Usually, however, the first reaction
of somebody who sees the camera for the first time is: “Is
this digital?” This made us think that the public is
much more open to a digital classic camera, so we decided
to add a new product line in that range.
We will keep the 8x11 classic cameras in our program because
we see there a different customer then for the digital version
and we will introduce more 8x11 models in the future.
MHS -- Are you partnering with Sharan on this as with the
other 8x11 Classic Cameras?
TK -- The Classic Camera concept was born by some friends
from Japan (Asanuma – a wholesaler in Japan) and Minox
during the Photokina of 1996.
Together with the support of Leica it was possible to develop
the Classic Camera Leica IIIf. Because of the high labor costs
here in Germany we decided to find a partner for the assembly
in Japan.
Because Asanuma is a wholesaler in Japan and the distribution
in the Japanese market is very complicated for foreign companies
we decided that Asanuma would distribute the cameras exclusively
in Japan. The version for the Japanese market was called Sharan.
When we made the decision to build the digital camera it
was clear that we would have to manufacture this camera in
the same countries where all the other Japanese companies
produce their digital cameras. Otherwise we would never compete
with their prices. So we assemble the DCC M3 in Hong Kong
and, so, can offer it under the retail price of the 8x11 Classic
Cameras.
The distribution in Japan will be through our Minox agency.
For this reason it's not planed to offer a special Sharan
version.
MHS -- The dimensions on the digital seem to vary from the
other Classic Cameras. Is there a reason for this?
TK -- There will be many small digital cameras presented
at Photokina this year. I guess the smallest will be the Fuji
credit card size camera or the new Casio "Exilim."
The disadvantage of these very small cameras is that they
work with a special rechargeable battery inside, so if the
battery is empty you have to find a power socket to recharge
the battery.
During this time you can't take pictures.
Because of this we decided to use a standard lithium battery
(CR2) so that if the battery ran out you just change it.
This allowed us to keep the design of the Classic Camera
M3 and only increase the depth by approximately 2 mm.
MHS -- This being exclusively a Minox project, do you see
other miniature digital cameras following? There have been
rumors of a DLX floating around for some time.
TK -- We have at the moment four more digital camera concepts
in preparation, a DLX as well.
Please understand that I can't mention more at the moment,
but for a new DLX we need some more time because we think
that potential customers have quite high expectations.
MHS -- Do you have any idea when we may see some of these
new cameras coming to market?
TK -- The market launch of a DLX camera depends on the availability
of the parts and components. At the moment we are in contact
with several chip manufacturers, but it seems that we will
have to wait a little bit longer than we had expected.
MHS -- With your recent camera offerings leaning so much towards
digital, are you planning on updating either the GT or modern
8x11 film camera categories in the foreseeable future?
TK -- I believe that there will be a market for 35 mm and
8x11 mm cameras beside the digital market. Therefore we have
several projects running.
MHS -- Since Leica still owns a large minority share in the
company, how much does it contribute to development of new
products?
TK -- We still have close contacts to Leica. We gain a lot
of support for our R&D dept. and most of the parts of
the 8x11 and 35 mm cameras are manufactured by Leica.
MHS -- It has been expressed that there have been many issues
with parts availability and the availability of certain films.
Do you have any comments in this regard?
TK -- Due to the independence of Minox the whole control
of production of parts and spare parts comes back to Minox.
We have had big difficulties finding manufacturers for many
parts. Before 1995, most of them were produced by the old
Minox itself.
Sometimes we need parts which have not been produced for more
than 10 years. If you try then to reactivate the old tools
and molds you find out that they don't work any longer and
you have to modify them. This takes much time.
So I ask everybody for their patience and if there are serious
problems contact Mrs. Claudia Glassl www.info@minox.com for
further information.
MHS -- There have been a lot of rumors about the 8x11 accessories
and which have been discontinued and why. The developing tank
for one has come up, with the general answer being the equipment
has broken and a new option is in the works. Another is the
discontinuation of some of the old standby accessories such
as the binocular clamp and copy stand. Where do these things
stand? Might they have a place in an alternative form in the
future?
TK -- It's true, the tool to make the old developing tank
is broken.
Unfortunately it's uneconomical to develop and produce new
tools for a product we sell around 100 times a year. We are
in contact with Jobo in Germany and we will offer a solution
for 8x11 film developing in the near future.
MHS -- What else can you tell the members of the MHS about
the state and direction of the company?
TK -- Maybe more in the next memo?
MHS – Thank you for taking the time to answer these
questions. We look forward to Photokina and all the new products!
It sounds as if Minox is in good hands.
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