Here you will find everything you need in terms of tips, explanations, and background knowledge for Minox photography. From beginner tutorials to expert details, I will explain how you can really enjoy this type of photography and achieve immediate success. And it’s free of charge.
All Minox-related articles on this website are linked from here.
Page Contents
Sitemap of all Minox articles
Moments-of-Now.com is one of the largest international websites dedicated to practical information about Minox 8×11 subminiature cameras (spy cameras). It focuses on how to take pictures with these Minox cameras, how to maintain them, and how to repair them.
The target audience is primarily beginners in Minox photography. Therefore, everything is explained in a way that can be understood without prior knowledge. Nevertheless, the technology behind these cameras is explained in detail, from the basics to advanced topics, with many images and videos. This concept makes the website interesting even for experienced Minox enthusiasts. Collectors of Minox cameras will also find detailed presentations of my Minox cameras. These articles reflect my personal opinions about each model and my feelings about them.
The author of the articles has been taking pictures with all Minox models in 8×11 format in color and black and white for years. He carried out all common repairs on the Minox A IIIs and Minox B models himself.
Minox photography
Introduction to Minox subminiature cameras
Comparison of Minox Camera Models
| Model | Production | Shutter | Exp. Metering | Lens | Body | Film Counter | Special Features | Collector Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riga Minox | 1938–1943 | Mechanical (1/2–1/1000s) | None | Minostigmat f/3.5 | Stainless Steel | Upward (50) | First Minox, rare, spy camera | 1000–5000 |
| Minox A | 1948–1969 | Mechanical (1/2–1/1000s) | None | Complan f/3.5 | Aluminum | Upward (50) | Smallest, spy camera | 200–800 |
| Minox B | 1958–1972 | Mechanical (1/2–1/1000s) | Selenium cell, coupled | Complan f/3.5 | Aluminum | Upward (50) | First exposure meter | 100–200 |
| Minox C | 1969–1978 | Electromagnetic (1/15–1/1000s) | CdS, automatic | Complan/Minox f/3.5 | Aluminum | Backward (36/30/15) | Electronic control | 150 |
| Minox BL | 1972–1977 | Mechanical (1/2–1/1000s) | CdS, coupled | Minox f/3.5 | Aluminum | Backward (36/30/15) | Rare hybrid | 200–500 |
| Minox LX | 1978–2001 | Electromagnetic (1/30–1/2000s) | New design, áutomatic | Minox f/3.5 | Aluminum, various colors | Backward (36/30/15) | Modern ergonomics | 150–1500 |
| Minox EC | 1981–2003 | Electromagnetic (8s–1/500s) | Automatic | Minar f/5.6 | Makrolon | Backward (36/30/15) | Entry-level model | 90–500 |
| Minox AX | 1992–1996 | Mechanical (1/2–1/1000s) | None | Minox f/3.5 | Aluminum Gold | Backward (36/30/15) | Limited edition | 600–3000 |
The collector value as of 2025 in the table refers to used Minox cameras in good to very good condition (often described as “good” to “excellent” in collector circles). Condition Criteria:
- Functionality: The camera should be fully operational, with shutter, film advance, and (if applicable) exposure metering working properly.
- Functional models that do not meet the following criteria are sold at significantly lower prices.
- Cosmetic Condition: Minimal wear, no deep scratches, dents, or corrosion. Minor signs of use (e.g., light scratches on the body) are acceptable, but pristine examples (“mint”) command higher prices.
- Originality: Original parts (no modifications or replacement parts), including original lenses, filters, and accessories (e.g., chain, leather case).
- Completeness: Cameras with original packaging, manuals, or accessories (e.g., flash, copy stand) may have higher value.
Practical tips
Instructions for use, film procurement and processing, as well as information on accessories
Visual examples
Images taken with Minox cameras to demonstrate image quality.
Inside Minox
Inside Minox – Repair your Minox
Technical insights
The Minox exposure system
– The shutter speed dial
– The Minox trigger mechanism
– How the Minox escapement works
– The Blade Control
– The Minox shutter blade mechanism
How the Riga Minox shutter works
Minox repair and maintenance
Checking a Minox (A, B, BL, C, LX, EC, AX)
Checking shutter speeds of Minox 8×11 cameras
Testing Minox shutter speeds
Tools, consumables and spare parts for Minox repair
What you can do for your Minox
My Minox cameras
My Minox A IIIs cameras
– My most beautiful Minox A IIIs: La Belle
– My ugliest Minox A IIIs: La bête
– My gentle Minox A IIIs: La Douce
Accessories
Community and forums
Blende-und Zeit-Forum: blende-und-zeit.sirutor-und-compur.de: The Blende-und-Zeit forum is an online community and camera museum in German language dedicated to collectors of vintage and modern photographic and cinematographic equipment, featuring discussions and detailed comparisons of cameras, lenses, and accessories
photrio.com: Photrio is an active online forum primarily focused on analog photography, offering discussions on film, darkroom techniques, and alternative processes, with a large community of around 60,000 members.
talkphotography.co.uk: Talk Photography is the UK’s largest free photography community and discussion forum, offering a platform for enthusiasts to discuss techniques, equipment, and post-processing.
photo.net: Photo.net is an online photography community and forum where enthusiasts and professionals share images, discuss techniques, and exchange feedback to improve their craft.
