I was going to say from the very start that I do not use flash with my Minox 8×11 cameras, or indeed with any other camera, irrespective of format. However, that is not entirely true; while I do not use flash lights for 35 or 120 film format, I do, at times, employ the use of such on my Minox cameras. Perhaps a couple of photos in a year or so, can’t say for sure. But yes, I do use various Minox flash units every now and then, bulbs and electronic both.
Fact is that I am under the impression that flash lighting, while useful no doubt, kind of ruins my film in Minox cameras. To be honest, I much prefer to use 400 (or rated at 800) film for low light situations, or use a tripod if possible, with long exposures. Flash is rather, well, too flashy to me, most of the times. The Minox film format has its difficulties and quirks, no need to add more to the possible troubles list. The last thing I need is for my film to get a harsh light on it, which can ruin an otherwise acceptable photograph.
That said, I had a few shots quite all right by using a Minox flash. This here is one of them, taken many moons ago, by night. Obviously that helped, and I do agree that flash by night time is really…challenging with Minox. The flash used here was the 8×11 Electronic, mounted on a Minox IIIs.
Being dark, and with no major reflecting surfaces in front of it, the somewhat harsh light of the flash was tamed to a point where the image is not burned. I do not remember the shutter setting, but it must’ve been under 1/15, given the distance to the couple photographed.
Another shot here, in day light, using the B/C bulb flash unit, mounted on a Minox LX; this was a booth filled up with souvenirs for tourists in some holiday place. The interior was quite dark, and I took the shot with the flash, because I thought it would show more details. It did, but in the process of doing so, the light reflected on those shiny surfaces of the objects displayed. Not bad, but you see what I am talking about; while not bad, this photo has a harsh and gritty look about it. This shot, taken at a low speed shutter, without flash…I wonder on results.
So, yes, flash photography on a regular basis is just not for me. I have had better results without it, on both Minox format and 35mm film. These here are some examples of what I am saying. Shooting high speed film, handheld, or with tripod, makes more pleasant photographs, for me that is.
A few words regarding the Minox 8×11 Electronic flash unit, if I may. It is the same unit that came with some Minox EC kits, and sometimes to be found on sale by itself. Uses a single 1.5 A battery, good for some 100 shots.
Minox Electronic 8×11 flash – shown with the adapter for mounting it on various Minox 8×11 cameras
With regards to the Minox B/C flash using AG1 bulbs, this model here was designed for using it with Minox IIIs, but it can be also used on other 8×11 cameras (LX, BL, C – not on B, it covers the meter windows by half). The two catching hooks can be sometimes stubborn to pry off the camera, but nothing to worry about. It uses an Eveready Mallory 15v, can still be found in specialized battery shops.
Minox B/C bulb flash unit for Minox 8×11 cameras – uses AG1 or AG1(b) flash bulbs
Rant over. I would only say this: if you are using the 8×11 Electronic flash in day light (for fill-in or whatever), sometimes it helps to use the ND filter on your Minox camera. It cuts a lot of that harsh light. On the downside of this, it does make details go away. Be your own judge on this, and experiment with your flash and camera.