MINOX Cassette

The new MINOX Cassette

This Minox Film Cassette is perfectly compatible with all Minox “spy cameras” using the 8×11 (9.2mm) film format. The cassette is completely light-tight and can be handled in broad daylight after the photos have been taken. The spool and the dimensions of the cassette allow for smooth and steady film advancement, maintaining correct spacing between exposures. The film gates are designed to prevent scratching during advancement while ensuring perfect light insulation.

The cassette comes with a small box for storage, providing extra protection against light and dust for both the film and the cassette itself.

List of compatible cameras:

• Minox A
• Minox B
• Minox C
• Minox BL
• Minox EC
• Minox LX
• Minox TLX
• Minox CLX
• Minox MX

Film Loading and Setup

If you already have used a Minox camera, you’ll probably know how to load and unload the Minox cassette. The following instructions apply to the Minox model EC, and is the same for models C, BL, and LX. For older models (Minox A, B, and Riga) you’ll probably better follow the instruction in this very detailed page at the Moments of Now website. Moments of Now is kind of and encyclopedia for all things Minox: if you don’t know it already, go there!

So, how do you load the cassette in Minox EC, C, BL, or LX  and prepare your camera for shooting? Here’s a break down:

• Set Film Speed: Hold the camera at both ends and pull it fully open. Turn the milled wheel until the correct ISO (ASA) or DIN value appears in the center of the window.

• Reset Frame Counter: Before inserting the film, turn the ribbed button on the camera base in the direction of the arrow until the start position is centered in the window. For 36-exposure film, use the red dot between 0 and 36 (if using 15-exposure film, use the red line between 20 and 15).

• Load the Cartridge: Pull the camera shell completely off to expose the film cassette slot. Drop the Minox film cartridge into the film chamber and push the body shell back on until the camera is fully closed. Note: Always load film in the shade.

• Advance to First Frame: To move past the fogged film leader, open the camera, press the yellow release button, and close the camera. Repeat this once more. When you pull it open a third time, the counter will show 36 or 15, and you are ready for your first shot.

Shooting

Taking photos with a Minox is very simple: open the camera, press the shutter button, and close it. Every time you close the camera, the film advances to the next frame. If you close the camera without taking a photo, the film remains in place, preventing film waste.

Reaching the Last Frame and Unloading

The frame counter counts backward from 36 (or 15) to 0. When it reaches 0, the film is finished. After the final exposure (frame 0), close and open the camera twice more to pull the end of the film into the take-up side of the cartridge. This prevents light from penetrating the cartridge and fogging your last photo. Now, pull off the camera shell to open it completely and remove the cartridge from the chamber. Place the cassette back in its box. Push the shell back on to close the camera.

FILM LENGTH & Frame Count

There are four different film lengths in the Minox family: 15, 30, 36, and 50 frames. We will focus on the 36-exposure length.

FILM CUTTING: Converting 135 to MINOX

You can produce your own 9.2mm films by cutting 35mm film with a proper film cutter, such as the Miniminox.

Standard 135 film (the kind with 36 shots) is a long strip of emulsion. One end is taped to the center of the spool inside the canister, and the other end is cut into a narrow “tongue” shape for easy loading.

While different brands vary slightly, the general measurements are:

• Total length: The whole strip is about 64 ½ inches (1638mm) long.

• The “Waste” ends: Between the taped tail and the loading tongue, you lose about 10 inches (254mm) of film that cannot be used for pictures.

• The “Picture” area: This leaves you with 54 ½ inches (1384mm) of actual space for photos.

A 36-exposure 135 film should produce four 36-exposure Minox film strips. The single strips obtained with the Miniminox are too long to fit into the Minox cassette’s chamber, so you should cut them in half, resulting in 4 films from 2 long strips. Check the Miniminox here

LOADING Cut Film into a Minox Cassette

Once you have cut your film, you’ll need to put it into the cassette. To help with this, there is a practical board called the Min-o-matic that keeps all the cassette’s pieces organized while you handle the film and the tiny cassette. This is especially useful because part of the process must be done in the dark (preferably using a dark changing bag). Check the Min-o-matic here and watch a video showing how to load film into Minox cassettes. Check the Min-o-Matic here