Introduced in 1981, the Model EC was a dramatic design departure for Minox in subminiature cameras, resulting in several firsts for them. It was the first and only model made where the body shell detached completely from the bodyfor film exchange. It was the first and only model of 8 x 11 camera they made with an all high impact plastic body shell; the first and only subminiature camera with a fixed focus (3 feet to infinity); first and only 8 x 11 camera with a fixed F/5.6 lens opening (actually, an F/3.5 design, with an F/5.6 mask fixed in place in front of the lens). This rugged little gem is the tiniest and lightest of all of Minox's subminiature designs, being barely larger than the film cartridge it holds. This camera has been designed from the ground up to be as automatic and effortless for the shooter as possible, with only two controls to work with: a knurled cylinder the user turns to set the film speed rating, and a 3 position sliding switch to alternate between battery check, A for automatic, and a lightning flash symbol for when flash is used. Essentially, the camera is "point and shoot" in its simplicity, yet still makes the sharp, clear photos the family line is known for.
A companion accessory electronic flash unit, the "8 x 11 Electronic Flash" was specially designed for it, and clips directly to the viewfinder end of the camera via 3 hooked contacts and a pinch locking lug. An accessory flash adapter foot is available and fits onto this flash to enable it to be used with other models of Minox subminiature cameras.
The EC was recently enhanced and updated to be the Model ECX, now sporting a silver coloured bezel around the lens opening; the companion flash unit has also been updated, shaped more like a miniature "potato masher" style flash, attaching the same way as the original unit. These units can be used interchangeably, and utilize the same adapter foot for use on other Minox subminiature models.
The second model still in current production, the ECX in kit form with electronic flash, film and wrist strap can be had new for a street price of approximately $300.
The EC was recently enhanced and updated to be the Model ECX, now sporting a silver coloured bezel around the lens opening; the companion flash unit has also been updated, shaped more like a miniature "potato masher" style flash, attaching the same way as the original unit. These units can be used interchangeably, and utilize the same adapter foot for use on other Minox subminiature models.
The second model still in current production, the ECX in kit form with electronic flash, film and wrist strap can be had new for a street price of approximately $300.