Difference between revisions of "Ermanox"

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{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
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|-
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|colspan=4|'''Catalogue numbers of various models'''<br/><small>POA: Price on Application</small>
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|-style="vertical-align:top;"
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|
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| '''Ernemann<br/>1924'''
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|'''Zeiss Ikon<br/>1927'''
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|'''Zeiss Ikon<br/>1930'''
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|-
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|4.5x6cm, f/2
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|254
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|479, ''X''
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|n/a
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|-
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|4.5x6cm f/1.8
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| n/a
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|479, ''Y''
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|858
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|-
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|4.5x6cm Reflex f/2.7
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|n/a
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|3489, ''N''
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|n/a
 +
|-
 +
|4.5x6cm Reflex f/1.8
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|n/a
 +
|3489, ''Y''
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|862
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|-
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|6.5x9cm
 +
|n/a
 +
|480
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|858/3
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|-
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|9x12cm
 +
|n/a
 +
|481
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|n/a
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|-
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|10x15cm
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|n/a
 +
|No code, POA
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|n/a
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|-
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|13x18cm
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|n/a
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|No code, POA
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|n/a
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|-
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|}
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The '''Ermanox''', first introduced in 1924 under the name '''Ernox''', is a camera for 4.5x6 cm plates, made by [[Ernemann]] in Dresden. The camera has a ''huge'' and unusually fast [[Ernostar]] 85 mm f/1.8 lens (examples are also seen with a 100 mm f/2 Ernostar). It has a focal-plane shutter, with speeds 1/20 - 1/1000 second, plus 'B' and 'T'. Whether or not it was introduced as ERNOX is still under debate, none of the Ernemann catalogues support this name.
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The '''Ermanox''' is the definitive 'night camera', a compact camera for small plates or film-packs, with a [[focal-plane shutter]] and a very fast lens, allowing use in low light. The camera is really only a special model of the [[Ernemann_Klapp-Camera#Ernemann_Miniatur-Klapp_4.5x6|Miniature Klapp]], made to serve new fast lenses. By offering it as a distinct model, [[Ernemann]] must have hoped to make a sensation of it; it certainly was one. The 4.5x6cm model of the camera has a rigid body (it is the body of the Miniature-Klapp, but with a rigid lens-tube substituted for its bellows); the larger models are strut-folding (like the larger [[Ernemann_Klapp-Camera|Klapp]]) though a rigid-bodied 6.5x9cm camera was available briefly. The camera also has the same focal-plane shutter as Miniature Klapp, with speeds 1/20 - 1/1000 second, plus 'B' and 'T' (slowest speed 1/15 second in the 9x12cm camera); and all models have the Klapp's folding [[Viewfinder#Newton_finder|Newton viewfinder]] as shown here. A ground-glass focusing screen can also be used, and one was supplied with the camera.
  
