Which Minox?

With a 65 year history and several models many people new to Minox ask which model to choose. As with most things, it all depends upon what you want to use it for.

See also http://www.swssec.com/minox_faq_1.html "Which Camera is Right For Me?"

Riga : not really a user camera because it is expensive to buy, harder to get parts and the lens is not as good as on the post-War Minox cameras. It lacks a flash socket. Film advances each time the camera is pulled apart to use the viewfinder.

AII : If modified to remove the 5th element it is a reasonable user camera. More of interest to collectors, particularly in original form.  Film advances each time the camera is pulled apart to use the viewfinder.

AIII : If you don't need flash the AIII is of the same quality as the later AIIIs and B models.  Film advances each time the camera is pulled apart to use the viewfinder.

AIIIs : More common than the earlier A versions and so usually cheaper. Smaller than a B and as flexible with the small Minox light meter. Film advances each time the camera is pulled apart to use the viewfinder.

B :  Built in selenium meter made this a popular choice and saw the decline in sales of the AIIIs. Larger than the AIIIs but smaller than a AIIIs and the separate light meter. Many cameras now need the meters replaced. The selenium meter is not as accurate as the CdS meter in low light. Film advances each time the camera is pulled apart to use the viewfinder.

C : Fully automatic with manual shutter speed selection but then restricted to the stops on the dial, not fully continuous as in automatic mode or as found on the A, B and BL. The largest (longest) Minox 8x11 camera. Provided the battery has not leaked inside the camera these cameras are very reliable. In use the C is more rapid to deploy than a B or an A. The meter can be left on automatic, the focus on the hyperfocal point and then you only have to aim. The early versions have a Complan lens, the best Minox camera to use this lens. Later version have a Minox lens. This dispensed with the need to have a curved focal plane and the Minox lens has improved coating so is better with colour film. Only ND filter. Clip on filters cover both the lens and meter window and so automatically compensate the shutter speed. Filters for A and B camera can also be used, but the user needs to adjust the film speed setting to get the correct exposure. Film DOES NOT advances each time the camera is pulled apart to use the viewfinder, no frame is lost.

BL : A short production run makes the BL harder to find than many other models. The CdS meter is coupled to the shutter speed dial in a similar way to the B. Slightly longer than a B (by 3mm). Needs a battery for the meter and that can only be changed at the end of the film (otherwise a couple of frames are lost).  Battery leak is also a problem. Shutter is continuously variable. Clip on filters cover both the lens and meter window and so automatically compensate the shutter speed. Filters for A and B camera can also be used, but the user needs to compensate for the correct exposure. For black and white photographers the built in green and orange filters of the B may be more convenient to carry than the BL and filter set. Film DOES NOT advances each time the camera is pulled apart to use the viewfinder, no frame is lost.

LX : The change in style is not to everyone's liking. The shutter release was moved to help avoid getting fingers in front of the lens and the unique Minox locking for chain and attachments replaced with a standard 1/4" tripod socket. This requires a different set of accessories. Shutter speed to 1/2000th and so faster films can be used in normal daylight. The raised rim has been lost so filters for earlier models can not be used. There are no additional clip on filters for the camera. Film DOES NOT advances each time the camera is pulled apart to use the viewfinder, no frame is lost.

EC : A point and shoot Minox camera. The lightest Minox, at 58g (including film and battery). Slightly wider than an a Model A camera. It's black body can be easily hidden in your hand. No focusing and full automatic exposure made this the most rapid candid Minox. Top speed of 1/500th and no filters makes it harder to use fast film in normal day light. Lack of focusing means that infinity is not as sharp as is possible from the focusing Minox cameras. Close focus of 1m many not be so restrictive but you can't get in close to small objects or take the photograph of the person sitting next to you.  Film DOES NOT advances each time the camera is pulled apart to use the viewfinder, no frame is lost. Plastic rivets hold a clip that shuts off of the meter when the camera is closed. If these are damaged the meter will continue to operate and shorten the battery life. The fix is relatively cheap.

AX : Made up from parts left over from the BL days but in a new shell in the style of the LX. No meter, top speed of 1/1000th, the last fully mechanical Minox 8x11 camera. Expensive, limited production and so questionable as a user camera. Film DOES NOT advances each time the camera is pulled apart to use the viewfinder, no frame is lost. The absences of the raised rim in the smooth lines of the LX style and very short flash end means that the camera is harder grip to open and use and the Minox A.

TLX : LX with a new, more scratch resistant coating. Finish on later production is more varied than earlier serial numbers. Very few TLX cameras have been made although the production run is over 10 years.

ECX :  The square edges of the ECX make the camera slightly larger than the EC. It is also lacks the contour shape and has a large circle around the lens and a shinny name plate to cover it. This is to make it easier to find where the lens is and so keep fingers out of the way. The changes also mean that it is more noticeable than the EC in use. "Film is in camera" indicator LED as well as the battery check and low light warning LEDs. The lens has a new improved coating. The strap is a button coat type, not a chain and it can't be carried around the neck by the round metal clip used to attach the strap. The weight of camera is sufficient to dislodge the spring clip that holds the metal piece.

MX : A simple fixed speed 1/125th and f4.8 aperture but has manual focus down to 1m and true infinity. The camera is more flexible than the classic range, similar in size to the EC, but check out the Acmel MDX with it's variable shutter.

Special Editions: Other than the Sterling silver LX, which ought to be handled only when wearing white cotton gloves the various special edition Minox cameras are expensive but good user cameras. The gold versions are heavier than the standard silver/brushed aluminium and black versions as the coating is on a brass body. The LX selection has gold on an aluminium body but this is thought to wear more easily if used and handled a lot. The LX 2000, the chrome CLX and chrome 100th Anniversary LX cameras are also heavier. The special edition EC cameras may share the same problem as the basic EC in that the white markings may rub off. The durability of the blue finish to the Minox Club EC is not known.

Last Updated on 26th December 2005