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TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

The "best" Film
MINOX film is available in several different types for block-and-white photography, and for Color Pictures. The black-and-white films vary in sensitivity (speed) to suit every possible need. The sensitivity is expressed in American Standard exposure index numbers: ASA 12 (Green Label), ASA 25 (Yellow Label), ASA 50 (Blue Label), ASA 100 (Red Label). ASA 100 film is twice as sensitive to light as ASA 50, ASA 50 twice as sensitivity as ASA 25, and so on. Thus, under any given conditions ASA 50 film, for instance, would require only half the shutter speed needed for ASA 25.
The lower the film sensitivity, the finer the detail it is capable of reproducing in the final print. Therefore, the super-sensitive ASA 100 film should be used only in instances when there is not enough illumination for slower films, or when flash exposures ore not feasible (stage photography, candid shots, etc.). The medium sensitivity films ASA 25 and ASA 50 ore best suited far all-around picture-taking, and will yield excellent prints in all popular sizes. ASA 12 film is especially suited for bright beach, mountain, and snow scenes, as well as for close-ups of stationary small objects with the MINOX used on a tripod.
MINOX Color Film is available far daylight, and for artificial (tungsten) light.

Steady!
Get used to a comfortable, steady hold of your MINOX during exposure; experience will show you whether you con get steady pictures even at the slower shutter speeds. Generally, you will find it advisable to use a tripod or other firm support for shutter speeds of 1/20 sec. and slower. For all snapshots, use the hold suggested on page 3, always making sure that you "squeeze" the shutter to avoid jarring the camera.4www.butkus.org

How About Longer Exposures?
You may be able to hold the MINOX steady by leaning your elbows on a table or other firm surface, or against a wall; or you may place the MINOX on a gloss, ledge, etc. It is best, however, to attach the MINOX with a camera clamp to a tripod. You will find the MINOX pocket tripod a particularly fine and versatile accessory. Only slightly longer than a pencil, this tripod with its swivel top may be used an a table, choir, window sill, or against a wall. It may also be held against your shoulders. The pictures at the left suggest various ways of using the MINOX tripod. As on extra precaution against jarring the camera, always use a cable release far tripod exposures.

"Frame" Your Subject
Since the MINOX viewfinder shows you the exact picture area, you can easily compose your picture before you actually take it, so that unimportant or disturbing details are omitted right at the start. Advance planning of composition saves extra work in enlarging, and it gives you precisely the picture you want every time.

Close-ups of Small Things
There is a special fascination in close-ups. A frame-filling picture of a single blossom showing the delicate details of each petal can be mare exciting than showing a whole acre of flowers. Therefore: Get CLOSE to the subject! Your MINOX offers you the great advantage that you con get as close as 8 inches without any supplementary equipment or extra lenses. Make the most of this excellent feature. Always use the measuring beads of the safety chain to determine the correct distance, as the depth of field of close range is very limited. For instance, when the distance score is set at 1 ft., the depth extends only from 11 inches to 13 inches. Therefore, accurate distance setting is a must for extreme close-ups. Remember also shot, of distances between 8 and 10 inches, the picture area lies a frame-width within the luminous frame of the viewfinder.4www.butkus.org


How to Stop Moving Subjects
Sports and other fast action call for high shutter speeds - otherwise your pictures may be blurred. But even under unfavorable light conditions, requiring slower shutter speeds, you can stop motion by using professional tricks. It is easier, far example, to stop motion of a subject making straight toward the camera, or at a slight angle, than it is to 'freeze' a subject moving straight across at right angles to the camera. Or, watch for the 'still moment' such as is reached by a swing at its highest paint lust before it swings back, or by the tennis player during the serve when the ball is at the peak of the toss, and the racket is about to be swung. Even l/20 second will 'stops such shots. For very fast motion - automobile races, speed boats, skiing another well-known professional trick will help you get fine results: Keep the car, boat, or skier centered in the MINOX viewfinder and follow the motion with the camera, releasing the shutter at any instant during this panoraming.. The background will be blurred, adding to the impression of fast action, but the subject stays sharp even at 1/50 second.