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The unusually large aperture made ''available light'' photography a real possibility. It was this feature that made the camera famous, especially in the hands of Dr. [[Erich Salomon]] (1886-1944), who used it to make candids.  
+
The Ermanox was introduced  by Ernemann from 1924, as a camera for 4.5x6cm plates, and the camera was continued after Ernemann's merger into [[Zeiss Ikon]]. It was also seen later in 6.5x9cm and 9x12cm sizes<ref name=PR_Cats>Catalogues, reproduced at [https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/index.htm Pacific Rim Camera]:<br/>* [https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/01407/01407.pdf 1924 Ernemann catalogue], with the 10cm f/2 Ernostar on p12 and the 4.5x6cm Ermanox on p45.<br/>* [https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/01620/01620.pdf 1927 Zeiss Ikon catalogue] (260-MB pdf, German, but with Czech prices), with the Ermanox and Ermanox Reflex on p37.<br/>* [https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/03362/03362.pdf 1930 Zeiss Ikon catalogue] (253-MB pdf, English), with the Ermanox and Ermanox Reflex on pp47-48. The entry seems to damn the Ernostar with faint praise: ''The ERNOSTAR F 1.8 is an anastigmat of the highest class and the definition is so good that enlargements up to 5½"x3½" can be made with the greatest ease.''</ref> (see the 1926 advertisement below right, and examples cited), though the small model is the most commonly seen. In 1925, the French distributor Omnium Photo still only advertised the 4.5x6cm camera, but offered three sizes by 1926.<ref name=CA_Cats>[https://www.collection-appareils.fr/gestion_catalogue/html_bis/tableau_croise_visible_spry_eng.php?fabricant=Ernemann&modele_catalogue=Ermanox&id=20214&orig=fr Catalogue pages for the Ermanox] reproduced at [https://www.collection-appareils.fr/carrousel/html/index_eng.php Collection Appareils]: Omnium Photo's in 1925, 1926 and 1927, and Photo-Porst's in 1925.</ref> The German distributor [[Porst|Photo-Porst's]] catalogue for 1925 already shows the 6.5x9cm camera as well as the 4.5x6cm, ''both with the same rigid form'', with a 14cm f/2 lens on the larger one.<ref name=CA_Cats /> By 1926, only the 4.x6cm camera had the rigid body; larger cameras were strut-folding,<ref name=CA_Cats /> and apparently wooden-bodied.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/jahrbuch-photographie-31-1/page/41/mode/2up?q=%22Ermanox%22 ''Jahrbuch für Photographie, Kinematographie und Reproduktionsverfahren''], Prof. Josef Maria Eder, Eduard Kuchinka & Curt Emmermann, 1931. Verlag Wilhelm Knapp, Halle (publisher) p.41 ( Reports of new cameras for 1928-9 describes the 9x12cm Ermanox as new, ''a sturdy wooden box in which the giant lens is recessed'', and describes a lead-weighted stand offered for its use in a theatre. The camera is described as being used with a rangefinder, and provided with a small electric lamp to illuminate the rangefinder and focus scales in the dark of the theatre.</ref> Zeiss Ikon's 1927 catalogue even offers the camera in 10x15cm and 13x18cm sizes (as a special order, 'price on request');<ref name=PR_Cats /> no example of either size has been seen, though a 24cm f/1.8 Ernostar suitable for the 13x18cm camera was sold at Westlicht (see the links below). The 1931 catalogue only offers the 4.5x6cm and 6.5x9cm cameras.<ref name=PR_Cats /> Some (not much) advertising for the camera also used the name '''Er-Nox''', as in the text of the 1926 advertisement below right. When introduced, the camera was supplied with a 10cm f/2 [[Ernostar]]; later an 8.5cm f/1.8 Ernostar was offered (12.5cm and 16.5cm f/1.8 for the two larger cameras). The 1927 Zeiss Ikon catalogue offers both the f/2 and f/1.8 lenses,<ref name=PR_Cats /> but the French Photo-Plait catalogue of 1926 already offers only the f/1.8 lens.<ref name=CA_Cats />. Actual examples seen suggest that customers chose the fast lens once it was available. The 1930 Zeiss Ikon catalogue only offers the f/1.8 lens.<ref name=PR_Cats/> Cameras with the short, fast lens have a significantly shorter lens tube, and are lighter: the camera body is mostly aluminium (covered with black leather), but the lens-mount is brass and makes up a lot of the weight.  
  
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The first version of the camera has a rigid metal body (covered with black leather); the second version is a strut-folding camera. Both of these have the folding [[Viewfinder#Newton_finder|Newton viewfinder]] as shown here. A ground-glass focusing screen can also be used (one of the examples of the camera seen at Westlicht was sold with a screen, though the listing does not show a picture of it). There is also an SLR model, the '''Ermanox Reflex''', which has a focusing screen on the top, with a folding leather hood.
+
The unusually large aperture made ''available light'' photography a real possibility. It was this feature that made the camera famous, especially in the hands of Dr. [[Erich Salomon]] (1886-1944), who used it to make candids. The maker's instructions stress the care needed when focusing at such wide aperture, and discourage the use of film-packs, which may not lie as flat as plates.  
  
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A strut-folding Ermanox made for 9x12 cm plates, and in ''tropical materials'' (uncovered mahogany with brass fittings and brown leather bellows) has been seen at Westlicht; the notes suggest this camera may be unique (i.e. presumably made to a special order).<ref>[http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=20131004_0909&inO=551 Strut-folding, tropical 9x12 cm Ermanox] serial number 1053977, with 16.5 cm f/1.8 Ernostar lens, and with matching plate holders, filmpack holder and focusing screen, sold (for 38400 Euro) at the [http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.AuctionList?inL=&inC=WLPA&inA=20131004_0909&inWLPAAuctionType=AUCTION 24th Westlicht Photographica Auction], on 23 November 2013.</ref> It has a 16.5 cm f/1.8 Ernostar. Other 9x12 cm with a 16.5 cm Ernostar exist and are in private collections.  
+
In the earliest example cited below (with lens serial no. 148233), the focus scale is marked on the painted lens tube, with the index mark on the plated focusing ring. In all other examples the scale is on the ring, and the pointer on the tube. In all examples there is a single indent in the ring and a toothed spring on the bottom of the tube which mates with it when the lens is at infinity focus, giving a 'click-stop'. Later lenses (from serial number 150503 in the examples cited here) have a more precise focus scale than previously, with more marked distances (and the closest distances marked to two places of decimals in some cases).
  
 +
A strut-folding 9x12cm Ermanox made in [[tropical|tropical materials]] (uncovered mahogany with brass fittings and tan leather bellows) has been seen at Westlicht; the notes suggest this camera may be unique (i.e. made in tropical finish to a special order: other ''non-tropical'' 9x12cm examples exist). It has a 16.5cm f/1.8 Ernostar in black finish.
 
