Identify Your Minox Camera

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Minox cameras fall into two distinct systems: the classic 8×11 mm subminiature cameras (1937–2004) and the 35 mm compact cameras (1974–1995). Identification is based on body markings, lens designation, control layout and production details. This page provides a concise reference for recognising each model.

Minox 8×11 Cameras – Major Technical Advances

The Minox 8×11 system evolved through distinct technical generations. The following summary outlines the principal advances and the models in which they first appeared.

• 1937 – Riga Minox
  Original Minox design by Walter Zapp. Stainless steel body. First 8×11 mm subminiature camera.
• 1948 – Minox II
  Reintroduction after the war. Revised shutter and optics.
• 1958 – Minox B
  Built‑in selenium meter. Cold shoe for flash accessories.
• 1969 – Minox C
  Electronic shutter. CdS metering.
• 1978 – Minox LX
  New body. Revised electronics. Silicon Blue Cell metering,
  replacing the CdS system used in the Minox C and BL.
• 1997 – Minox TLX / CLX / Aviator
  Late‑production derivatives of the LX platform. SBC metering and LX‑series electronics. Produced in small batches: TLX approx. 4,000 units, CLX at least 500 units, and the Aviator approx. 300 units.

Minox 35 mm Cameras – Model Identification (chronological)

The Minox 35 series (1974–1995) comprises compact 35 mm cameras sharing a common folding‑cover design but differing in lens type, exposure system and body construction.
Identification relies on lens designation, top‑plate markings and control layout. The following entries are ordered by year for quick reference.

• 1974 – Minox 35 EL
  First Minox 35 mm compact. Makrolon body, collapsible cover, CdS metering, aperture‑priority AE. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
• 1979 – Minox 35 GL
  EL derivative with revised electronics and improved exposure control. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
• 1981 – Minox 35 GT
  Updated GL platform with LED display and refined AE logic. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
• 1983 – Minox 35 PL
  Simplified GT‑series derivative with program‑auto exposure and CdS metering. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
• 1984 – Minox 35 PE
  PL variant with revised electronics and LED exposure display. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
• 1985 – Minox 35 GT‑E
  GT with multi‑coated lens and updated electronics. Lens: Color‑Minotar‑E 35 mm f/2.8 MC.
• 1985 – Minox 35 ML
  Successor to the GT‑E with dual‑sensor metering (CdS + silicon), LED display and revised shutter control. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8 MC.
• 1986 – Minox MB
  Late compact model with fixed‑focus lens and program exposure, aimed at general‑use photography. Lens: Minoxar 34 mm f/4.
• 1987 – Minox 35 AL
  Entry‑level model with fixed‑program exposure and simplified controls. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/3.5.
• 1992 – Minox 35 MDC
  Premium ML‑platform variant with reinforced Makrolon chassis and Titanal external panels. Lens: Minoxar 35 mm f/2.8 MC. Slightly larger body; ML cases do not fit.
• 1995 – Minox 35 GT‑X
  Late‑run GT‑series derivative with updated electronics and cosmetic revisions. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8 MC.
• 1995 – Minox 35 GT‑S
  GT‑X variant with revised finish and minor cosmetic changes. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8 MC.

Revision: 25 February 2026 (MSH‑ID‑05)

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