Identify Your Minox 35mm Camera
A simple guide to recognising Minox 35 models.
Identify Your Minox 35 Camera | Minox 35 Reliability Guide
Model name
The model name is usually printed on the front or top of the camera: for example Minox 35 EL, Minox 35 GT, Minox 35 ML, or Minox 35 PL.
Front cover and finish
The folding front cover, finish, and control layout help distinguish models. Some models have a plain black finish, others have different markings or trim details. Later models may show “GT‑E” or other suffixes.
Lens markings
Early models typically carry a Minotar 35mm f/2.8 lens. Later models may be marked Color-Minotar. Lens markings can help confirm the model and approximate production period.
Serial number
Serial numbers are usually found inside the film chamber or on the base. They can assist in dating and identifying production variations.
If you are unsure
If you are uncertain which Minox 35 model you own, MS Hobbies can identify it from clear photographs of the front, top, and rear of the camera.
Minox 35 Camera Series – Technical Summary
| Model | Lens / Coating | Shutter Speeds | Meter Type | ISO / ASA Range | Battery Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minox 35 EL | Minotar 35mm f/2.8, single‑coated | 1/500s – 30s | CdS | ISO 25–800 | PX27 (5.6V) or 4×SR44 adapter | First model |
| Minox 35 GL | Minotar 35mm f/2.8, improved coating | 1/500s – 30s | CdS | ISO 25–800 | PX27 or 4×SR44 adapter | Improved EL |
| Minox 35 GT Variant: GT‑S (rubberised) |
Minotar 35mm f/2.8, multi‑coated | 1/500s – 30s | CdS (early) / Silicon (late) | ISO 25–1600 (late) | PX27 or 4×SR44 adapter | GT‑S soft‑touch finish prone to crumbling |
| Minox 35 PE | Minotar 35mm f/2.8, multi‑coated | 1/500s – 30s | Silicon | ISO 25–1600 | 4×SR44 / LR44 | Transitional model between GT and GT‑E |
| Minox 35 GT‑E Variants: GT‑E 2, GT‑X, GSE, GTE 3 |
Minoxar 35mm f/2.8, multi‑coated | 1/500s – 30s | Silicon | ISO 25–1600 | 4×SR44 / LR44 |
GT‑E 2 & GT‑X: rubberised finish (crumbles) GSE & GTE 3: market variants with Minoxar MC lens |
| Minox 35 PL | Minotar 35mm f/2.8, multi‑coated | 1/500s – 30s | Silicon | ISO 25–1600 | 4×SR44 / LR44 | |
| Minox 35 ML | Minotar 35mm f/2.8, multi‑coated | 1/500s – 30s | Silicon | ISO 25–1600 | PX28 / 4LR44 / 4SR44 (6V) | Early PX28 model; more failure‑prone than MB |
| Minox 35 MB | Minotar 35mm f/2.8, multi‑coated | 1/500s – 30s | Silicon | ISO 25–1600 | PX28 / 4LR44 / 4SR44 (6V) | Later PX28 generation; generally more reliable than the ML |
| Minox 35 MDC | Minoxar 35mm f/2.8, multi‑coated | 1/500s – 30s | Silicon | ISO 25–1600 | PX28 / 4LR44 / 4SR44 (6V) | Premium ML‑family model |
| Minox 35 AL | Color‑Minar 35mm f/4, fixed‑focus | 1/500s – 30s | CdS | ISO 25–400 | PX27 or 4×SR44 adapter | Budget model with fixed‑focus f/4 lens. |
| Minox 35 AF | Minotar 35mm f/2.8 | 1/500s – 1/30s (program AE) | Silicon, AF‑linked | ISO 25–1000 | 2×AA cells | Autofocus model |
Minox 35 Special Edition Models
| Special Edition | Base Model | Lens | Finish / Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minox 35 AL White | 35 AL | Color‑Minar 35mm f/4 (fixed‑focus) | White body finish | Rare colour variant of the AL |
| Minox 35 GT “Golf” Edition | 35 GT | Minotar 35mm f/2.8 | Golf‑themed graphics | Promotional edition |
| Minox 35 GT “1991 10‑Year Anniversary” | 35 GT | Minotar 35mm f/2.8 | Commemorative markings | Celebrates 10 years of GT production |
| Minox 35 Goldkopf | 35 GT | Minotar 35mm f/2.8 | Gold‑coloured top plate | Collector’s cosmetic edition |
| Minox 35 Touring | 35 MB (special edition) | Minoxar 35mm f/2.8 | Special grey finish; limited to 3333 units | Some units supplied with matching databack |
| Minox 35 MDC Gold | 35 MDC | Minoxar 35mm f/2.8 | Gold‑plated finish | Premium collector edition; typically £1200+ on the market |
Identify Your Minox 35 Camera | Minox 35 Reliability Guide
Last revised: 08 February 2026.