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==Ermanox Reflex==
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{{Flickr image
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| image_source=https://www.flickr.com/photos/danipuntocom/8573721235/in/pool-camerawiki
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| image=https://live.staticflickr.com/8104/8573721235_7b06927e69_z.jpg
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| image_align=
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| image_text= Ermanox Reflex (in the Technische Sammlungen Dresden)
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| image_by=Danipuntocom
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| image_rights= nc
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}}
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</div>
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There is also an SLR model, the '''Ermanox Reflex''', which has a focusing screen on the top, with a folding leather hood, and a rear screen. This has a 10.5cm f/1.8 Ernostar: the 1927 Zeiss Ikon catalogue also offers the camera with either this lens or a 9cm f/2.7 Ernostar. The camera appears in French distributors' catalogues from 1926,<ref name=CA_Reflex>[https://www.collection-appareils.fr/gestion_catalogue/html_bis/tableau_croise_visible_spry_eng.php?fabricant=Ernemann&modele_catalogue=Ermanox%20Reflex&id=7658&orig=fr Catalogue pages showing the Ermanox Reflex]: various French distributors including Omnium Photo, 1926 and '27,at ''Collection Appareils''.</ref> only offered with the f/1.8 lens. Later cameras have lenses made by Carl Zeiss (marked as such on the name-ring), with a focusing ''knob'' on the left side of the barrel instead of a ring.
  
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Both the viewfinder and reflex cameras were copied by other makers, but while surviving examples of the Ermanox cameras are rare enough, all the copies are vanishingly so. Viewfinder copies include the [[Lorenz Nacht Kamera]] with an f/2 Plasmat, the Thornton Pickard [[Ruby Speed Camera]] with an f/2 Cooke Anastigmat, and a 'night camera' by [[Sommer]] with an f/1.5 Plasmat. Reflex copies include the [[Mentor Wonder Reflex]] for 6.5x9cm plates, with an f/1.9 Rietzschel/Agfa Prolinear, and the Ihagee [[Nachtreflex]], with an f/1.5 Plasmat.
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{{Flickr image
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| image_source=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3064953509/in/pool-camerawiki/
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| image=https://live.staticflickr.com/3206/3064953509_3e8df820ee_c.jpg
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| image_align=right
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| scan_by=Mario Groleau
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| image_rights=wp
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| image_text=Advertisement by Central Camera Co., 1926<br/>
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|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065154544/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/3065154544_ef505e8376_m.jpg]
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|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3064315629/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/3064315629_fb029b39c2_m.jpg]
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|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3064316057/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/3064316057_217ef73930_m.jpg]
 
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3064316057/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/3064316057_217ef73930_m.jpg]
 
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065152576/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/3065152576_77282baa25_m.jpg]
 
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065152576/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/3065152576_77282baa25_m.jpg]
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|-
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|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065156144/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/3065156144_54dbec0102_m.jpg]
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|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065158982/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/3065158982_09a85e3732_m.jpg]
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|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065153486/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/3065153486_166e0252b9_m.jpg]
 
