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.
Walter Zapp
Walter Zapp, geboren 1905 in Riga, war der visionäre Erfinder der MINOX „Spionagekamera“. 1936 entwickelte er den ersten Prototyp – kleiner als eine Zigarre und leichter als ein Feuerzeug. Mit dieser bahnbrechenden Miniaturisierung legte er den Grundstein für die Marke MINOX und revolutionierte die Fotografie. 1945 gründete er in Wetzlar die MINOX GmbH – ein Standort, dem wir bis heute treu und eng verbunden sind.
Spionagekamera
Mit dem von Walter Zapp entwickelten Prototyp begann eine neue Ära der diskreten Fotografie. Die Kamera wurde schnell für ihre Eignung als Spionagewerkzeug bekannt – kompakt, unauffällig und dennoch leistungsstark. 1938 ging die Riga MINOX in Serienproduktion und führte das ikonische 8x11 mm Negativformat ein, das gestochen scharfe Bilder bei minimaler Größe ermöglichte. Die Kamera wurde weltweit zum Symbol für geheime Einsätze – sogar James Bond griff im Film „On Her Majesty’s Secret Service“ zur MINOX.
35 EL
1974 präsentierte MINOX die 35 EL auf der Photokina – die kleinste 35-mm-Kamera der Welt. Mit automatischer Belichtung und einem versenkbaren Vierlinsenobjektiv setzte sie neue Maßstäbe in der Kompaktfotografie. Der Erfolg war so groß, dass MINOX jahrelang kaum mit der Produktion nachkam.
Sportoptik inkl Jagd
Ab den 1990er Jahren erweiterte MINOX sein Portfolio über die Fotografie hinaus und etablierte sich erfolgreich im Bereich der Sportoptik. Mit hochwertigen Ferngläsern, Spektiven und Zielfernrohren für Outdoor, Naturbeobachtung und Jagd entwickelte sich dieser Bereich rasch zum zentralen Geschäftsfeld. Die Produkte stehen für Präzision, Robustheit und optische Spitzenleistung.
ZP5
Mit der Einführung der ZP-Serie setzte MINOX einen neuen Maßstab in der Entwicklung professioneller Zielfernrohre. Entwickelt und gefertigt in Wetzlar, steht die ZP-Linie für höchste optische Leistung, kompromisslose Präzision und absolute Zuverlässigkeit – selbst unter extremen Bedingungen. Ursprünglich für den taktischen und professionellen Einsatz konzipiert, überzeugten die ZP-Modelle schnell durch ihre brillante Abbildungsleistung, robuste Mechanik und intuitive Bedienung auch für die Jagd.
Die ZP-Serie markiert einen Wendepunkt in der Geschichte von MINOX: Sie vereint jahrzehntelange Erfahrung aus Feinmechanik und Optikfertigung und wurde zu der Zieloptik, mit der sich die Marke nachhaltig in der Jagd- und Sportoptikbranche etablierte.
Alle Erfahrungen vereint
MINOX blickt auf über 80 Jahre Erfahrung in Präzision, Optik und Qualität – Made in Germany zurück. Heute fließen diese Kompetenzen in ein vielseitiges Portfolio, das hochwertige Ferngläser, Zielfernrohre und Sportoptiklösungen umfasst – entwickelt für anspruchsvolle Anwendungen in Jagd, Outdoor und Ornithologie. Die Produkte vereinen traditionelle Werte mit moderner Technologie und stehen für kompromisslose Qualität und Verlässlichkeit. Was einst mit einer kleinen Kamera begann, lebt heute in jeder MINOX Optik weiter.
