The Minox Historical Society began with much more humble intentions.
In December of 2000, a discussion about access to manuals for vintage
Minox cameras began to stir a group of enthusiasts participating
in the Submini Round Table
discussion group. As the discussion progressed it was decided to
start a small group and take the discussion "off list"
so as to not clutter up the other, more general discussions.
After several methods of communication were attempted, an E-group
mailing list was set up under the name "Minox Manual Project".
From here discussions began about the best way to make the manuals
accessible. Online seemed to be a natural, and formats and layout
began to take shape.
In an attempt to clear the copyrights, Minox
GmbH was contacted for permission to scan and post the manuals.
As a response was awaited work continued.
After a period of time word returned from Minox. This was apparently
not an original idea as they were already in the process of doing
the same thing. To repeat their efforts made no sense, and the members
of the MMP began to look at other projects.
It was at this time that the concept of the Minox Historical Society
began to take shape. With the original 14 members, a charter
was drawn up, web space secured, logos created, and permissions
received to begin this project.
By April 20, 2001 the first election was held electing Peter Zimmerman
President, and ratifying the charter as it then stood. Work began
on the webpage, and concepts began to form for articles and content.
By the first part of June the nominating committee was assembling
to flesh out the officers and place the organization on a firm footing.
As the concepts for a publication for the group developed, Don
Thayer of Minox Processing Laboratories granted permission to use
the name "Minox Memo". This name was used for several
decades for the main American publication published by Mr. Thayer's
father, Don Sr. By November the first edition was published in electronic
form and made available for free as the original was.
The Minox Historical Society continues to grow and evolve, creating
a home to centrally locate every piece of Minox information imaginable.
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