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RIGA s/n 05694. Imperial. CLA 11/02. Lens cover reads 'Minostigmat 1:3.5 F=16 horizontally instead of diagonally as in later models. This is an early model Riga born in 1939. The shutter speed dial is attractive with black filled-in lettering. Zero dents (many if not most Rigas have dents in the corners since, being stainless steel, they are heavy and suffer damage when dropped), as clean as Rigas come. Includes original zippered leather case in VG condition except zipper pull is missing. Leather has been treated with preservative to keep it glove soft. This camera is nicer than other examples of this model seen in many museums. RIGA s/n 07234. Metric. CLA 02/04. Marking on lens cover is diagonal. Believed manufactured in 1939 (records are not available from back then but much information is known). The camera functions perfectly. This is the cleanest Riga I ever have owned. For all practical purposes the finish is flawless, and the world knows me as conservative when it comes to grading. Inside the lid is a label pasted, with a list in English of 20 countries and their respective patent numbers. This is a very nice touch! In 1939 the camera was patented in India, Australia, Egypt, South Africa and Belgium, amongst others! Also included with the camera is a 'passport' card, which is the warranty card. The warranty was 12 months. The card is slightly larger than a business card, folded in half, with a metal rivet where apparently a string attached at some point. The passport is printed in 4 languages and has lines for the date of purchase, buyer's name and dealer's signature. These lines are *not* filled in. On the back is a block for the dealer's name to be imprinted. The front of the card has a single hand lettered initial 'S' in German script on a line which I believe to be quality control. The passport when folded in half fits neatly in the bottom of the box. The passport has a 4 digit number stamped on the cover which is not the serial number of the camera. Here is a true museum-quality Riga. Each camera has a story. I purchased this one from the grandchildren of the buyer, who needed the money to pay for medical treatment for their daughter. Unfortunately no history is known. Camera withbox and passport RIGA s/n 04273. Imperial.
Minox II s/n 20550. Metric Born in 1949. This is an original II, *not* upgraded to a III, and has the 5 element curved film plane lens and nonretracting filters. Camera was CLAed precisely and respectfully as benefits this very rare example of a very early Minox; first model made after the Riga. Shutter blades were replaced at some unknown time in the previous 50+ years and are silver not the original black. Original viewfinder is a bit fogged, but I made the decision to leave it as it is for the value of being original rather than replace the finder with a modern one since no one is likely to actually use this camera. Condition is fair, not excellent but not real beat up. Camera was used, with a number of light scratches and pinpoints, no dings. Matte areas relatively clean. Functioning perfect and film plane and path is hospital clean. Comes with original chain with narrower leather fob than any other I've seen for a Minox. Chain has *no* beads. Here is a nice example of a very rare model you only see become available a few times a year. Remember many if not most original model II cameras were upgraded to the III lens system, and you can't tell by looking. The upgraded ones are of much less collector interest. This is a guaranteed II, in nice shape, a key piece in nearly any collection.
Minox III s/n 53835. Imperial. Born in 1953. Fresh CLA by Marty Doctor 3/05. Chrome. A slightly rarer model of this series, having no flash sync connector. Most original model A/III without flash sync were converted to sync by the factory, so production numbers don't mean much. A collector as well as a user would appreciate this tiniest of mechanical Minoxes, one which has proven to be an all time favorite amongst Minox enthusiasts and purists. Minox III s/n 52346. Metric. Born in 1953. *This camera is one of the EXTREMELY rare gold models. It is in superb condition, with only the tiniest signs of scuffing on the corners. Virtually every one of these cameras made were made for royalty or very high profile persons. This particular camera was commissioned for a German doctor by a grateful patient and gifted to him in 1954. Gold cameras are among the rarest and most in-demand cameras in the Minox line. These are ones to put away in the safe and sit on for decades, then pull out for your retirement. This camera will come with some history on it, including two original photos taken with it in the 1950s. Also photos of the owner and info on his prestigious history will be included. See these photos for breathtaking views of this superb example of Minox' finest: A set like this is a once in a lifetime find. Far more collectors want them than there are sets available. If you are seriously interested in this, get hold of me and we'll work out the details. Am willing to deliver in person, or to accept escrow. The government can't print more of these. No more can be mined. This item can't be inflated. If you want a very rare item with nearly the best investment potential of anything related to Minox, here it is.
