Deutsch
Minox 35 mm System Overview
The Minox 35 mm system is one of the smallest full‑frame 35 mm camera families ever produced. Introduced in 1974 with the Minox 35 EL, the series combined a collapsible high‑quality 35 mm f/2.8 SC Minotar lens, leaf shutter, electronic shutter control and a consistent pocket‑sized design that remained in production for more than two decades.
Introduction
The Minox 35 mm line began with the 35 EL in 1974 and expanded into a long‑running family of compact cameras known for their portability and optical quality. Early models used CdS metering and simple electronic shutters, while later generations introduced silicon metering cells, improved electronics and program‑auto exposure. Production continued into the 1990s with small‑batch variants such as the GT‑E II, GT‑S and GT‑X.
35 mm Camera Comparison
| Model | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 35 EL | 1974 | CdS meter, electronic shutter, collapsible Minotar 35/2.8 lens |
| 35 GL | 1979 | Refined electronics, improved reliability, backlight switch, ASA 800 |
| 35 GT | 1981 | Updated electronics, self‑timer, extended ASA to 1600 |
| 35 PL | 1983 | Programmed exposure mode, top‑plate LED metering (green/red signal) |
| 35 PE | 1984 | 35 PL with built‑in electronic flash |
| 35 AL | 1987 | Fixed‑focus Minar 35 mm f/4 lens; collectible white edition |
| 35 ML | 1985 | Program‑auto exposure, new body shape, PX28 battery |
| 35 MB | 1986 | Simplified ML variant with late‑production electronics |
| 35 GT‑E | 1988 | New metering cell, updated electronics, first model not using Makrolon |
| 35 GSE | 1988 | Green depth‑of‑field marker; otherwise a GT |
| 35 MDC | 1988 | Upgraded MC Minoxar lens, Titanal Eloxat finish; highly sought‑after |
| 35 GT‑E II | 1996 | Upgraded MC Minoxar lens, small‑batch production, brittle plastic finish |
| 35 GT‑X II | 1996 | DX coding, small‑batch production, plastic finish ages poorly |
| 35 GT‑S | 1996 | Silver finish, DX coding, small‑batch production |
Key Characteristics
- Collapsible SC Minotar 35 mm f/2.8 lens
- Upgraded MC Minoxar 35 mm f/2.8 lens on later models
- Electronic shutter with battery‑dependent operation
- Compact, pocket‑sized body design
- Consistent control layout across generations
- CdS metering on early models; silicon/CdS metering on later models
- Program‑auto exposure on ML/MB/PL/PE variants
Models in the Series
The Minox 35 mm family includes the EL, GL, GT, PL, PE, AL, ML, MB, GSE, MDC, GT‑E, GT‑E II, GT‑S and GT‑X. Each model introduced incremental improvements in metering, shutter electronics or ergonomics while retaining the collapsible‑lens Minox form.
Special editions such as the GT Golf (5555), MB Touring (3333), GT 10‑year edition, GT “Goldknopf” (gold release button) and MDC Gold were also produced in limited numbers.
Film and Processing
All Minox 35 mm cameras use standard 35 mm film. Later models benefit from improved metering accuracy and more stable electronics, but all require a functioning battery for shutter operation. Film loading and handling follow standard 35 mm practice.
Accessories
The 35 mm system supports cases, straps, flash units, filters and presentation boxes. Accessories vary by generation but follow the same compact design ethos as the cameras.
Accessories
The 35 mm system supports cases, straps, flash units, filters and presentation boxes. Accessories vary by generation but follow the same compact design ethos as the cameras. For the full catalogue of 35 mm accessories, please see the Minox 35 Accessories page.
Servicing & Support
Common service needs include shutter capacitor replacement, metering cell ageing and shutter servicing. Later GT‑E/S/X electronics are generally more stable but still benefit from periodic inspection. ISO transfer labels are replaceable.
Materials Note
Minox employed moulded polymer bodies (Makrolon) and aluminium components to balance weight, durability and electrical insulation. Later models incorporated updated electronics and revised internal layouts to reduce costs. The MDC is a 35 ML encased in a Titanal Eloxat shell.
Glossary
Minotar — Single‑coated collapsible 35 mm f/2.8 lens used across the series.
Minoxar — Multi‑coated collapsible 35 mm f/2.8 lens used on later models.
CdS — Cadmium‑sulphide metering cell used in early models.
Silicon metering cell — Faster, more stable metering used in later models.
Makrolon — High‑grade polycarbonate from Bayer used for body shells.
Revision: 28 February 2026 — MS Hobbies, Minox Specialists, London UK.