Minox 8×11 System

The Minox 8×11 system represents one of the most compact precision camera systems ever produced. This page provides a structured overview of the system, its technical development and the principal models, together with links to accessories, film handling and servicing information.

Technical Development

The Minox 8×11 system evolved through distinct technical generations. The themes below summarise the major advances in design, metering and shutter technology.

Stainless‑steel origins — Riga Minox (1937) — established the sliding‑body design and 8×11 mm format.
Post‑war refinement — Minox II and III — revised shutters and improved optics.
Integrated metering — Minox B (1958) — added a selenium meter and cold shoe.
Cds metering — Minox BL (1963) — CdS metering without cold shoe; powered by PX27 cell.
Electronic shutter — Minox C (1969) — electronically timed exposures with CdS metering.
SBC metering — Minox LX (1978) — Silicon Blue Cell metering and updated electronics.
Late‑production derivatives — TLX, CLX, Aviator (1997) — small‑batch LX‑platform variants.

Model Identification (Chronological)

The entries below provide concise identification markers for each principal model in the Minox 8×11 line.

1937 — Riga Minox

Original Minox design by Walter Zapp. Stainless‑steel body. First 8×11 mm subminiature camera.

1948 — Minox II

Post‑war reintroduction with revised shutter and optics.

1950 — Minox III

Improved mechanics and incremental refinements to the Minox II platform.

1958 — Minox B

Built‑in selenium meter and cold shoe for flash accessories.

1963 — Minox BL

Cds metering without the cold shoe. Meter powered by PX27 cell.

1969 — Minox C

Electronic shutter with CdS metering. First electronically timed Minox.

1978 — Minox LX

New body and electronics. Silicon Blue Cell metering replacing CdS.

1997 — Minox TLX / CLX / Aviator

Late‑production LX‑platform derivatives with SBC metering and LX‑series electronics. Produced in small batches: TLX approx. 4,000 units; CLX at least 500 units; Aviator approx. 300 units.

System Pages

Revision: 25 February 2026 (MSH‑8X11‑02)