Minox IIIs s/n 90901. Imperial. Chrome. Born early in 1956. CLA by Marty Doctor 11/05. This is a mature, popular model of one of Minox's most treasured cameras by collectors. Fully mechanical, with flash sync for optional bulb or electronic flash, this camera is in excellent condition inside and out. If one wanted an excellent pocket camera as a regular shooter, this would be it. Minox IIIs s/n 131153. Metric. Chrome. Born in 1957. CLA by Marty Doctor 3/05. This was a mature, popular model of one of Minox's most treasured cameras by collectors. Fully mechanical, with flash sync for optional bulb or electronic flash, this camera is in excellent condition inside and out. If one wanted an excellent pocket camera as a regular shooter, this would be it. If not for a few pinpoint defects in the finish, this would be perfect. Minox IIIs s/n 101131. Imperial. Chrome. Born in 1956. CLA by Marty Doctor 3/05. This little camera is in quite nice condition, showing some wear on the corners as will any camera which has had a bit of use. Camera is very clean. This would be ideal as a low cost starter camera for someone who wants a pure mechanical, classic Minox. The more I look at and caress this particular camera, the more I'd like to keep it. If I had more pockets in my trousers, perhaps ... A nice camera, for any use. Comes with copy of instruction manual. Minox IIIs s/n 146559. Exceptionally rare *BLACK* model. Born in 1969, one of the very last examples of this model produced. Imperial. Black versions of any model are rare, and black III/IIIs models are extremely rare. One may appear on the international market maybe twice a year. In mid-January 2003, one sold to a German collector for USD $2885, and it was nonfunctional. This one came from DAG personally and paperwork will be provided proving its lineage back to him. He indicated he is so satisfied with the camera he essentially will warranty it forever. I have had two other collectors ask me to leave this camera to them in my will. Superb physical condition, superb operating condition, with original instruction manual, Also includes black leather case in very good condition and proper black chain, not stretched at all but showing some brassing. I looked for 5 years to find this camera, and many other collectors never have and may never find one.
Minox B s/n 639786. Imperial. Born 1959. Wetzlar model slightly more rare, only made in Wetzlar 2 or 3 years of production, of interest to collectors. Meter more sensitive than most. Finish has tiny dings as do most cameras which have seen some use. CLA. Viewfinder and frame outline excellent. Outstanding user.
Minox B s/n 847407. Imperial. Born in 1965. CLA. More sensitive light meter than most. Camera has seen some use but not abuse. Well cared for, functions perfectly. Good reliable starter camera or 2nd user. Minox B s/n 880963. Imperial. Born in 1967. CLA. *Black* finish where 99% are natural anodized aluminum. 'Private Detective' model. This one almost certainly was a government issue, country unknown. There is a property number 'S-150' neatly inscribed inside the camera. If anyone knows the meaning or origin of this please advise me. Camera shows sign of slight use but was well maintained. Another curiosity -- the model number 'B' was stamped into the bottom *after* the camera was finished in black, as the B stands out in clear aluminum, obviously not done prior to the finish being applied. ??? We may never know what action this camera saw, and on who's behalf. A camera with a history, and a rare model in great condition at that. Comes with proper shiny black leather case, chain and original manual.
Snippets of History -- A Minox is so small that it can be hidden inside a candy-bar wrapper. According to legend, this actually happened in the early Eighties and someone was able to get it into the headquarters building of the National Security Agency. To see the picture, click here.
Minox B s/n 933647. Born in 1968. Metric. CLA 1/03. A nice example of a metric version of this model for those who are more comfortable with metric indications on the focus dial than feet and inches. Camera exceptionally clean with a few pinpoint dings and the slightest hint of a dent on the chain end. New viewfinder. Meter reads properly. Action crisp and precise, all functions operating perfectly. A pleasure to hold and to use. This would be the ideal user camera for a new enthusiast who doesn't want to take a chance with a camera in unknown condition. You will be proud to show this to your friends.
