Ermanox Reflex

Here we are again and yet the rabbit hole continues. This posting is a bit of an oddity, at least for me, in the collection. I collect film cameras and even though this doesn't fit that category fully it does fit my style and appreciation for innovation and beauty. Not easy to acquire. I did over time get a good example and the rewards for my effort is this jewel.

This is number 2 on the count down to number 1 at this time.

Heinrich Ernemann AG was founded in 1889 in Dresden, Germany.
The Ermanox Reflex was introduced in 1924 and continued in production till 1926. A 4.5x6 cm plate camera that could be adapted or changed to a film back, though was discouraged by Ernemann due to quality of pics.
Basically a small aluminium body camera wrapped in leather with focal plane shutter, simple settings and speed control from 1/20-1/1000sec.
As one can tell from the pics above the lens is the elephant in the room. Because of the amazing lens it was advertised as a night or sport camera, which it was very capable of. Very expensive for its day.
Atop is a Newton folding viewfinder.
Featured here we have one of the, favored, Ernostar 8.5cm f/1.8 lens.
Serial number of this model suggests it's from one of the last production runs in 1926. Also a dead give a way is the Zeiss Ikon badge on top of body.
I love the design of this little lens heavy camera.
For more info on this camera or other models http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Ermanox