Minox spy cameras are miniature cameras that have been used for clandestine photography since the 1930s. 

These cameras are extremely small and can be concealed easily, which makes them ideal for use in espionage or surveillance. One of the most famous examples of a Minox camera being used for spying was during the Cold War when they were used by both the East and West German intelligence agencies. In this blog post, we will be discussing the history of Minox spy cameras and how they work, as well as their unique film format.History of Minox Spy CamerasMinox was founded in 1936 by Walter Zapp, a Latvian engineer who had fled to Germany. Zapp had created the world's first subminiature camera, which he called the Minox Riga. 

The camera was incredibly small, measuring only 8mm x 11mm and was made of aluminum. It was designed for use with 9.5mm film, which was a format that was popular in Europe at the time.The Minox Riga was an instant success, and soon after its release, Zapp began work on a smaller and more advanced version of the camera. In 1938, he released the Minox A, which was the first Minox camera to use 16mm film. The camera was so small that it could fit in the palm of your hand and was designed for use by spies and intelligence agencies.During World War II, Minox cameras were used by both the German and British intelligence agencies. The cameras were used to take photographs of enemy positions, as well as documents and other sensitive information. 

After the war, Minox cameras continued to be used for espionage and surveillance by intelligence agencies all over the world.How Minox Cameras WorkMinox cameras are designed to be small and inconspicuous, which means that they have to be very simple in their design. They are basically just a small box with a lens at one end and a film cassette at the other. There are no viewfinders or other complicated features.

To take a photograph, the user simply sets the focus and exposure settings and then presses the shutter button. The film is advanced automatically to the next frame, and the user can take another photograph.One of the unique features of Minox cameras is their film format. Minox cameras use 16mm film, which is a very small format compared to other types of film. This allows the cameras to be incredibly small, as the film cassettes can be made much smaller than those used for larger formats.Minox FilmMinox film is a unique type of film that is designed specifically for use in Minox cameras. The film is 16mm wide and comes in a small cassette that is inserted into the camera. 

The film itself is very thin and lightweight, which makes it perfect for use in a small camera like the Minox.Minox film is a black and white film, which means that it is not suitable for use in color photography. However, the film is known for its high resolution and sharpness, which makes it ideal for use in surveillance or espionage photography.ConclusionMinox spy cameras are a fascinating piece of photographic history. 

Their small size and inconspicuous design make them perfect for use in espionage or surveillance, and their unique film format allows them to be incredibly small. Although Minox cameras are no longer used for spying, they remain a popular collector's item and are still used by some photographers who appreciate their unique design and film format.  

We can develop, scan and print Minox films here at Photo Hippo Lab, drop us an email to find out more details.