Minox BL s/n 1205730. Imperial. Born 1973. CLA. This camera is in spotless physical condition and would pass as new anywhere. It was obtained from an elderly gentleman collector who spent his lifetime assembling the finest condition Minoxes from all over. I doubt this one ever has had film through it. DAG inspected it and gave it a clean bill of health so I know it is in perfect operating condition as well as appearance. Has new battery pull tab. Minox BL s/n 1209063. Imperial. Born in 1972. CLA. *Black* Private Detective model. An investment grade Minox. The BL is scarce to start with, much more scarce in black, and still scarcer yet in the original clamshell case with proper fuzzy red platform. Note the black Bs had the fuzzy red platform where the silver ones had the fuzzy blue platform. Minox BL s/n 1210889. Metric. Born in 1973. CLA to ensure flawless functioning. *Black* Private Detective model. This exceptional camera probably has never been used. I received it completely packed as sold originally by Minox, with the spotless camera, black leather case and chain, clamshell case with proper fuzzy red platform and cardboard oversleeve, all original factory paperwork including manual, battery instruction card and warranty card with matching serial number, not filled in. This camera was purchased by a dealer somewhere and put away, then made its way onto the market with the demise of the dealer. No signs of use whatever. Another investment grade Minox. No more of these are made, no more can be mined, printed, inflated or the market manipulated. This is a good piece to bury deeply against your retirement. Minox BL s/n 1202746. Imperial. Early production 1972. CLA. A killer package. Camera appears unused, but since I don't know its history I cannot call it new. Comes with black clamshell case with velvet padded lid with red Minox BL logo, fuzzy blue platform (scarce), all paperwork including original instruction manual and complete warranty card with matching serial number, battery instruction sheet (rare), black belt loop case, not normal Eveready case (*very* rare) in new condition, and chain with bayonet connector. Note this extremely rare belt case does not have a hole in it for the chain, so you would use the case or the chain independently, not together. The clamshell case may have a mark on the top, kind of a faint smudge visible under a good light. The case also has the cardboard sleeve with matching serial number and a picture on the bottom of the camera with descriptions of every adjustment and feature. Camera comes with a new battery also. Any BL is rare, and this one even more so, especially with the extremely scarce belt case, clamshell case with cardboard sleeve and blue platform and paperwork with matching serial numbers. This would be a very good collector's item to put in a safe and pull out in 20 years when you retire or your kids are in college. Only approximately 17,000 examples of this model were made over its short life span, and this is probably the finest example I've had of this rare model. Price $1800 for this superb example of one of Minox' finest and last mechanical submini cameras. Minox BL s/n 1203300. Imperial. Born 1972. CLA. Fairly early serial number of this model. This is a collector grade camera. Essentially spotless physical condition. Accurate, smooth operation as you would expect from this superb example of mechanical Minox at its finest. This camera is one which could be the key piece in a collection, and is one of the first cameras I show to visitors. Wash your hands before picking this one up. Comes with new battery and copy of instruction manual. Minox BL s/n 1207321. Imperial. Born 1972. CLA. Almost certainly new and unused, but I don't know for sure so I will merely say excellent condition. Zero visible defects, even under optics. Minox BL s/n 1211091. Metric. Born in 1973. CLA. *Black* Private Detective model. The BL is rare by itself, but especially more so in black. Excellent condition, even for a black model which tends to show wear more quickly than aluminum. Comes with black Eveready case, proper black case and metric chain. Indistinguishable from new. The rarest of the rare. An investment grade Minox. Minox BL s/n 1212475. Imperial. Born in 1973. CLA. *Black* Private Detective model. Another exceptionally rare camera. Noticeably lighter than normal operation, tiniest sign of handling on the finish as is typical of black cameras, no defects penetrating the finish. Functioning perfect as you would expect after a CLA. All BLs are scarce, and black BLs even more scarce. With case and chain.
Minox C s/n 2349031. Imperial. Born 1970. CLA October 2003. White lamp, excellent condition, spotless except for one minor scratch on the front flash end. Camera probably unused. Essentially flawless. This model is the easiest to use metal Minox and one I frequently recommend to beginners. One downside the slow shutter speed indicator light does not work. This requires a part no longer available from Minox and there are none to be had. With the exception of that feature, everything else in the camera is perfect. The viewfinder is bright and clear with distinct, properly formed frame lines. Minox C s/n 2396763. Metric. Born 1972. CLA by DAG. Nice silver camera, very friendly for a beginner who wants an electronic camera. Camera shows very little sign of use and may be unused. I am including a somewhat worn but perfectly serviceable Eveready case which did not come with the camera but will help protect its superb condition. If you want a nice reliable starter Minox, this would be an excellent choice. Comes with copy of manual and new battery. Verygood price considering condition and cost and waiting time for CLA. Minox C s/n 2472129. Last year and possibly last week of production of this model, in 1978. CLA by DAG. Metric. Black Private Detective model. Red LED of course in this late example of this model. Camera shows essentially no signs of use but does show signs of having been stored in the case for a while. I expect this camera was purchased, never used, and ultimately ended up with me (ultimately it will end up with you or someone else, to be perfectly accurate). There is no sign of corrosion so the camera was not stored with a battery in it. Many cameras of this vintage which were stored with the now-obsolete mercury batteries in them have corrosion damage from leaking mercury batteries. Properly cared for cameras will not have corrosion. This would be a good user camera for someone who desires a fully automatic, low profile camera for clandestine operations. It will do the job and you're not paying for anything fancy. This model has