Eyes Down...

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Another day, another project! The camera pictured is an example of the smallest 35mm film camera range ever produced. The Minox 35 series were a remarkable example of German engineering and followed on from their long and storied history of producing the iconic 16mm 'spy cameras' that featured in so many real and fictional espionage situations throughout the Cold War.

Introduced in 1974, and still being sold by the likes of myself several years later, many examples of the various models in the series are still out there, to be had for a few pounds on eBay and the like. I have a 35PL which appears to function OK: I'm currently running a roll of expired colour film through it on test at the moment [blog posts passim].

The one featured in the pic has an obvious shutter problem - like it doesn't actually function properly! I'm certain the issue is just dust and lubrication, like most old mechanical cameras: admittedly there is a simple electromechanical component to the thing, but gloopy innards is usually the problem with old stuff, so I reckon a bit of contact cleaner and lighter fuel, maybe a touch of light lubricant, will sort it. Trouble is, this thing is so small and my eyesight so crap, it will be a challenge - still what's new?


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