The two built-in Filters

...... will help you improve your black-and-white pictures. In scenic pictures, the green filter will give a blue sky - which would otherwise appear white in the final print - a richer sane, making white clouds stand out clearly. Green foliage, lawns, etc. which would normally print darker, will straw a lighter tone and better modulation. Because the green filter reduces the overall amount of light transmitted through the lens, you must double the shutter speed - in other words use 1/100 sec. when the MINOX exposure meter or exposure guide indicates 1/200 sec. The orange filter - which requires three times normal shutter speed - darkens blue skies considerably, but lightens all reddish tones. Even in full sunlight it produces dramatic skies and scenes resembling night shots. More important is its ability to produce clear pictures on days when there is a blue atmospheric haze. The orange filter is particularly useful for cloud pictures, snow scenes, mountain photography, and on hazy days. DO NOT USE THE ORANGE FILTER FOR PORTRAITS as red lips would appear almost white. NEVER USE THE GREEN OR ORANGE FILTER WITH COLOR FILM

Flash is Easy

You can get fine pictures with your MINOX right around the clock, because, when daylight or room light is no longer sufficient, you can attach a flash unit to your camera. Even in daylight, you can penetrate deep shadows or lighten scenes by using flash. The MINOX may be used with any type of flash source connected to the flash nipple of the camera. The shutter has built-in synchronization of the X-type (it 'fires' the flash as soon as the shutter release of the camera is pressed).

Flash Source Synchronized at shutter speeds:

Electronic Flash Units 1/2 second to 1/500 second

Flash Bulbs: SM, SF .1/2th second to 1/100 second

M-2, S. 8, 25 . . . 1/2th second to 1/20 second

A flash unit made by MINOX is expected to become available soon, very complete flash instructions will be issued at the same time.

It's a Colorful World
The 15 mm f/3.5 Complan lens of your MINOX is color-corrected, and has an anti. reflection coating - in other words it is ideally suited for Color Photography.
If you have never taken color pictures before, keep in mind the following suggestions which will help you get fine results from the outset

Color Film yields the best results in bright or hazy sunlight; on overcast days, results are usually not satisfactory.
Morning and early afternoon hours are the best time for color pictures. At noon the light is usually bluish, resulting in very cold' colors or an over-all bluish tinge. During the hours just after sunrise, or just before sunset, the light is more reddish, resulting in very "warm" colors.

Watch far the possibility of color reflections (which may not be visible to the eye) A white dress on a green lawn is never pure white, but faintly green.4www.butkus.org

Color Film does not have as much exposure latitude as black-and-white film. Therefore, use correct shutter speed! The MINOX photo-electric exposure meter is particularly valuable in Color Photography. Even slight deviations from the correct shutter speed may result in false color reproduction.

As a general rule, color pictures are best taken with the sun slightly to one side behind the photographer's back.

If you are seriously interested in all phases of Color Photography, you will find it worthwhile to read one of the many comprehensive books covering this field.

Copying
. . . of documents, drawings, books, etc. is easily done with your MINOX. By using a tripod, MINOX Repro Stand, MINOX Copying Arm, or other means of support, you can conveniently copy such matter, getting as close as 8 inches for largest possible reproduction. Use the special MINOX ASA 5 Micro Grain Copy Film, except when copying photographs or illustrations containing half-tones for which regular MINOX ASA 12 or ASA 25 film is recommended. (See tables showing area covered at various distances, an page 27.)

Changing the Film Type
Some day you may want to take color pictures just when your MINOX is loaded with black-and-white film - or vice versa. Thanks to the MINOX film cassette. it is very easy to 'switch' from one film to another at any time.

When you want to change cassettes, "pump" camera once to transport the last exposed film frame into the take-up end of the cassette.  Then remove cassette in the usual manner (see page 10). Note number showing on Exposure Counter; write this number on cassette for future reference.

Before inserting fresh film, set exposure counter at red dot between 50 and 0 - as described on page 9 - and load in the usual manner.

When you re-load the 'started' cassette: First set exposure counter three numbers back of the number which you noted when you removed the cassette; example: if you took the cassette out at "28" set counter at '25'. Now insert cassette in the usual manner.  Pump camera three times. This takes up any slack in the cassette and gets your MINOX ready for the next exposure.

Remember Load and un-load only in subdued light, or in the shade.


Picture Series and Sequence Shots
Your MINOX - compact and instantly ready to 'shoot' - makes it so easy to get spontaneous, un-posed pictures. Whenever possible take a whole series of pictures to tell a complete story. With a little practice, you can take an entire sequence of pictures within a few seconds; simply keep your MINOX at eye-level and 'pump' the camera with your right hand to advance film and re-cock the shutter.

Tele-Photography with the MINOX
There are times when you cannot get close enough to a subject to get a large image on your MINOX film - or, in fact, you may want to remain at a distance an purpose. Your MINOX may be attached to any high-quality binocular with the MINOX Binocular Clamp; focusing and view-finding is done conveniently through one of the binocular eye-pieces while the MINOX is mounted to the other one.  If you are interested in wildlife, mountaineering, etc. you will find the Binocular Clamp a valuable addition to your MINOX.4www.butkus.org

WHAT HAPPENED?
You will find it easy to get the 'feel' of your MINOX within a short time, and to get fine results with every picture. If you should have a failure at one time or another, check it against these possible errors and learn to avoid a repetition

. . IF the principal subject is not sharp 
The distance scale was not set correctly. Always set the distance carefully, especially far close-ups Use the measuring chain for extreme close-ups.

