Originally made 1937 to 1943 in a Latvian factory. It was used by both the Axis and the Allies during World War Two. During the war, production of the Minox was put in jeopardy several times as Latvia fell victim to invasion by the Soviet Union, then Germany, and then by the Soviets again. Cameras were produced under both Russian and German occupation nevertheless, and the camera became both a luxury gift item for Nazi leaders as well as a tool for their spies. There is at least one document in the public record of 25 Minox cameras purchased by the American OSS (Office of Strategic Services) intelligence organisation in 1942.
The Minox firm reestablished itself in 1948 in West Germany. Both the Soviets and the West used a camera like this throughout the cold war.
The majority of Minox cameras were sold to civilians as a curiosity and somewhat a luxury gadget.
The Minox firm reestablished itself in 1948 in West Germany. Both the Soviets and the West used a camera like this throughout the cold war.
The majority of Minox cameras were sold to civilians as a curiosity and somewhat a luxury gadget.
A 1960s version of the famous spy camera. Picture taken with camera "pulled" open.
The accompanying leather case fits the camera like a glove. There is a chain that attaches to the camera body, feeds through the inside and out the back side on the leather case.
This chain is a just over 2 feet long and has metal marking beads - These beads are focal length measurements for ease of surreptitious document photography.
The company is still in existence and makes a modern digital version.
The company is still in existence and makes a modern digital version.
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