Glossary

MS Hobbies · Reference Edition

Glossary

A reference list of materials, components and terms used in Minox cameras and accessories.

Anodised Aluminium: Aluminium treated through an electrolytic process to harden the surface and improve corrosion resistance. Used in Minox components where light weight and durability are required.
Aperture Selector: A control allowing the user to choose the lens aperture. On some Minox models this is linked to the exposure meter for automatic settings.
ASA / ISO Rating: A numerical measure of film sensitivity. Higher numbers indicate greater sensitivity to light. Minox exposure systems are calibrated to standard ISO values.
AX / (Minox): Hybrid LX/A camera with LX-style body but no meter, models aimed at collectors , retaining the 8×11 format but with fewer controls. Variations in silver, black and gold. Highly sought after and rising in price.
Battery Compartment: Found on later Minox models using electronic shutters or CdS meters. Holds the power cell required for operation.
Binocular Attachment (Minox): An adapter allowing the Minox camera to be mounted behind binocular eyepieces for telephoto photography.
BL (Minox): A variant of the Minox B without a meter, offering a cleaner design and lighter weight.
Brass Mechanisms: Machined brass components used in early Minox cameras for gears, levers and structural parts. Brass offers excellent wear resistance and smooth mechanical action.
B (Minox): Most popular model with built‑in selenium meter and improved ergonomics.
Cartridge Loader: A device used to load Minox film into reusable cassettes in darkness.
Chrome‑Plated Components: Steel or brass parts coated with a thin layer of chromium for corrosion resistance and a durable, reflective finish.
CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust): A standard service procedure involving cleaning internal components, applying fresh lubrication and adjusting mechanisms to factory specifications.
CLX (Minox): A late‑generation model with updated electronics and modernised styling.
C (Minox): An electronically controlled model with automatic exposure and battery‑powered shutter.
Contact Print: A print made by placing the negative directly against photographic paper. Common for Minox proof sheets.
Copy Stand: A stand used for document copying or macro work. Holds the camera rigidly above the subject.
Cutting Jig: A tool used to cut 35 mm film into Minox‑sized strips for loading into cassettes.
Developing Tank: A light‑tight tank used to process Minox film. Minox produced dedicated tanks for 8×11 film.
EC / ECX (Minox): Compact, simplified models with fixed focus and automatic exposure.
Enlarger Lens: A lens used in photographic enlargers to project the Minox negative onto paper. Requires high resolution due to the small negative size.
Ever‑Ready Case: A case designed to remain attached to the camera during use, offering continuous protection.
Exposure Index (EI): The effective speed at which a film is exposed, which may differ from the manufacturer’s ISO rating depending on processing.
Exposure Value (EV) Scale: A combined scale representing shutter speed and aperture settings. Used on Minox models with coupled exposure systems.
Film Advance Wheel: The knurled wheel used to advance the film and cock the shutter. Its rotation also updates the frame counter and positions the film accurately in the gate.
Film Cassette Chamber: The compartment that holds the Minox 8×11 film cassette securely in place.
Film Cutter: A tool for trimming Minox film to the correct length.
Film Gate: The precisely machined opening through which the film is exposed. Ensures correct framing and flatness.
Film Slitter: A precision tool that slices 35 mm film down to 9.2 mm width for Minox use.
Film Transport Clutch: A friction‑based component that regulates film advance. Wear can cause uneven spacing or transport failure.
Focus Calibration: Adjusting the lens position to ensure accurate focus at marked distances.
Focusing Slider: The distance‑setting control, typically marked in metres. It adjusts the lens position to achieve correct focus.
Frame Counter: A mechanical indicator showing the number of exposures taken or remaining. Minox counters are typically incremental and reset automatically when the camera is opened.
Injection‑Moulded Polymer Components: Precision‑moulded plastic parts used in later Minox models for internal mechanisms and structural elements. They provide dimensional accuracy and reduce manufacturing weight.
Leather Case: A fitted protective case supplied with many Minox models.