. .  IF pictures look muddy and out of focus 
The lens window probably has a fingerprint or other smudge on it. Clean with soft linen cloth wrapped around a match.

. . IF there are blurred or double outlines
 The camera moved during exposure; (hold camera steady or use tripod for longer exposures), OR subject moved (use faster shutter speed for moving subjects)

. . .IF a picture is partly blank
One of your fingers covered the lens window. Be sure to keep fingers clear of lens window during exposure - check your "hold" see page 3.

. . .IF your film shows irregular spacing or overlapping 
Either you forgot to set the exposure counter at the red dot when you started the film, or you did not pull and push the camera ALL THE WAY between exposures.

. . . IF some of your negatives ore very thin, others almost black 
Determine correct shutter setting for each picture situation. Use an exposure guide or, better still, the MINOX photo-electric exposure meter.

. . . IF some prints show more "grain" than others from the some film 
Badly over-exposed pictures hove coarser grain. Over-exposure is as undesirable as underexposure. Use an exposure guide or MINOX exposure meter to get correct shutter speed every time.

. . . IF film has thin horizontal scratches (telephone wires)
Dust is the enemy of your MINOX films. Never keep a film cassette in your pocket without a wrapper. Before lauding the camera, blow out any dust particles which may have lodged in the film chambers.

. . .IF film cassette will not easily drop into camera when loading
The film gate must be open when the film is dropped into the camera; be sure to push the camera (with open cover) together about 1/8"/a'' to open gate. (See page 9.)

. . . IF the cassette cannot be removed from camera, or if cassette lid lifts out, but the film and container remain in camera
See previous explanation. Film gate must be open when loading or un-loading cassette. Never use force to remove film. Accidentally opened film may be portly saved if it is immediately wrapped in black paper.

. . .If film cassette does not lie flush in both film chambers, so that back cover of camera cannot be closed
This may happen on rare occasions when the film take-up care rests on the teeth of the transport wheel in the film chamber. Simply lift out cassette, pull camera open all the way, and close again until the film gate opens. Re-insert cassette. Close cover.

. . . IF film shows dark areas along edges at intervals
Either the cassette was handled in very bright light or the film was advanced beyond the red dot before un-loading which may result in light entering through the film slit of the cassette.

Subject/Field Size and Depth of Field Tables

The MINOX Exposure Meter

. . . tells you the correct shutter setting for any picture at a glance-and Remembers the setting until you make Ihe next expasu.a reading. What's more, a built-in viewfinder lets you pre-view The picture just as your MINOX camera will see it; thus, you can select the best possible angle every fine.4www.butkus.org Correct shutter setting means better pictures - pictures with fine highlights, good shadow detail, and every subtle tone of the original scene. Color film, particularly, requires correct exposure to assure proper color values. Even smaller than the MINOX camera, the MINOX Exposure Meter is a precision built photo-electric meter with a honeycomb light gathering lens for readings over a wide range of light conditions. It has jewel bearings and is shock resistant.

Supplied with a loather case to match your camera case, and with a chrome chain, the MINOX Exposure Meter is the perfect companion for your MINOX camera. It may also be used with other cameras.

Slide Projector Model 30

There is no greater thrill than seeing your fine MINOX Color Transparencies projected on the screen. All the subtleties of color are brought out in projection. The MINOX Slide Projector is especially designed for your MINOX slides. It has an efficient light system, with a 100 Watt projection bulb, silvered concave glass reflector, and aspherical condenser lens; a special adjusting lamp socket permits critical alignment of the filament far even illumination over the entire picture area. Triple-wall construction of the all-metal housing assures free air circulation far complete ventilation of the lighting system. A heat absorbing filter gives added protection to the transparencies during projection. The MINOSTAR f/2.9 35 mm projection lens, in focusing mount, produces brilliant, critically sharp screen images. The MINOX Slide Projector has an attractive, practical, gray instrument crackle finish. Built-in front elevating micrometer screw permits height adjustment to center the projected image on the screen. The projector is supplied complete with an all-metal slide carrier.

MINOX color transparencies for projection in the MINOX Slide Projector should be mounted in MINOX 30 x 30 mm Transparency Mounts; the MINOX Transparency Cutter is a convenient accessory for cutting individual transparencies out of film strips.

