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80 YEARS OF MINOX: PRECISION WITH HISTORY

A conversation with MINOX Managing Director Dennis Thiele

Eight decades after its founding in 1945, the MINOX brand stands for far more than fine mechanical mastery. What began with the legendary spy camera has become a synonym for optical precision and technical excellence. On the occasion of the company’s 80th anniversary, MINOX CEO Dennis Thiele speaks about the legacy of a legend, the passage of time – and his vision for the future.

Mr. Thiele, MINOX is celebrating 80 years of company history – an extraordinary milestone. If you had to describe that number in one sentence: what does it mean to you personally?

Eighty years of MINOX – to me, that means engineering excellence, innovation, and timeless fascination. This anniversary shows how powerful an idea can be when it’s driven by passion and precision. Personally, it’s not just a reflection on an impressive past, but also an incentive to carry that spirit forward.

MINOX has achieved cult status – particularly through its legendary spy cameras. What do you think makes the myth endure to this day?

MINOX thrives on the unique connection between optics and mechanics. The spy cameras were the starting point – they embodied the highest precision in the smallest space. This pursuit of perfection, combined with a willingness to innovate, is something deeply embedded in the brand’s DNA.

Looking back at the company’s history – is there a product or moment that personally fascinates you the most?

Definitely the spy camera. To me, it represents perfection in miniature form — a piece of engineering that inspired worldwide admiration and remains a symbol of precision to this day. It perfectly reflects the philosophy of MINOX: always thinking one step ahead of the rest.

Many heritage brands struggle to keep their history alive without seeming outdated. How does MINOX manage this balance between tradition and innovation?

We succeed because we recognize the signs of the times – and set personal preferences aside. We preserve our history, but we don’t dwell in it. For us, tradition is not a nostalgic memory but a foundation on which we build new things. This attitude allows us to remain innovative without denying our roots.

MINOX has evolved far beyond its origins as a camera brand – how would you describe the company as it stands today?

MINOX today is an innovative company for optical precision technology – with its roots in photography, but with a clear focus on sport optics, hunting, and outdoor applications. We develop products that combine robustness, reliability, and technical excellence.

The market has changed – especially with the flood of inexpensive mass products from Asia. Has that also changed the standards for quality and precision?

Our standards have remained unchanged. Quality and precision are not variables – they are constants. While others compete on price, we focus on consistency and craftsmanship. Our customers appreciate that – because true quality endures.

“Made in Germany” – a term with weight around the world. What does it mean to MINOX today?

“Made in Germany” is both a mark of quality and a commitment. It stands for quality, precision, and trust – values deeply rooted in our brand identity. This designation obliges us to deliver our best every single day – not because it’s expected, but because it’s who we are.

If you look into the future – what do you envision MINOX to be in 2035?

I see MINOX as a digital leader that unites its traditional brand core with cutting-edge technology. The future of optics will become increasingly digital – but our roots in precision engineering will remain. This combination of tradition and digital innovation is the path we are taking.

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword today. What role does it play at MINOX?

A very significant one. For us, sustainability begins with how we think and act – for example, through our commitment to our production site in Germany. We want to maintain control over our processes to ensure both quality and responsibility. Durable products are, to us, the most honest form of sustainability. When something lasts for decades, that’s the best proof of responsible action.

What personally motivates you to keep developing the MINOX brand?

I’m driven by the vision of further establishing MINOX as an innovation leader in classical optics – in the fields of hunting, sports, and outdoor activities. I want our products to inspire people because they are noticeably better, more precise, and more thoughtfully designed. If MINOX continues to stand for quality and technological excellence in the decades to come, then we’ve achieved our goal.

Thank you very much for the interview, Mr. Thiele.

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