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065153486/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/3065153486_166e0252b9_m.jpg]
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|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065156144/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/3065156144_54dbec0102_m.jpg]
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|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065157750/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/3065157750_93e7c17388_m.jpg]
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|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3064311495/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/3064311495_f37944aca6_m.jpg]
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|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065159696/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/3065159696_d6b8bf4b06_m.jpg]
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| colspan=2 align=center | <small>images by {{image author|Mario Groleau}}</small> {{with permission}}
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==Known examples, at Westlicht auctions, etc.==
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===4.x6cm viewfinder Ermanox===
 +
<!-- I've ordered the table entries by *lens* serial number. This leaves them out of order by body serial in a couple of instances. It looks to me like this is mostly to do with lenses scaled in feet, which I suppose would have been a separate inventory. As always, feel free to change this if there's a good reason! Dustin McAmera 2/24 -->
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{|class="wikitable" style="width: 60%; text-align:center;"
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|-style="vertical-align:top;"
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|style="width: 12%;"|'''Body Serial no.<br/>if known'''
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|style="width: 12%;"|'''Lens Serial no.<br/>(link to source)'''
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|style="width: 12%;"|'''Focal length <br/>& f-no.'''
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|style="width: 52%;"|'''Comments'''
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|style="width: 12%;"|'''Westlicht/Leitz<br/>Auction no.'''
 +
|-
 +
| 1139240
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-4.5x6cm/AI-37-38580 148233]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
| Speed table in French
 +
| 37
 +
|-
 +
| 1184920
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Er-Nox-Ermanox-4.5x6cm/AI-31-35643 150266]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
|
 +
| 31
 +
|-
 +
| 1235814
 +
| [https://coelncameras.com/products/ernemann-er-nox-ermanox-4-5x6cm-olc-557 150287]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
| In the stock of dealer Coeln Cameras
 +
| n/a
 +
|-
 +
| 1184987
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox/AI-7-24682 150289]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
|
 +
| 7
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-4.5x6cm/AI-20220121-1128-41484 150297]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
|
 +
| 42
 +
|-
 +
| 1185098
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox/AI-16-19633 150503]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
| First camera seen with more precise focus scale
 +
| 16
 +
|-
 +
| 1185290
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox/AI-12-20685 150548]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
|
 +
| 12
 +
|-
 +
| 1039149
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Er-Nox-Ermanox-4.5x6cm/AI-32-35848 150618]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
|
 +
| 32
 +
|-
 +
| 1185381
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-4.5x6cm/AI-11-15997 150666]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
|
 +
| 11
 +
|-
 +
| 1185427
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox/AI-20-13277 150802]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
|
 +
| 20
 +
|-
 +
| 1235777
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-4-5x6cm/AI-18-11813 150967]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
|
 +
| 18
 +
|-
 +
| 1185547
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox/AI-8-25770 151067]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
|
 +
| 8
 +
|-
 +
| 1038999
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox/AI-19-12770 166029]
 +
| 10cm f/2
 +
| w/ [[Rollex rollfilm back]] (for [[127 film|127]])
 +
| 19
 +
|-
 +
| 1253577
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox/AI-16-19634 167170]
 +
| 8.5cm f/1.8
 +
| With its box
 +
| 16
 +
|-
 +
| 1254025
 +
| [http://www.earlyphotography.co.uk/site/entry_C217.html 167265]
 +
| 8.5cm f/1.8
 +
| Focus in feet. At [http://www.earlyphotography.co.uk/ Early Photography]
 +
| n/a
 +
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
 +
| 1253880
 +
| [https://www.flintsauctions.com/auction/lot/180-an-ernemann-ermanox-45x6cm-camera/?lot=2958&sd=1 167428]
 +
| 8.5cm f/1.8
 +
| Focus in feet. Round [[Zeiss Ikon]] badge by viewfinder.<br/>Flint Auctions, 2020. With sales receipt dated April 1934.
 +
| n/a
 +
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
 +
| 1253836
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox/AI-8-25771 167552]
 +
| 8.5cm f/1.8
 +
| Impressed 'Ernemann', but with Zeiss Ikon badge.
 +
| 8
 +
|-
 +
| 1253718
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-4.5x6cm/AI-28-33108 167569]
 +
| 8.5cm f/1.8
 +
| Speed table in English, focusing in feet; Zeiss Ikon badge
 +
| 28
 +
|-
 +
| 1254214
 +
| 1342114
 +
| 8.5cm f/1.8
 +
| The camera pictured here
 +
| n/a
 +
|-
 +
| 1254444
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-4-5x6cm/AI-18-11814 167639]
 +
| 8.5cm f/1.8
 +
|
 +
| 18
 +
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
 +
|
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-4.5x6cm/AI-34-37246 1109182]
 +
| 8.5cm f/1.8
 +
| Speeds in English, focus in feet; Zeiss Ikon badge.<br/>Lens serial seems wrong; can't be read in auction photos
 +
| 34
 
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|image_by= Mario Groleau
 
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|image_rights= with permission
 