The MINOX Projector may also be used with other ultra-miniature transparency sizes dawn to 15 x 15 mm.4www.butkus.org


MINOX Developing Tank
The developing of MINOX black-and-white films becomes a simple and convenient matter with the MINOX Developing Tank.
You need no darkroom. You place the film cassette into the Light lock' of the tank, and twist the tank core to unwind the film inside - that's all. The MINOX Tank Thermometer and your watch are the only other equipment you need.
Pre-measured quantities of MINOX dry chemicals for micro-grain development are available in handy packets, ready for solution in water.

Ask your Dealer to show you the simple operation of the MINOX Daylight-Loading Developing Tank.

The MINOX Enlarger-Copying Stand
While commercial MINOX processing services can give you excellent enlargements from your films, you will get even greater satisfaction and pleasure from your MINOX if you make enlargements yourself. Then you can obtain precisely the results you desire, compose each picture perfectly, and use the paper surface and contrast that best suits the individual subject.

The MINOX Enlarger-Copying Stand is equipped with a light source, condenser unit, and lens system specifically designed for ultra-miniature film; as in the MINOX camera, the film is held in a curved position and the highly corrected 15 mm. f/3.5 lens yields prints of critical sharpness. Enlargements up to 11 x 14 inches con be made on the baseboard, while even greater enlargements are possible by means of an accessory reflex mirror.

With the lamp house removed, the upright becomes the support far a Copying Arm to hold the MINOX, or other cameras, for photographing documents or small objects at close range.

Accessory film carriers permit using the MINOX Enlarger for 8 mm, 16 mm or 10 x 10 mm film sizes.

Shutter guide pictures
This simple guide will give you good results from two hours after sunrise until two hours before sunset. For accurate and convenient determination of shutter speeds for all possible conditions, the MINOX Exposure Meter is recommended. Use the shutter speed shown opposite the type of subject, under the prevailing light

Use the shutter speed shown opposite the TYPE OF SUBJECT, under the prevailing LIGHT CONDITIONS.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SHUTTER GUIDE

Index

Binocular Clamp 22  Blank Exposures 24 Cable Release 14 Chain, use of 7,11,15, 23 Changing Film Type 21 Close-ups 7,15,23 Cloud Pictures 17 Color Film 13,17,19 Color Filters 8,17 Complon Lens 7 Copying 20, 31 Copying Arm 20, 31 Depth of Field 6,15,27 Developing Tank 30 Distance Setting 6,15, 23 Enlarger 31 Errors 23, 24, 25 Exposure Counter 9,10,12,24 Exposure Guide 32 Exposu re Meter 5,17, 20, 24, 28 Film, Choice of 13 Film Gate 10,12,25,26 Film Grain 13, 24 Film Loading 9,12,25,26 Film, Scratches 25 Film, Unloading 10,26 Filters 8, 17

Flash Pictures 18 Focusing 6,15, 23 Hazy Days 17 Holding the MINOX 3,13,24 lens Window 8,12,23,24 Measuring Chain 7,11,15,23 Mountains 17 Panaraming 16  Parallax Compensation 4  Picture Series 22 Reproduction Unit 20 Safety Chain 7, 11,15, 23  Sequence Shots 22  Shutter Release 5,8,12,16  Shutter Speeds 4,16,17,18,20,23 Snapshot Setting 6 Spacing, un-even 24 Sports pictures 16 Subject Size, Table 27 Telephoto Pictures 22 Time Exposures 14 Tripod 14 Tripod Clamp 13,14 Viewfinder 4,15, 16

MINOX ACCESSORIES

For Picture Taking:
MINOX Exposure Meter MINOX Camera Clamp for attaching to Tripod etc. · MINOX Table Tripod MINOX Binocular Clamp MINOX Copying Arm MINOX Universal Copying Arm · MINOX Folding Reproduction Stand MINOX Black and white films for all purposes and all degrees of sensitivity MINOX Color film.4www.butkus.org

This complete line of intelligently designed and very practical accessories add to the scope of MINOX photography. They will be welcomed particularly by those photographers who want to utilize the many special applications to which the MINOX can be put, or who want to do their own developing and enlarging.

MINOX ACCESSORIES -
For Film Developing:
MINOX Daylight Developing Tank, MINOX Fine Grain Developer, MINOX Tranparent Negative Wallets.

For Enlarging:
MINOX Enlarger Copying Stand, MINOX Enlarging Easel with print Masks, MINOX Film Magnifier.

For Projection:
MINOX Projector, MlINOX Slide Frames, MINOX Film Cutter.

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