Here you will find everything you need in terms of tips, explanations, and background knowledge for Minox photography. From beginner tutorials to expert details and information for collectors, I will explain how you can really enjoy this type of photography and achieve immediate success. And it’s free of charge. I started writing these articles in 2024, so the information is new.
All my Minox-related articles are linked from here.
Page Contents
A sitemap for my Minox topics
Moments-of-Now.com is one of the largest and most up to date 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.
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.
He is fascinated by the practical application of Minox photography and the use of these cameras.
Minox photography in 2025
Introduction to Minox subminiature cameras
The Minox Paradox explores the allure of Minox subminiature cameras. It discusses the paradox that these small cameras can produce exceptional, artistic photos.
The Minox spy camera highlights the Minox’s role in espionage, focusing on its historical significance. It references notable spy cases, emphasizing the camera’s use by intelligence agencies during the Cold War.
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.
Here I present my own favorite Minox cameras.
Practical tips for Minox photography
Minox for beginners introduces the basics of using Minox subminiature cameras, covering the complete workflow from purchasing to digital post-processing.
Make your own Minox film provides detailed instructions on creating Minox film from 35mm film, addressing the challenges of limited film availability.
Expose with Minox explains the exposure system, including shutter speed settings and light meter usage.
Focusing a Minox what focusing mean and which distance to set on a Minox.
Triggering a Minox provides tips on how to trigger and hold the Minox correctly.
Storing Minox negatives offers practical tips for safely preserving the tiny 8x11mm negatives.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions or is there anything missing? I’d be happy to help you personally! Free of charge, of course, because this is about our hobby. I usually respond within a day. Simply use the comment function at the bottom of this page. No registration required.
Visual examples of Minox photography
Minox gallery showcases a collection of photographs taken with Minox 8×11 subminiature cameras, highlighting their unique aesthetic and capabilities.
Exploring the Mechanics of a Minox
Inside Minox – Repair your Minox: Understanding the inner workings of a Minox camera can deepen one’s appreciation for its engineering and enhance the ability to use and maintain it effectively. This breakdown is essential for those looking to understand and preserve these cameras.
Technical insights
Have you always wanted to know what a Minox looks like inside and how it works? Here you will find everything explained in a simple, easy-to-understand way with pictures and videos.
- The Minox exposure system provides an overview of the mechanical components that control light capture in Minox cameras. It delves into the functionality of the system’s core elements, explaining how they interact to ensure accurate exposure. This technical guide helps users to understand the camera’s exposure mechanism:
- The shutter speed dial explains the transfer of the set exposure time to the exposure system.
- The Minox trigger mechanism the internal process when you press the shutter button.
- How the Minox escapement works explains its function of the escapement and structure
- The Blade Control describes the internal control of the shutter blades.
- The Minox shutter blade mechanism visualizes the movement of the shutter blades.
- The flash synchronisation details the use of AG1 flash bulbs, their integration with the camera’s flash shoe, and the mechanism ensuring precise timing between the shutter and flash for effective illumination.
- How the Riga Minox shutter works provides a detailed examination of the shutter mechanism in the iconic Riga Minox. The guide breaks down the shutter’s operation, including its speed settings and how it interacts with the lens and film advance system.
- Minostigmat versus Complan: Understanding the optical heart of a Minox camera is key to appreciating its remarkable image quality. We delve into the technical details of the Minox camera’s iconic lenses, the Minostigmat and Complan. Explore their design, optical characteristics, and historical development, and find out how these compact lenses achieve exceptional sharpness. The guide also compares their performance and discusses their suitability for different photographic scenarios.
Minox repair and maintenance
When you’re into Minox photography, you’ll notice that sometimes the cameras don’t work like they should. Then you gotta deal with it. Here, we’ll learn what causes these issues and how to fix them.
Please read our Legal Disclaimer before you repair.
Checking a Minox before buying a Minox A, B, BL, C, LX, EC, or AX is essential.
Checking shutter speeds clarifies the need for maintenance or exposure corrections.
A DIY shutter tester specially built for Minox shutters is presented here.
Tools, consumables and spare parts for Minox repair – that’s all you need.
What you can do for your Minox to maintain.
Open the housing of a Minox. Detailed instructions with lots of pictures and tips.
Defective shutter blades – How to fix this common Minox defect.
Frame counter unreliable is a defect that is often overlooked. How to fix it.
