So you want to get into Minox photography?

By Julian Tanase

Would it be a good move for you? I honestly don’t know. Would it? It all depends, I guess, on why you just  bought one (am I right?). Perhaps you found one in an old box of stuff? Out of curiosity? You had a Minox once and have a wish to revisit the gone years? Have you heard marvellous things about this little camera? The Minox and its place in the photography world lies, as they say, in the eye (or hands, as it were) of the beholder (the user).

Indeed, from what I have seen in the last 20+ yrs of using Minox 8×11 cameras, there aren’t two ways about it: you either love it or hate it. OK, perhaps there are some who stand in between the two, but truth of the matter is that Minox can be a somewhat demanding piece of photographic technology. I believe that the learning curve however is not that steep.

Minox IIIs camera

Take for instance the Minox IIIs camera: fully mechanic, no meter, with only 3 apparent functions to help you get a decent image. You have to take into consideration the f-stop of the lens (3.5), and this is fixed, you can’t play with it like you would do with other cameras of different formats. But you have your shutter speeds and this is something that helps you tremendously.

And on top of everything else, you have to judge for yourself the distance to the object of your interest, and this should not be an unknown factor to you. Certainly you have met the zone focus system or similar settings on other cameras. And if you haven’t, you can acquire this information quickly, not a hard thing to learn. Almost all old cameras (and a lot of more modern ones) rely on this system.

The film is a different kettle of fish altogether, as you probably haven’t seen or worked with this 9.2mm width. It is a bit unsettling, I know, to shoot and process such a small format, granted. But it is film, nonetheless, and all that apply to a regular negative is certainly valid here. So, rest assured that if you overexpose your 35mm film, you will certainly manage to do this to the Minox format.

 

What is different, is the care you should take when cutting and processing your 8×11 format. If your 35mm or 120 film get scratched for some reason (dust, your own fingernails etc), the damage is, to be honest, sometime minimal. I mean if it’s a very fine dust speck, you probably can get away with it. With a generous frame size (24×36, for 35mm film) or 6x something (6,9, etc, for 120 film), there is plenty of room for such little scratches. Not that they are wanted, mind.

However, your Minox frame is only 8x11mm, and any dust speck that gets onto your negative will create havoc with your images, and the damage will be visible as large as a boulder. But, with care and experience, this is usually avoided.

And have I mentioned the size of the frame? A tiny, little, barely noticeable as a film negative frame. And you already know that, as the size of the film gets smaller, the details are harder to be caught onto the film and final support, be that digital (scanned) or on paper (printed). When you think of 9.2mm versus say, the 35mm frame, you get a feeling of uneasiness, because you wonder how in the name of Ansel you’ll get anything printable off that fly-size of a film. But you decide to shoot the film, come what may, and sort the details later.

minox IIIs photograph_1

Right, so you shot your Minox film and you try to see where to get more, and of course, where to process the one you just finished. And you discover that the Minox film negative is really expensive, and so’s the processing, scanning or printing. You deflate in an instant, for this would seem a sport for a very rich fellows, which you’re not. Suddenly that little gadget has less appeal than it used to a few weeks ago. Suddenly your mind drifts towards the larger formats, because you are best acquainted to them, or because the vast majority of people tell you they are not a nuisance, not in the way Minox is.

BUT. You decide to look further into this Minox business, because you are not an easy to discourage fellow. And you want to know how come others have succeeded where you have not, in this Minox photography thing. And you read more, experiment more, try different techniques, discuss with others who use this format and cameras, and you get more interested in Minox than you ever thought you would.

