Two men who challenged Minox

Minox may be legendary, but it's not the be-all and end-all when it comes to subminiature cameras. I took a closer look at two alternatives that are certainly not to be outdone:



What happens when three of the 20th century’s most brilliant engineering minds tackle the same challenge? I have immersed myself deeply in a direct comparison, examining not only their legendary history but also assessing their practical applicability in today's context.

What do you think of these cameras? Has anyone had experience with these 16mm cameras? I haven't finished testing them yet and would love to hear your opinions. Read on here:

Very interesting. I was largely unaware of the Edixa 16 camera.

Looking forward to the next installment!

Me too. The Edixa 16 is half of half-frame, it could be called quarter-frame.

The image quality is surprisingly charming:

The comparisons are pretty much endless -- and not just in the 8x11mm format, where I use the Minox and Acmel/Asanuma -- which is the same size, but adds a focusing lens and automatic shutter exposure control. For 10x14mm I normally use the Minolta 16 II and Minolta MG (which adds a meter), but recently found the MEC SB. It is larger, but it has a TTL meter and a f2.0 Rodenstock lens. For 12x17mm, I like the Minolta MG-s which has auto & manual exposure control, and for 13x17mm, I use a Kiev Vega 2 and 30 -- which have focusing lenses.

Have a look at one of my websites https://www.subcompactcam.com/ the 16mm cameras are at the bottom. The Mamixa and the Edixa are marvels, but there is an even better one: the Mec 16 SB seems to be the summum to me...

xkaes said:

recently found the MEC SB. It is larger, but it has a TTL meter and a f2.0 Rodenstock lens. For 12x17mm,

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xya said:

the Mec 16 SB seems to be the summum to me...

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Yes, the mec 16 SB is something special. However, it's sitting in my drawer because I can't find any double-perforated film for it. And of course, it can't be included in this comparison because it's too big and too heavy. Here is a size comparison: on the right is the mec 16 SB, on the left is the Edixa 16 M (the largest camera in my comparison test):



It's a shame, because technically it's a masterpiece. Does anyone have any ideas about the film?

The Mec doesn't need double perf film. You can use single perf film if the perfs are towards the bottom of the camera, the camera opens from the bottom and lies on its top if you load it.

Then I really have to read the brochure carefully. “Can” then means “may”?

I used it with single perf film and it worked perfectly. So you can indeed. But seen the instructions you may...