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Julian Tanase Photography

My Minox journey continues…

Minox CLX – the 60th anniversary limited edition

Minox CLX – the 60th anniversary limited edition

A beautiful Minox CLX, metric, produced in 1998, as part of the Minox 60th anniversary limited edition series. Guilloched chrome over a brass chassis. While it has a C in its name, do not let yourself fooled; it is not a C model, nor it is based on such. It is however a really well made and beautiful revamped Minox LX, and that can be easily noticed if you look at the body and its features.

Just so we’re clear on this (as some urban folklore assign this model to the C), its length is 10.6 cms, whereas the regular Minox C measures 11.8 cms; so its very close to the measurements of a Minox LX than to the length of its longer sibling, Minox C. Functions wise, it is a Minox TLX all day long, only this time in chrome, not titanium. One could say the Minox CLX has its C from “chrome”, and the TLX got its T from “titanium”, both essentially based on the Minox LX chassis, itself an excellent, excellent camera.

This camera’s mechanism and way of operating are basically the same as with any other Minox LX. If you ever held one, you know what to expect: push-pull, automatic / manual shutter speeds (max 1/2000 plus flash), three LED lamps, battery check lever, distance focusing dial, an ND filter (sliding over the lens), ASA setting as per Minox LX model (knurled dial on the back of the camera), flash nipple, and even the chain attachment is of the screw type. The case however its different: the CLX case is of a belt carry type, not of the usual LX model.

The lens is the excellent quality Minox glass, fixed 3.5, 15mm, coated, UV fixed screen in front of the glass, with a ND filer to slide at wish over the lens (remember it also covers the meter, when in use). Granted, I am more inclined to use the Complan versions of the Minox-produced lenses, but since the days of late C models, no Complan has been left on any of the 8×11 cameras. That said, Minox lens such as this here offers excellent value and sharp images.

Engraved with a Walter Zapp signature and the dates 1938-1998, it became a collectible right after its appearance on the market. On the backplate, there are the engravings of two cameras: the Minox Ur and the CLX, both accompanied by the signature of Walter Zapp.The engravings are really well done, they will withstand the time, even if you use the camera on a daily basis (I guess).

One mystery though, which baffles me still: why the heck is the serial of this camera “CLX 1028”, when the limited edition numbered only 500 (from 0 to 0500) ? No idea, but I am certain there is a perfectly good explanation. Only I haven’t been able to find it to this moment. An iteration of some sort? Factory serial replacement?

Anyways, the finish of this camera is extraordinary; Minox GmbH exceeded any expectations with this limited series. The camera is heftier than the LX, and of course heavier than the titanium LX series (TLX). Holding this camera assures of its quality and the excellent craftmanship once again speaks of the Minox 8×11 products.

 

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