Of course, in this time and age when the film cost skyrocketed, the financial aspect of photography cannot be ignored. As with all formats, the 8×11 film is pretty dear, if you were to buy it already rolled up in a cassette. But there are ways to cut the costs. For instance you’ll discover that many cut their own Minox film from 35mm negative stock, an operation that can be mastered in a rather short time. Granted, a film cutter will cost around 100-150 (euro or dollars, they’re on par now), but for that money you will be able to get your Minox film down to a quarter of what it costs now if you buy it prepacked. Even with the rising prices of the 35mm film negative, the math is this:

1 x 30.5 metres of film (say, Fomapan 100, 200 or 400) – 50 euro

1 x Minox film cutter (35mm to 9.2mm) – 150 euro

Considering the length of a 40 exp Minox film strip is only 65cms, you will get some (roughly) 90 Minox films. Even with the losses one will get when cutting film, you will have at least 80 good Minox films, 40 exp each. Then, if you would consider the cost of 1 x prepacked Minox film of 36 exp is between 15 and 25 euro (very conservatively), for the same number of Minox rolls you will have to pay 1200 euro. I see some differences here, do you? Re cutting and spooling the film, a walk in the park, in the dark that is. But you will manage, I’m sure.

But then, what do you do when film has been shot? Sending it to be processed to some lab (for many of us, this means in a foreign country) will cost you a few tens of euros. Including the postage to and fro, you will somehow burden that bank account of yours. So, is there a solution, like that found above? Course there is: DIY.

Get yourself a Minox tank, used, and invest in some chemicals. Or, you may buy a Minox dev reel, 3D printed, and use that in your 35mm dev tank, if one’s available. Developing wise, D76/ID11 or Rodinal springs to mind, and accompanied by a bottle of 1ltr of Adox fixer, cheapo as one can get, trust me. Do not bother at this moment with powder chemicals, although they are cheaper. Just buy liquid, so you can focus onto the processing itself not on how the hell am I going to dissolve that blasted powder pack. And buy small amounts, not by the gallon.

No need for all the trinkets that usually accompany film processing at home, such as expensive timers, thermometers, tripods, viewers, flashes. Just go to the market, find the kitchenware stall and get a couple of 100 ml beakers and 1 x 1 litre one. Get a 5 ltr water large bottle, and use that for watering your Minox processing. Your timer will be your mobile phone, it has that function, you know. You’ll need a thermometer, so get a cheap one, photographic of course, from the evilbay, like 2 or 3 euro plus postie. Get yourself that Massive Development Chart phone app, works like a charm. You’re all set now, you can process the film yourself. Of course you’ll ruin some of them initially, but in a rather short than long time you’ll be able to like what you photographed.

Go digital when it comes to the negative enlargement. Just acquire a not-so-expensive scanner, perhaps a used but good order Plustek 7200. Get a Minox negative holder for that scanner from here, it is a great tool. There are a good number of photo editing software applications free of charge, get one and use it. Granted, it is not Adobe Lightroom but it will get you into the digital darkroom.

Now, consider all of the above. What you will get in return?

  • A camera that will never leave your side, will never fail to be there when you’ll need it, a companion for all your trips or travels or holidays.
  • A subject for casual conversations and one of the best starters for such.
  • A camera that will be able to take pictures in circumstances when other camera will appear offensive or frowned upon.
  • A rapid snapper of images in a hurry, in all sorts of circumstances, wherever you may be.
  • The only camera which can take pictures at a closeup of 0.20cm, with a fixed focused lens.
  • The ability to take out the film and drop another one in an instant.
  • A much discussed piece of history.
  • An example of a camera believed to be a step stone in creative human technology, worthy to be displayed at the MOMA in New York. And much more.

Or you can always get a Minox EC, 8×11 film format as well, which will make your life much easier. It is such a simple camera, that all you have to do is load and shoot, load and shoot. Simple as that, really.

This I can tell you right now: using a Minox camera is a singular experience. It could very well be that it’s not a camera on your liking, for any number of reasons. Anyways, I only made a feeble attempt to turn you to the Minox side. Have I succeeded? Let me know, please. If yes, good luck. If not, perhaps another time. Minox time.

Share this post:

Find more similar content on 35mmc

Use the tags below to search for more posts on related topics:

Contribute to 35mmc for an ad-free experience.

There are two ways to contribute to 35mmc and experience it without the adverts:

Paid Subscription – £2.99 per month and you’ll never see an advert again! (Free 3-day trial).

Subscribe here.

