Introduction IntroductionThe Minimax 110 EE was briefly manufactured by Sugaya Optical Company, Japan in 1978 with only 200 having been made. Unlike the majority of 110 cameras this model resembles the larger 35mm compact cameras but is a petit 50 x 95 x 50mm (HxWxD). The retail price was 250USD, making it the same price as a low-end SLR and putting it into a luxury class.
It was exported by Tokyo Material Co. with approximately 150 to Europe, particularly Belgium. The remaining 50 where sold in Japan. The former Nikon engineer Mr. Sugaya also developed a new model to follow the Minimax 110 EE and produced a prototype. The production costs where too expensive and so the prototype and blue prints were sold to Pentax who then manufactured it as the Pentax Auto 110.
The Minimax 110 EE has a metal die cast body and includes auto exposure with the speed (1 second to 1/500s) and aperture being controlled by selecting the ASA. Without battery it gave a fix speed of 1/125.
The lens is very sharp making it one of the best 110 cameras manufactured. The non-interchangeable lens has a focal length of 32mm and maximum aperture of f 2.0. Focus is adjustable down to 1 meter. The viewfinder is large and bright, with projected frame lines for the standard lens. A front mounted dial allows setting of film speeds between ASA 64 and 400. The shutter is synchronized for electronic flash.
The clear plastic window in the camera back is used to view the 110 film cartridge frame numbers.
The red curved line on the camera top, with the letter L at its tip is the shutter release lock.
The lens focusing ring is engraved in meters and feet.
The camera also has a tripod socket and cable release connection. An extra-large flash unit was available.
Ebay 2004/09/22 103.50USD, 2006/03/25 360EUR+commission (box)
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Last Updated on 25th March 2006
