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From the spy camera to modern sport optics

For 80 years, MINOX has stood for precision, innovation, and the courage to break new ground. What began with a revolutionary miniature camera has evolved into a brand that now inspires hunters, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts around the world.

Walter Zapp and the spy camera

The story of MINOX begins with a bold idea: in 1936, Latvian engineer Walter Zapp designed a miniature camera that should always be ready at hand – the legendary spy camera. Small, elegant, and technically sophisticated, it quickly became a symbol of German engineering.

In 1945, after the Second World War, Zapp founded MINOX GmbH in Wetzlar – the center of German precision optics. This marked the beginning of a success story that continues to this day.

The MINOX A and its successors, including the MINOX B and the MINOX 35 EL – the world’s smallest series-produced 35mm camera – shaped generations of photographers. These cameras still stand for precision, innovation, and the courage to think differently.

From cult object to versatile optics brand

Over the decades, MINOX continuously evolved: from the miniature camera to high-precision spotting scopes and riflescopes. The standard has always remained the same – compact, practical technology without compromise in quality and precision.

After ongoing innovations in the field of photography, the company successfully entered the sport optics market in the 1990s. A significant milestone in recent MINOX history was the introduction of the ZP5 riflescope series. These models are characterized by high mechanical precision, reliable repeat accuracy, and a clear, high-contrast image. Many more successful riflescope and binocular series followed, further building on this success.

Made in Germany – quality with origin

Founded in 1945, MINOX has always been deeply rooted in Wetzlar. This is where ideas are born, and where products are developed and manufactured. Around 40 employees, with their experience and passion, ensure that every product meets the highest standards.

“Made in Germany” is not just a label at MINOX – it is a promise: of attention to detail, robust construction, and uncompromising quality standards. The close relationship with partners and suppliers, as well as in-house development, enables tailor-made solutions for every application – from the first sketch to the finished product.

Hunting, nature, and innovation

Since 2013, MINOX has been part of the Blaser Group and has established itself as a key player in the field of hunting optics. Whether a rugged all-round binocular or a high-performance riflescope – hunters appreciate the combination of compact design, intuitive operation, and brilliant image quality.

Nature and bird watchers also find reliable companions in MINOX products. Instruments such as the 20-60x80 ED spotting scope deliver razor-sharp images – ideal for ornithologists, beginners, and professionals alike. Especially in birdwatching, where detail matters most, the strength of MINOX optics becomes clear.

80 years – one portfolio

MINOX looks back on eight decades full of innovation – and at the same time looks ahead. The expertise from camera engineering, optical development, and close cooperation with users flows into every product today. The experience of the past shapes the products of today.

A look into the future

MINOX has a rich history to be proud of, yet it is not a museum piece – it is a promise. A promise to continue creating products in the future that set new standards for hunters, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

Managing Director Dennis Thiele sums it up perfectly: “We cannot change the wind, but we can set the sails differently.” This quote from Aristotle aptly describes how MINOX continues to reinvent itself – without ever forgetting its roots.

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