substantial history in intelligence applications and spies using this model to steal information were responsible for many lives lost. Excellent physical and operational condition. Comes with copy of manual, Eveready case, and new battery. Minox C s/n 2307019. Metric. FI marking on bottom (made for Italian market, special label, very scarce). This example also has a Complan lens as used in early model C cameras, and such are in demand by collectors both for their scarcity and theoretically more accurate lens. Born 1969. CLA October 2003. White lamp, excellent condition. Camera appears unused. Essentially flawless other than a tiny scratch on the top chain end. This model was made for the Italian market. Some believe the 'FI" engraving means "Fabricated in Italy" while other experts believe it represents the name of the importer of Minox to Italy during the early 1970's FOWA so it stands for FOWA Import. The slow shutter speed indicator light does not work accurately and periodically indicates a low light condition when one does not exist.. To repair this feature requires a part no longer available from Minox and there are none to be had. With the exception of that feature, everything else in the camera is perfect. The viewfinder is bright and clear with distinct, properly formed frame lines. As cameras get older and the supply of spare parts diminishes, we will be facing the impossibility of restoring a lot of cameras to perfect operating condition. Remember, these cameras have not been made for 30+ years, and the small supply of parts largely has vanished. This is a factor to consider when purchasing a used, unknown camera. Looks mean little if internal repair parts are not available. This camera is functioning perfectly with the exception of the low light indicator circuit. It would be an excellent, low cost user camera for a beginner. Left on automatic shutter, the camera makes the proper decision on exposure a lot more accurately than I can by eye. It also would be an interesting collector's model for those who need an Italian-marked. Complan lens variant of this otherwise common model submini Minox. Minox C s/n 2458162. Metric. Born 1975. CLA. *Black* Private Detective model, again another camera intended for intelligence agencies or other covert application. The classic Minox 'spy' camera. Red LED. Someone kept this one in pristine condition, and the buyer benefits from that. Complete with black outer box with satin lining imprinted 'Minox C' in gold, red velour platform, black leather case and proper black chain. Camera shows little signs of use, excellent by any standards. Rare model, excellent investment Minox especially complete with original accessories.
And now for something completely different! Minox LX s/n 2515254. Born in 1980. Imperial. Superb camera cared for the by a discriminating collector, sold to pay college expenses. The camera is indistinguishable from new, though DAG overhauled it just to be sure -- and it works perfectly as well as looks perfect. Minox LX s/n 2524006. Born in 1985. Metric. A very clean camera, property of a lady. CLA by DAG. This camera was purchased from me after significant research and a good period of time saving, by a young lady in California. She and her husband both purchased identical models, to use in a role playing game in which they participated, using the cameras as props in spy scenarios. She went on to college and sold her camera back to me a few years later to pay school expenses. This is a beautiful camera, in excellent condition, lovingly selected, used and cared for by a lady who worked dearly to earn it. The camera comes with a case and chain both in excellent condition, new battery and an instruction manual. This would be a good starter camera as it is modestly priced considering the case and chain included, and is in top condition. Minox LX s/n 2516827. Imperial. Born in 1980. CLA by DAG April 2004. Minox LX s/n 2530946. Born 1989. Imperial. CLA. A late model BLACK 'Private Detective' model in superb physical and operational condition. This camera shows only the tiniest signs of buffing on the black finish from being taken in and out of the case a few times. I know it has had two rolls of film through it. This camera essentially is spotless, with the brightest crystal-clear optics, crisp, smooth precision operation and a gorgeous finish. Even though Minox cameras were produced in fairly significant quantities, each one was hand assembled. And each has a personality. There is something about this one I can't describe, but for some reason I can't bring myself to put this one in the safe with the others. I keep it on my desk. Maybe the camera is trying to talk to me? The Twilight Zone. Anyway, here's a wonderful example of a rare precision model of the finest submini Minox produced. A good one to put away, also a good one for a professional to use as an everyday intelligence tool. Comes with new battery, original manual and the proper Eveready black leather case with chain connector removed. An ideal tool for a private detective or someone involved in covert operations. Minox LX s/n 2502904. Born 1979. Imperial. CLA. Rare *Black* Private Detective model was the preferred choice of covert operatives. This is a very early example of this model, probably made in the first year of manufacture. Perfect operating condition with a DAG CLA. Excellent physical condition, and would be nearly perfect except for a small scratch on the left rear upper corner. This does not affect operation in any way, but is noticeable. This camera not have the "Minox" name silk-screened in white on the front. Not having the white logo does make the camera even lower profile for covert operations. Camera was made for the Italian market and comes with a blank Italian warranty certificate, plastic credit card style warranty card, black leather case, slim clamshell case with a small dent, and outer cardboard sleeve. This would be an outstanding camera for someone in a position where they needed to take clandestine photography. Minox LX s/n 2509352. Born 1979. Imperial. *Black* Private Detective model as sought after by those in clandestine service, and an acknowledgment of a deadly serious application for these cameras. There was, and still may be a time and place where being caught with one of these cameras would mean a death sentence. This camera is new in box (NIB) complete with slim black clamshell case, cardboard sleeve, all documentation, maroon leather case, silver chain. Purchased from dealer estate sale. A new camera, perfect, a Minox or spy tradecraft collector's dream. Minox LX s/n 2531619. Metric. Born in 1989. Lovely black color. CLA.
Minox TLX s/n 2603388. Minox TLX s/n 2601229. Born > 1992. Titanium finish. Metric. CLA by DAG. Camera never used. I purchased this from the family of a dealer who had died. It was in his store inventory at the time. Even though it was new, I had DAG CLA the camera so we would know it was perfect. Camera is new in clamshell case with leather case, instruction manual and I will add a new battery. Clamshell case is in the silver box which shows some wear from handling. If you want a good TLX as a user camera, here it is. Note any camera in this series can be converted from Imperial to metric or vice versa in 5 minutes for $5 using a simple label purchased from DAG. I got a good price on this, so am passing it along.
Minox EC s/n 2724183. Unused. Was purchased by a gentleman with the intent to use traveling, but he decided instead to retire and live in a recreational vehicle, leaving him little room for optional items. This EC is in perfect physical and mechanical condition, and comes in a clamshell case with good hinge (many/most hinges on EC clamshell cases are broken), a cube flash, new battery, original instruction manual in English (other language manuals available on request), chain, old roll of sealed film, and 5 flashcubes. Minox EC s/n 2771210. Born in 1986. CLA. This camera has been modified for special clandestine operation by Don Goldberg aka DAG for close up document work. Standard EC models are fixed focus with a minimum focusing distance of one meter. This one has been fitted and tested for best focus at 18 inches for document copying. DAG commented the piece still had good depth of field even at the short focal length. The EC is the smallest Minox made of both the mechanical and electronic submini cameras. It is completely electronic, with no user adjustments other than setting the film speed when loading. It is extremely easy to use, and now you can have the tiniest, fully automatic electronic Minox specifically set up for close in (macro) photography. Whether for hobby or serious professional use, if you need quick, simple, excellent photos up close and personal, this is the camera. This model appears to be an unmodified EC in every respect except for the typewritten label added by DAG indicating close focus of 19 inches. Camera comes with copy of instruction manual, new 8x11 electronic flash and new battery for camera and flash. Minox EC s/n 2750173. Minox EC s/n 2853345. Brand new in unopened factory packaging. This camera was part of a very small lot remaining unsold from when the EC was discontinued. It is the latest production, and is the black window model. Camera is in a black plastic clamshell case with EC logo in white, a battery adapter and cells, a cassette of ASA100 15 exposure color print film, warranty card, instruction manual in German and Quality Control paperwork. The clamshell case is covered by a gray and red cardboard sleeve with Minox and EC logos. This camera has never had film loaded and is still in the factory plastic wrap. There is a 3 year factory warranty included, starting when you return the warranty card. Here is what probably is the last chance, literally, to obtain a brand new EC set. When the two I purchased are gone, the only choices will be used. I will include a photocopy of the instruction manual in English if you request it. If you want a cube or electronic flash, they are available also. See Accessories at the bottom of this page for details. Minox EC s/n 2853858. Brand new in unopened factory packaging. This camera was part of a very small lot remaining unsold from when the EC was discontinued. It is the latest production, and is the black window model. Camera is in a black plastic clamshell case with EC logo in white, a battery adapter and cells, a cassette of ASA100 15 exposure color print film, warranty card, instruction manual in German and Quality Control paperwork. The clamshell case is covered by a gray and red cardboard sleeve with Minox and EC logos. This camera has never had film loaded and is still in the factory plastic wrap. There is a 3 year factory warranty included, starting when you return the warranty card. Here is what probably is the last chance, literally, to obtain a brand new EC set. When the two I purchased are gone, the only choices will be used. I will include a photocopy of the instruction manual in English if you request it. If you want a cube or electronic flash, they are available also. See Accessories at the bottom of this page for details. SET OF BLACK MINOX SUBMINI CAMERAS Minox 35GL (35mm) in exc + condition, with new battery, electronic flash in case, instruction manual, and Minox tripod. All are in a maroon red leather purse with pouches which fit all items, including the tripod. Makes a nice travel kit, which is what this was. There are three pouches in the purse. One holds the camera, one the flash, and one t |