This is a fantastic piece of 1950's era engineering!  Its a Minox Model B precision miniature camera.  In a world of plastic, its nice to hold something made out of metal with real dials, gauges, and mechanical gadgetry.  This one was is serial number 602, 484 which makes it an early Model B manufactured in 1958.  The Minox was invented in 1938 in Latvia by a man named Walter Zapp.  After World War II, he ended up in West Germany where re-designed his camera from scratch making several improvements.  The tolerances on these cameras were measured in microns and constructed by highly trained optical technicians.  The lens is a Complan ff 3.5.  The Model B's main improvement over the Model A is the addition of a built-in exposure meter.  All this in a camera about the size of your finger.   Given its light weight, compact size, and superior optics, the Minox was well-received as a favorite of Cold-War era spies.  Even James Bond had to get in on the act in one of his movies where he uses a Minox to photograph secret documents.  Of course, what they were really great for was world travelers.  After all, who wanted to lug around a big heavy camera around your neck, a large exposure meter that was bigger than the camera itself not to mention a flash attachment the side of your left kidney? A Minox took high quality photos and could fit inside your shirt pocket.  This one comes with some original accessories which include the original Minox metal chain w/leather Fob as well as the original flash attachment. Flash attachment has the original batter inside but it will need to be replaced with a new one.  I have not tested this camera other than to work the action and the shutter does seem to function fine.  The shutter speed dial is directly linked to the exposure meter and it recommends the best speed for available light.  Focus dial seems to work fine and the film meter also registers each time the slide action is moved. No guarantees though.   It also has an original canister of original Minox film still inside.  You can still get film for these and development through the Minox photo lab.  A nice piece of vintage German engineering that would make that Walther PPK look a little less lonely next to your Ian Fleming novels.

Item# 1002

$175 ON HOLD