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===4.5x6cm Ermanox Reflex===
 +
{|class="wikitable" style="width: 60%; text-align:center;"
 +
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
 +
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Body Serial no.<br/>if known'''
 +
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Lens Serial no.<br/>(link to source)'''
 +
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Focal length <br/>& f-no.'''
 +
|style="width: 52%;"|'''Comments'''
 +
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Westlicht/Leitz<br/>Auction no.'''
 +
|-
 +
| 1297263
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-Reflex/AI-18-11815 179626]
 +
| 10.5cm f/1.8
 +
|
 +
| 18
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
|179638
 +
| 10.5cm f/1.8
 +
| Technische Sammlung Dresden (as pictured above)
 +
| n/a
 +
|-
 +
| 1297308
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-Reflex/AI-13-16719 179705]
 +
| 10.5cm f/1.8
 +
|
 +
| 13
 +
|-
 +
| 1297439
 +
| [https://www.chiswickauctions.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-a-ernemann-ermanox-reflex-vp-slr-camera/?lot=244033 179763]
 +
| 10.5cm f/1.8
 +
| At Chiswick Auctions, March 2024
 +
| n/a
 +
|-
 +
| 1297315
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-Reflex/AI-17-11516 205312]
 +
| 10.5cm f/1.8
 +
| Speed table in English
 +
| 17
 +
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
 +
| M.99906
 +
| [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3869972 224877]
 +
| 10.5cm f/1.8
 +
| With 15cm f/2.7 Ernostar in same lot, at Christie's, 2002.<br/>Likely lens has been exchanged by user (see position<br/>of focus knob).
 +
| n/a
 +
|-
 +
| M.99925
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Zeiss-Ikon-Ermanox-Reflex-4.5x6cm/AI-27-32067 917001]
 +
| 10.5cm f/1.8
 +
| First Ernostar lens made by Carl Zeiss Jena for Ernemann
 +
| 27
 +
|-
 +
| M.00064
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Zeiss-Ermanox-Reflex/AI-6-24036 917021]
 +
| 10.5cm f/1.8
 +
| CZJ Ernostar
 +
| 6
 +
|-
 +
| M.99928
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Zeiss-Ikon-Ermanox-Reflex-4.5x6cm/AI-28-32603 917072]
 +
| 10.5cm f/1.8
 +
| CZJ Ernostar
 +
| 28
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Zeiss-Ikon-Ermanox-Reflex/AI-20-13268 917099]
 +
| 10.5cm f/1.8
 +
| CZJ Ernostar
 +
| 20
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
{|class=plainlinks
+
===6.5x9cm Ermanox===
−
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3064311495/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/3064311495_f37944aca6_m.jpg]
+
{|class="wikitable" style="width: 60%; text-align:center;"
−
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065154544/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/3065154544_ef505e8376_m.jpg]
+
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
−
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3064315629/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/3064315629_fb029b39c2_m.jpg]
+
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Body Serial no.<br/>if known'''
−
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065159696/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/3065159696_d6b8bf4b06_m.jpg]
+
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Lens Serial no.<br/>(link to source)'''
 +
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Focal length <br/>& f-no.'''
 +
|style="width: 52%;"|'''Comments'''
 +
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Westlicht/Leitz<br/>Auction no.'''
 +
|-
 +
| 1168015
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-6.5x9cm/AI-21-13649 165363]
 +
| 14cm f/2
 +
| Rigid body
 +
| 21
 +
|-
 +
| 1168023
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox/AI-13-16718 192063]
 +
| 12.5cm f/1.8
 +
|
 +
| 13
 +
|-
 +
| 1322310
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-Klapp/AI-6-24035 192098]
 +
| 12.5cm f/1.8
 +
|
 +
| 6
 +
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
 +
| L 6910
 +
| [https://www.lpfoto.se/auk/w.object?inC=LP&inA=02-09-08&inO=9 225058]
 +
| 12.5cm f/1.8
 +
|
 +
| LP Foto<br/>Auction 16
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan=4 align=center |
 
−
{{Flickr_image_caption
 
−
|image_text=
 
−
|image_by= Mario Groleau
 
−
|image_rights= with permission
 
−
}}
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
===9x12cm strut-folding Ermanox===
 +
{|class="wikitable" style="width: 60%; text-align:center;"
 +
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
 +
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Body Serial no.<br/>if known'''
 +
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Lens Serial no.<br/>(link to source)'''
 +
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Focal length <br/>& f-no.'''
 +
|style="width: 52%;"|'''Comments'''
 +
|style="width: 12%;"|'''Westlicht/Leitz<br/>Auction no.'''
 +
|-
 +
| 1051818
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-9x12cm/AI-34-37218 166982]
 +
| 16.5cm f/1.8
 +
|
 +
| 34
 +
|-
 +
| 1053977
 +
| [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-9x12cm-Tropical/AI-24-29252 166993]
 +
| 16.5cm f/1.8
 +
| [[Tropical]], and with speed table in French
 +
| 24
 +
|-
 +
| 1051646
 +
| [https://collections.eastman.org/objects/49613/ermanox?ctx=757296bd-0168-42b2-9aa4-4e8e7fcf843d&idx=3 167048]
 +
| 16.5cm f/1.8
 +
| At the [https://www.eastman.org/ George Eastman Museum].
 +
| n/a
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
<br style="clear:both;"/>
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
−
 
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
−
<div class="floatright plainlinks" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px;">
+
*[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Carl-Zeiss-Jena-Ernostar-1.8-24cm/AI-31-35224 24cm f/1.8 Ernostar] serial no. 15970, ''possibly'' the lens from a 13x18cm Ermanox, sold at the 31st Westlicht Auction.
−
{{Flickr image
+
* [https://archive.org/details/central-manuals-camera_zeiss_ikon_Ermanox_eng.pdf/mode/2up Directions for Use of the Ermanox 4.5x6] in English and French (pdf, just four pages in each language) at Internet Archive.
−
| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065158982/in/pool-camerawiki/
+
* [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_Salomon Dr. Erich Salomon], a photographer using the Ermanox, at [http://de.wikipedia.org German Wikipedia]. Article in German.
−
| image=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/3065158982_09a85e3732_t.jpg
+
*[https://archive.org/details/LichtstarkeErmanoxAufnahmen1928Bis1932/mode/2up ''Lichtstärke Ermanox-Aufnahmen 1928 bis 1932''], Erich Salomon, published by Franz Greno, 1988. ISBN 3891908717. Listed as Public Domain at the Internet Archive. Mostly interior photographs of public meetings, dinners, etc. - quite commonplace photographs by modern standards.
−
| image_align=right
+
*[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Ernemann-Ermanox-Rollfilm-Holder/AI-7-24683 Roll-film back for 4.5x6cm Ermanox] badged for 'Salomon, Erfurt', with shoe-mounting brilliant finder, and with unused roll of film, in a tropical container; at the seventh Westlicht Auction.
−
| image_text=
 
