Last Updated on 12/06/2017 by Chris Gampat
Now you can load up your Minox Spy Cameras with film!
Heads up, film photographers, spy camera fans, and vintage camera collectors! If you still have one of those super cool Minox subminiature cameras from the bygone years of espionage photography, you can finally give it a go with film now available from Blue Moon Camera and Machine.
Ranked alongside other cool spy cameras like the Doryu 2-16 and the F-21 Ajax camera, Minox subminiature cameras were extremely popular during the Cold War. They were no bigger than a pack of gum and could fit the palm of the hand, but were designed to quickly take high-quality photographs. In fact, according to Crypto Museum, the CIA used these tiny snappers from World War II up until 1974. The Soviets also used them until the late 1990s.
The first subminiature camera made by Minox was the Riga, released in 1937. Interestingly, the camera was meant to be used for regular photography, but of course, it was perfect for espionage, and therefore destined to become the world’s most popular spy camera. Several other models followed over the years, all of them taking 8 x 11mm films. The former Latvian camera maker (now German) reportedly still makes and sells film for these cameras and handles their development.
If you happen to still have one in perfect working order but don’t have access to a Minox outlet, Blue Moon Camera and Machine has recently announced they are now taking orders for 8 x 11mm “spy films” for these historic cameras. According to their press release, they have already began production of the film in a “whole array of emulsion options,” so we can expect to see both color and black and white for the Minox spy cameras. Interestingly, they also say they’re going to keep photographers stocked with their spy film well into the future, and not releasing just one or two batches.
Interested in reliving the golden age of espionage photography with your Minox spy camera? Get in touch with Blue Moon Camera and Machine through their website to learn more about this tiny format and place your orders.