Ernemann Minor

Overview

The Ernemann Minor was produced from c.1896 to c.1919. Great magazine camera with revolutionary design that combines the plate changes with only ¼ turn of a knob, aperture and speed control even from the very early models (like Edison Minor). The camera was produced in 4 variations:

Model	Production	Formats
Ernemann Edison Minor	c.1896-c.1899	9x12; 12x16.5; 13x18
Ernemann Minor (Early)	c.1900-c.1912	9x12
Ernemann Minor (Mid)	c.1902-c.1909	9x12
Ernemann Minor (Later)	c.1912-c.1919	9x12

Ernemann Minor: Edison model (left) from c.1899 and later model (right) from c.1914. image by Abdishev (Image rights)

Ernemann Minor (Edison)

The Minor from the Edison era (1892-1899) in production from c.1896 to c.1899. Simple clip locked back door and very basic viewfinder metal frame. The 3-color camera Ernemann Multicolor was derived from the Minor.

Specifications

The only Minor in sizes above 9x12 and with wide number of lens:

• Glass Plate 9x12 lens:
  • Pariser Universal-Aplanat Extra Rapid
  • Zeiss Anastigmat Serie IIIa, Nr.2
  • Goerz Doppel-Anastigmat Serie III, Nr.1
  • Voigtlander Collinear Serie III, Nr.3
• Glass Plate 12x16.5 lens:
  • Pariser Universal-Aplanat Extra Rapid
  • Voigtlander Collinear Serie III, Nr.3a
• Glass Plate 13x18 lens:
  • Pariser Universal-Aplanat Extra Rapid
  • Zeiss Anastigmat Serie IIIa, Nr.5
  • Goerz Doppel-Anastigmat Serie III, Nr.1
  • Voigtlander Collinear Serie III, Nr.1

Sample pictures

Sample of Ernemann MINOR 9x12 magazine camera of c.1899, Images by Abdishev (Image rights)

Ernemann Minor (Early)

Very similar to the Edison Minor, but with better back door locking, used in all future versions. The view finder frame was upgraded from basic metal plate type to prominent chromed frame, used for future versions as well. From this model on the Minor was only produced in 9x12 plate size. In fact this camera can take 12 glass plates or 24 film plates, but the exposure counter was only showing the first 12.

Specifications

• Lens:
  • Universal-Aplanat Extra Rapid (after 1902 called Ernemann Universal-Aplanat)
  • Zeiss Anastigmat Serie IIIa, Nr.2
  • Goerz Doppel-Anastigmat Serie III, Nr.1
• Dimensions: 10 x 19.5 x 22 cm
• Weight: 1.950kg

Ernemann Minor (Mid)

This version is similar to the Minor (Early), with the only difference that the horizontal viewfinder is replaced with Newton Finder. Looks like Ernemann Multicolorefrom the left.

Specifications

• Lens:
  • Rapid-Detektiv-Objectiv (Dopple-Objectiv)
  • Ernemann Universal-Aplanat (and pneumatic shooter release)
• Dimensions: 11 x 18.5 x 24 cm
• Weight: 1.950kg

Ernemann Minor (Later)

This later version is with totally re-designed lens/shutter front. It has front door that allows the shutter and aperture to be set, as well as lens/shutter exchange. This version also has slightly different dimensions mainly related with the new front door design, but at the same time making the camera lighter with about 0.150kg.

Specifications

• Lens:
  • Ernemann Detectiv-Aplanat 1:6.8 f=150 mm
  • Ernemann Anastigmat Ernar 1:6.3 f=150 mm
  • Ernemann Dopple-Anastigmat 1:6 f=150 mm
• Shutter: Ernemann Automat B up to 1/100 sec.
• Dimensions: 11 x 18.5 x 24.5 cm
• Weight: 1.800kg

Sample pictures

Sample of Ernemann MINOR 9x12 magazine camera of c.1914, Images by Abdishev (Image rights)