Minox 8x11 Submin Guide: Cutting film, loading cassettes, developing yourself and scanning
A Minox B or C is more than a camera – it’s a piece of precision history from Wetzlar. But as fascinating as the "Spy Cameras" are, finding film is often frustrating. The 8x11 format uses a 9.2mm wide film. It’s almost nowhere to be found anymore, and if it is, it’s at collector prices.
So your Minox doesn’t just gather dust in the display case but takes pictures, we developed a complete DIY workflow. Here is everything you need to revive the 8x11 system.
1. Solve the format problem: The cutter
No standard film fits a Minox. You need exactly 9.2mm width. With our Minox film cutter you create this strip yourself from cheap 35mm small format film. This way, one roll of Kodak Gold becomes fodder for dozens of Minox loads.
2. Loading: The Minox cassette
Minox cassettes are small technical marvels with two chambers. You need an empty cassette into which you spool your self-cut film. This requires some practice in the dark bag at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes routine.
3. Development: Special spools
Don’t even try to fiddle the ultra-thin 9.2mm film into a normal development tank. It won’t work. We have made custom Minox development spools compatible with common systems (Paterson/Jobo). This ensures the chemistry flows safely around the film.
4. Digitize
With a negative barely larger than a fingernail, every millimeter of sharpness counts. For digitization, we recommend our copy stand for camera scanning.
Note: A dedicated film holder for the copy stand is currently in development. We expect the launch in early 2026.
Expert tip: Combine 110 and Minox
Many subminiature fans own both a Minox and a Pentax 110. If that applies to you, save yourself the purchase of two separate cutters. Our Kombi-Cutter uses the full width of a 35mm film and cuts in one pass a strip for Minox (9.2mm) and one for 110 (16mm). That saves time and money.
To Minox accessories in the shop
Good light!
Your Vladi