A search for Minox manuals became a society devoted to preserving the machines, publications, pictures, and shared knowledge of subminiature photography.
In December 2000, enthusiasts in the Submini Round Table began discussing how to make manuals for vintage Minox cameras accessible. A small group took the conversation off the general list and formed the Minox Manual Project.
They planned an online collection and contacted Minox GmbH for permission to scan and publish the manuals. Minox was already working on a similar project. The members turned their energy toward something broader: the Minox Historical Society.
Fourteen founding members drew up a charter, secured web space, created logos, and received permissions to begin their work. On April 20, 2001, the first election chose Peter Zimmerman as president and ratified the charter. The website and plans for articles and publications followed.
Don Thayer of Minox Processing Laboratories later granted permission to revive the name Minox Memo. His father, Don Sr., had used the name for decades for a leading American Minox publication. The Society’s first electronic edition appeared that November, freely available in the spirit of the original.
The Society began with the commitment of these fourteen people.
Established in November 1996 at listserv.aol.com, the Subminiature Photography Mailing List brings together enthusiasts around the world. Members discuss cameras from Minox, Yashica, Minolta-16, Tessina, Gami, and others, with a focus on film and darkroom technique.
One of the web’s longstanding communities for subminiature photography, the Subclub has helped users and collectors with manuals, technical data, repair tips, and insights into the cameras that use film smaller than standard 35mm.