SOME EXTRA LIGHT ON MINOX

The earliest Minox flash came in the mid 50's along with the IIIs. Indeed, until the "s" such a thing was not possible, for the difference between the III and IIIs was simply the addition of a pc connector for flash operation. This proved so popular that many Minox III cameras were returned to the factory for the "s" upgrade.

Oddly, here we are going on 50 years later, and in many ways the Minox flash situation is worse today than it was then. The only Minox flash available for the metal cameras is the small, manual EC flash (and its functionally identical twin, the ECX). This grossly overpriced unit is routinely outperformed by the units in disposible cameras. No wonder so many people are still using the AG1 and flashcube units!

As you can see, I NEED PICTURES! Please spare your jpegs where you can.

NOTE FOR FLASH USERS: Bulb flash synchronization is 1/20th, and electronic sychronization is 1/100th on the mechanical shutters (B and earlier), and 1/250th for the electronic shutters (C and later).

Click on any picture for a larger image.

No Picture Avail.	The first flash unit for the Minox cameras was the Minox Electronic Flash. This monster had a large leather carrying case with shoulder straps for the battery pack. Otherwise, it looks very much like the early B-C flash below. It has "claws" on either side which clip onto the top of the Minox IIIs camera and when the round Minox logos are turned, pull the flash and camera together. Its rather large size necessitates this firm clamp action. Was sometimes sold with an accessory solid polished reflector.
	The early B-C flash; the first bulb flash unit for the Minox cameras. Interestingly, this was not a Minox design, but rather developed by Don Thayer of the Minox Processing Labs in New York. This was the only Minox product of which I am aware ever to be manufactured in the US. The case, however, was made in Germany. Was sometimes sold with an accessory solid polished reflector. It has "claws" on either side which clip onto the top of the Minox IIIs camera and when the round Minox logos are turned, pull the flash and camera together. Its rather large size necessitates this firm clamp action. Uses M-type bulbs. Early versions used a mercury battery prone to leaking. Later versions take an Everready 504 or equivalent battery. An adaptor for use with the B camera was also designed by Don Thayer and offered for a time.
	Standard AG1 flash for the Minox IIIs. Will also work with the C. Characterized by the push-up chrome reflector. Brown cowhide case to match standard camera case. Very rarely seen in black. Uses 15 volt Everready 504 or equivalent, which I understand to be still available.
	AG1 flash for the Minox B. Differs from the IIIs flash only by the addtion of the "window" for the meter. Sometimes seen in black. Also uses the 15 volt Everready 504 or equivalent.
	B4 cube flash for the Minox B. Since the cube flash units contain modified AG1b bulbs, the guide number is exactly the same. Uses an extinct coin battery. Users today have cobbled together various shims or holders for smaller button cells. The cube does not advance automatically, but must be turned by hand. This is the somewhat rare black version. Image provided by Mr. James Jones.
	C4 cube flash introduced in 1970 for all Minox cameras. Eliminates the extended "window", otherwise identical to the B4 flash above. Sometimes seen in black.
	ME1 electronic strobe. Also known as the Heliotron. A much trimmer head and a control/battery unit that would fit in a shirt pocket characterized this unit. Introduced in 1967, it had the extended B "window". Offered rechargable ni-cad batteries and selectable output. Image provided by Mr. James Jones.
No Picture Avail.	ME2 strobe. Combined the flash tube and rechargable batteries in a single unit, which attached to the camera. Designed for the B and C, it has a receiver for the camera. At 2 1/2 X 4 1/4 X 1 inch, it was the smallest electronic flash system with variable output. Working examples are rather rare today.
	EC flash. Made for the Minox EC, can be used with an adaptor on any metal Minox with a pc connector. Flash output is not variable. Image provided by Mr. James Jones.
	ECX flash. A repackaged version of the EC flash; besides the shape the only real difference is the battery. It can be used with the Minox flash adaptor just like the EC flash.
	Accessory hotshoe for any Minox with pc connector. This permits the use of any flash with a hotshoe. These are still available new. Note that it comes with the B "window", but will work with any metal Minox from the B forward, except, I suppose, the AX.
	Accessory shoe for any metal Minox from the II on. This is a german made aftermarket product which provides an accessory (cold shoe) for Minox cameras with a chain connector. I keep trying to think of a use for this, but none comes to mind. Possibly was made after the Minox IIIs was introduced, but before Minox flash units became available.
	Ag1 universal flash. The AG1 flash which was developed by Minox for the IIIs was an ingenious and space efficient design, no question about it. Apparently it was believed that these qualities might be desired by users of other cameras and so the universal flash was born. It is identical to the IIIs Ag1 in every way except it has a standard accessory shoe mount and pc cord. For you collectors that have to have every varient, note that the picture shows two versions, one with a straight pc connector, and another with a right angle connector.
	Minox Flash Adaptor. This is a nylon adaptor that fits in a standard accessory shoe (or tripod!) and permits the use of a Minox IIIs flash, either electronic or bulb. A C4 cube flash for the C will work as well. Requires a polorized plug to make the connection. A seldom seen collectable.

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