The Model III was introduced in 1951, and featured the outstanding Compensating Plane lens design of Arthur Seibert. The camera was enhanced with the addition of an automatic sliding filtre retraction feature: previous models required the user to manually retract the filtre for the next shot, if it was no longer needed. The viewfinder received some minor modifications as well, resulting in a brighter view when looking through it. For collectors, the Model III has a particular significance: this is the last model of Minox camera completely designed by Walter Zapp before the company was taken from his control by investors; all subsequent models are mere refinements of his original, enduring and classic design.

A miniature hand held exposure metre was introduced for the Model III in 1953, the result of a design collaboration between Zapp and Gossen, a noted German photographic concern. The selenium cell metre was accurate and compact, and immediately proved to be a very popular accessory; it later resulted in another contract between Minox and Gossen to produce an even smaller selenium cell metre to be fitted inside a later model Minox camera, the Model B.

The Model IIIS was introduced in 1954, and went on to have the longest single production cycle of any Minox model (until the introduction of the LX in 1978), 15 years spanning 1954 to 1969. The "S" designation signified the addition of a PC electrical contact to a flash synchronized shutter, the first Minox model to sport one. The IIIS also introduced a choice of production finishes: in addition to the previously standard silver tone, a matte black finish was now available. Gold finish Minox cameras have been available before and since, but these are special order items, not normal production pieces (excepting, of course, certain limited edition commemorative model runs of LX and AX cameras, decades later). Midway through it's production cycle the normal green and orange sliding filtre pair was updated to a green and neutral density pair.

Oddly enough, with the later introduction of the Model B camera, the European designation for the Model II, III and IIIS cameras became "Model A"; in America they are still referred to numerically. However, on a strictly personal level, I have always believed that the Model II represents an entirely too distinct and different camera from the Model III series for a number of reasons, not the least of which is its Pentar lens. For these reasons, both on this web site and throughout my book, the designation "Model A" refers solely to the Model III/IIIs cameras; Model II cameras are referred to separately. The smallest of the traditional metal bodied Minox subminiature cameras, they make excellent shooters; they can be readily found in fine working condition for between $150 to $200.

 © Sep 2000 by D. Scott Young, all rights reserved

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