Content contributor – become a part of the world’s biggest film and alternative photography community blog. All our Contributors have an ad-free experience for life.

Sign up here.

About The Author

By Julian Tanase
I am a traveller, entrepreneur, author and amateur photographer. A long time user of classic cameras and film, attracted mostly to photojournalism. I try to instigate people to see rather than look.
View Profile

Comments

Bob Janes on So you want to get into Minox photography?

Comment posted: 19/04/2023

Having done a bit of 110 (https://www.35mmc.com/04/03/2021/110-film-in-2021-a-guide-to-shooting-developing-and-scanning-by-bob-janes/) and subminature (https://www.35mmc.com/20/07/2021/16mm-film-shooting-subminature-film-photography-in-2021-by-bob-janes/) I must say I am in awe of your results from the tiny Minox negative - what developer/processing do you use?
While I'd put forward the Rollei A110 as an even more practical 'slip-in-your-pocket' camera, I think you have made a very good case for the Minox...
Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Julian Tanase replied:

Comment posted: 19/04/2023

Bob, thank you! Rollei A110 is indeed one of the best submini tools. Had one back in the 90's, for some reason I had to let it go to someone who would appreciate it more than me. That said, the results from 100 can be excellent, much more so when you think of the frame size. I know of your articles, congrats for a very neat and clear presentation of the 110 cartridges, enjoyed that a lot! Best,

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Julian Tanase replied:

Comment posted: 19/04/2023

Sorry to have skipped the processing question, Bob. I am usually processing the Minox negative in a Minox tank, have done so for the last 20 or so years. However, recently I have ordered a couple of developing reels for 9,5mm format, 3D'd, and look forward to see if the developing of the negative can be done a bit better. There is room for improvement in my processing technique, so we'll see. Chemicals...the usual ID11 or HC110, D76 or Ilfosol 3. Each with its strengths and weaknesses, as you obviously know. Rodinal Special/Spezial is another one I use, usually in 1 50. Hope this answers your question :) !

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Simon Cygielski on So you want to get into Minox photography?

Comment posted: 19/04/2023

Wait, so you're always shooting wide open? That's crazy! So since the shutter only goes up to 1/1000s, you'd need to shoot ISO 50 film not to overexpose in broad sunlight - never mind shooting on the beach or in sunlit snow. How do you get around that?
Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Julian Tanase replied:

Comment posted: 19/04/2023

Well, yes, but one can always lie to the camera, if the camera has film setting (which some of the Minox 8x11 do not), and of course, the Minox cameras have filters, usually yellow/green or green/ND, or a combination thereof. Some have only the neutral filter, but that is all one would need to avert overexposure. And then, of course, you have the Minox LX, which sets speeds from 1/30 to 1/2000. Anything higher than that, the LX deals with by employing an ND filter, compensating automatically for the meter. Thank you for your comment, hope the above makes sense!

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Castelli Daniel on So you want to get into Minox photography?

Comment posted: 19/04/2023

Ah, shades of Bond, James Bond (I figured you might be expecting some sort of 007 comment…). Actually, I ran a photo dept. at a high school for 35 years. We got a very fine donation of Canon F1 cameras, lenses and darkroom supplies from a man who said he was a retired FBI agent. In the box was a Minox negative carrier for a Beseler 45MCRX! It was cute. Kids loved looking through the tiny rectangle. After I retired, the barbarian administration threw out the entire darkroom.
I should have called 007.
Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Julian Tanase replied:

Comment posted: 19/04/2023

I guess the secret agent thing is overrated :) , but it does have some scent of it, doesn't it? But the more you use this camera, the more you bond (sorry, couldn't help it) to it. I am sorry to hear about the darkroom being discarded, what a waste. Thank you for your comment, really interesting !

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lilianna Elrod on So you want to get into Minox photography?