Incorrect distance setting. Maybe the result of another repair. Difficult to fix, but possible.
Incorrect film feeding means that the frames on the film overlap. How to fix it.
Minox EC problems are often electrical issues that can be easily resolved.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions or is there anything missing? I’d be happy to help you personally! Free of charge, of course, because this is about our hobby. I usually respond within a day. Simply use the comment function at the bottom of this page. No registration required.
My Minox cameras
Once I had fallen under the spell of the 8×11 Minox, I wanted to know more about this cameras. Over time, this led to a complete collection of all models. I will gradually present my Minox cameras here in the order in which I like the individual models.
Riga Minox – The big hit. This camera came out of nowhere. In the 1930s, there was no camera that even remotely resembled this concept. In this respect, it was a huge breakthrough in terms of innovation and masterful manufacturing.
My Minox A IIIs cameras. The Model II, IIIl, IIIs, or the Minox A, as it was later called, represented the sum of the experience gained with the Riga Minox. It took advantage of the opportunities that arose from the company’s complete fresh start in West Germany after World War II. I have three Minox A cameras, each of which is very special to me.
– My most beautiful Minox A IIIs: La Belle
– My ugliest Minox A IIIs: La bête
– My gentle Minox A IIIs: La Douce
Minox AX. More than 50 years after the release of the first model, all the experience and advances in manufacturing technology were incorporated into the original concept of the purely mechanical Minox. It was a tribute to Walter Zapp and an object of desire for Minox collectors. The perfect Minox – that’s why mine is coated in 24-carat gold.
Minox EC. The Minox EC is the sporty version of the Minox. And it is the smallest of them all. The black Macrolon housing protects the camera completely, as there are no controls on the outside. The modern design, automatic exposure control, and top-quality lens make it my secret favorite. Over time, I have taken some of my best Minox photos with it.
Accessories
The Minox AG-1 flash was a late but ingenious accessory for the Minox A III. It was the first original flash from Minox and only came onto the market six years after the first Minox with flash synchronization.
Other sources
No one can know everything about every subject. You have to narrow your focus if you really want to master a subject. For me, that subject is Minox photography in practice. However, there are many other Minox topics, and fortunately there are some people who deal with them. I like to draw on this knowledge, and I do so frequently. That’s why I would like to share these sources with you.
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.
Literature
canadianfilmlab.com: Film Stock and Exposure Comparisons
cia.gov: Photographica, Patents
DAG Camera Parts: Minox repair
dpreview.com: The sunny 16 rule
greenspun.com: Minox 8×11 Frame Spacing
juliantanase.com: My Minox journey continues…
lomography.com: The Story Of The Cooke Triplet
moma.org: Minox VEF Riga Camera
Minox Club (1. Deutscher Minox Club)
nikon.com: How to hold and tripod use
phillipreeve.net: Lens aberrations explained
pointsinfocus.com: Depth of Field, Angle of View, and Equivalent Lens Calculator
photobutmore.de: Belichtungstabellen, -rechner und -uhren
Oleson, Rick: Camera repair on flickr, on Bright-Screen.com
subclub.org: Subminiature photography
submin.com: Subminiature cameras and their accessories
tayeb.fr/photo/mire/mire.htm, lens test chart
tomchuk.com: Human Rangefinder Card Generator
wiskerke.home.xs4all.nl: The string tripod
Heckmann, H.: Minox – Variationen in 8×11, Wittig Fachbuch, 2004
Heckmann, H.: Werbeanzeigen im Wandel der Zeit, 1. Deutscher Minox Club, 1997
Kasemeyer, R.: Kleine Minox – Große Bilder, Heering-Verlag, 1961
Sasse, K.: Bilder aus russischer Kriegsgefangenschaft, Waxmann, 2007
Van den Brink, M.: The Minox Files, Van Zoetendal Publishers, 2021
Young, D.: Minox – Marvel in Miniature, 1st Book Library, 2000
Complete list of Literature and Links
Post your questions, suggestions, and feedback here
Do you have any questions or is there anything missing? I’d be happy to help you personally! Free of charge, of course, because this is about our hobby. I usually respond within a day.
Simply write in the comment field and press the Post Comment button. Your name, email address, and website are optional. If you ask me a question, you may provide your email address so that I can respond in detail and we can engage in a dialogue.
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