80 YEARS OF VISION, INVENTIVENESS AND FUTURE
The story of MINOX begins with a vision:Iin 1936 Walter Zapp designed the legendary spy camera, which later became world-famous. The actual starting signal, however, was in 1945 with the founding of MINOX GmbH. From this moment on, the brand gained momentum: from a bold idea grew a company that set standards in precision and innovation. Over the decades, alongside the spy camera MINOX A, icons such as its successor, the MINOX B, the MINOX 35 EL – the smallest series-produced 35mm camera in the world – and, to this day, a diverse portfolio of high-performance optics were created. Eight decades of MINOX thus stand not only for technical milestones, but for an unbroken pioneering spirit that connects history with the future – and will continue to open new chapters tomorrow.
Out of passion for optics
The roots of MINOX go back to 1936, when Walter Zapp designed the visionary miniature camera that later gained worldwide fame as the “spy camera.” The decisive step followed in 1945 with the founding of MINOX GmbH – from an idea grew a brand that changed the view of the world for generations. Over the decades, alongside the spy camera MINOX A, icons such as its successor, the MINOX B, the MINOX 35 EL, the smallest series-produced 35mm camera in the world, were created and laid the foundation for a development that continues to this day. From the tradition of fine mechanics and precision, modern optics have emerged over time, carrying forward the pioneering spirit of that era. MINOX therefore stands not only for history and milestones, but also for continuous development into the future.
MADE IN GERMANY
MINOX has always stood for precision, reliability, and the highest manufacturing quality. Since its founding, Wetzlar, the center of German optical tradition, has been home to the company. Here, decades of know-how, craftsmanship, and innovative ideas combine to create products that are valued worldwide. “Made in Germany” is more than a label of origin – it is an expression of the close ties to Wetzlar as a center of optics and the experience that has always characterized this location. Attention to detail, robust construction, and uncompromising quality standards make MINOX instruments reliable companions for all who demand the highest standards of their optics.
OWN DEVELOPMENT
Ideas as core competence
At MINOX, innovations arise from our own ideas. Every development is conceived, designed, and optimized by the company’s engineers and designers so that functionality, precision, and ease of use are closely linked already in the concept. In-house development makes it possible to realize special solutions tailored precisely to the users’ requirements. In this way, every product reflects the experience, standards, and creativity of MINOX – from the very first thought to the finished concept.
PRODUCTION IN GERMANY
Where quality is at home
MINOX products are manufactured in Germany, where precision, care, and high quality standards have always been of utmost importance. Local production makes it possible to monitor the quality of every component precisely and ensure that functionality, durability, and reliability meet the highest requirements. At MINOX, “Made in Germany” stands for careful workmanship, thoughtful design, and products you can always rely on.
KNOW-HOW FROM GERMANY
Crafted with dedication
Every MINOX product is created with the skills and experience of highly qualified employees. Around 40 employees work at the Wetzlar site, specifically trained in Germany. This training ensures that knowledge and practice flow directly from firsthand into every product. The comprehensive understanding of technology, precision, and functionality guarantees products that meet the highest standards.
AT HOME IN WETZLAR
A location with tradition
The Wetzlar site has always been the home of MINOX and stands like no other for German optical tradition. Here, decades of know-how, craftsmanship, and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies come together to create products of the highest precision. The site is continuously expanded and developed to strengthen local expertise and secure production at the highest level. Quality, experience, and innovation are created directly in Wetzlar. With its long-term commitment to this location, MINOX underlines that top optical performance is created where experience, passion, and precision are at home.
A grown vision
The story of MINOX begins in 1936 with the visionary engineer Walter Zapp, who designed the world’s first miniature spy camera. From this groundbreaking idea grew a brand that has stood for precision, technical know-how, and innovation in optics for more than eight decades.
After the Second World War, MINOX GmbH was founded in Wetzlar in 1945 – the beginning of a company that continuously developed. Wetzlar, known as a center of fine mechanical tradition and birthplace of the MINOX GmbH, offered the ideal location to develop and manufacture high-quality products. Very early on, MINOX distinguished itself as a leading manufacturer of optical solutions – from the legendary spy camera to modern binoculars, spotting scopes, and riflescopes.
Today, MINOX combines this long tradition with specialization in hunting and outdoor applications. The expertise gained from the company's long history flows into every product generation, such as the modern RS 6 series, which sets standards in performance, robustness, and handling. MINOX thus stands for continuity, innovative strength, and a passion for optics that remains unique to this day.