Really nice subminiature cameras on eBay right now

[spookyphoto]

Here is a super rare sfomax subminiature camera on eBay and no I have nothing to do with the seller. Also some nice petal cameras and a couple of Minox BLs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/406748210455

 

[ic-racer]

What is your favorite submini?

 

[spookyphoto]

What is your favorite submini?

Probably Minox. I was heavily involved in Minox stuff 40 years ago but I used to have a large collection of Tessinas and Gamis also. Minicords are really nice too. I think the most beautiful subminiature is the Compass camera.

 

[xkaes]

It's nice to see that IGOR is still selling submini cameras. The SFOMAX came in two slightly different models, differing largely with the shutter speeds. While it produces a relatively large image on unperforated 16mm film, the camera itself is large for a submini. They are hard to find in great condition, so the prices can get steep.

I was able to find a MEC 16 SB 2.0 a couple of months ago. It's similar in size and appearance to the SFOMAX, but it has a TTL meter (the first in any camera of any format), and a super-fast f2.0 Rodenstock lens.

I got it for $40 -- with MEC cassettes -- because the seller on EBAY said the shutter didn't work. If fact, the shutter works fine. On the MEC cameras, the shutter stops "working" when you get to the end of a roll of film. It will only start working again when you reset the film counter. It was simply a safety feature so that people would not take pictures without film in the camera. Other camera makers have done the same thing over the years. I got a very nice Minolta Hi-Matic AF2 camera for free a while back because the owner said the shutter didn't work. In fact, this is just one of Minolta cameras that will only release the shutter if the camera is loaded with fim.

 

[xya]

Yes, the Mec is a wonderful camera and it was my favorite 16mm https://www.subcompactcam.com/16mm_mec_16_sb.htm except its size. Size-wise it was the Mamiya Super 16.

 

[xkaes]

I managed to pick up a MEC 16 SB with the Color-Ennit 20mm f2.8 lens. I wasn't looking for one, but the price was too good to pass up -- basically worth the price of the cassettes that came with it. Everything is the same as it's Rodenstock brother -- even the name on the top -- except the f-stop & shutter speed dials are black instead of chrome, and the lens cover are inscribed with different lenses. I've got to get out there and use them -- now that the weather has warmed up

 

[xkaes]

I'm well supplied with MEC 16mm cassettes, but I've always wondered if it would be possible to use the cameras with a single take-up spool, and simply have a roll of film in the feeder chamber WITHOUT a cassette. One of these days I might try it out. It would only require a short length of film and a sunny day to test the theory.