−
}}
 
−
</div>
 
−
<div class="floatleft plainlinks" style="margin: 0px 25px 0px 0px;">
 
−
{{Flickr image
 
−
| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario_groleau/3065157750/in/pool-camerawiki/
 
−
| image=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/3065157750_93e7c17388_t.jpg
 
−
| image_align=left
 
−
| image_text=
 
−
}}
 
−
</div>
 
−
<!-- Link dead as of 23 August 2013* An [http://www.eastman.org/fm/timeline-cameras/htmlsrc/mE71300001_ful.html Ermanox] at the [http://www.eastmanhouse.org/ George Eastman house]. -->
 
−
* [http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=20&inO=415 Ermanox] with 10 cm f/2 Ernostar, sold in the [http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.ObjectList?inSiteLang=&inC=WLPA&inA=20 20th Westlicht Photographica Auction], on 1 November 2011: good pictures of the camera and lens.
 
−
* [http://www.auction2000.se/auk/w.Object?inC=WLPA&inA=20&inO=406 Ermanox Reflex] with 10.5 cm f/1.8 Ernostar, made for Ernemann by Carl Zeiss Jena, also sold at the November 2011 Westlicht auction.  
 
−
* [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_Salomon Dr. Erich Solomon], a photographer using the Ermanox, at [http://de.wikipedia.org German Wikipedia]. Article in German.
 
  
  
 
[[Category: German 4.5x6 plate]]
 
[[Category: German 4.5x6 plate]]
 
[[Category: German 4.5x6 viewfinder]]
 
[[Category: German 4.5x6 viewfinder]]
−
[[Category: 4.5x6 plate strut folding]]
 
−
[[Category: 4.5x6 plate SLR]]
 
 
[[Category: Ernemann]]
 
[[Category: Ernemann]]
 
[[Category: E]]
 
[[Category: E]]
 
[[Category: 1924]]
 
[[Category: 1924]]
 +
[[Category:6.5x9]]
 +
[[Category:9x12]]
 +
[[Category:Zeiss Ikon]]

Latest revision as of 15:01, 5 May 2024

3065155772_904985b6c7.jpg
image by Mario Groleau (Image rights)


Catalogue numbers of various models
POA: Price on Application
Ernemann
1924 		Zeiss Ikon
1927 		Zeiss Ikon
1930
4.5x6cm, f/2 254 479, X n/a
4.5x6cm f/1.8 n/a 479, Y 858
4.5x6cm Reflex f/2.7 n/a 3489, N n/a
4.5x6cm Reflex f/1.8 n/a 3489, Y 862
6.5x9cm n/a 480 858/3
9x12cm n/a 481 n/a
10x15cm n/a No code, POA n/a
13x18cm n/a No code, POA n/a

The Ermanox is the definitive 'night camera', a compact camera for small plates or film-packs, with a focal-plane shutter and a very fast lens, allowing use in low light. The camera is really only a special model of the Miniature Klapp, made to serve new fast lenses. By offering it as a distinct model, Ernemann must have hoped to make a sensation of it; it certainly was one. The 4.5x6cm model of the camera has a rigid body (it is the body of the Miniature-Klapp, but with a rigid lens-tube substituted for its bellows); the larger models are strut-folding (like the larger Klapp) though a rigid-bodied 6.5x9cm camera was available briefly. The camera also has the same focal-plane shutter as Miniature Klapp, with speeds 1/20 - 1/1000 second, plus 'B' and 'T' (slowest speed 1/15 second in the 9x12cm camera); and all models have the Klapp's folding Newton viewfinder as shown here. A ground-glass focusing screen can also be used, and one was supplied with the camera.

