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February 2002

A classic new edition!
The legendary Contax I in MINOX style

Dimensions just fractionally bigger than a matchbox - this is one of the features of the new Contax I. A true reproduction of the original camera, made to the scale of 1:2.5 by MINOX, the famous specialist for miniature cameras and adding another masterpiece to the MINOX Classic Camera Collection. Embedded in an elegant wooden box, this superb replica makes the design features of the original miniature camera stand out and by just holding this brilliant piece of craftsmanship in your hand you sense the treasures that are packed inside.

The Contax I uses the MINOX 8x11mm film and apart from being in full working order also boasts excellent imaging performance through the Minoctar lens f/5.6 15mm (three lens elements in three groups). The metal body and the many individual details taken from the original camera are sure to make the heart of any camera enthusiast beat faster. The accessories include a flash unit making this Classic Camera even suitable for use in low light conditions.

Born in Dresden:

Zeiss Ikon, which was based in Dresden, entered a new age of camera design in 1932. The production of their small and convenient Contax was the first rival to the Leica, which had dominated the market up until that time. The original Contax I had interchangeable lenses and shutter speeds of between 1/25 and 1/1000 second and a later version in 1934 also included speeds of ½ second. The Contax was also the first camera to feature metal leaf-type shutter curtains. Between 1932 and 1938 there were 7 different versions and there was a production of over 36,000 cameras in all.

The legendary MINOX spy camera was also designed during the thirties, by Walter Zapp in Riga. It was from here the camera started its triumphant worldwide success. Since then, MINOX has been known as the expert in the field of miniaturization. The new Classic Camera Contax I is the result of synergy effects coming from the long-standing tradition of both world famous German brands, Contax und MINOX and it is the new classic edition we have long been waiting for.

Equipped with the MINOX 8 x 11 mm film Minocolor 100 this Classic Camera Contax I comes in an exclusive wooden box and is available at specialist stockists from February 2002.

An ever-ready leather case, straps and lens cover are also available as accessories.

Technical Data:

MINOX 8x11 film format

MINOCTAR lens 1:5,6/15mm (3 elements in 3 groups)

Focusing range 1,2 m to infinity (4 ft - infinity)

Shutter speed: 1/250

Tripod socket

Dimensions (LxWxH): 63 x 40 x 45 mm

Weight: 99 g (without film)

Incl. wooden box and MINOX 8x11 film

Accessories:

Leather strap

Aluminium lens cover

Flash

Leather case

January 20, 2002

-Remember to enter your photos in the Minox Historical Society's first photo contest. You could be the proud winner of a new Minox EC provided by Minox GmbH!

Details are in the Minox Memo.

-The first in the series of commemorative T-shirts and mugs only have a month left. Order by February 28th 2002 to start your collection. Starting with the Minox Riga, collect the full series of camera!.

Go HERE to order. Five dollars from each order goes to help the efforts of the Minox Historical Society.

November 2, 2001

The "Minox Memo" is back!

The Minox Historical Society is proud to announce the production of our first official newsletter, the "Minox Memo".

Downloads are available from http://minox.org/minoxmemo/minoxmemo.html

With the blessing of Don Thayer of Minox Processing Laboratories, the publishers of the original "Minox Memo", the MHS has picked up the baton. While attempting to keep the feel and spirit of the original publication, there are several differences worth noting.

The "new" Memo will be considered the "Second Series" to distinguish it from its namesake. The purpose of the Memo has grown as well. Not just a means of educating and sharing information about all things Minox, it is also the official publication of the Minox Historical Society. As it warrants, information of interest will be included in the Memo.

Most notably will be the format. With certain as yet unspecified exceptions, the Minox Memo will be exclusively published in electronic format. Utilizing the ubiquitous Adobe Acrobat .PDF format, this will allow for a maximum number of readers, with a minimum of publication cost.

Articles will be solicited from members and nonmembers alike, but with memberships currently free, we would encourage anyone interested in participating to join at http://minox.org/join.html.

June 29, 2001

The Minox Historical Society announces its first slate of officers, and memberships are now available!

By a unanimous vote of the founding members, the inaugural officers for the MHS have been appointed.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President - Peter Zimmerman
Vice President - John Watson
Secretary/Treasurer - D. Scott Young
Committee Member - Larry Feldman
Committee Member - Steve Uhrig

Congratulations, and thank you for your willingness to help bring about this great endeavor!

No-cost memberships are now available! Become a "charter" member by signing up at Minox Historical Society at Yahoo! Groups.

April 2001

Minox GmbH: Management acquires 51% share in the company
Leica Camera AG focusses on core competencies

The management of Minox GmbH, Wetzlar, has acquired a 51% share of the capital of that company. Minox has been one of the group companies of the Leica Camera Group since 1996. This partial spin-off, commencement of the new fiscal year beginning April 2001, is to strengthen the profile of Minox, a manufacturer known first of all for its miniature cameras. The build-up of own structures will enable Minox to more flexibly focus on new market segments as have been opened up for, e.g., miniature reproductions of classic cameras. Leica Camera AG will continue relations with the Minox company through its minority share of 49% and will provide organisational framework by rendering services and by joint international sales activities. At the same time, the parent company will focus on its core competencies for its own value-added products.

In fiscal year 1999/2000 (ended March 31) Leica Camera Group registered consolidated sales of DM 275.7 million, DM 11.4 million of which were sales of Minox brand products. In the first nine months of fiscal year 2000/2001 Minox products registered a strong 46.8% increase to DM 10.9 million as compared to the same period of the prior year.

April 13, 2001

As you are already looking at this page, you know that the Minox Historical Society's web page is now up and running. Look here as this page develops for content, links, and information as it relates to Minox and the Minox Historical Society. It is expected that this page will develop quickly, so checking back often is highly recommended.

In this regard we are asking for anything that you think would be appropriate to place within these pages. In particular, we are looking for original content that is not available elsewhere. If you have information, charts, graphics, or any other items of interest, please contact the webmaster at webmaster@minox.org.

Please be cautious of copyright issues. If something you wish to add may be copyrighted, please let us know up front so we can attempt to contact the holder of the rights.