Identify Your Minox Camera

Minox cameras fall into two distinct systems: the classic 8×11 mm subminiature cameras (1937–2004) and the 35 mm compact cameras (1974–1995). Identification is based on body markings, lens designation, control layout and production details. This page provides a concise reference for recognising each model.

Minox 8×11 Cameras – Major Technical Advances

The Minox 8×11 system evolved through distinct technical generations. The following summary outlines the principal advances and the models in which they first appeared.

1937 – Riga Minox
Original Minox design by Walter Zapp. Stainless steel body. First 8×11 mm subminiature camera.
1948 – Minox II
Re-engineered body: new five element Complan 'film' lens.
1951 – Minox III/IIIs/A
Redesigned with 4 element Complan lens.
1958 – Minox B
Built‑in selenium meter.
1969 – Minox C
Electronic shutter. CdS metering.
1973 – Minox BL
Mechanical Shutter, CdS manual meter
1978 – Minox LX
Revised electronics. Silicon Blue Cell metering,
LED meter indicators, improved handling
1981 – Minox EC/EC-X
New F5.6 lens, automatic exposure, fixed focus
Lower-cost model. 1997 EC-X identical but with
film-cassette present LED
1997 – Minox TLX / CLX / Aviator / Selection/ Gold
Late‑production derivatives of the LX platform. SBC metering and LX‑series electronics. Produced in small batches: Selection 730, Gold II 250, TLX
approx. 4,000 units, CLX at least 500 units, and the Aviator approx. 300 units.
Leica (1998) rated the lens at exceptional resolution for its size.

Model	Years	Dimensions (mm)	Weight (g)

Model	Years	Dimensions (mm)	Weight (g)
Minox 8×11 Cameras
Riga	1938–43	80 × 27 × 16	130
II	1948–49	82 × 28 × 16	70
III / IIIs	1950–69	82 × 28 × 16	70
B	1958–72	97 × 28 × 16	92
C	1969–78	120 × 28 × 16	102
BL	1972–77	100 × 28 × 16	80
LX	1978–96	108 × 28 × 16	88
EC	1981–97	80 × 30 × 18	45
AX	1995–96	80 × 28 × 16	71
TLX	1996–	108 × 28 × 16	98
AX Gold II	1994–95	80 × 28 × 16	127
LX Gold I	1987–88	108 × 28 × 16	160
LX Platinum	1990–91	108 × 28 × 16	160
LX Sterling Silver	1991–94	108 × 28 × 16	175
EC‑X	1998	80 × 30 × 18	45
CLX	1998	108 × 28 × 16	160
MX	1998	80 × 36 × 23	—
Minox 35 mm Cameras
EL	1974	100 × 61 × 31	190
GL	1979	100 × 61 × 31	190
GT	1981	100 × 61 × 31	190
PL	1983	100 × 61 × 31	190
PE	1984	100 × 61 × 31	190
ML	1985	100 × 62 × 32	180
MB	1986	100 × 62 × 32	180
AL	1987	100 × 61 × 31	190
AF	1988	107 × 68 × 41	190
MDC	1990	103 × 64 × 34	210
GS‑E	1991	100 × 61 × 34	190
GT‑E	1992	100 × 61 × 34	190
GT‑S	1993	100 × 61 × 34	190
GT‑X	1994	100 × 61 × 34	190

Minox 35 mm Cameras – Model Identification (chronological)

The Minox 35 series (1974–1995) comprises compact 35 mm cameras sharing a common folding‑cover design but differing in lens type, exposure system and body construction.
Identification relies on lens designation, top‑plate markings and control layout. The following entries are ordered by year for quick reference.

1974 – Minox 35 EL
First Minox 35 mm compact. Makrolon body, collapsible cover, CdS metering, aperture‑priority AE. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
1979 – Minox 35 GL
EL derivative with revised electronics and improved exposure control. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
1981 – Minox 35 GT
Updated GL platform with LED display and refined AE logic. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
1983 – Minox 35 PL
Simplified GT‑series derivative with program‑auto exposure and CdS metering. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
1984 – Minox 35 PE
PL variant with revised electronics and LED exposure display. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
1985 – Minox 35 ML
Successor to the GT with dual‑sensor metering (CdS + silicon), LED display and revised shutter control. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
1986 – Minox MB
Late compact model with fixed‑focus lens and program exposure, aimed at general‑use photography. Lens: Color‑Minotar 35 mm f/2.8.
1987 – Minox 35 AL
Entry‑level model with fixed‑program exposure and simplified controls. Lens: Color‑Minar 35 mm f/4.
1992 – Minox 35 MDC
Premium ML‑platform variant with reinforced Makrolon chassis and Titanal external panels. Lens: Minoxar 35 mm f/2.8 MC. Slightly larger body; ML cases do not fit.
1995 – Minox 35 GT‑X
Late‑run GT‑series derivative with updated electronics and cosmetic revisions. Lens:MC‑Minoxar 35 mm f/2.8.
1995 – Minox 35 GT‑S
GT‑X variant with revised finish and minor cosmetic changes. Lens: MC‑Minoxar 35 mm f/2.8.

For cameras, accessories, film and parts currently available, see the MS Hobbies Minox Catalogue.

Revision: 27 February 2026 (MSH‑ID‑05)