The Ermanox was introduced by Ernemann from 1924, as a camera for 4.5x6cm plates, and the camera was continued after Ernemann's merger into Zeiss Ikon. It was also seen later in 6.5x9cm and 9x12cm sizes[1] (see the 1926 advertisement below right, and examples cited), though the small model is the most commonly seen. In 1925, the French distributor Omnium Photo still only advertised the 4.5x6cm camera, but offered three sizes by 1926.[2] The German distributor Photo-Porst's catalogue for 1925 already shows the 6.5x9cm camera as well as the 4.5x6cm, both with the same rigid form, with a 14cm f/2 lens on the larger one.[2] By 1926, only the 4.x6cm camera had the rigid body; larger cameras were strut-folding,[2] and apparently wooden-bodied.[3] Zeiss Ikon's 1927 catalogue even offers the camera in 10x15cm and 13x18cm sizes (as a special order, 'price on request');[1] no example of either size has been seen, though a 24cm f/1.8 Ernostar suitable for the 13x18cm camera was sold at Westlicht (see the links below). The 1931 catalogue only offers the 4.5x6cm and 6.5x9cm cameras.[1] Some (not much) advertising for the camera also used the name Er-Nox, as in the text of the 1926 advertisement below right. When introduced, the camera was supplied with a 10cm f/2 Ernostar; later an 8.5cm f/1.8 Ernostar was offered (12.5cm and 16.5cm f/1.8 for the two larger cameras). The 1927 Zeiss Ikon catalogue offers both the f/2 and f/1.8 lenses,[1] but the French Photo-Plait catalogue of 1926 already offers only the f/1.8 lens.[2]. Actual examples seen suggest that customers chose the fast lens once it was available. The 1930 Zeiss Ikon catalogue only offers the f/1.8 lens.[1] Cameras with the short, fast lens have a significantly shorter lens tube, and are lighter: the camera body is mostly aluminium (covered with black leather), but the lens-mount is brass and makes up a lot of the weight.

The unusually large aperture made available light photography a real possibility. It was this feature that made the camera famous, especially in the hands of Dr. Erich Salomon (1886-1944), who used it to make candids. The maker's instructions stress the care needed when focusing at such wide aperture, and discourage the use of film-packs, which may not lie as flat as plates.

In the earliest example cited below (with lens serial no. 148233), the focus scale is marked on the painted lens tube, with the index mark on the plated focusing ring. In all other examples the scale is on the ring, and the pointer on the tube. In all examples there is a single indent in the ring and a toothed spring on the bottom of the tube which mates with it when the lens is at infinity focus, giving a 'click-stop'. Later lenses (from serial number 150503 in the examples cited here) have a more precise focus scale than previously, with more marked distances (and the closest distances marked to two places of decimals in some cases).

A strut-folding 9x12cm Ermanox made in tropical materials (uncovered mahogany with brass fittings and tan leather bellows) has been seen at Westlicht; the notes suggest this camera may be unique (i.e. made in tropical finish to a special order: other non-tropical 9x12cm examples exist). It has a 16.5cm f/1.8 Ernostar in black finish.

Ermanox Reflex

8573721235_7b06927e69_z.jpg
Ermanox Reflex (in the Technische Sammlungen Dresden)
image by Danipuntocom (Image rights)

There is also an SLR model, the Ermanox Reflex, which has a focusing screen on the top, with a folding leather hood, and a rear screen. This has a 10.5cm f/1.8 Ernostar: the 1927 Zeiss Ikon catalogue also offers the camera with either this lens or a 9cm f/2.7 Ernostar. The camera appears in French distributors' catalogues from 1926,[4] only offered with the f/1.8 lens. Later cameras have lenses made by Carl Zeiss (marked as such on the name-ring), with a focusing knob on the left side of the barrel instead of a ring.

Both the viewfinder and reflex cameras were copied by other makers, but while surviving examples of the Ermanox cameras are rare enough, all the copies are vanishingly so. Viewfinder copies include the Lorenz Nacht Kamera with an f/2 Plasmat, the Thornton Pickard Ruby Speed Camera with an f/2 Cooke Anastigmat, and a 'night camera' by Sommer with an f/1.5 Plasmat. Reflex copies include the Mentor Wonder Reflex for 6.5x9cm plates, with an f/1.9 Rietzschel/Agfa Prolinear, and the Ihagee Nachtreflex, with an f/1.5 Plasmat.

3064953509_3e8df820ee_c.jpg
Advertisement by Central Camera Co., 1926
scanned by Mario Groleau  (Image rights)
3065154544_ef505e8376_m.jpg 3064315629_fb029b39c2_m.jpg
3064316057_217ef73930_m.jpg 3065152576_77282baa25_m.jpg
3065156144_54dbec0102_m.jpg 3065158982_09a85e3732_m.jpg
3065153486_166e0252b9_m.jpg 3065157750_93e7c17388_m.jpg
3064311495_f37944aca6_m.jpg 3065159696_d6b8bf4b06_m.jpg
images by Mario Groleau (Image rights)

Known examples, at Westlicht auctions, etc.