Lens Carrier: The sliding assembly that moves the lens into the taking position when the camera is opened. It retracts when the camera is closed to protect the optics.
Lens Cleaning: Careful cleaning of lens surfaces to remove haze, dust or fungus without damaging coatings.
Light Seal Replacement: Renewing the foam or felt seals that prevent light leaks. Essential on ageing cameras.
LX (Minox): A premium model with advanced electronics, improved lens coatings and refined mechanics.
Makrolon: A high‑grade polycarbonate used for Minox camera bodies. It provides strength, dimensional stability and impact resistance while keeping weight low.
Meter Calibration: Adjusting the exposure meter to match known light values. Necessary when selenium or CdS cells drift.
Meter Cell / Selenium Cell: A light‑sensitive cell used in early Minox models to power the exposure meter without batteries.
Minox 8×11 Film: A proprietary subminiature film format measuring 8×11 mm per frame.
Minox 8×11 Format: The subminiature film format used by all classic Minox cameras, producing 8×11 mm negatives.
Minox 35 Series: A separate line of compact 35 mm cameras produced by Minox, known for their collapsible lenses and lightweight design.
Minox A / Riga: The original Minox camera, introduced in 1938. Precision‑machined and compact, it established the 8×11 format.
Minox B: A popular model with built‑in selenium meter and improved ergonomics.
Minox BL: A variant of the B without a meter, offering a cleaner design and lighter weight.
Minox C: An electronically controlled model with automatic exposure and battery‑powered shutter.
Minox Enlarger: A specialised enlarger designed for the 8×11 format, capable of producing high‑quality prints.
Minox Flashgun: A compact flash unit designed for Minox cameras.
Minox Tripod: A lightweight tripod with a dedicated Minox clamp or screw mount.
Negative Album Sheets: Archival sheets designed to hold Minox negatives securely.
Neck Chain / Wrist Strap: Carrying accessories designed for discreet or convenient handling.
Optical Glass (Minox‑grade): High‑quality glass used in Minox lenses, selected for clarity, low dispersion and resistance to ageing.
Parallax Compensation: A mechanical adjustment in the viewfinder to correct for the difference between the lens and viewfinder positions at close distances.
Pressure Plate: A spring‑loaded plate that keeps the film flat against the gate for sharp images.
Push Processing: A development technique that increases effective film speed by extending development time.
Pull Processing: Reduced development time to lower contrast or compensate for over‑exposure.
Selenium Cell Replacement: Replacing degraded selenium cells in early Minox meters.
Shutter Blade Alignment: Ensuring the shutter blades open and close smoothly without binding.
Shutter Release: The primary control used to fire the shutter.
Shutter Speed Dial: The control used to select shutter speeds.
Shutter Timing: The calibration of shutter speeds to ensure accurate exposure.
Stainless Steel Shutter Blades: Thin, spring‑tempered steel blades forming the Minox shutter mechanism.
Take‑up Spool: The rotating spool that winds the exposed film inside the Minox cassette.
TLX (Minox): A high‑precision titanium‑bodied model with advanced electronics and premium finish.
Titanal Eloxat: A lightweight but aluminium alloy used for Minox camera shells.
Transport Mechanism Service: Servicing the gears, clutches and springs that advance the film and cock the shutter.
Viewfinder Window: The optical window used for framing. On all cameras except the EC/EC-X/MX, the viewfinder rotated as the lens focus was turned to correct for parallax error.
Zapp, Walter: Walter Zapp (1905–2003) was the inventor of the Minox camera and the originator of the 8×11 format. His 1936 breakthrough produced a fully functional miniature camera small enough to disappear inside a closed hand. In 1938, the VEF factory in Riga began production of the first Minox, establishing a new standard for precision subminiature photography.

The Second World War interrupted early success, forcing Zapp to flee Latvia for Germany. After the war he co‑founded Minox GmbH in Wetzlar, where the first German‑made Minox appeared in 1948. Although later disagreements led to his departure from the company, Zapp returned in the 1990s at the age of 90 to contribute new design work. He continued developing miniature‑camera concepts into his final years: the diagrams of his proposed invention of a miniature camera of the 21st century have not been publicaly released.

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