Comment posted: 19/04/2023

For those interested in Minox, consider going on the web and searching for copies of the Minox Minute, a magazine published in the '50's. I myself became drawn into the Minox orbit while on a business trip to the USMA in Highland Falls, NY. A colleague was an antique collector, and we were in an antique store while he negotiated for a desk. I idly opened the drawer and saw a leather case with a metal chain ending in a sort of round fastener. I opened the case and became a satellite of the Minox. I bought the camera. It was a IIIb. I then started acquiring...and using them. A IIIc, a IIIb, the developing tank, reading Martin Tan's, Peter Zimmerman's postings, finding the website "The Subclub" It just went on and on. I also acquired the 35 series Minoxes, the GTE, the GL. I find that the Minox will render a particular look that is especially Minox. I have many framed pictures in my home that just could not have been taken with any other camera. I still use my Minoxes, cut my own film (purchased film cutter on The SubClub). Let me say that as with oysters, it is an acquired taste.
Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ian R on So you want to get into Minox photography?

Comment posted: 19/04/2023

Not tried the 8 x 11 but recently brought my 35 GT and PL out of hibernation and I'm loving them. One day maybe an 8 x 11 who knows!!
Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Julian Tanase replied:

Comment posted: 19/04/2023

That sounds really interesting, the 35mm format of Minox cameras are a joy to use. You are quite right: who knows, perhaps the next project will be a 8x11 film format Minox :) . Thank you for your kind comment!

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Richard Arbib on So you want to get into Minox photography?

Comment posted: 20/04/2023

Many years ago, I had a Minox B. I also still own a Yashica Atoron, which is similar and uses the same film. Both cameras have the same problems of high grain and high cost. If I wanted a tiny film camera, I would get one of the Minox 35mm cameras, which can take high quality photos at a much lower price. Both the film costs and the cameras are cheaper.
Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Richard Arbib replied:

Comment posted: 20/04/2023

I'm the one who posted this, but this site listed my post as being from David Dutchison. I tried to repost it under my own name, Richard Arbib, but I'm not seeing my repost here now.

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Julian Tanase replied:

Comment posted: 20/04/2023

Thank you, Richard, for your interesting comment. Indeed, Minox 8x11 photography can be (at times) troublesome. That said, it mostly is related to the type of film used, processing solutions and technique, status of the camera. So, yeah, Minox demands patience and trial, but it can also yield beautiful results. Grain can be an issue, of course, but it can be tamed. Choosing the right film and getting the exposure right can provide good negs, in my opinion. For instance, you may look here ( https://juliantanase.com/the-good-old-agfa-apx-25/ ) for some results, which I believe stand as reasonable proof for the above :) . Cost wise, true enough, if one is buying prepacked film and send to labs to be processed, scanned/printed. But the cost will drop down considerably, if one chooses to cut the film and process it at home. At least this is how it works for me :) . Working with this tiny film format certainly has its quirks, ups and downs, no doubt. Again, thank you for your kind input, best !

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 20/04/2023

Sorted... sorry, one of a few bugs...

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lilianna Elrod on So you want to get into Minox photography?

Comment posted: 14/05/2023

I have film in my new to me ECX. It is tiny and so light!
Great article Julian.
Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Julian Tanase replied:

Comment posted: 14/05/2023

Thank you Lilianna. The ECX is a beautiful camera, and yes, so tiny and light. Makrolon, that is the key, very durable and light. Are you processing your own Minox negatives?

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fred Stock on So you want to get into Minox photography?

Comment posted: 25/05/2023

Great article! It encouraged me to start again using my IIIs! I have quite a few Minox cameras ranging from IIIs to LX, but the IIIs is my absolute favourite. It is the smallest in dimensions and there's no fuss with batteries, but it lacks an exposure meter. My iPhone has a nice exposure meter app and that works well.

However, it is a bit of a problem to find empty Minox cassettes when cutting 35 mm film and refilling is considered. Currently, I'm waiting for a film cutter and a dev reel, ordered from a 3D printing service. It has cost me less than €30 to have these items printed, but I have no idea if these will work well, lacking experience with 3D printed objects.
It seems also to be possible to 3D print the Minox 8x11 cassettes. Do you know if that gives good results in the sense of fitting in the camera and being light tight?
Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *