Minox Wetzlar III Sub-Miniature Spy Camera

In my fundamentals class I talk about film size, and the impact this has on the type and quality of photographs produced. I show students a range of cameras but there was one iconic brand of camera I was missing, Minox. These are tiny, exquisitely made cameras, that used extemely small rolls of film. Slip a Minox into your tuxedo pocket and while the rest of the ambassador’s guests are enjoying the Ferrero Rocher you can saunter into the office and photograph plans for the missile silo.

Minox Wetzlar III Sub-Miniature Spy Camera with Asahi Pentax K1000 35mm camera.

The Minox makes the sleek, lightweight K1000 35mm film camera look like a behemoth. As with many things, you need to use the right tool for the job. When portability and discretion were priorities, then Minox was the way to go.