4.x6cm viewfinder Ermanox

Body Serial no.
if known 		Lens Serial no.
(link to source) 		Focal length
& f-no. 		Comments Westlicht/Leitz
Auction no.
1139240 148233 10cm f/2 Speed table in French 37
1184920 150266 10cm f/2 31
1235814 150287 10cm f/2 In the stock of dealer Coeln Cameras n/a
1184987 150289 10cm f/2 7
150297 10cm f/2 42
1185098 150503 10cm f/2 First camera seen with more precise focus scale 16
1185290 150548 10cm f/2 12
1039149 150618 10cm f/2 32
1185381 150666 10cm f/2 11
1185427 150802 10cm f/2 20
1235777 150967 10cm f/2 18
1185547 151067 10cm f/2 8
1038999 166029 10cm f/2 w/ Rollex rollfilm back (for 127) 19
1253577 167170 8.5cm f/1.8 With its box 16
1254025 167265 8.5cm f/1.8 Focus in feet. At Early Photography n/a
1253880 167428 8.5cm f/1.8 Focus in feet. Round Zeiss Ikon badge by viewfinder.
Flint Auctions, 2020. With sales receipt dated April 1934. 		n/a
1253836 167552 8.5cm f/1.8 Impressed 'Ernemann', but with Zeiss Ikon badge. 8
1253718 167569 8.5cm f/1.8 Speed table in English, focusing in feet; Zeiss Ikon badge 28
1254214 1342114 8.5cm f/1.8 The camera pictured here n/a
1254444 167639 8.5cm f/1.8 18
1109182 8.5cm f/1.8 Speeds in English, focus in feet; Zeiss Ikon badge.
Lens serial seems wrong; can't be read in auction photos 		34

4.5x6cm Ermanox Reflex

Body Serial no.
if known 		Lens Serial no.
(link to source) 		Focal length
& f-no. 		Comments Westlicht/Leitz
Auction no.
1297263 179626 10.5cm f/1.8 18
179638 10.5cm f/1.8 Technische Sammlung Dresden (as pictured above) n/a
1297308 179705 10.5cm f/1.8 13
1297439 179763 10.5cm f/1.8 At Chiswick Auctions, March 2024 n/a
1297315 205312 10.5cm f/1.8 Speed table in English 17
M.99906 224877 10.5cm f/1.8 With 15cm f/2.7 Ernostar in same lot, at Christie's, 2002.
Likely lens has been exchanged by user (see position
of focus knob). 		n/a
M.99925 917001 10.5cm f/1.8 First Ernostar lens made by Carl Zeiss Jena for Ernemann 27
M.00064 917021 10.5cm f/1.8 CZJ Ernostar 6
M.99928 917072 10.5cm f/1.8 CZJ Ernostar 28
917099 10.5cm f/1.8 CZJ Ernostar 20

6.5x9cm Ermanox

Body Serial no.
if known 		Lens Serial no.
(link to source) 		Focal length
& f-no. 		Comments Westlicht/Leitz
Auction no.
1168015 165363 14cm f/2 Rigid body 21
1168023 192063 12.5cm f/1.8 13
1322310 192098 12.5cm f/1.8 6
L 6910 225058 12.5cm f/1.8 LP Foto
Auction 16

9x12cm strut-folding Ermanox

Body Serial no.
if known 		Lens Serial no.
(link to source) 		Focal length
& f-no. 		Comments Westlicht/Leitz
Auction no.
1051818 166982 16.5cm f/1.8 34
1053977 166993 16.5cm f/1.8 Tropical, and with speed table in French 24
1051646 167048 16.5cm f/1.8 At the George Eastman Museum. n/a


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Catalogues, reproduced at Pacific Rim Camera:
    * 1924 Ernemann catalogue, with the 10cm f/2 Ernostar on p12 and the 4.5x6cm Ermanox on p45.
    * 1927 Zeiss Ikon catalogue (260-MB pdf, German, but with Czech prices), with the Ermanox and Ermanox Reflex on p37.
    * 1930 Zeiss Ikon catalogue (253-MB pdf, English), with the Ermanox and Ermanox Reflex on pp47-48. The entry seems to damn the Ernostar with faint praise: The ERNOSTAR F 1.8 is an anastigmat of the highest class and the definition is so good that enlargements up to 5½"x3½" can be made with the greatest ease.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Catalogue pages for the Ermanox reproduced at Collection Appareils: Omnium Photo's in 1925, 1926 and 1927, and Photo-Porst's in 1925.
  3. ↑ Jahrbuch für Photographie, Kinematographie und Reproduktionsverfahren, Prof. Josef Maria Eder, Eduard Kuchinka & Curt Emmermann, 1931. Verlag Wilhelm Knapp, Halle (publisher) p.41 ( Reports of new cameras for 1928-9 describes the 9x12cm Ermanox as new, a sturdy wooden box in which the giant lens is recessed, and describes a lead-weighted stand offered for its use in a theatre. The camera is described as being used with a rangefinder, and provided with a small electric lamp to illuminate the rangefinder and focus scales in the dark of the theatre.
  4. ↑ Catalogue pages showing the Ermanox Reflex: various French distributors including Omnium Photo, 1926 and '27,at Collection Appareils.

Links

Retrieved from "http://camera-wiki.org/index.php?title=Ermanox&oldid=231421"