Ernemann Film K

Specification

Manufacturer	:	Ernemann
Produced	:	1917 - 1926
Classification	:	Medium Format
Body Type	:	Box
Construction	:	Wood/Metal/Bakelite
Film Type	:	116
Film Width	:	70mm
Image Size	:	2½ x 4¼ in
No. of Images	:	8
Lens Type	:	Meniscus
Focus Type	:	Fixed
Focal Length	:	120mm
Focus Range	:	10m to inf.
Aperture Type	:	Multihole
Aperture	:	f/12.5, f/25
Shutter Type	:	Rotary
Shutter Speeds	:	Z(B),M(I)*(1/20 sec)
Size (w x h x d)	:	90 x 160 x 155 mm
Weight	:	599g
* Measured on this camera

Description

The Ernemann Film K comes in a variety of sizes which all look the same. The image sizes available are 6x6cm, 6x9cm, 6.5x11cm and 7.25x12.5cm. The one shown here is the 6.5x11cm version.

The film is loaded by opening the hinged side of the camera. It has two reflecting ground glass viewfinders, one for portraits and one for landscape. It has two tripod mounts, one for each orientation.

The aperture and shutter settings are linked. These are changed by a lever on the front. The options are:-

• Momentary (M) - Instant shutter with and aperture of f/12.5.
• Bulb setting (Z 12.5) - Aperture setting f/12.5.
• Bulb setting (Z 25) - Aperture setting f/25.

It has a very slow shutter speed of around 1/20 of a second. There is a connection for a remote cable which would help with reducing camera shake.

How to Use

This Ernemann Film K uses 116 film which is not available anymore except as expired films. This means that the camera needs modification to take 120 film. Modification is fairly straight forward and will easily give 5 'panoramic' exposures producing 2¼ x 4¼ inch negatives. Check out my page on 'Conversion of a 116 camera to take 120 film'.

When this camera is used in Instant mode, the aperture settings is 1/12.5. With a shutter speed of only 1/20 sec, make sure you use a tripod or brace the camera against your body or something solid. Press the shutter smoothly or use a remote cable attachment to avoid camera shake.

If you don't want to bother with an exposure meter, follow the guide below. It is based on the 'Sunny 16' rule. Film is so forgiving and will produce acceptable results even when over-exposed by 2 or 3 stops or under-exposed by 1 stop.

The tables also assume that the sun is at least 30 degrees above the horizon - that's 10am - 5pm on a summers day (May - August) in the UK.

I advise using ISO 50 film but I show performance for both ISO 50 and ISO 100 below.