Minox 8×11 System — Models, Overview & Support

The Minox 8×11 system represents one of the most compact precision camera systems ever produced. This page provides a structured overview of the system, its technical development and the principal models, together with links to accessories, film handling and servicing information.

Technical overview — principal advances

The 8×11 system evolved through distinct technical generations. The following themes summarise the major developments.

Stainless‑steel origins — the 1937 Riga Minox established the sliding‑body design and 8×11 mm format.
Post‑war refinement — Minox II and III series introduced revised shutters and improved optics.
Integrated metering — the Minox B (1958) added a selenium meter; the BL followed with CdS metering.
Electronic shutter — the Minox C (1969) introduced electronically timed exposures with CdS metering.
SBC metering — the LX (1978) replaced CdS with Silicon Blue Cell metering and updated electronics.
Late‑production derivatives — TLX, CLX and Aviator (1997) were small‑batch LX‑platform variants.

Model identification (chronological)

The entries below provide concise identification markers for each principal model in the Minox 8×11 line.

1937 – Riga Minox
Original Minox design by Walter Zapp. Stainless‑steel body. First 8×11 mm subminiature camera.
1948 – Minox II
Post‑war reintroduction with revised shutter and optics.
1950 – Minox III
Improved mechanics and incremental refinements to the Minox II platform.
1958 – Minox B
Built‑in selenium meter. Cold shoe for flash accessories.
1963 – Minox BL
CdS metering without the cold shoe. Meter powered by PX27 cell.
1969 – Minox C
Electronic shutter with CdS metering. First electronically timed Minox.
1978 – Minox LX
New body and electronics. Silicon Blue Cell metering replacing CdS.
1997 – Minox TLX / CLX / Aviator
Late‑production LX‑platform derivatives. SBC metering and LX‑series electronics. Produced in small batches: TLX approx. 4,000 units, CLX at least 500 units, Aviator approx. 300 units.

System pages

Revision: 25 February 2026 (MSH‑8X11‑02)

Minox Index • Minox 8×11 Cameras & System • Minox 8×11 Accessories • Minox 35 mm Cameras • Minox 35 mm Accessories • Servicing & Repairs • Forms & Downloads • Minox Pricing
• Documentation principles • Optics • Glossary