minox BL 1973

The BL or 'Luxury B' was the poorest seller of all the post-war Minox 8x11 cameras yet offered the photographer the greatest control of their image and is the most sought-after camera today. The BL fixed the flaws in the 'B' - uncoupled shutter release to the wind-on mechanisn, and a improved CdS cell meter.  Unlike the successful Minox 'C' only the meter was battery-powered, so the new model could be used with its mechanical shutter. Introduced four years after the 'C' was launched, the 'BL' replaced the 'B'. Very few customers bought it, preferring the automation of the 'C'. Certainly Hobbies had unsold BL models until the early 1980's. Minox only registered 17k BL, compared with 174k 'C's.

The chrome BL remans relatively expensive at £200-£300 because of a low production volume, poor sales, and cameras with failed meters. Once serviced and cleaned, they are excellent performers. We rarely see poor results from a 'BL'. You can buy used BL's and we can repair most BL faults - a new shutter and meter will be c. £200.

Black BL's are a rarity, as they used the B-like enamel finish. Expect to pay around £600+ for one today. Characteristic Black BL features are two rub marks by the meter button: these were caused by the inside of the case rubbing on the camera. I would estimate that of the 17k BL's. only 500 Black cameras were made.