Minox 8×11 Film — Format, Cassette & Handling

The Minox 8×11 format is the smallest practical photographic system ever produced for regular use. Introduced in 1938 with the Riga Minox and refined through the BL, C, LX and EC series, it uses a daylight‑loading cassette containing a continuous strip of 9.2 mm film that produces negatives measuring 8×11 mm.

Format Overview

• Negative size: 8×11 mm
• Film width: 9.2 mm
• Cassette type: Minox daylight‑loading (late BL‑era plastic)
• Exposures: 36 (standard) or 15 (short)
• Film advance: Push–pull telescoping body, coupled to shutter
• Pressure plate: Opens during advance to prevent scratching
• Perforations: None — Minox uses a sprocketless transport system

The Minox Cassette

The Minox cassette consists of two chambers joined by a bridge. Film travels from the supply chamber, across the film gate, into the take‑up chamber. The camera’s triple‑tooth transport wheel engages the film edge directly, eliminating the need for perforations.

Cassette Structure

• Supply chamber: Holds unexposed film
• Bridge: Guides film across the film gate
• Take‑up chamber: Receives exposed film
• Light‑tight lips: Prevent fogging during handling
• Orientation notch: Ensures correct insertion

Custom Metal Minox Cassettes

MS Hobbies supplies custom‑made aluminium Minox cassettes for photographers who prefer a durable, long‑life alternative to the standard plastic cassette. These are machined from aluminium alloy with internal geometry matched to the original Minox specification, ensuring correct film path, pressure and light sealing.

• Durability: Resistant to cracking, warping and heat deformation
• Stable film path: Maintains alignment across repeated reloads
• Precision fit: Compatible with all Minox 8×11 cameras from Riga to LX
• Service life: Ideal for frequent reloaders and archival work

Aluminium cassettes with aluminium case are supplied in two finishes:
£95 (grey) • £75 (black)

Additional cassette availability

Limited supplies of used plastic Minox cassettes (£14.50) are also available for loading. These are the modern click‑closure versions and are suitable for general use where original Minox cassettes are not required.

Using the 9.0 mm Film Cutter and Metal Cassettes

These notes apply to the Jimmy Lee 9.0 mm cutter and the current MS Hobbies metal cassettes. Work in a clean, dust‑free area, and use a dark bag when handling sensitive parts.

Preparing and Cutting Film

• Cut 35 mm film to 9.0 mm width using the Jimmy Lee cutter.
• Use a pre‑cut 59.5 cm measuring strip to confirm length for 36 exposures.

Loading and Sealing the Cassette

• Seal the cassette using 5 mm Tamiya tape for a secure, light‑tight closure.
• A strip of leather adhesive sealer is supplied for use inside the spool (beneath the bridge). Some users find this improves light‑trapping; others prefer not to use it.
• If the cassette does not sit flush on the spool side at first, remove it, wind on slightly, and re‑seat. It should sit correctly after this adjustment.

Capacity and Compatibility

• Designed for a maximum of 36 exposures.
• The LX‑type feed cap is more recessed than an original Minox LX cap to prevent overloading.
• Compatible with pre‑1973 cap‑type cassettes, but not with later “click‑connection” types.

Camera Fit

• Grey cassettes: A, B, C, BL, LX, EC, Sharan, Ataron, Minimax.
• Black cassettes: C, BL, LX, EC, Sharan, Ataron, Minimax.
• Grey cassettes may fit a Riga, but tolerances vary. If uncertain, use plastic or original Riga cassettes and remove them in a dark bag.

Handling Notes

• Take care when removing loaded cassettes to avoid cap shift. If unsure, remove them in a dark bag.

Frame Size and Image Characteristics

The 8×11 mm frame is small but optically efficient. Minox lenses are fixed at f/3.5 (BL, B, C, LX) or f/5.6 (EC/ECX), with exceptional flatness of field and contrast. High central sharpness, minimal distortion and large depth of field make the system ideal for documents, close‑ups and daylight photography. Grain becomes visible sooner than in 35 mm, but remains controlled with fine‑grain films.

Loading and Unloading

Minox cameras are designed for daylight handling. The cassette drops into the film compartment without threading or leader trimming.

Loading

• Set the exposure counter to the loading position.
• Open the camera back.
• Drop the cassette into the chambers.
• Close the back until it snaps shut.
• Push–pull twice to advance to frame 1.

Unloading

• After the final exposure, push–pull twice.
• Open the back.
• The cassette will drop into the hand or can be lifted by its bridge.
• Store in a film box or light‑tight envelope until processing.

Available Film Stocks

Older black‑and‑white emulsions may show increased base fog. For best results, rate the film at a lower effective speed (typically ½ to ⅔ stop below box speed) and consider using a fog‑clearing restrainer such as benzotriazole during development.

Ordering Information

Film, processing and scanning are supplied through MS Hobbies using a standard order form. Orders may be sent by post or by email, together with the completed form and any film for processing. Use one form per order batch. Include your return address and preferred return method. Pack exposed film securely to prevent damage in transit. Processing, scanning and return options are listed on the form.

Download the MS Hobbies Order & Processing Form (PDF)

Historical Notes

The Minox 8×11 system was designed by Walter Zapp in the 1930s as a precision miniature camera. Its cassette and film path were engineered to maintain flatness, minimise scratching and allow daylight handling — features unmatched by other subminiature systems. Production continued from 1938 to 2012 across Riga, Wetzlar and Giessen.

Archival Notes

• Plastic cassettes can warp with heat; store cool and dry.
• Keep cassettes in sealed bags to prevent dust ingress.
• Film is sensitive to fogging; process promptly after exposure.

Revision: 2026‑02‑27 — MS Hobbies, London