Minox 8×11 Film — Format, Cassette & Handling

Minox 8×11 cameras use a dedicated subminiature film format and reusable cassette system. Correct film cutting, loading and handling are essential for reliable operation and to avoid expensive mechanical damage. This page provides technical reference information and practical guidance for owners.

Film Format

Minox 8×11 film produces an image size of approximately 8 × 11 mm. Standard exposure length for a 36‑exposure film is 59.5 cm. Films may be cut for shorter or longer lengths, subject to cassette capacity and camera model.

Minox Film Cassettes

Minox film is loaded into reusable metal or plastic cassettes. The cassette controls film tension and alignment as it passes through the camera. Smooth film travel is critical to avoid excessive load on the film transport mechanism.

Custom Metal Cassettes

Custom‑made metal cassettes are available for Minox 8×11 cameras. These provide improved durability and consistent film alignment compared with some original plastic cassettes.

Technical details and current availability are listed in the catalogue.

Film Cutting and Loading

Film must be cut accurately to ensure correct height and smooth passage through the cassette. Uneven or oversized film can cause increased friction and place unnecessary load on the camera’s film transport.

Using 9.0 mm Film Cutters with Metal Cassettes

Modern practice recommends cutting Minox 8×11 film to a height of 9.0 mm when using metal cassettes. This provides adequate clearance within the cassette while maintaining correct image coverage.

Workshop Note — LX‑Series Cameras Only

Workshop Note for LX‑Series Cameras (LX, CLX, TLX)

Recently we have seen TLX cameras presenting with the fault “film drive clutch spring overloaded”. This condition is most commonly associated with film lengths exceeding the standard 36‑exposure length (59.5 cm). However, during the past year we have encountered this fault on two occasions where the film length was correctly cut to 36 exposures.

In both cases the cameras were repaired and the cassettes examined. The film was found to be cut too high for the cassette and did not pass through freely. This stiffness places excessive load on the film drive clutch, leading to deformation of the clutch spring.

We recommend measuring the height of film produced by your cutter. Film heights greater than 9.2 mm may cause this fault. For safety, a maximum film height of 9.0 mm is recommended for LX‑series cameras.

Jimmy Li supplies film cutters set to the recommended 9.0 mm height.

Werkstatt‑Hinweis für LX‑Modelle (LX, CLX, TLX)

In letzter Zeit sind uns TLX‑Kameras mit dem Fehler „Überlastete Filmtransport‑Kupplungsfeder“ aufgefallen. Dieser Fehler tritt üblicherweise bei Filmlängen über der Standard‑36‑Aufnahmen‑Länge (59,5 cm) auf. Im vergangenen Jahr wurde dieser Defekt jedoch zweimal bei korrekt auf 36 Aufnahmen geschnittenem Film festgestellt.

In beiden Fällen wurden die Kameras repariert und die verwendeten Kassetten untersucht. Dabei zeigte sich, dass der Film zu hoch für die Kassette geschnitten war und nicht leicht durchlief. Diese erhöhte Reibung belastet die Filmtransport‑Kupplung und führt zur Verformung der Kupplungsfeder.

Wir empfehlen, die Höhe des vom Filmschneider erzeugten Films zu überprüfen. Filmhöhen über 9,2 mm können diesen Fehler verursachen. Zur Sicherheit wird für LX‑Modelle eine maximale Filmhöhe von 9,0 mm empfohlen.

Jimmy Li liefert Filmschneider mit der empfohlenen Schnitthöhe von 9,0 mm.

Cameras affected by this condition require professional assessment. See Minox Servicing & Repairs.

Processing and Scanning

Minox 8×11 film may be processed using Minox daylight tanks or by specialist laboratories. Processing and scanning services are supplied using a standard order form.

Download the MS Hobbies Order & Processing Form (PDF) for current options.

Related Reference

Film Formats — Minox, Disc and APS

Revision: 28 February 2026 — MS Hobbies, Minox Specialists, London UK.