lot AI_27_32067) Title: Zeiss Ikon Ermanox Reflex 4.5x6cm
Description:
late and very rare Ermanox by Zeiss Ikon with Carl Zeiss Jena Ernemann-Ernostar 1.8/10.5cm no.917001 (this is the very first Ernostar 10.5cm lens by Carl Zeiss Jena) in fantastic original condition, focal-plane shutter, strap, 2 film plates, in original outfit case Estimate: EUR 3,600 - EUR 4,000 |
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| Nov 2011 | EUR 2,900 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 20 (Lot AI_20_13268) Title: Zeiss Ikon Ermanox Reflex
Description:
4.5x6cm, late Ermanox by Zeiss with Carl Zeiss Jena Ernemann-Ernostar 1.8/10.5cm no.917099 (this is a very rare Ernostar by Carl Zeiss Jena) in good condition, original cap, original yellow filter in keeper, focal-plane shutter (needs service), 10 plates, all in original outfit case Estimate: EUR 3,500 - EUR 4,000 |
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| Nov 2004 | EUR 4,167 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 6 (Lot AI_6_24036) Title: Zeiss Ermanox Reflex
Description:
4.5x6cm, late Ermanox by Zeiss with Ernostar 1.8/10.5cm no.917021 (this is a very rare Ernostar by Carl Zeiss Jena), good condition, strap, (shutter is sticky), rare ! Estimate: EUR 4,500 - EUR 5,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Zeiss Ikon Ermanox Reflex worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, an Ermanox Reflex is typically worth somewhere between £1,400 and £4,200, with a median value close to £2,900 depending on condition and completeness.
How much does a Zeiss Ikon Ermanox Reflex sell for at auction?
Recent UK auction records show the model sells for prices in the low-to-mid four figures in GBP, with the best examples reaching around £4,200 at hammer.
What drives the price of an Ermanox Reflex?
Lens condition, shutter accuracy, bellows integrity and the presence of original plate holders and case are the main factors that move value within the observed range.
Is the Ermanox Reflex a rare camera?
Yes — it was a short-run specialist plate reflex from the late 1920s, and examples appear only occasionally on the UK auction market, which is why sales data is thin.