The Minox enlightenment - Minox AG 1 Flash Unit from 1960

[tjwspm]

I just came across the Minox AG 1 flash unit, and I couldn't resist sharing it with you all! If you're into photography, especially if you love using compact equipment, this device may interest you. I dived deep into its features and benefits and was impressed of its user-friendly design and performance.

Although this flash unit is tailor-made for the Minox A on the outside, it technically represents the common concepts of flash units of the time. For all those who are interested in such things, I have compiled this together with text, pictures and 2 (short) videos.

Check it out here: https://moments-of-now.com/the-minox-ag-1-flash-unit/

 

[tjwspm]

I have extendes the article with some technical findings about flash synchronization, which applies not only to the Minox, but to the synchronization of flash bulbs in general. The basis for this is my real-time video of the flash firing.

Click here to go directly to the relevant section:

The Minox enlightenment

Minox AG 1 Flash Unit for Minox A/IIIs Since 1954, the Minox A/IIIs had a synchronized flash connection. However, a flash unit had to be purchased from a

moments-of-now.com

 

[ic-racer]

Another neat feature of the flashbulb, is that with the Minox LX, the camera will give auto exposure with the flash! Unlike auto xenon flash (where the duration of the flash is varied), the LX closes the shutter when it senses enough light.

I'd like to get one of those for my LX, but was unsure about availablilty of bulbs.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

Those flash bulb attachments are neat but they don't seem too practical to me aside from having fun. My favorite flash on the Minox is an adapter for a hotshoe then a small Konica 18 flash on that. Works well and is auto.

 

[tjwspm]

Another neat feature of the flashbulb, is that with the Minox LX, the camera will give auto exposure with the flash! Unlike auto xenon flash (where the duration of the flash is varied), the LX closes the shutter when it senses enough light.

I'd like to get one of those for my LX, but was unsure about availablilty of bulbs.

Interesting idea! AG flash bulbs from earlier production are still easy to obtain. I used some from 1970 for my tests and they were all still in good condition. Easy to recognize by the blue dot:

The Minox enlightenment

Minox AG 1 Flash Unit for Minox A/IIIs Since 1954, Minox A/IIIs had a synchronized flash connection. However, a flash unit had to be purchased from a

moments-of-now.com

 

[ic-racer]

 

[tjwspm]

Oh, I should have just read the instructions, thanks.

I have both, LX and FL4 flash holder. But never used together...

 

[ic-racer]

Oh, I should have just read the instructions, thanks.

I have both, LX and FL4 flash holder. But never used together...

You should try it and write it up! I'd like to know if it would be worthwhile to search for the adapter and the flash cubes.

Flash cubes are pretty cool, my first camera used them. Christmas 1970, I got a camera, a shoulder-strap case, some 126 cartridges and a bunch of the cubes. That was the best thing I got that year; I used up all the cubes right away.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

I am curious if that Automatic Flash Exposure works if you use a regular flash or just with the bulb/cubes. I didn't know the LX did that. Maybe I should dig mine out. I might have a flash bulb attachment around here somewhere too, and probably have some bulbs. Might as well have some fun if I find them.